bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden of diet-related chronic diseases in Chinese and Japanese adults attributable to dietary risk factors from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Wang Minyan , Ma Huan , Qin Chu , Mandizadza Oscar Onayi , Ni Haojie , Shi Yun , Ji Conghua
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic diseases are a major cause of death, contributing significantly to the global disease burden. The growing aging population and chronic disease burden in China and Japan have a substantial impact on health outcomes. Dietary factors, as key modifiable elements, are particularly important. Therefore, we aimed to analyze and compare the impact of dietary factors on the burden of chronic diseases in China and Japan and to develop measures to reduce this burden.

Methods

According to the WHO classification of chronic diseases, we selected cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, and diabetes for analysis. We collected relevant data from the GBD database, described and analyzed the disease burden by age, gender, and year, and created bar and trend charts. We conducted a comparative analysis of the dietary factors influencing these three chronic diseases by generating heatmaps. The joinpoint model was used to analyze the time trends of these three diseases from 1990 to 2021.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, the burden of neoplasms and cardiovascular diseases in China and Japan declined to varying degrees, while the burden of diabetes continued to increase. The main dietary risk factor for neoplasms is a high red meat diet, while for cardiovascular diseases, a high-sodium diet, especially in China. In addition, high meat consumption appears to serve as a protective factor for both Chinese and Japanese populations. Regarding dietary risk factors for diabetes, China is associated with a high red meat diet, whereas Japan is characterized by a high-processed meat diet.

Conclusion

By comparing the burden of chronic diseases related to dietary factors in China and Japan, this study proposes strategies for national healthy diets, such as reducing sodium, processed meat, and red meat intake and increasing whole grains, vegetables, and fruit intake. In addition, attention should be given to the dietary status of the elderly, along with targeted health education initiatives.
A clinical study of minimal blood flow clamping combined with 3D printing technology in laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery
Authors: Yang Lingbo , Wei Pengtao , Li Xiaohui , Sun Jiantao
Published: January 2025

Objective

To compare the safety and effectiveness of minimum flow clamping combined with 3D printing technology and highly selective renal artery clamping in laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery.

Methods

Fifty-two patients with renal cancer undergoing partial resection admitted to Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated with Zhengzhou University from 2018-01 to 2021-12 were randomly divided into two groups. Group A comprised 30 cases that underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by minimal blood flow clamping combined with 3D printing technology. Group B comprised 22 cases that underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by highly selective renal artery clamping technology. The operation time, renal artery branch clamping time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative renal function injury, and complication rate were compared between the two groups.

Results

The operation time, blood loss, renal function injury, and complication rate of Group A were shorter than those of Group B (p < 0.05). The time of renal artery clamping in Group B was shorter than that in Group A (p < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in the positive rate of resection margin between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery, minimum blood flow clamping technology not only can meet the requirements of accurate tumor resection but also can maximize the preservation of residual renal function, greatly shorten the operation time, reduce the amount of blood loss, and reduce the incidence of perioperative complications, making it worthy of promotion in clinical work. Clinical Trial Registration: [website], identifier [registration number].
Benefit from regular versus leakage-related exchange of voice prostheses in patients post-laryngectomy considering complication rates and patient satisfaction feedback—a randomized case−controlled trial
Authors: Żurek Michał , Czesak Małgorzata , Majszyk Daniel , Rzepakowska Anna
Published: January 2025

Objective

The complications related to voice prosthesis usage substantially affect the physical and social functioning of patients after total laryngectomy, which influences their quality of life. Leakage dysfunction is the most common, causing uncertainty and requiring unscheduled hospital visits. Our study was designed to estimate the benefit of regular versus leakage-related replacement of the voice prosthesis. Study Design. Randomized case−controlled trials. Setting. Tertiary hospital.

Methods

The study included patients who underwent total laryngectomy with primary voice prosthesis insertion between 2020 and 2021 and were randomly assigned to one of two arms: regular exchange (REA) every 3 months or leakage-dependent exchange (LEA). The control treatment was continued for 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of complication rates in both arms, including periprosthetic leakage, granulation or atrophy of mucosa around the fistula, and dislocation of the prosthesis. The secondary outcome measures were the mean number of exchanges per year and patient satisfaction.

