bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of ERCP in managing preoperative complications of choledochal cysts in children and its role in facilitating early surgical intervention
Authors: Zhang Tian , Wu Wenjie , Shu Yijun , Weng Hao , Weng Mingzhe , Zhou Ying , Wang Xuefeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Currently, there is no established guideline for the application of ERCP in children with choledochal cyst. This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of ERCP in managing preoperative complications of choledochal cyst in children, as well as the timing for definitive surgery following ERCP.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for 68 pediatric patients who presented with complications of choledochal cyst, including pancreatitis and biliary obstruction combined with cholangitis. All patients underwent ERCP treatment followed by definitive surgery. The primary outcomes assessed included treatment efficacy, post-ERCP complication, and the impact of ERCP on definitive surgical procedures.

Results

Among the 68 patients studied, 41 presented with pancreatitis, while the remaining patients had biliary obstruction and cholangitis. Sixty-five patients successfully completed their treatments, with 64 experiencing alleviation of symptoms. Significant improvements were observed in serum amylase levels and liver function tests following ERCP. Post-ERCP complications occurred in three cases, including one case of pancreatitis and two cases of infection. The median interval between ERCP and surgery was 11 days. There was no significant difference in primary outcomes, such as surgical duration, rate of minimally invasive surgery, conversion to open surgery, intraoperative bleeding volume, intraoperative blood transfusion, postoperative complications, or average length of hospital stay, between the early surgery group (≤2 weeks) and the late surgery group (>2 weeks).

Conclusions

ERCP was proved to be a safe and effective intervention for alleviating preoperative complications in pediatric patients with choledochal cyst. Early definitive surgery following ERCP did not significantly impact the perioperative outcomes of pediatric patients.
Shengxue Busui Decoction activates the PI3K/Akt and VEGF pathways, enhancing vascular function and inhibiting osteocyte apoptosis to combat steroid-induced femoral head necrosis
Authors: Liu Manting , Ye Jiexiang , Wu Runtian , Luo Dongqiang , Huang Tao , Dai Dandan , Wang Kexin , Du Yanping , Ou Junwen
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a debilitating condition with no specific treatment. Inhibiting osteocyte apoptosis may be a promising therapeutic approach. Shengxue Busui Decoction (SBD) has shown protective effects against SONFH, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of SBD on SONFH in rats, identifying its key active components and regulatory mechanisms using network pharmacology, bioinformatics, machine learning, and experimental validation.

Methods

Key active components and disease targets of SBD were identified through network pharmacology and bioinformatics. GO/KEGG enrichment and ssGSEA analyses were performed to identify critical pathways. Cytoscape and machine learning (SVM) were used for target prediction and molecular docking validation. A dexamethasone (Dex)-induced SONFH rat model was established, and SBD was administered for 60 days. Histological changes were assessed via HE staining, osteoclast activity through TRAP staining, apoptosis levels with TUNEL assays, and vascular function through hematological tests. ELISA was used to measure ALP and OCN levels. In vitro, Dex-induced osteoblast apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells was examined to assess SBD’s effect on osteoblast proliferation, apoptosis, and signaling. Western blotting analyzed Caspase-9, Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and pathway-related proteins. ALP and Alizarin Red staining evaluated osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.

Results

Network pharmacology identified curcumin, berberine, and diosgenin as key active components of SBD, with the PI3K/Akt and VEGFR pathways as critical targets, and RAF1, FOXO3, and BRAF as hub genes. In vivo, SBD intervention significantly reduced bone structural damage and apoptosis, decreasing the rate of empty bone lacunae. SBD also increased osteogenic markers ALP and OCN in SONFH rats. In vitro, SBD inhibited osteoblast apoptosis, promoted PI3K/Akt and VEGF pathway expression, and enhanced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization.

Conclusion

This study integrates network pharmacology with experimental validation, showing that SBD protects against SONFH by inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis via PI3K/Akt and VEGFR pathways. SBD promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, improving bone structure and vascular function. Curcumin, berberine, and diosgenin are likely key contributors to these effects, highlighting SBD as a potential therapeutic strategy for SONFH.
Data mining and safety analysis of voriconazole in patients with a hematological malignant tumor based on the FAERS database: differences between children and adults
Authors: Li Hao , Jiang Manxue , Pan Xiaona , Kong Lingti
Published: January 2025

Objective

Voriconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent. It is used widely for the prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients with a hematological malignancy, but studies on its safety in this population are scarce. We assessed the adverse drug events (ADEs) of voriconazole in this population based on the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to improve understanding of the safety of voriconazole.

Research design and methods

ADE reports for patients with a hematological malignant tumor using voriconazole between the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2024 were retrieved. Then, they were classified using the preferred terminology (PT) and system organ category (SOC) in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. Data mining was done using reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS).

