bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary hepatic carcinosarcoma: a case report with insights from retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors
Authors: Zhao Zonglei , Wang Tao , Sun Zhexuan , Cao Xuefeng , Zhang Xingyuan
Published: January 2025

Primary hepatic carcinosarcoma (HCS) is an extremely rare malignant tumor with carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. Few reported cases of HCS exist, especially with sufficient records to describe imaging and pathological features, making the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HCS a significant challenge for physicians. Here, we report a case of HCS with spontaneous rupture as the initial symptom in a 77-year-old elderly male who was admitted with right upper abdominal pain for 8 days. The computed tomography enhancement scan revealed one intrahepatic enhancement with mixed density and a massive, enhanced shadow located mainly outside the liver. We performed a hepatectomy of segment 4 through a laparotomy. The postoperative pathology results demonstrated HCS. The patient recovered smoothly and was discharged after surgery. However, the patient experienced a recurrence and died 5 months after surgery. This case underscores the importance of identifying high-risk populations and personalized treatment strategies in HCS cases.
Study based on bibliometric analysis: potential research trends in fluid management for sepsis
Authors: Liu Sihan , Pei Haoting , Wang Jing , Qiao Lujun , Wang Hao
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the potential and evolving trends in fluid management for patients with sepsis, utilizing a bibliometric approach.

Methods

Scholarly articles pertaining to fluid therapy for sepsis patients were extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database as of June 1, 2024. The R software package, “Bibliometrix,” was utilized to scrutinize the primary bibliometric attributes and to construct a three-field plot to illustrate the relationships among institutions, nations, and keywords. The VOSviewer tool was employed for author analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and data visualization. Additionally, CiteSpace was used to calculate citation bursts and keywords.

Results

A comprehensive retrieval from the Web of Science (WoS) database yielded a total of 2,569 publications. The majority of these articles were predominantly published by two countries, namely the United States (US) and China. Among the myriad of journals, Critical Care and Journal for Intensive Care Medicine emerged as the most prolific. In terms of institutional contribution, the University of California System stood out as the most productive. Recent analysis of keywords revealed a significant citation burst for terms such as “balanced crystalloids” and “critically ill children”.

Conclusion

There is a growing focus on the connection between fluid management and the treatment of sepsis, with research in this area being at an advanced stage.
Novel probiotics adsorbing and excreting microplastics in vivo show potential gut health benefits
Authors: Teng Xin , Zhang Tengxun , Rao Chitong
Published: January 2025

Microplastics (MP) contamination in food and water poses significant health risks. While microbes that form biofilm show potential for removing MP from the environment, no methods currently exist to eliminate these non-degradable MP from the human body. In this study, we propose using probiotics to adsorb and remove ingested MP within the gut. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 784 bacterial strains to assess their ability to adsorb 0.1 μm polystyrene particles using a high-throughput screening method. Among the tested strains, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DT66 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DT88 exhibited optimal adsorption in vitro and were effective across various MP types. In an animal model, mice treated with these probiotics demonstrated a 34% increase in PS excretion rates and a 67% reduction in residual polystyrene (PS) particles within the intestine. Additionally, administration of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DT88 mitigated PS-induced intestinal inflammation. Together, our findings demonstrate a novel probiotic strategy for addressing MP-associated health risks, emphasizing the potential of strain-specific probiotics to remove MP from the gut environment.
The effect of deep magnetic stimulation on the cardiac-brain axis post-sleep deprivation: a pilot study
Authors: Cao Qiongfang , Zhang Peng , Liu Fangfang , Jin Mengyan , Wang Yuhan , Zeng Hanrui , Weng Xiechuan , Xu Fan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Sleep deprivation (SD) significantly disrupts the homeostasis of the cardiac-brain axis, yet the neuromodulation effects of deep magnetic stimulation (DMS), a non-invasive and safe method, remain poorly understood.

Methods

Sixty healthy adult males were recruited for a 36-h SD study, they were assigned to the DMS group or the control group according to their individual willing. All individuals underwent heart sound measurements and functional magnetic resonance imaging scans at the experiment’s onset and terminal points. During the recovery sleep phase, DMS was applied twice for 30 min before sleep onset and upon awakening to the individuals in the DMS group. Two-factor analysis was used to disclose the changes in two status and intervention effect in groups, along with Spearman rank correlation analysis to assess the correlation between brain activity and heart activity, the linear regression analysis was performed to explore the effect of DMS on brain regions to regulated the heart activity. Additionally, bootstrapping analysis was employed to verify the mediation effect.