Results

Thirty-six patients continued the study according to the protocol, with 16 in REA and 20 in LEA. A total of 153 voice prostheses were replaced during the study period, including 98 in REA and 55 in LEA. Comparative analysis of REA and LEA revealed a significantly longer time between replacements in the LEA group (p = 0.023) and a significantly lower rate of complications in the REA group (p = 0.029). Periprosthetic leakage was the most common complication associated with the use of voice prostheses, occurring in 3.06% of patients in REA and 9.09% in LEA, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.137). The analysis of factors predisposing patients to leakage failure revealed that treatment schemes, concomitant diseases, dental conditions, and diet or alcohol consumption significantly affect the longevity of voice prostheses. The relative and absolute risks (RRR and ARR) of complications in the REA group were reduced by 69.39% and 13.88%, respectively. The number of replacements (NNTs) that should be performed in the REA scheme to prevent one complication over the LEA scheme is 721.

Conclusion

The replacement of regular voice prostheses improved the overall complication rate over the scheme based on leakage demand; however, it did not yield superior benefits in terms of patient satisfaction or economic aspects.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04268459, identifier NCT04268459.
Mucosal snare resection-endoscopic submucosal excavation for gastric submucosal tumors: a retrospective study (with video)
Authors: Wei Wei , Zheng Xiaolong , Ye Yongli , Li Hongxia , Hong Yiping , Cai Jianting
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with submucosal tumors treated with endoscopic submucosal excavation (ESE) and those treated with mucosal snare resection-endoscopic submucosal excavation (MSR-ESE).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients who underwent ESE or MSR-ESE at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2023 and January 2024. Factors such as operation time, intraoperative perforation, postoperative adverse events, postoperative fasting time, antibiotic use, hospitalization duration, costs, and pathological diagnosis were compared between the two procedures.

Results

A total of 180 patients with submucosal tumors were included in this study. The MSR-ESE group consisted of 75 patients (41.7%), while the ESE group had 105 patients (58.3%). Propensity score matching (PSM) showed no significant differences in postoperative antibiotic use, fasting time, or intraoperative perforation between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the MSR-ESE group demonstrated shorter operation and hospitalization times, lower hospitalization costs, and a reduced incidence of postoperative peritonitis (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified operation time as an independent risk factor for unplanned intraoperative perforation, with the likelihood of perforation increasing significantly as operation time increased (P=0.007, OR=1.015, 95% CI, 1.004 to 1.026).

Conclusion

MSR-ESE outperforms ESE with shorter operation times, lower costs, and fewer postoperative complications, making it a safe and effective treatment for gastric submucosal tumors.
Identification of new candidate genes for the hereditary predisposition to uveal melanoma: IGCMU trial
Authors: Godiveau Mélanie , Ginzac Angeline , Bidet Yannick , Ponelle-Chachuat Flora , Privat Maud , Durando Xavier , Cavaillé Mathias , Lepage Mathis
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare ocular cancer. While germline mutations in genes such as BAP1 and MBD4 account for approximately 20% of familial UM cases, the hereditary factors underlying the remaining cases remain unknown. Epidemiological studies have suggested an increased risk of prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia among patients with UM, indicating potential unidentified genetic predispositions. This study aims to identify new candidate genes associated with a hereditary predisposition to UM.

Methods

This single-center study, conducted at Centre Jean Perrin, will involve the exome sequencing of 50 patients with UM who do not harbor known pathogenic variants in the BAP1 or MBD4 genes. The primary objective is to identify novel candidate genes associated with hereditary cancer predisposition among UM patients. A several-step-bioinformatic analysis will be conducted to identify the genes of interest. A secondary objective is to explore genes known to be involved in predisposition to other cancers, already described in the occurrence of uveal melanoma, but where an association has not been fully established yet. The study has begun in October 2024, with patient recruitment lasting 12 months. No follow-up period is planned, but the duration of the genetic analyses is estimated at six months, with the final study report expected by October 2026.

Discussion

The identification of novel hereditary predisposition genes for UM could significantly enhance genetic counselling and surveillance strategies for families affected. This study could also contribute to a better understanding of the genetic landscape of UM, potentially leading to more personalized and effective options for its detection.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT06550674, registered in August 2024. Protocol: version 1.0, January 18th, 2024.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of gumarontinib versus savolitinib for the treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC with MET exon 14 skipping mutations in China using partitioned survival model
Authors: Fang Gang , Pi Zhipeng , An Yiping , Cao Xinxin , Li Wei , Zhu Xiangjun , Ding Jinxi
Published: January 2025

Background and objectives

Both gumarontinib and savolitinib have demonstrated efficacy in treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumors harboring mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor gene exon 14 (METex14) skipping. However, the comparison of their efficacy and pharmacoeconomics profiles remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of gumarontinib versus savolitinib for the treatment of METex14 skipping NSCLC in China.