Results

A total of 605 ADEs were included: 116 (19.17%) in children and 489 (80.83%) in adults. The types of SOC involved in children and adults were 22 and 24, respectively. The only positive SOC signal that satisfied all four algorithms simultaneously in children was “psychiatric disorders”, whereas in adults they were “endocrine disorders” and “hepatobiliary disorders”. At the PT level, the types involved in children and adults were 28 and 74, respectively. The highest ROR signal intensities were found for “hallucinations, mixed” in children and “toxic optic neuropathy” in adults. The median time of onset of the ADE in children and adults was 11 and 8.5 days, respectively.

Conclusion

We used four algorithms (ROR, PRR, BCPNN, MGPS) to mine the signals of voriconazole in patients with a hematological malignant tumor, and compared the differences between children and adults. This study is important for targeting the monitoring, and could help to improve the safety of voriconazole.
Identifcation and fine mapping of qHSW1, a major QTL for hundred-seed weight in mungbean
Authors: Han Xuesong , Zhao Long , Yu Juan , Wang Xingmin , Zhang Shilong , Li Li , Liu Changyan
Published: January 2025

Mung bean, an important economic crop, is considered a crop with relatively high levels of plant protein constituents and is consumed as both a vegetable and a grain. Among various yield-related traits, hundred-seed weight (HSW) is crucial in determining mung bean production. This study employed a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 200 lines that were genotyped via whole-genome resequencing to exploit genetic potential in the identification of HSW-associated quantitative trait loci (QTLs) across four environments. We identified 5 QTLs for HSW, each explaining 2.46–26.15% of the phenotypic variance. Among these, qHSW1 was mapped on chromosome 1 in all four environments, explaining 16.65-26.15% of the phenotypic variation. Fine mapping and map-based cloning procedures, along with progeny testing of recombinants, aided in narrowing the candidate interval for qHSW1 to 506 kb. This identification of the qHSW1 genomic interval and closely linked markers to qHSW1 could prove valuable in breeding efforts for improved mung bean cultivars with higher seed weight.
Photosynthetic characteristics of Paris polyphylla var. chinensis in response to different light intensities and soil water contents
Authors: Zhang Yaling , Xu Rong , Wang Zhaozhao , Zhang Juan , Tang Xinghao , Chen Yu , Yan Xiao-Li , Qu Lu-Ping
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Paris polyphylla var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara (P. polyphylla) is a perennial medicinal plant with a reputation for therapeutic properties. It is imperative to study the photochemical processes of P. polyphylla in order to determine the optimal levels of shading and moisture management for its cultivation in artificial environments.

Methods

In this study, six shading levels (no shading, 30%, 50%, 70%, 80% and 90% shading) and three soil water contents (20%, 40% and 60% of the soil water saturation capacity) were established to determine the appropriate shade intensity and soil moisture content for the growth of P. polyphylla.

Results

The results showed that only the low shade groups (no shade and 30% shade) showed irreversible damage to the daily photosynthetic dynamics of the plant over the course of a day. It is important to note that excessive light can damage not only the quantum yield for electron transport (φDo) and PSII light quantum yield (Fv/Fm), but also various physiological mechanisms that can lead to overall plant damage and a decline in organic matter. A comparison of Fv/Fm during the midday period showed that the optimum shade intensity is between 50% and 70%. Low shading can significantly increase light use efficiency (LUE), but also reduces net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and transpiration (Tr), indicating the negative effect on P. polyphylla growth. Considering the balance between growth rate and damage incidence, 50% shade should be the optimal treatment for P. polyphylla, followed by 30% and 70% shade. It was also observed that treatment with low soil water content (20%) significantly reduced Pn and LUE, while increasing stomatal conductance (gs) and water use efficiency (WUE). This is associated with a decrease in the light response curve, indicating that low soil moisture inhibits the growth of P. polyphylla and increases the likelihood of irreversible light damage, so the optimum soil moisture content for P. polyphylla should be above 20%.

Discussion

Considering the economic benefits and the growth and health of P. polyphylla in artificial cultivation, it is recommended that shade be controlled at around 50% while maintaining soil moisture between 40% and 60% of water content.
Water phase distribution and its dependence on internal structure in soaking maize kernels: a study using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray micro-computed tomography
Authors: Wang Baiyan , Gu Shenghao , Wang Juan , Wang Guangtao , Guo Xinyu , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The formation of yield and quality in maize involves the accumulation of substances such as starch, proteins, and fats, which interact with water within the kernel. Although temporal dynamics of grain moisture and its functional and environmental determinants have been broadly demonstrated, we still do not have a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of water phase within a kernel.