Results

The results indicated that the DMS group cardiac cycle duration was 0.81 ± 0.04 s, CON group was 0.80 ± 0.03 s, DMS presented a prolong effect (F = 0.32, p = 0.02), and all heart frequency and intensity indexes value were lower than CON group (p < 0.01). Two-factor analysis demonstrated the significant differences in the left insula and orbitofrontal inferior gyrus, which DC_Weight (0.25) value were lower 0.50 (p < 0.01), 0.42 (p < 0.01) after DMS. Furthermore, the correlation analysis confirmed that the negative association between the left orbital inferior frontal and left insula with the heart sound index (p < 0.05), such as Δ left orbital inferior frontal were negatively correlated with Δ Systolic_intensity (rho = −0.33, p < 0.05), Δ Diastolic_intensity (rho = −0.41, p < 0.05), Δ S1_intensity (rho = −0.36, p < 0.05), and Δ S2_intensity (rho = −0.43, p < 0.05). Δ Left insula was negatively correlated with Δ Diastolic_intensity (rho = −0.36, p < 0.05), Δ S1_intensity (rho = −0.33, p < 0.05), and Δ S2_intensity (rho = −0.36, p < 0.05). Mediated effect analysis showed that DMS affected S2_intensity by intervening in brain regions.

Conclusion

These findings suggest a causal effect on the cardiac-brain axis following 36 h of SD. The non-invasive intervention of DMS effectively regulates both brain and heart functions after SD, promoting homeostatic balance. The DMS can affect the cardiac-brain axis, offering a means to restore balance following extended periods of SD.
Postoperative fever after elective minimally invasive resection for gastric and colorectal cancer: incidence, risk factors and characteristics
Authors: He Fan , Tang Chenglin , Yang Fuyu , Zhao Dongqin , Xiong Junjie , Zou Yu , Chen Defei , Huang Guoquan , Qian Kun
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To analyze the incidence and risk factors of postoperative fever (POF) in gastrointestinal cancer (GIC), discuss the influence of POF on short-term clinical outcomes, and predict anastomotic leakage (AL) based on POF characteristics.

Methods

Overall, 1362 patients that underwent radical resection for GIC were retrospectively analyzed. POF was defined as a postoperative temperature ≥38°C during hospitalization. Patients were divided according to whether they experienced POF. The influence of POF on short-term clinical outcomes was analyzed using propensity score matching. A subgroup analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between different POF characteristics and AL or infection-related complications.

Results

POF occurred in 172 patients (12.6%). Overall, 115 patients (66.9%) had fever ≥38.6°C, while 105 (61.0%) had fever at postoperative day (POD) 2, and 73 (42.4%) had POF multiple times. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a preoperative albumin level < 37 g/L (odds ratio [OR]=1.57, p=0.016), operative time >195min (OR=1.55, p=0.020), and radical gastrectomy (OR=1.84, p=0.009) were more likely to develop POF. Compared to patients without fever, drainage tube indwelling time, duration of antibiotic use, and hospital stay were prolonged, while AL and infection-related complications were more common in patients with POF. POF ≥38.6°C (OR=1.74, p=0.039) and PCT >0.7 ng/mL (OR=2.99, p=0.022) at POD 3 were early predictors of AL.

Conclusion

POF was closely related to preoperative albumin levels, operative time, and type of operation, and it delayed postoperative recovery in patients with GIC. And POF ≥38.6°C and PCT >0.7 ng/mL at POD 3 were independent predictors of AL.
External validation of radiobiological models for local control prediction in lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Huang Bao-Tian , Lin Pei-Xian , Wang Ying , Luo Li-Mei
Published: January 2025

Background

The debate regarding the accuracy of radiobiological models for local control (LC) prediction in lung cancer patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) remains unresolved. The study seeks to externally validate the predictive efficacy of radiobiological models using single-institutional SBRT database.

Methods

The cohort comprised 153 patients diagnosed with primary or metastatic lung cancer who underwent SBRT. The study employed three radiobiological models to estimate the probability of 2-year LC, including the Liu model, Klement model, and Ohri model. Furthermore, the likelihood of 3-year LC was predicted using the Liu model, Klement model, Gucken model, and Santiago model. The performance of the prediction models was assessed through the AUC values of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the calibration plots.

Results

Local recurrence was observed in 38.6% of patients (59/153) within two years, and in 43.1% (66/153) within three years after the radiotherapy. The ROC curves indicated discriminative power for all the 2-year and 3-year models, with the exception of the Klement model. The Ohri model showed a significantly improved discriminative ability than the Klement model for 2-year prediction, while it was not statistically significant when compared to the Liu model. However, no significant differences were found among the four models in terms of 3-year LC prediction. The calibration plots, using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, confirmed that the predicted probabilities of the models were in agreement with the actual observation with P>0.05, except for the 2-year LC prediction using the Klement model.