Methods

A 3-state partitioned survival model (PSM) was developed with lifetime horizon from the perspective of Chinese healthcare system. Survival inputs were based on an unanchored matching-adjusted indirect comparison using individual patient data from GLORY trial to adjust for patient characteristics in NCT02897479. Costs and outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted to explore model uncertainty.

Results

Gumarontinib gained an additional 0.10 QALYs at an incremental cost of $1,893 compared to savolitinib, resulting in the ICERs of $19,243/QALY, which is below the threshold of 3 times the GDP per capita in China ($35,007 per capita in 2022). Sensitivity and scenario analyses confirmed the robustness of the base-case results.

Conclusion

Gumarontinib is a cost-effective option compared to savolitinib for METex14 skipping NSCLC in China.
Qinggan Yipi capsule ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in rats by down-regulating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and improving gut microbiota imbalance
Authors: Xue Wenjing , Liu Haiqing , Su Ziheng , Wang Siqi , Cheng Junping , Pan Yunzhi , Zhang Lurong
Published: January 2025

Background and objective

Qinggan Yipi Capsule (QgYp) is a hospital preparation that has been used for many years in the treatment of chronic liver diseases. However, the mechanism of QgYp in ameliorating hepatic fibrosis (HF) remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the anti-liver fibrosis effect of QgYp and its mechanism of action.

Methods

This study uses a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced HF rat model and TGF-β1 stimulated HSC-T6 cell line (rat HSCs) as experimental models. The therapeutic effects were evaluated through pathology, biochemical tests, and ELISA. The therapeutic mechanism of QgYp for HF was predicted through network pharmacology. The expression of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 related proteins was detected by qPCR analysis and Western blot analysis. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Histopathological analysis, serum biochemical tests, and ELISA measurements showed that QgYp effectively decreased the levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PCIII, and IV-C while improving collagen deposition and hepatocyte necrosis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis screened HF-related genes, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and TGF-β1. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that QgYp significantly affects TGF-β signaling pathway. In addition, the results of qPCR and Western blot analysis from both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that QgYp significantly downregulated the expression of proteins and mRNA associated with the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. The 16S rDNA gene sequencing results showed that QgYp can increase the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota in HF rats and alter the composition of the gut microbiota.

Conclusion

QgYp could effectively ameliorate HF, and this effect might be connected to the downregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, the suppression of HSCs activation, and regulation of gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Recent advances in polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of hepatic diseases
Authors: Gao Feng , Feng Xuefei , Li Xinyu
Published: January 2025

The liver performs crucial roles in energy metabolism, detoxification, and immune regulation. Hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer, have posed a significant threat to global health, emphasizing the critical need for the development of novel and effective treatment approaches. Nanotechnology, an emerging technology, has been extensively researched in medicine. Among the many types of nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in drug delivery systems. Compared to traditional therapies, they offer significant advantages in the treatment of liver disease by improving outcomes and reducing side effects. This review introduced the development of liver disease and discussed the application of natural polymers and synthetic polymers in their management. Furthermore, this paper reviewed the application of polymeric nanoparticles -mainly chitosan (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-in liver disease treatment, focusing on their use in various delivery systems for pure bioactive compounds of natural origin, drugs, nucleic acids, peptides, and others. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of the NPs were discussed to provide guidance for further research directions, with the aim of promoting the clinical application of nanotherapeutics in treating hepatic diseases.
Self-medication and knowledge of pregnant women about the use of medication during pregnancy in the cities of Rijeka and Zadar, Croatia
Authors: Jovanović Željko , Vulić Petra
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Pregnancy is a sensitive period during which the use of medicines, whether by prescription or self-medication, is a major challenge as it can have a significant impact on the health of the mother and the development of the foetus. It is important that pregnant women are well-informed about potential risks and benefits and seek advice from healthcare professionals before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, to ensure the safety and health of themselves and their unborn child. The aim of this study was to analyse the self-medication practices of pregnant women and their knowledge and attitudes toward medicines in the context of pregnancy. This includes analysing the way pregnant women make decisions about self-medication and their awareness of potential risks and benefits.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of pregnant women from two cities of similar size and status, Zadar and Rijeka, in the period from 1 May 2023 to 1 June 2023 at the Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka and the General Hospital Zadar.

Results

Of the 128 women interviewed, 56% were taking prescription medication, most frequently in Rijeka, while 69.5% practised self-medication. The most commonly used medications were dietary supplements—75 (44.88%); over-the-counter pain relievers and fever, cough, allergy, cold, and nausea remedies—42 (33.07%); and herbal medicines—8 (6.29%).