Methods

We investigated the relationship between tissue structural traits, including embryo volume (EMBV), endosperm volume (ENDV), vitreous endosperm volume (VEV), floury endosperm volume (FEV), and water content in different phases, such as bound water, semi-bound water, and free water, in maize kernels under different cultivars, nitrogen application rates, and soaking durations by combining low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and X-ray microcomputed tomography (μ-CT) for kernels.

Results

The results demonstrate that bound water is the major phase (57-82%) in maize kernels, and this proportion decreases with prolonged soaking duration. The bound water content and semi-bound water content positively correlate to ENDV, VEV, and EMBV, whereas free water content correlates to ENDV, EMBV, and VEV in descending order of correlation coefficient. This indicates that water might penetrate the embryo through the pedicel and vitreous endosperm through the pericarp during soaking.

Discussion

Finally, we suggested that the proportion of semi-bound water could be a robust indicator to predict moisture content in maize kernels. The study provides a preliminary understanding of the structural basis of water distribution in maize kernels, thereby opening up the potential for designing efficient production systems and breeding cultivars well-suited for mechanical harvesting.
The concept of most responsible in international criminal law and its problematic reception in the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia
Authors: Díaz-Soto José Manuel , Borbón Diego
Published: January 2025

This perspective article critically explores the concept of “most responsible” within international criminal jurisprudence and its reception by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) in Colombia. In the context of Colombia's transitional justice process, the definitions of “most responsible” and “determining participants” play a pivotal role in deciding who should face prosecution and sanctions of effective restriction of liberty for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The article argues that the current conceptual ambiguity within the JEP's legal framework risks conflating accomplices with principal offenders, which could undermine the selective justice model designed to focus on high-level perpetrators. Through a comparative analysis of international criminal tribunals, including the ICTY, ICTR, ICC, and SCSL, the article highlights the importance of clear definitions to avoid excessive judicialization and to align the process with the goals of peace, reconciliation, and restorative justice. This perspective concludes that the lack of precise legal definitions in the JEP could hinder its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Mixed emotions: binary paths of humble leadership influencing employee behavior
Authors: Shen Yanping , Wu Wenbing , Xu Shufei , Wang Yi , Cai Fangyuan
Published: January 2025

The importance of humble leadership has garnered increasing attention among researchers. Most existing research focuses on its positive effects, but its negative effects are rarely discussed. From a more dialectical perspective, this study found that humble leadership has a dual impact, as it can foster employee innovative behavior and also trigger instances of time theft. Based on social information processing theory, this study used a questionnaire survey and structural equation modeling. Through the data analysis of 303 sample, the results suggest that humble leadership can reduce employee time theft by reducing employees' perceived acceptance of norm violations, while stimulating employee respect can increase employee innovative behavior, as well as supervisor's organizational embodiment can have a positive moderating effect. This study examines the mechanism of the influence of humble leadership on employee innovative behavior and time theft, broadens the body of humble leadership research, reveals the role of supervisor's organizational embodiment, and provides theoretical insights for enterprises to optimize organizational management.
Meaning mindset theory: a transdiagnostic approach to mental health promotion and intervention for children
Authors: Armstrong Laura Lynne , Watt Emmalyne , Potter Catherine Laura , Epperson Brent L.
Published: January 2025

A transdiagnostic approach is increasingly recognized as crucial in the prevention or treatment of child internalizing and externalizing mental health concerns. There is substantial overlap and comorbidity among various mental health concerns and the onset of one mental illness elevates the risk of others, underscoring the potential limitations of singular-focused mental health education or treatment. Meaning Mindset Theory (MMT) is a transdiagnostic framework developed and evaluated over the past decade in Canada as a promising new approach. MMT emphasizes agency over thoughts and behaviors, empathy and social competence skills, and meaningful engagement to enhance resilience for both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The DREAM Program—Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes, and Meaning is a mental health education program grounded in MMT principles. This program has enhanced meaning mindset—agency over thoughts and behaviors, hope for a future that is good, positive self-concept, and openness to learning, new experiences, and feelings—as well as both internalizing and externalizing mental health. To date, the DREAM program, as well as MMT more broadly, has been tested in diverse populations with school-aged children, families, neurodiverse and intellectually gifted young people, homeless men, and Black families, among others. Future research should explore the efficacy of an MMT in therapeutic settings compared to standard treatments, potentially enhancing mental health intervention strategies for Canadian children and families.
Screens and scars: SEM analysis of the relationship between childhood trauma, emotion regulation, and social media addiction
Authors: Elkin Nurten , Mohammed Ashraf Ashifa Kariveliparambil , Kılınçel Oğuzhan , KılınçeL Şenay , Ranganathan Maharshi , Sakarya Aslıhan Kübra , Soydan Ayşe Mücella
Published: January 2025

Background

Addiction is an increasingly significant global public health concern, affecting individuals across diverse age groups and demographics. With the rapid rise of digital technology, social media addiction has emerged as a growing behavioral issue, impacting mental health, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning.