Conclusion

Considering the balance between prediction accuracy and model simplicity, it is recommended to utilize the Ohri model for 2-year LC prediction and either the Gucken model or Santiago model for 3-year LC prediction.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori–induced gastric cancer on gastrointestinal microbiota: a narrative review
Authors: Heidary Mohsen , Akrami Sousan , Madanipour Tohid , Shakib Nafiseh Hosseinzadeh , Mahdizade Ari Marzie , Beig Masoumeh , Khoshnood Saeed , Ghanavati Roya , Bazdar Monireh
Published: January 2025

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a typical microbial agent that interferes with the complex mechanisms of gastric homeostasis by disrupting the balance between the host gastric microbiota and mucosa-related factors, ultimately leading to inflammatory changes, dysbiosis, and gastric cancer (GC). We searched this field on the basis of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Most studies show that H. pylori inhibits the colonization of other bacteria, resulting in a less variety of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When comparing the patients with H. pylori–positive and H. pylori–negative GC, the composition of the gastric microbiome changes with increasing abundance of H. pylori (where present) in the gastritis stage, whereas, as the gastric carcinogenesis cascade progresses to GC, oral and intestinal-type pathogenic microbial strains predominate. H. pylori infection induces a premalignant milieu of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, and the resulting change in gastric microbiota appears to play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis. The effect of H. pylori–induced GC on GI microbiota is discussed in this review.
Unusual cholesterol crystal formation in a rare clinical case report of splenic echinococcal cyst in a patient from Sardinia, Italy
Authors: Santucciu Cinzia , Hajjafari Ashkan , Sadr Soheil , Mastrandrea Scilla , Rettaroli Carlo , Simbula Luca , Scaglione Mariano , Masala Salvatore , Peruzzu Angela , Masala Giovanna
Published: January 2025

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato, the metacestode of a tapeworm parasite of high medical importance. Infection of the parasite leads to the development of echinococcal cysts, and the spleen is a rarely infected organ. A 46-year-old woman who was born and who resides in Sardinia, Italy, was referred to the Echinococcosis outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Sassari (Sardinia, Italy) for a pain in the left flank. She used to live in the countryside, in contact with several animals, and for 2 years, she had been working in a family garden, growing vegetables as a hobby. Ultrasounds and X-ray were performed, which evidenced a rounded formation in the upper third of the spleen, while a CT scan confirmed a parasitological cyst. Immunological examinations on serum samples did not detect specific antibodies against Echinococcus spp. Following surgical exportation, the whole spleen with the cystic lesion was delivered to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis for further laboratory analyses. Moreover, characterization of the cyst fluid resulted dense and shiny. Observation under a light microscope at ×400 magnification revealed the formation of rectangular crystals and aggregates attributable to cholesterol molecules. Subsequently, through parasitological investigation, molecular biology investigations confirmed E. granulosus sensu stricto G1. We describe cholesterol crystals in a splenic echinococcal cyst for the first time. There is no clear explanation of how the cholesterol crystals formed in this case, but this was attributed to multifactorial causes, including atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, parasite metabolism, and host responses.
Development of right ventricular electromechanical dyssynchrony following surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot in infants
Authors: McCrary Andrew W. , Collins Sydney D. , Spector Zebulon Z. , Kropf P. Andrea , Barker Piers C. A. , Kisslo Joseph , Forsha Daniel E.
Published: January 2025

Background

In adolescents and adults with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), right ventricle (RV) electromechanical dyssynchrony (EMD) due to right bundle branch block (RBBB) is associated with reduced exercise capacity and RV dysfunction. While the development of RBBB following surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) is a frequent sequela, it is not known whether EMD is present in every patient immediately following rTOF. The specific timing of the onset of RBBB following rTOF therefore provides an opportunity to assess whether acute RBBB is associated with the simultaneous acquisition of EMD.

Methods

Transthoracic echocardiography with speckle tracking analysis for RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and 12-lead ECG were performed prospectively on 20 infants following rTOF. Three apical RV views were obtained using analogous imaging planes to the standard LV views to provide a comprehensive evaluation. Regional RV GLS patterns were categorized as synchronous, EMD, or indeterminate. EMD was defined as an early-terminated septal contraction opposed by early stretch and post-systolic peak contraction in the activation delayed RV free wall. An indeterminate pattern was defined as a lack of fully synchronous contraction of all segments but not meeting criteria for EMD. Pre-rTOF echocardiograms and ECGs were analyzed to confirm the presence of synchronous contraction and a normal QRS pattern and duration prior to surgery.

Results

Twenty TOF infants (median age 87 days; 8 days from surgery to post-rTOF evaluation) demonstrated QRSd prolongation following rTOF (pre-rTOF 58 ± 9 ms; post-rTOF 97 ± 14 ms; p < 0.001) with new RBBB morphology in all but one patient. All pre-rTOF RV strain patterns were synchronous. Post-rTOF RV strain analysis showed EMD in 25% (5/20) and an indeterminate pattern in 40% (8/20) with the remaining 35% (7/20) maintaining a synchronous pattern, including the patient without RBBB. The EMD group had the lowest RV GLS following repair (p = 0.006).