Conclusion

Pregnant women need to be better informed about self-medication and the safe use of medication. A total of 94.5% of respondents consider it important to improve educational programmes and access to information about the effects of medication on the health of the foetus and pregnancy outcomes.
Research on the integration of MEMS and reliable transmission of deep space networks based on time-sensitive networking
Authors: Sheng Kejun , Xing Ziyang
Published: January 2025

With the continuous deepening of human space exploration, deep space networks far away from Earth have emerged. Unlike traditional ground networks, they have the characteristics of frequent link interruptions and time extensions. Traditional data transmission mechanisms cannot be well applied in deep space networks. We propose a data transmission technology that integrates time-sensitive networking and artificial intelligence to address the contradiction between deterministic delay and differentiated service quality assurance in deep space networks and construct a micro electromechanical system (MEMS). Considering the differences in service quality due to different business requirements, data transmission in deep space networks is transformed into a mixed integer programming problem that minimizes transmission delay and maximizes link utilization and solved using artificial intelligence imitation learning. Experimental results have shown that the proposed algorithm has fast convergence, strong applicability, and can achieve reliable and efficient data transmission while meeting the requirements of higher priority data transmission. It can also significantly improve throughput.
How effective is the addition of specific exercise therapy for patients after anterior cruciate ligament surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Hao , Qian Jia , Xing Yu-Mei , Cui Long , Bu Yi-Feng
Published: January 2025

Context

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent in sports and often require surgical intervention followed by rehabilitation. Several rehabilitation methods have been used for patients after ACL surgery.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the overall efficacy of exercise therapy in improving outcomes for patients following ACL surgery using a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials published from 1 January 2000 to 30 August 2024. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool.

Study selection

A total of 11 randomized controlled trials (whole-body vibration training = 4, core-stability training = 2, strength training = 3, blood flow restriction training = 1, and aquatic training = 1) involving 552 anterior cruciate ligament surgery patients were included.

Data extraction

Two researchers individually screened the key information for each eligible study and evaluated the quality of the studies. Any dispute was discussed by a third researcher.

Results

Compared with conventional therapy, exercise therapy significantly reduced pain scores (mean difference: −0.53, 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.24, and p < 0.001) and improved muscle strength (flexion: 13.76 and extension: 12.46) and knee function (effect size: 2.06 and p = 0.001). Secondary outcomes, although less pronounced, also demonstrated improvement.

Limitation

The sources of heterogeneity among the included studies were not fully identified, particularly concerning variations in exercise protocols or patient characteristics. Additionally, the therapeutic effects of specific exercise modalities (e.g., strength training versus aquatic training) were not directly compared.

Conclusion

Exercise therapy is effective in reducing pain, enhancing muscle strength, and improving knee function in ACL surgery patients. These findings underscore the importance of integrating tailored exercise therapies into rehabilitation programs.

Systematic review registration number

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier registration number. CRD42023476653.
Seaweed and yeast extracts as sustainable phytostimulant to boost secondary metabolism of apricot fruits
Authors: Gatti Noemi , Maghrebi Moez , Serio Graziella , Gentile Carla , Bunea Victor V. , Vigliante Ivano , Boitte Camille , Garabello Christian , Contartese Valeria , Bertea Cinzia M. , Mannino Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

In our study, we investigated the effects of Expando, a commercial biostimulant derived from seaweed and yeast extracts, on the secondary metabolism of Lady cot and Orange prima apricot cultivars. Notably, treatments with or 5.0 L/ha of Expando improved fruit uniformity and harvests synchronization, providing agronomic benefits. Expando positively influenced the biosynthesis of essential bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins in both apricot pulp and peel, as validated by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. These metabolic enhancements translated into significantly increased total antioxidant activity, particularly evident in the peel samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed distinct effects of the 5.0 and 4.0 L/ha treatments, distinguishing them from lower doses and the control group. Our findings emphasize the potential of Expando to enhance the phytochemical profile of apricot fruits, positioning biostimulants as pivotal tools for improving fruit quality and sustainability in agriculture. Expando offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to enhancing crop yield and nutritional value, representing a significant step towards more resilient and environmentally conscious farming practices. Further research is needed to explore its broader implications and optimize application strategies for commercial orchards.
Sensor-controlled fertigation management for higher yield and quality in greenhouse hydroponic strawberries
Authors: Hutchinson George Kerrigan , Nguyen Lan Xuan , Rubio Ames Zilfina , Nemali Krishna , Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz
Published: January 2025