Methods

This study employed an online cross-sectional self-report questionnaire, with university students aged 16–35 years as the target population. Data were collected using Google Forms questionnaires, accessible via the university registration system, and sent to the participating students’ smart phones. The data collection instruments included the Social Media Addiction Scale (SMAS), the Childhood Trauma Scale (CTS), and the Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).

Results

Data from 318 university students were analyzed. The analysis of sociodemographic data revealed a mean participant age of 21.2 years, with 87.3% being female. An analysis of the relationship between social media addiction and childhood trauma revealed that participants with childhood trauma had higher social media addiction. The linear regression model, including childhood traumas and emotion regulation difficulties for social media addiction scores, was statistically significant. A positive correlation was observed between social media addiction and difficulty in emotion regulation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that individuals who struggle with emotion regulation tend to use social media more frequently. Furthermore, the negative effects of childhood trauma on emotion regulation capabilities during adulthood contribute to the development of social media addiction.
Anxiety and depression prevalence and associated factors in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Feng Qizhen , Weng Mingjie , Yang Xi , Zhang Min
Published: January 2025

Objective

With the evolving spectrum of diseases, psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression have emerged as significant global public health concerns. Notably, these psychological disorders are prevalent among patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Consequently, this study included 360 hospitalized patients diagnosed with KOA to examine their levels of anxiety and depression and to analyze the factors influencing these psychological states.

Methods

A cohort of KOA patients from the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University was assessed using a general condition questionnaire, European five-dimensional health status scale (EQ5D), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the factors affecting anxiety and depression.

Results

Among 360 patients with KOA, 28.06% experienced anxiety, and 30.27% experienced depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower BMI, QOL, and utilization of social support scores are risk factors for anxiety and depression in KOA patients (P<0.05). Additionally, in patients with KOA, younger age, lower subjective support, and higher scores in function and daily activities emerged as significant risk factors for depression (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Anxiety and depression in patients with KOA warrant significant attention due to their impact on overall well-being. The factors influencing these mental health conditions are multidimensional. In clinical practice, it is essential to integrate these various influencing factors to develop targeted mental health care services. By doing so, healthcare providers can enhance the overall mental health and QOL for individuals suffering from KOA.
Factors associated with the revolving door phenomenon in patients with schizophrenia: results from an acute psychiatric hospital in Romania
Authors: Dionisie Vlad , Puiu Maria Gabriela , Manea Mihnea Costin , Moisa Emanuel , Dumitru Ana Maria , Ibadula Leila , Mares Aliss Madalina , Varlam Corina Ioana , Manea Mirela
Published: January 2025

Background

The revolving door phenomenon refers to patients with frequent hospital admissions and emerged after deinstitutionalization reforms have been implemented. Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating mental disorder and has frequently been identified as one of the most prevalent disorders among revolving door patients. Therefore, this research aimed to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with the revolving door phenomenon in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We conducted an observational and retrospective cohort study and collected data from the medical records of individuals admitted to the largest psychiatric hospital in Romania during a 2-year period. Patients with three or more admissions during a 12-month period were identified as revolving door.

Results

Of the total of 635 patients included in this study, 108 met the criteria for revolving door. Patients had a mean age of 44.55±12.83 years and most of them were single (81.7%) and receiving a disability pension (68.7%) and had an illness duration of more than 5 years (81.9%). Male gender (p=0.000), younger age (p<0.05), presence of psychiatric comorbidity (p<0.05), substance use disorder (p=0.000) and alcohol use disorder (p<0.01) were associated with the revolving door patients. A binary linear logistic regression revealed that male gender (OR=1.92, 95%CI:1.21-3.08), shorter hospitalization (OR=0.982, 95%CI:0.964-1.000), substance use disorder (OR=2.47, 95%CI:1.16-5.26), verbal (OR=1.44, 95%CI:1.05-1.98) and physical (OR=1.331, 95%CI:1.017-1.744) aggression were predictive factors for frequent use of inpatient services.

Conclusions

The results may facilitate development of future reform policies aimed at reducing the revolving door phenomenon, including implementing transitional care interventions between hospital and community services.
Relationship between social activities and cognitive impairment in Chinese older adults: the mediating effect of depressive symptoms
Authors: Yang Qianke , Lin Shichong , Zhang Zhuyun , Du Shuhao , Zhou Dan
Published: January 2025

Background

The differential impacts of various social activities on dementia prevention and the mediating role of depression in this relationship remain unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the effects of different social activities on cognitive function, examine the mediating role of depression, and provide evidence for targeted interventions to prevent cognitive decline.