Discussion

Acquisition of acute QRS prolongation in a RBBB pattern is near-universal following rTOF but without matched or identical patterns of dyssynchrony, suggesting that variations in the time from electrical to electromechanical dyssynchrony potentially caused by differences in right bundle branch anatomy and injury may be relevant to electromechanical outcomes.
Interplay between energy metabolism and NADPH oxidase-mediated pathophysiology in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Jie Haipeng , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Shuzhen , Yu Luyao , Li Shengnan , Dong Bo , Yan Feng
Published: January 2025

Sustained production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance in the antioxidant system have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially when combined with diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and other metabolic disorders. Among them, NADPH oxidases (NOX), including NOX1-5, are major sources of ROS that mediate redox signaling in both physiological and pathological processes, including fibrosis, hypertrophy, and remodeling. Recent studies have demonstrated that mitochondria produce more proteins and energy in response to adverse stress, corresponding with an increase in superoxide radical anions. Novel NOX4-mediated modulatory mechanisms are considered crucial for maintaining energy metabolism homeostasis during pathological states. In this review, we integrate the latest data to elaborate on the interactions between oxidative stress and energy metabolism in various CVD, aiming to elucidate the higher incidence of CVD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the correlations between NOX and ferroptosis, based on energy metabolism, are preliminarily discussed. Further discoveries of these mechanisms might promote the development of novel therapeutic drugs targeting NOX and their crosstalk with energy metabolism, potentially offering efficient management strategies for CVD.
Dribble deficit as an effective measure of dribbling ability independent of sprinting performance in professional female handball players
Authors: Pavlović Ljubomir , Lazić Anja , Čović Nedim , Pišot Rado , Petronijević Milan , Milanović Zoran
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between linear and change-of-direction sprinting performance with dribbling performance and Dribble Deficit in professional female handball players.

Methods

Eleven professional female handball players (mean age: 21.12 ± 4.34 years; body height: 171.59 ± 4.52 cm; body weight: 66.29 ± 5.73 kg) participated in the study. Each participant completed several linear (sprint over 10, 20, and 30 m) and change-of-direction tests (slalom test, zig-zag test, 505 test), first without the ball (sprinting performance) followed by ball dribbling (dribbling performance). Dribble Deficit was calculated indirectly as the time difference between the best trial while dribbling minus the best trial without dribbling.

Results

A large to very large correlation was observed between the linear sprint and dribbling performance (r = 0.53–0.78), as well as between change-of-direction sprinting performance and dribbling performance (r = 0.66–0.88). The study also showed a moderate to perfect relationship between linear dribbling performance and Dribble Deficit (r = 0.46–0.93), and a large relationship between change-of-direction dribbling performance and Dribble Deficit (r = 0.54–0.55), while the relationships between linear sprinting performance and Dribble Deficit (r = −0.51–0.21) and between change-of-direction sprinting performance and Dribble Deficit (r = −0.14–0.26) were small and non-significant.

Conclusion

In summary, Dribble Deficit reflects dribbling ability independent of sprinting ability and refines its application for practical use in assessing dribbling skills in female handball players.
Two-pore channel regulators - Who is in control?
Authors: Deutsch Rebecca , Kudrina Veronika , Freichel Marc , Grimm Christian
Published: January 2025

Two-pore channels (TPCs) are adenine nucleotide and phosphoinositide regulated cation channels. NAADP activates and ATP blocks TPCs, while the endolysosomal phosphoinositide PI(3,5)P2 activates TPCs. TPCs are ubiquitously expressed including expression in the innate as well as the adaptive immune system. In the immune system TPCs are found, e.g. in macrophages, mast cells and T cells. In cytotoxic T cells, NAADP activates TPCs on cytolytic granules to stimulate exocytosis and killing. TPC inhibition or knockdown increases the number of regulator T cells in a transmembrane TNF/TNFR2 dependent manner, contributing to anti-inflammatory effects in a murine colitis model. TPC1 regulates exocytosis in mast cells in vivo and ex vivo, and TPC1 deficiency in mast cells augments systemic anaphylaxis in mice. In bone marrow derived macrophages NAADP regulates TPCs to control phagocytosis in a calcineurin/dynamin dependent manner, which was recently challenged by data, claiming no effect of TPCs on phagocytosis in macrophages but instead a role in phagosome resolution, a process thought to be mediated by vesiculation and tubulation. In this review we will discuss evidence and recent findings on the different roles of TPCs in immune cell function as well as evidence for adenine nucleotides being involved in these processes. Since the adenine nucleotide effects (NAADP, ATP) are mediated by auxiliary proteins, respectively, another major focus will be on the complex network of TPC regulatory proteins that have been discovered recently.
Multi-decadal tree-ring stable isotope records of apple and pear trees indicate coherent ecophysiological responses to environmental changes in alpine valleys
Authors: Singh Nilendu , Tagliavini Massimo , Tomelleri Enrico , Montagnani Leonardo
Published: January 2025