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) production has experienced a growth in popularity in recent years, particularly in North America. One of the most common growing systems in CEA strawberry production is the soilless hydroponic system, which uses an inert substrate and nutrient solution to grow the plants. There are several strategies for water management in substrates, and most are based on a rigid schedule rather than variable plant water requirements over time. Comprehensive comparisons among the different strategies are lacking because they are often associated with complicated evapotranspiration models. The use of soil moisture sensors coupled with automated controllers that apply water when the substrate moisture drops below a set threshold has been proven efficient for select ornamental crops and citrus nursery crops but not for strawberries yet. This study aimed to compare various fertigation management strategies and, considering both yield and resource use, determine the optimal strategy for two newly released strawberry cultivars. ‘Florida Brilliance’ and ‘Florida Beauty’ were grown in a greenhouse hydroponic system under six different fertigation management strategies: one timer-based, one leaching fraction-based, and four sensor-based strategies that automatically applied fertilizer solution to maintain a constant volumetric water content threshold (0.36, 0.30, 0.225, or 0.15 m3·m-3). Yield and resource use were quantified during the 129-day experiment, and plants were harvested at the end of the experiment to measure biomass and foliar nutrients. The yield was used to calculate the water and energy use efficiencies for each strategy. Considering yield and resource use efficiencies, the two drier constant volumetric water content thresholds (0.225 and 0.15 m3·m-3) and the leaching fraction-based strategy had optimal performance. The results of this experiment can aid growers in employing more efficient fertigation management strategies to increase crop quality and reduce resource use for CEA strawberry production.
Comprehensive review of mapping climate change impacts on tea cultivation: bibliometric and content analysis of trends, influences, adaptation strategies, and future directions
Authors: Ali Abaker Omer Altyeb , Zhang Chun-Hua , Liu Jie , Shan Zhi-guo
Published: January 2025

Climate change has a profound impact on tea cultivation, posing significant challenges to yield, quality, and sustainability due to stressors such as drought, temperature fluctuations, and elevated CO₂ levels. This study aims to address these challenges by identifying and synthesizing key themes, influential contributions, and effective adaptation strategies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on tea production. A systematic bibliometric and content analysis was conducted on 328 peer-reviewed documents (2004–2023), following the PRISMA methodology. Performance analysis using Bibliometrix examined trends in publication output, leading contributors, and geographical distribution, while science mapping with VOSviewer revealed collaboration networks and thematic clusters. A detailed review of highly cited studies highlighted the primary climate variables affecting tea cultivation and identified innovative adaptation strategies, as well as critical knowledge gaps. The results show significant progress in understanding the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of tea plants to climate-induced stressors, including antioxidant mechanisms, secondary metabolite regulation, and genomic adaptations. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly regarding the combined effects of multiple stressors, long-term adaptation strategies, and the socioeconomic implications of climate change. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches that integrate molecular, ecological, and socioeconomic research to address these issues. This study provides a solid foundation for guiding future research, fostering innovative adaptation strategies, and informing policy interventions to ensure sustainable tea production in a changing climate.
Exploration of neurometabolic alterations in adolescent patients with bipolar depression and non-suicidal self-injury based on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Chengji , Qu Yuan , Shen Xiaoqin , Tang Xiaoxiao , Tong Gaiyu , Wati Meier , Naibi Manzeremu , Zhang Cheng , Zou Shaohong
Published: January 2025

Background

Adolescent bipolar depression (ABD) refers to depressive episodes that arise in adolescent patients with bipolar disorder. Its identification and diagnosis are challenging, and it is characterized by a high rate of misdiagnosis and disability. Studies have revealed that patients with ABD are more prone to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) compared to those with unipolar depression. However, the neuropathophysiological mechanisms behind NSSI in ABD remain unclear. Therefore, this study employed proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) technology to investigate the potential relationship between NSSI and neurometabolism in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) of patients with ABD.

Methods

This study compared brain biochemical metabolism between ABD with and without NSSI. Forty ABD were recruited and divided into groups with (n=21) and without NSSI (n=19). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to detect the ratio of biochemical metabolites in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) of all patients.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the age, gender, only child status, residential status, education level, age of onset, disease course, family history, and 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score between patients in the NSSI group and those without NSSI group. The N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) of patients with NSSI was lower than that of patients without NSSI, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=-4.347,P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in choline (Cho)/Cr and myo-inositol (mI)/Cr between the group with NSSI and the group without NSSI (P>0.05).There is a positive correlation (r=0.703,P<0.00625) between Cho/Cr and HAMD scores in patients with NSSI, while there is a varying degree of negative correlation (r=-0.605,P=0.006;r=0.624,P=0.004) between mI/Cr and age and onset age in patients without NSSI. There is no correlation (P>0.05) between other indicators.