Methods

Using data from CHARLS, we employed RCS analysis and Structural Equation Modeling to examine the relationships between social activities, depression, and cognitive function in older adults.

Results

Social activity participation is non-linearly inversely related to both cognitive impairment and depression risk. Cognitive function and social activities were significantly mediated by depression. Cognitively stimulating and physically stimulating activities had the greatest positive effects on mental health.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the complex interplay between social engagement, depression, and cognitive health in aging. They support developing targeted interventions promoting physical and cognitive social activities to maintain cognitive function and reduce depression risk in older adults, potentially alleviating the burden of cognitive impairment in aging populations.
Association between balance ability and cardiovascular disease onsets among middle-aged and older adults: an observational cohort study from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lin Yinghe , Zhong Shanshan , Sun Zhihua
Published: January 2025

Background

Previous studies showed the association between poor balance ability and a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. However, there is little evidence regarding balance function and the onset of CVD. We aimed to examine the relationship between the balance ability and incident CVD risk.

Methods

This study retrospectively included participants (≥45 years) without CVD at baseline from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011 and those who were followed up in 2018. CHARLS used the semi-tandem stand test to assess balance ability. CVD was defined as the presence of physician-diagnosed heart disease and/or stroke. Cox proportional hazards models (considering competing risks) and stratification analysis were used to determine the association between balance ability and incident CVD risk.

Results

The median age of the 10,154 participants was 57.0 (51.0, 64.0) years old, with 51.0% female. Compared to those with good balance ability, individuals with moderate balance ability had a higher risk of incident CVD [HR (95% CI): 1.15 (1.03–1.28)], and the risk was more pronounced in female (20.0%), rural residence (21.0%), never smoking (22.0%), never drinking (23.0%), hypertension (16.0%), without dyslipidemia (17.0%), and without kidney disease (13.0%) participants. After multiple imputations of metabolic biomarkers data, the results of sensitivity analyses were generally consistent.

Conclusion

Lower balance ability was associated with an increased risk of incident CVD among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. The simple, economical, effective, and safe physical measurements of balance function deserve further investigation in public health.
School performance gap between non-immigrant and second-generation immigrant children in Sweden—time trends and contributing factors
Authors: Okuyama Kenta , Lönn Sara Larsson , Khoshnood Ardavan M. , Assari Shervin , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: January 2025

We aimed to investigate the school performance gap and its potential trend from 2010 to 2020 in non-immigrant and second-generation immigrant children in Sweden, whether parental mental disorders and low socioeconomic status contribute to this gap and its trends, and whether the effects of these factors differ by immigration status. We used multiple Swedish population registers, including 829,787 children born 1994–2004. We examined the school performance gap and its trends by the interaction between immigration status and year with linear mixed models. We assessed whether parental mental disorders and socioeconomic status contributed to this gap and its trends, and whether their effects on school performance differ by immigration status. The existing gap was explained by parental mental disorders in addition to parental education and neighborhood socioeconomic status for both males and females. The unadjusted model suggested an increasing trend of the existing gap in school performance by immigration status for both males and females. In the adjusted model, the increasing trend of the gap remained among males and was partially attributed to parental education and neighborhood socioeconomic status. The interaction tests showed that the potential effects of these factors on school performance were smaller among second-generation immigrant children. Efforts to reduce the effects of socioeconomic inequalities and parental mental disorders are warranted in addition to extra support for second-generation immigrant children at schools.
From bench to bedside: translational insights into aging research
Authors: Pandey Kanti Bhooshan
Published: January 2025

Aging research has rapidly advanced from fundamental discoveries at the molecular and cellular levels to promising clinical applications. This review discusses the critical translational insights that bridge the gap between bench research and bedside applications, highlighting key discoveries in the mechanisms of aging, biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and policymakers to address the complexities of aging and improve health span.
Climate change response measures in South African road transport sector: lessons from BRICS countries
Authors: Mashamaite Maijane M.
Published: January 2025