The ecophysiological and ecohydrological impacts of climate change and progressively increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration on agroecosystems are not well understood compared to the forest ecosystems. In this study, we utilized the presence of old apple and pear trees in the alpine valleys of Northern Italy (maintained for cultural heritage purposes) to investigate climate-scale physiological responses. We developed long-term tree-ring stable isotopic records (δ13C and δ18O) from apple (1976-2021) and pear trees (1943-2021). This allowed the reconstruction of key ecophysiological processes like the variations in intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE), and we investigated how these trees responded to climate and CO2 changes over decades. Results showed a slight declining trend in carbon discrimination (Δ13C) while intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) for both species has been increasing since the late 1980s. Concurrently both species exhibited a rising trend in iWUE, with apple trees demonstrating higher efficiency, which appears to be primarily driven by the CO2-fertilization effect. The concomitant trends in tree-ring δ18O suggested a relatively stable local hydroclimate during the study period with some species-specific responses. Analyses further revealed that minimum growing season temperature, not precipitation was the most significant factor influencing the rise in iWUE alongside with CO2 fertilization effect. Analyses of species’ δ13C coupled with their respective δ18O confirmed that the rise in iWUE was due to increased carbon assimilation rather than a decline in evapotranspiration. Moreover, coupled δ13C–δ18O analyses suggested increasing trends in carbon assimilation, with apple trees showing higher inter-decadal variations. These long-term records provide a unique opportunity to test and calibrate how these systems respond to recent and anticipated climate change.
Developing affordable and efficient heating devices for enhanced live cell imaging in confocal microscopy
Authors: Bajracharya Abhishesh , Timilsina Sampada , Cao Ruofan , Jiang Qingrui , Dickey Berry A. , Wasti Anupa , Xi Jing , Weingartner Magdalena , Baerson Scott R. , Roman Gregg W. , Han Yiwei , Qiu Yongjian
Published: January 2025

Temperature control is crucial for live cell imaging, particularly in studies involving plant responses to high ambient temperatures and thermal stress. This study presents the design, development, and testing of two cost-effective heating devices tailored for confocal microscopy applications: an aluminum heat plate and a wireless mini-heater. The aluminum heat plate, engineered to integrate seamlessly with the standard 160 mm × 110 mm microscope stage, supports temperatures up to 36°C, suitable for studies in the range of non-stressful warm temperatures (e.g., 25-27°C for Arabidopsis thaliana) and moderate heat stress (e.g., 30-36°C for A. thaliana). We also developed a wireless mini-heater that offers rapid, precise heating directly at the sample slide, with a temperature increase rate over 30 times faster than the heat plate. The wireless heater effectively maintained target temperatures up to 50°C, ideal for investigating severe heat stress and heat shock responses in plants. Both devices performed well in controlled studies, including the real-time analysis of heat shock protein accumulation and stress granule formation in A. thaliana. Our designs are effective and affordable, with total construction costs lower than $300. This accessibility makes them particularly valuable for small laboratories with limited funding. Future improvements could include enhanced heat uniformity, humidity control to mitigate evaporation, and more robust thermal management to minimize focus drift during extended imaging sessions. These modifications would further solidify the utility of our heating devices in live cell imaging, offering researchers reliable, budget-friendly tools for exploring plant thermal biology.
The input of organic fertilizer can improve soil physicochemical properties and increase cotton yield in southern Xinjiang
Authors: Zhao Yupeng , Bian Qingyong , Dong Zhiduo , Rao Xiaojuan , Wang Zhiguo , Fu Yanbo , Chen Bolang
Published: January 2025