Conclusion

Compared with ABD without NSSI, ABD with NSSI have reduced NAA/Cr metabolism in the vmPFC brain area. The level of membrane phospholipid breakdown metabolism in the vmPFC brain area of ABD with NSSI may be related to the severity of depression. The level of phosphoinositol cycle in the vmPFC brain area of ABD without NSSI may be related to age or onset age. Therefore, further validation was required.
Reproducibility and concordance of functional autonomy tests in older adult women: a comparative study of face-to-face and virtual assessments
Authors: Siqueira Talles M. , Pitta Rafael M. , Machado Alexandre F. , Scartoni Fabiana R. , Rica Roberta L. , Pontes Junior Francisco Luciano , Bullo Valentina , Gobbo Stefano , Bergamin Marco , Bocalini Danilo S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The literature does not explore functional assessments carried out remotely and in older women in virtual environments.

Objective

This study analyzed the reproducibility and agreement in applying functional autonomy tests face to face (FF) and virtually (V).

Methods

A single evaluator carried out two evaluations. The following tests were performed: walking 10 m, rising from the sitting position (RSP), rising from the ventral decubitus position (RVDP), and sitting and rising from a chair and walking around the house (SRCW).

Results

No significant changes were identified between V and FF (p > 0.05 for all). No significant changes were identified between tests considering FF and V conditions (p > 0.05 for all). The highest value for the intraclass correlation coefficient was <0.0001 for the SRCW (CL, r = 0.98 CI95%: 0.969–0.990 and ICC, r = 0.99 CI95%: 0.984–0.995), and the lowest was <0.0001 for the RSP (CL, r = 0.91 CI95%: 0.853–0.954 and ICC, r = 0.95 CI95%: 0.921–0.976). Regarding agreement between tests, a variation was found between the lowest value of 0.07 ± 0.74 BIAS for the RVDP and the highest value of 0.32 ± 1.89 BIAS for the SRCW.

Conclusion

The tests used in the present study showed good reproducibility and agreement in older people when carried out face to face and virtually.
Poor quality care in healthcare settings: an overlooked epidemic
Authors: Kumah Augustine
Published: January 2025

Adverse events in healthcare settings, including medical errors, healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and surgical complications, have been a persistent challenge globally, contributing significantly to patient morbidity and mortality. Over the past decade, these events have remained prevalent despite increasing efforts to improve patient safety. This narrative literature review explores the burden of poor-quality care. It examines the trends in adverse events and associated mortalities from 2015 to 2024, highlighting the impact of these events on global health outcomes and identifying potential strategies for reducing their occurrence. Data were collected from various sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Ebscohost. The analysis revealed that ~10%−12% of hospitalized patients in high-income countries experienced adverse events annually from 2015 to 2024. Globally, the WHO estimated that 134 million adverse events occurred each year, with ~2.6 million deaths attributed to these events. Adverse events in healthcare settings remain a significant public health challenge, contributing to millions of preventable deaths annually. The persistence of these events highlights systemic issues within healthcare delivery, including inadequate safety protocols, underreporting, and workforce challenges.
In-depth study of the nutritional composition, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, molecular docking interactions, and toxicological evaluation of Abies marocana Trab. woody biomass
Authors: Zirari Malak , Aouji Marouane , Baghdad Wissal , Er-rajy Mohammed , Imtara Hamada , Abujaber Feras , Elharrati Otmane , Noman Omar M. , Tarayrah Mahmoud , Hmouni Driss , Mejdoub Nouredine El
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Morocco is renowned for its rich plant biodiversity, although many plants are underutilized. Consequently, the present study was conducted to assess the nutritional composition, bioactive constituents, antioxidant properties, and acute oral toxicity of Abies marocana's woody biomass.

Methods

The nutritional value of the twigs and cones was determined using the AOAC method, while mineral components were examined through ICP-OES. To search for phytochemicals in the methanolic extracts, a number of established techniques were applied, and evaluate their antioxidant activity, while the volatile content was determined using the GC-MS method. The acute oral toxicity test was carried out following the guidelines of OECD 423.