Climate change can be mainstreamed into road transport sector and its policies by integrating mitigation actions, focusing on Green-House Gas (GHG) emission reduction, and building adaptive capacity for a climate-resilient road transport sector. Although research frequently emphasizes the difficulties of adaptation, this article explores the influence of climate change on the road transport network and examines how road transport contributes to climate change. Factors such as experiencing the costs of climate change, valuing the local ecosystem, resources availability, and political will is key to successful adaptation efforts. This article used desk research to gather information on mitigation and adaptation actions adopted by BRICS countries from various sources like government documents, the internet, books, articles and scientific reviews. It is therefore, deduced that BRICS countries can promote climate-friendly transport by prioritizing green logistics, green innovation and renewable natural resources, while promoting sustainable development and supporting renewable energy. BRICS represents Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, a group of developing economies working together to strengthen their economic and political influence. This article draws lessons from BRICS countries and conclude that South Africa should decrease fossil fuel use in the road transport sector for climate-friendly options.
Geogenic perspectives on potassium dynamics and plant uptake: insights from natural and submerged conditions across different soil types with machine learning predictions
Authors: Ghosh Saibal , Mondal Gourav , Chakraborty Shreya , Banerjee Sonali , Kumar Sumit , Basu Riddhi , Bhattacharyya Pradip
Published: January 2025

Four different soil types including red, alluvial, calcareous, and black soils along with rice cultivated on them were collected from various parts of India and analyzed for potassium dynamics in the soil plant continuum. Soil potassium (K) dynamics were studied under submerged and non-submerged conditions, and potassium content was analyzed in rice roots, shoots, and grains, along with other soil properties. Red (S1: 5.9) and alluvial (S5: 5.16) soils were moderately acidic, while black (S8: 8.01) and calcareous (S7: 8.1) soils were alkaline. Black soil (S8) had the highest cation exchange capacity (CEC: 31.25 cmol (p+)/kg) and clay content (41.2%), while alluvial soil had the most organic carbon (S5: 1.74%). Submerged conditions enhanced potassium availability, with red soil showing the highest levels of water-soluble K (WsK), exchangeable K (ExK), and non-exchangeable K (NEK), particularly Step-K and constant rate K (CR-K) forms. Rice potassium content was highest in grains, followed by shoots and roots, with red soil containing the most available potassium. A strong correlation was found between soil potassium forms and rice plant potassium uptake. Sensitivity analysis indicated that WsK and ExK from non-submerged soil to be the most favorable forms for potassium uptake, especially in the rice roots and grains. Machine learning models, particularly Random Forest, accurately predicted potassium availability and uptake, highlighting their potential in optimizing soil fertility and advancing precision agriculture for better crop yields and soil health.
Food loss in Pacific Island Countries: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Amato-Ali Christian-Yves , Iese Viliamu , Mekala Gayathri , Hidalgo Daniela , Sakiti-Waqa Hilda
Published: January 2025

Food loss and waste pose significant challenges to global food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Pacific Island Countries (PICs), with limited resources, being geographically isolated, and vulnerable to climate change, face unique challenges when it comes to the issue of food loss. This scoping review aims to systematically map the literature on food loss in PICs, addressing knowledge gaps and understanding specific methodological aspects. The review utilizes the PRISMA-ScR process to identify, categorize, and synthesize relevant literature, offering a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence. Studies focusing on food loss in PICs published in English from 2011 to 2023 were included. Exclusion criteria considered studies conducted outside PICs, those lacking food loss reduction interventions, and non-peer-reviewed sources. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases of JSTOR, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science. A total of 5,787 studies for food loss interventions were identified and out of these only 49 met the inclusion criteria. A notable increase in publications from 2011, with a significant surge in 2018 and 2019, indicate a growing interest on the topic. The review reveals a limited focus on this issue across individual PICs and underscores the need for more localized expertise in the region. The review also highlights critical inefficiencies in PIC food supply chains and the need for more studies outside the common root crop agricultural system. The scoping review identified three thematic categories addressing food loss in PICs, namely., the lack of infrastructure and need for innovative technology for post-harvest management; increased vulnerability to climate change and postharvest risks of newer convenient markets. The findings underscore the need for holistic and context-specific approaches to create resilient and sustainable food systems in the Pacific, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners involved in addressing these challenges.
Current update on surgical management for spinal tuberculosis: a scientific mapping of worldwide publications
Authors: Romaniyanto Romaniyanto , Ilyas Muhana Fawwazy , Lado Aldebaran , Sadewa Daffa , Dzikri Dykall Naf'an , Budiono Enrico Ananda
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Spinal tuberculosis (TB), or Pott's disease, remains a significant global health issue, particularly in regions with high TB prevalence. Despite antitubercular drug therapy being the primary treatment, surgical intervention is often required in cases of spinal instability or neurological complications. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of worldwide publications related to the surgical management of spinal TB and to compare contributions from orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery in this field.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was performed using data from the Scopus database, covering publications from 1896 to 2024. The search strategy focused on terms related to spinal TB and surgical interventions. The analysis included 1,857 publications, which were examined for trends, key contributors, and the evolution of surgical techniques. Metrics such as the number of publications, leading authors, affiliations, countries, and funding sponsors were compared between orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery.