In this study, the improvement effect of different organic substances on compacted cohesive soil in southern Xinjiang was discussed, with emphasis on the influence of different organic substances on soil chemical properties and microorganisms, so as to determine the best carbon source input and provide theoretical support for the rational utilization of organic materials in southern Xinjiang. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of farm fertilizer, biochar, commercial organic fertilizer, microbial fertilizer and mineral potassium humate on physical and chemical properties of viscous soil, agronomic properties and yield of cotton, with three gradients for each organic fertilizer. The results showed that: (1) all organic fertilizers improved soil structure, among which farm fertilizer significantly reduced soil bulk density and salinity, increased soil organic matter, total nitrogen and available nutrients, and thus increased cotton height, stem diameter and yield. The optimal application amount was 36000 kg/hm². (2) The application of different organic matter increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium in 0-40 cm soil layer, increased the number of bacteria, fungi and actinomyces, and reduced soil salinity; (3) Structural equation model (SEM) was used to investigate the effect mechanism of organic matter input on soil microbial quantity, soil physicochemical properties and cotton yield. The model further confirmed the mechanism: the input of organic matter mainly regulates the number of microorganisms and the richness of microbial species, thereby improving the physical and chemical properties of soil and thereby increasing the cotton yield. The addition of 5 kinds of organic materials can promote the growth and yield of cotton. The comprehensive evaluation shows that the improvement effect is best when the fertilizer dosage is 150% of the recommended amount. In summary, as an effective soil amendment, farm manure can not only alleviate soil compaction, but also significantly improve the growth potential of cotton, which is in line with the goal of sustainable agricultural development.
Need-supportive coaching and engagement in Chinese high school football players: a serial mediation model
Authors: Jiang Chuantong , Razak Norsilawati Abdul , Rasyid Nelfianty Mohd
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between need-supportive coaching behavior, subjective task value, goal orientation, and engagement among Chinese high school football players and propose four research hypotheses better to understand the determinants and mechanisms of athlete engagement.

Methods

Participants were 385 Chinese high school football players (228 boys; 157 girls; Mage = 16.07 years; SD = 1.15; range = 14–19 years) on 20 teams from 45 high schools using a proportional stratified random sampling method. Participants filled out previously validated questionnaires, including the Interpersonal Behaviors Questionnaire (IBQ), Subjective Task Value (STV), The Task and Ego Orientations Questionnaire (TEOSQ), and Athlete Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ). To address the hypothesis testing, this study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the proposed multiple mediation model.

Results

The research results indicated that need-supportive coaching behavior had a significant direct (β = 0.121, Z = 3.667, p < 0.001) and indirect (β = 0.209, Z = 5.500, p < 0.001) effect on athlete engagement. Moreover, need-supportive coaching behavior positively predicted athlete engagement through subjective task value (β = 0.128, Z = 4.000, p < 0.001) and task orientation (β = 0.053, Z = 3.118, p < 0.001). Also, subjective task value and task orientation sequentially mediated the relationship between need-supportive coaching behavior and athlete engagement (β = 0.028, Z = 3.500, p < 0.001).

Discussion

The findings demonstrate that need-supportive coaching behavior, subjective task value, and task orientation are important factors in promoting athlete engagement. The study implies that encouraging and guiding coaches to adopt a need-supportive coaching style is an effective motivational strategy, which can not only directly predict athlete engagement, but also indirectly influence athlete engagement through subjective task value and task orientation.
Seemingly altruistic behavior and strategic ignorance in a dictator game with potential loss
Authors: Yamamoto Keisuke , Hashimoto Hirofumi
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have indicated that in the standard binary version of the dictator game, people are less likely to behave altruistically when given the opportunity to be strategically ignorant. The present study aims to assess the robustness of individuals’ strategic ignorance in the context of the emergence of empathic concern. It is reasonable to hypothesize that traditional standard dictator games may not be an optimal context for the emergence of empathic concern. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study is to use a dictator game with loss potential that facilitates player empathic concern to investigate the emergence of (seemingly) altruistic behavior and strategic ignorance in the context of empathy. The results of a web experiment with 200 Japanese adults showed that our manipulation of loss had no effect on the occurrence of altruistic behavior and strategic ignorance. Moreover, even in situations in which the participant, as a dictator, is aware that the recipient has suffered a loss, they behave as if they have a legitimate reason not to act altruistically by being strategically ignorant. This result demonstrates the robustness of strategic ignorance and indicates that evoking empathic concern may not have enough of an effect to influence altruistic behavior in the laboratory experiment.
A conceptual framework for the ethical analysis of moral conflicts in migrant live-in care
Authors: von Kutzleben Milena , Weßel Merle , Ulitsa Natalie , Nebowsky Anna-Eva , Ayalon Liat , Schweda Mark
Published: January 2025

In many industrialized countries, hiring a migrant live-in carer represents a promising solution to support families caring for an older person at home and to avoid institutionalization. Migrant live-in carers live in the household of the person in need of care and provide extensive care and social support. They usually come from geographic areas such as Eastern Europe or Southeast Asia. Due to often unclear legal regulations regarding labor and migration status, as well as contradicting expectations and entangled vulnerabilities within the triad of the person in need of care, the live-in carer, and the family, these live-in care arrangements are prone to a variety of moral conflicts that require ethical analysis. This article proposes a conceptual ethical framework for analyzing moral conflicts within live-in care arrangements. By recognizing and addressing these conflicts within the multi-level ethical framework, the ground for a triadic perspective is laid and the ethical discussion around live-in care for older people can be put on an empirical basis. This can help to inform counselling and support for these arrangements, as well as policy advice for ethical solutions and improved caregiving practices.
Is there an association of blood cadmium level with nonmelanoma skin cancer: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Dan , Chen Jigang , Feng Rui , Wang Yanni
Published: January 2025