Results and discussion

Proximate analysis revealed a variety of components in different parts, including moisture, ash, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Cones and twigs were found to be rich in mineral elements, as well as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols. Chromatographic analysis identified linoleic acid as the main component in twig extract and 2-Bornanone as the primary constituent in cone extract. The methanolic extracts of A. marocana displayed strong antioxidant properties through notable DPPH scavenging activity, with no mortality observed in rats even at doses exceeding 1,000 mg.kg−1, indicating potential for medicinal, cosmetic, or dietary uses. A molecular docking study of the five main compounds of both plants showed that they aligned and interacted with the binding sites of selected proteins, demonstrating significant antioxidant activity.
Imitating Human Go Players via Vision Transformer
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Heng , Kao Chen-Chun , Yuan Shyan-Ming
Published: January 2025

Developing AI algorithms for the game of Go has long been a challenging task. While tools such as AlphaGo have revolutionized gameplay, their focus on maximizing win rates often leads to moves that are incomprehensible to human players, limiting their utility as training aids. This work introduces a novel approach to bridge this gap by leveraging a Vision Transformer (ViT) to develop an AI model that achieves professional-level play while mimicking human decision-making. Using a dataset from the KGS Go server, our ViT-based model achieves 51.49% accuracy in predicting expert moves with a simple feature set. Comparative analysis against CNN-based models highlights the ViT’s superior performance in capturing patterns and replicating expert strategies. These findings establish ViTs as promising tools for enhancing Go training by aligning AI strategies with human intuition.
Coupling Agricultural Green Development and Park City Development: An Empirical Analysis from Chengdu, China
Authors: Dai Xiaowen , Li Yao , Qi Ying , Chen Yi , Yan Danti , Xia Keying , He Siyu , He Yanqiu
Published: January 2025

The development of park cities is an important exploration for better satisfying people’s aspirations for a better life, promoting sustainable social development, and advancing the transformation of green ecological values. As a basic industry for sustainable development, the combination of agriculture and urban development is an important way to build an ecological civilization. Clarifying the relationship between a park city and green development of agriculture is of great significance to the construction of a green base and ecological system of the city, sustainable development of agriculture, and integrated development of urban and rural areas. Chengdu is a mega-city in western China, and the Chengdu-led park city development program is unique in Chinese urban development. Chengdu’s park city development is a pioneering example of urban ecological civilization construction. Taking Chengdu as an example and combining the data of other prefecture-level cities in Sichuan, this study explored the correlation and interaction between agricultural green development (AGD) and park city development (PCD) in Chengdu and other prefecture-level cities in Sichuan from 2011 to 2022 based on the coupling coordination degree, gray correlation degree, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. The results showed the following: (1) Based on the entropy method, the level of AGD in Chengdu rises from 0.353 in 2011 to 0.537 in 2022, and the level of PCD rises from 0.368 to 0.826. The level of AGD and the level of PCD as a whole show an upward trend. (2) The degree of coupling and coordination between the PCD and AGD levels rises from 0.600 to 0.816, realizing the leap from coordination to good coordination, and the degree of coupling has been at a high level. (3) Based on the grey correlation degree, in the process of the influence of AGD on the PCD, the correlation degree of the influencing factors of each indicator is basically above 0.5, and each influencing factor has a strong contribution to the level of the PCD. (4) Spatial self-analysis shows that the coupling coordination degree of AGD and PCD in a region is affected by the neighboring region. Therefore, we believe that AGD plays a more obvious role in driving and radiating PCD and that it can effectively promote the economic, social, and ecological upgrading in the process of PCD.
Mitigating the Negative Impact of Certain Erosion Events: Development and Verification of Innovative Agricultural Machinery
Authors: Krajíček Tomáš , Marada Petr , Horák Ivo , Cukor Jan , Skoták Vlastimil , Winkler Jan , Dumbrovský Miroslav , Jurčík Radek , Los Josef
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to solve the problem of erosion sediment that negatively affects the quality of fallowed soil through the development of a new type of agricultural machinery. The transported erosion sediment will be quantified locally to evaluate the danger of these negative effects on the fallowed soil and on the functionality of the grass cover. Subsequently, a new type of machinery will be proposed for the remediation of eroded sediment and conservation of the fallowed soil. In various fallow research areas with different management methods (such as biobelts, grassed valleys, and grassed waterways), agricultural land affected by eroded sediment was examined, and appropriate machinery was designed to rehabilitate the stands after erosion events. By identifying the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, as well as the eroded and deposited sediment/colluvium, the shape, material, attachment method, and assembly of the working tool for the relevant mobile energy device were designed. The developed tool, based on a plow–carry system using a tractor, features flexible tools that separate the eroded sediment from the fallow land surface, transfer it over a short distance, and accumulate it in a designated area to facilitate subsequent removal with minimal damage to the herbaceous vegetation. The calculated erosion event was 196.9 m3 (179.0 m3 ha−1), corresponding to 295 tons (268.5 t ha−1) deposited from the area of 90 ha. Afterward, the proposed machinery was evaluated for the cost of the removal of the eroded sediment. Based on experience from the field, we calculated that 174 m3 per engine hour results in EUR 0.22 m−3. From the performed experiment, it is evident that the proposed machinery offers a suitable solution for eroded sediment removal locally, which prevents further erosion and subsequent sediment deposition in water bodies where the costs for sediment removal are higher. Moreover, we have proven the potential negative impact of invasive plant species because their seeds were stored in the sediment. Finally, it is credible to state that the proposed agricultural machinery offers an effective solution for the eroded sediment relocation, which subsequently can be used for other purposes and monetized. This results in an increase in the profitability of the erosion sediment removal process, which is already in place at the source before further transportation to aquatic systems where the costs for removal are significantly higher.
Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Improves Growth Performance and Protects Against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress to the Liver and Intestine in Weaned Hyla Rabbits
Authors: Gong Maohua , Liu Lei , Li Fuchang , Chen Jiali
Published: January 2025

Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on the growth performance of weaned Hyla rabbits and explore its protective effects against oxidative stress in the liver and intestine by establishing a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress model. In Exp.1, ninety-six weaned rabbits were used to evaluate the effects of dietary GSPE level on growth performance, and the results showed that a 400 mg/kg GSPE addition increased the feed conversion ratio and liver coefficient and promoted cholesterol metabolism. Exp.2 was conducted to explore the H2O2 concentration required to establish an oxidative stress model, indicating that the model could be established by an intraperitoneal injection of 10% H2O2 at a dosage of 1 mL/kg body weight. In Exp.3, seventy-two weaned rabbits were used to investigate the protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the liver and intestine. Our findings showed that 400 mg/kg GSPE supplementation could alleviate the adverse effects of H2O2 injection on the antioxidant capacity in the liver and intestine as well as liver morphology. Therefore, an addition of 400 mg/kg GSPE could improve growth performance and alleviate H2O2-induced adverse effects on the liver and small intestine by enhancing the antioxidative capacity in weaned Hyla rabbits.
A Review of the Monitoring Techniques Used to Detect Oestrus in Sows
Authors: Glencorse Dannielle , Grupen Christopher G. , Bathgate Roslyn
Published: January 2025

The agricultural industries have embraced the use of technologies as they improve efficiency and food security. The pork industry is no exception to this, as monitoring techniques and artificial intelligence allow for unprecedented capacity to track the physiological and behavioural condition of individual animals. This article reviews a range of those technologies in reference to the detection of oestrus in sows, a time when the ability to precisely ascertain physiological and behavioural changes associated with fluctuating hormone levels can have an immense impact on the economic profitability of the farm. The strengths and weaknesses of each technique from a practical application perspective are discussed, followed by considerations for further research and refinement.
Transcriptomic Analysis Provides New Insights into Oocyte Growth and Maturation in Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili)
Authors: Yang Jiahui , Ru Xiaoying , Huang Yang , Wu Jinhui , Yang Tonglin , Chen Peipei , Li Jin , Zhu Kunfeng , Zhu Chunhua
Published: January 2025

The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is an emerging marine fish that is increasingly favored in aquaculture. Currently, there are few studies on the development and regulation of greater amberjack ovaries. In this study, the ovary transcriptome profiles of greater amberjack at three different stages (stage II, III, and IV) were performed, and identified the genes and pathways that may play significant roles in the processes of follicle growth and maturation. A total of 6597, and 1061 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in FII vs. FIII, FIII vs. FIV, and FII vs. FIV stages, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that these DEGS are primarily involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis (e.g., cyp11a1, cyp17a1, cyp19a1a, hsd3b1, esr1), lipid metabolism (e.g., plpp3, lpl, pld1, and fabp10a), and meiotic arrest and resumption (e.g., pgr, arb, ccnd2, adcy2, adcy9, myl9, calm1). Additionally, several signaling pathways involved in ovarian development have been identified, including the PI3K-Akt, Wnt, TGF-beta, GnRH, and immune-related signaling pathways. qPCR results of nine representative genes related to steroid hormone synthesis and cell growth verified the reliability of the generated RNA-seq data. This research contributes to our comprehension of the molecular processes underlying ovarian growth and maturation in marine fishes and provides a theoretical basis for the investigation of functional genes associated with oogenesis in greater amberjack.