Results

This study identified a steady increase in the number of publications over time. Key topics evolved from basic surgical methods, including early spinal procedures, to integrating pharmacological approaches alongside surgical techniques, such as antitubercular drugs, advancing into imaging research and procedure research involving refined surgical methods like spinal fusion. The recent phase reflects a shift towards technology-driven approaches, including minimally invasive techniques, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. China emerged as the leading country with the most contributions based on author, affiliations, funding sponsors, and countries. Last, orthopaedic surgery had more publications (274) than neurosurgery (96).

Discussion

In conclusion, spinal TB surgery has evolved significantly, with a notable shift towards advanced, technology-driven approaches. Orthopaedic surgery leads in research output compared to neurosurgery. This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the global research landscape, guiding future studies in the management of spinal TB.
Addition of anal encirclement to perineal proctosigmoidectomy: a retrospective review
Authors: Amery Aiya , Marritt Kayla , Baig Zarrukh , Roy Haven , Gill Dilip , Ginther Nathan
Published: January 2025

Background

The optimal approach for the surgical management of rectal prolapse is individualized based on anatomical, functional, and surgical factors. In patients with significant comorbidities, perineal approaches are often preferred even though they are associated with higher recurrence rates compared to an abdominal approach. Although anal encirclement was one of the first procedures described for this condition, it is seldom employed given its high recurrence rates. There is currently a lack of data addressing a combination surgery, wherein both a perineal proctosigmoidectomy and anal encirclement are performed simultaneously.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of combining perineal proctosigmoidectomy with anal encirclement using Nylon sutures compared to perineal proctosigmoidectomy alone.

Methods

This was a single institution, non-randomized, retrospective study conducted at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada (July 2017 to October 2022). Patients over the age of 18 with full-thickness rectal prolapse who underwent either perineal proctosigmoidectomy alone or perineal proctosigmoidectomy with anal encirclement were included. There were 23 patients in the perineal proctosigmoidectomy group and 21 patients in the perineal proctosigmoidectomy with anal encirclement group. The primary outcome was prolapse recurrence. Secondary outcomes included operative time, length of hospital stay, and post-operative complications.

Results

Patients who received perineal proctosigmoidectomy with anal encirclement had significantly lower rates of recurrent prolapse (9.5%) compared to perineal proctosigmoidectomy alone (34.8%) (p = 0.02). Patients who underwent the combined procedure had a shorter length of stay by 2.3 days (p = 0.03). There was no difference in post-operative complications or operating time.

Conclusions

Routine anal encirclement in perineal proctosigmoidectomy reduces recurrence rates and length of stay without increasing operating time or complications.
A review of approaches to the integration of humanitarian and development aid: the case of drought management in the Horn of Africa
Authors: Mohamed Tahira Shariff , Crane Todd Andrew , Derbyshire Samuel , Roba Guyo
Published: January 2025

Whether and how to link humanitarian assistance and long-term development aid are questions that have underlain polarized debates in policy, practical, and theoretical spaces over recent years. This is due in large part to the diversity of actors, institutional mandates, funding sources, programmes (themselves always changing), and operational dynamics that exist between the two domains. In pastoral areas of the Horn of Africa, which experience recurrent drought emergencies, integrating the two forms of assistance has been attempted in several instances, which have often been disjointed and have sought to grapple with an unpredictable terrain of shifting policies and program designs. Such challenges have been further compounded by a substantial disconnect between programming (across humanitarian aid and resilience building) and existing pastoralist practices and strategies comprising local social safety nets. Using a comprehensive literature review, this paper explores some of the practical strategies that have been implemented to integrate these two forms of assistance over recent years. It surveys implications that arise in relation to the question of how best to address persistent drought in the Horn of Africa. Interrogating mechanisms for enhancing aid efficiency and effectiveness including crisis modifiers and contingency planning, the paper examines what progress has been made in transitioning from reactive, short-term emergency response to long-term development and what barriers still exist. It also considers Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR), a modality envisaged by many as a bridge for enhancing local ownership and thus sustainability of both kinds of intervention. In doing so, the paper argues that despite multiple policy shifts and the adoption of new frameworks (including, recently, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative - IDDRSI), when it comes to practical implementation, there has been little progress. We suggest that this is due in part to the well documented complexity of the aid system, and the forms of bureaucracy and upward accountability that make change extremely difficult, and in part to a lack of meaningful community participation in planning and practice.
Donors With Previous Malignancy: When Is It Safe to Proceed With Organ Transplantation?
Authors: Turra Vitor , Manzi Joao , Rombach Sarah , Zaragoza Simone , Ferreira Raphaella , Guerra Giselle , Conzen Kendra , Nydam Trevor , Livingstone Alan , Vianna Rodrigo , Abreu Phillipe
Published: January 2025