Objective

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is a common malignancy that starts in the top layer of the skin. Exposure to heavy metals has been suggested to increase the risk of skin cancer. Cadmium, prevalent in various industries and present in cigarette smoke, has been implicated in potential skin effects in animal studies. However, the impact of chronic cadmium exposure on NMSC development remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between blood cadmium levels and the odds of NMSC.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, covering the years 1999–2000 to 2017–2018. NMSC cases were identified through self-reported physician diagnoses. We assessed the association between blood cadmium levels—considered as both a continuous variable and in quartiles—and the odds of NMSC using multivariable logistic regression models. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were incorporated to estimate the non-linear relationship between cadmium levels and NMSC.

Results

The study included 41,577 participants, with 952 reporting NMSC and 40,625 without any cancers. No association was found between cadmium levels and NMSC when analyzed as either a continuous or quartile variable. However, RCS revealed an inverted U-shaped curve indicating a relationship between blood cadmium levels and NMSC odds. This pattern persisted when focusing exclusively on non-Hispanic White participants.

Conclusion

A statistically significant relationship was observed between blood cadmium levels and the odds of NMSC, though the increased odds were only evident at low cadmium levels. Further research is necessary to investigate the causality and underlying mechanisms involved.
Developing and validating a scale to measure perceived barriers to prosthodontics treatments among partially edentulous patients
Authors: Sharka Rayan , Alghamdi Majd , Dustakir Eman , Alghamdi Mansour
Published: January 2025

Background

People experiencing tooth loss need dental prostheses to preserve the integrity of their oral structures and replace the missing teeth. Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) for perceived barriers to prosthodontics treatment are scarce in the literature.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive scale to identify and measure barriers to prosthodontic treatment as perceived by partially edentulous patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among N = 334 partially edentulous adults who seeking prosthodontic treatment. Data collection was carried out in February to September 2024. Exploratory factor analysis was utilized to elucidate the latent factor structure. A six-factor model was validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The convergent and discriminant validity of the final scale were assessed.

Results

EFA produced a 21-item scale grouped into six factors that explain 75.78% of the total variance with eigenvalues >1. All items showed acceptable reliability, ranging from 0.807 to 0.935. The first factor pertained to financial constraints; the second factor was concerning lack of knowledge and awareness; the third factor was related to anxiety and fear; the fourth factor related to negative past dental experiences; the fifth factor included issues related to limited accessibility to dental services; and the last factor was concerning insufficient dental guidance. The CFA results indicate an acceptable model fit, with standardized factor loadings spanning from 0.54 to 0.99. The model factors’ convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed.

Conclusion

This study enhances the understanding of barriers to prosthodontic treatment in a Saudi Arabian teaching dental hospital. It introduces a novel scale for further data collection, aiding policymakers and stakeholders in addressing these barriers and improving public oral health. Future studies should validate this scale and explore its applicability in various contexts and populations.
The relationship between psychological abuse, athlete satisfaction, eating disorder and self-harm indicators in elite athletes
Authors: Willson Erin , Buono Stephanie , Kerr Gretchen , Stirling Ashley
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Psychological abuse continues to be the most frequently reported type of maltreatment among athletes leading to negative mental health such as low mood and self-esteem, increased anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests athlete satisfaction can influence the perceived outcomes associated with psychological abuse. Despite its negative impacts on athletes, psychological abuse continues to be justified as a tool to enhance athletic performance.

Methods

This study sought to examine the effects of psychological abuse on athlete satisfaction and mental health indicators of eating disorders and self-harm. Participants consisted of Canadian National Team athletes who completed a survey of maltreatment in sport with items assessing psychological abuse, athlete satisfaction, eating disorder and self harm indicators (n = 794).

Results

Results indicated a negative correlation between psychological abuse and athlete satisfaction, and a positive correlation with eating disorders and self-harm indicators. Additionally, athlete satisfaction was a significant moderator of psychological abuse on eating disorder and self-harm indicators. High athlete satisfaction buffered against the negative effects of psychological abuse on self-harming indicators in non-aesthetic and weight based sport and non-team sport athletes. Conversely, the interaction between athlete satisfaction and psychological abuse was marginally significant in predicting increased negative effects on eating disorders in aesthetic and weight based sport athletes.