The growing number of organ donors in the United States, from 14,011 in 2012 to 21,374 in 2022, highlights progress in addressing the critical issue of organ shortages. However, the demand remains high, with 17 patients dying daily while on the waiting list. As of August 2023, over 103,544 individuals are awaiting transplants, predominantly for kidneys (85.7%). To expand the donor pool, the inclusion of elderly donors, including those with a history of malignancies, is increasingly considered. In 2022, 7% of all donors were aged 65 and above, despite the complexities their medical histories may introduce, particularly the risk of donor-transmitted cancer (DTC). This review examines the challenges and potential benefits of using donors with known malignancy histories, balancing the risks of DTC against the urgency for transplants. A critical analysis is presented on current knowledge and the decision-making processes that consider cancer types, stages, and patient survival outcomes. The goal is to identify missed opportunities and improve strategies for safe and effective organ transplantation from this donor demographic.
Anomaly Detection in High-Dimensional Time Series Data with Scaled Bregman Divergence
Authors: Wang Yunge , Zhang Lingling , Si Tong , Bishop Graham , Gong Haijun
Published: January 2025

The purpose of anomaly detection is to identify special data points or patterns that significantly deviate from the expected or typical behavior of the majority of the data, and it has a wide range of applications across various domains. Most existing statistical and machine learning-based anomaly detection algorithms face challenges when applied to high-dimensional data. For instance, the unconstrained least-squares importance fitting (uLSIF) method, a state-of-the-art anomaly detection approach, encounters the unboundedness problem under certain conditions. In this study, we propose a scaled Bregman divergence-based anomaly detection algorithm using both least absolute deviation and least-squares loss for parameter learning. This new algorithm effectively addresses the unboundedness problem, making it particularly suitable for high-dimensional data. The proposed technique was evaluated on both synthetic and real-world high-dimensional time series datasets, demonstrating its effectiveness in detecting anomalies. Its performance was also compared to other density ratio estimation-based anomaly detection methods.
A Light-Weight Grasping Pose Estimation Method for Mobile Robotic Arms Based on Depthwise Separable Convolution
Authors: Duan Jianguo , Ye Chuyan , Wang Qin , Zhang Qinglei
Published: January 2025

The robotic arm frequently performs grasping tasks in unstructured environments. However, due to the complex network architecture and constantly changing operational environments, balancing between grasping accuracy and speed poses significant challenges. Unlike fixed robotic arms, mobile robotic arms offer flexibility but suffer from relatively unstable bases, necessitating improvements in disturbance resistance for grasping tasks. To address these issues, this paper proposes a light-weight grasping pose estimation method called Grasp-DSC, specifically tailored for mobile robotic arms. This method integrates the deep residual shrinkage network and depthwise separable convolution. Attention mechanisms and soft thresholding are employed to improve the arm’s ability to filter out interference, while parallel convolutions enhance computational efficiency. These innovations collectively enhance the grasping decision accuracy and efficiency of mobile robotic arms in complex environments. Grasp-DSC is evaluated using the Cornell Grasp Dataset and Jacquard Grasp Dataset, achieving 96.6% accuracy and a speed of 14.4 ms on the former one. Finally, grasping experiments conducted on the MR2000-UR5 validate the practical applicability of Grasp-DSC in practical scenarios, achieving an average grasping success rate of 96%.
Autonomous Tracked Vehicle Trajectory Tracking Control Based on Disturbance Observation and Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Yan Xihao , Wang Shuo , He Yuxin , Ma Aixiang , Zhao Sihai
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the path-tracking control issue for tracked mobile robots (TMRs) operating in complex terrains, focusing on improving their autonomous operation capabilities. Considering the system’s complex dynamic model, environmental uncertainties, and non-linear characteristics, especially the phenomenon of track slippage, a dynamic model that incorporates track slippage is proposed. A sliding factor observer is then designed to estimate slippage parameters, ensuring the control system remains stable and accurate despite uncertainties. A hierarchical control architecture is introduced, with the upper-level controller using a kinematic model to generate desired rotational speed commands for the left and right drive wheels. The lower-level controller, operating on a dynamic model, adjusts motor torque to achieve these desired speeds. Utilizing sliding mode control strategies, combined with adaptive laws and nonlinear control methods, the controller effectively addresses the issue of high-frequency chattering arising from the use of signum functions, thereby enhancing the lifespan of actuators and overall system control performance. A comprehensive simulation and experimental setup for real TMR systems is established to validate the proposed control strategy. Results demonstrate that the control scheme effectively achieves trajectory tracking across various unstructured terrains, exhibiting strong robustness and stability.