Discussion

These findings highlight the detrimental effects psychological abuse can have on athletes in relation to eating disorders and self-harm, and the buffering role of athlete satisfaction on self-harm but not eating disorder indicators in aesthetic and weight based sport athletes. Recommendations include increased attention to preventing psychological abuse in sport.
Duration, score, and timing: factors influencing the success of offensive transitions in top, marginal, and emerging football leagues
Authors: Eusebio Pedro , Prieto-González Pablo , Marcelino Rui
Published: January 2025

Objective

The study aimed to increase our understanding of offensive transitions in football, focusing on the time spent executing them and how it is influenced by the period in which they occur and the instant score. The objective is to understand its temporal variables and how they influence the unfolding of the scoreline during a match.

Methodology

This study analyzes 1,649 goals resulting from offensive transitions in 1,151 games across three leagues categories: Top, Marginal, and Emerging leagues. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to understand associations and predictors between the variables: “duration of a transition”, “Time of offensive transition occur” and the “score at the moment”.

Results

The research reveals that, across all league categories, the last 15 min of the first and second halves, have the highest frequency of successful offensive transitions, particularly on the last 15 min of matches. In Top leagues, 69% of offensive transitions last for 9 s or more, with slower transitions more prevalent towards the end of games. In Marginal leagues, 41% of successful transitions took 13 s or longer, while in Emerging leagues, 53% of successful offensive transitions occurred when the game was not in a 0–0 state. The results show associations between all variables in Top Leagues. No associations were found in Marginal leagues. Associations between duration of the transition and the time of the game they occur were found on Emerging Leagues.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategic plans for offensive transitions, to optimize scoring opportunities and performances.
Composting behavior in Japan: an application of the theory of consumption values
Authors: Morais Ana Catarina , Ishida Akira
Published: January 2025

Ensuring effective and sustainable management of organic waste is a global challenge, especially in countries with limited land, such as Japan, where reducing, reusing, and recycling food waste is particularly crucial. The present research used the theory of consumption values (TCV) to investigate the main factors that encourage Japanese households to engage in composting. The hypotheses were evaluated using ordinal partial least squares structural equation modeling (OrdPLS). The model results suggest that household composting in Japan is influenced by social approval (social value), the visibility of the behavior and existing knowledge about composting (epistemic value), convenience (functional value), interest in gardening or farming, and an individual’s availability to participate (conditional value). Factors such as emotions (emotional value), gender, type of housing, and household size did not significantly impact the practice of household composting. Both positive and negative functional aspects of composting were found to significantly affect perceptions of convenience, thereby indirectly influencing the decision to compost. The findings suggest that promoting ongoing training and support, improving convenience, and linking household composting with urban farming, community gardens, or public spaces could enhance participation, even among those who do not garden.
Preharvest culture systems and postharvest factors synergistically improved the antioxidant property of minimally processed corn salad (Valerianella olitoria L.) during cold storage
Authors: Zhan Lijuan , Fan Yamin , Fontana Emanuela , Tibaldi Giorgio , Nicola Silvana
Published: January 2025

To maximize the initial quality going to storage and maintain the postharvest antioxidant property of the minimally processed corn salad, the synergistic effects of culture systems (traditional soil culture system [TCS] vs. soilless culture system [SCS]), washing practices (unwashed vs. washed), packaging methods (flow pack bag [FPB] vs. flow pack tray [FPT]), and storage temperatures (4°C vs. 8°C) on the antioxidant property of minimally processed corn salad (Valerianella olitoria L.) was investigated during 7 days of storage. The results showed that SCS-grown corn salad contained significantly higher levels of total ascorbic acid (TAA) (25.6%), ascorbic acid (AA) (17.5%), total phenols (TP) (57.0%), and antioxidant capacity (AC) (67.0%), but lower levels of chlorophyll and carotenoid than TCS. TAA, AA, and TP were the main contributors to AC, with highly positive correlations between them. Washing practice induced a transient increase in AC value only on processing day (d0). The AC value was significantly higher in SCS-grown leaves than in TCS-grown leaves during the storage period. FPT packaging had a considerable impact on pigments preservation and DHA generation, which was highly culture system-depended. The storage temperature showed no significant influence on overall quality. Browning enzyme (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase [PAL], polyphenol oxidase [PPO], peroxidase [POD]) activities were significantly influenced by factors tested and changed over time. However, no visible browning spots were observed at the end of storage. After 7 days of storage, all leaves were still fresh and marketable with the largest fresh weight loss of 0.38%. Conclusively, the synergism of SCS, washing practice, and FPT favored obtaining high-quality raw material at harvest and maintaining the postharvest antioxidant property of minimally processed corn salad during storage. This unique finding not only offers an innovative and feasible strategy for the fresh-cut industry to produce higher-quality products that meet the growing expectations and demands of modern consumers, but also emphasizes the significance of integrating preharvest and postharvest factors within the fresh supply chain.