bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between oxidation balance score and abdominal aortic calcification, and the mediating role of glycohemoglobin: a nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES
Authors: Liu Heqian , Wu Yifei , Liu Zhenyu , Ren Hongzhi , Wu Ya , Liu Yong
Published: January 2025

Background

Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is prevalent among middle-aged and elderly populations, elevating the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Leveraging data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we conducted a nationally representative cross-sectional study. Our aim was to evaluate whether subjective interventions could influence AAC scores by modifying the antioxidant/pro-oxidant status of individuals and to investigate the role of glycohemoglobin in this relationship.

Methods

The study analyzed data from 1,600 U.S. adults. The study used oxidation balance score (OBS) as an exposure variable derived from 16 dietary and 4 lifestyle factors, as well as glycohemoglobin obtained from blood tests. The main outcome measure was AAC, which was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorption and quantified by Kauppila scoring system.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the 1,600 patients was 56.53 (10.90) years, with a female predominance (50.22%). According to weighted linear regressions not adjusted for covariates, the AAC scores were lower in the third and fourth quartile groups of OBS than in the first quartile group of OBS (Q3: coefficients [coef], −0.92 [95% CI, −1.64 to-0.20], p = 0.017; Q4: coefficients [coef], −0.97 [95% CI, −1.86 ~ −0.08; p < 0.035]). According to the weighted linear regression subgroup analyses, there were no significant OBS-AAC correlations among males (p > 0.05), but there were significant correlations among females (p < 0.05). Smooth fitting curves showed a more significant trend of change in the negative correlation between OBS and AAC scores in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women. In further mediation analyses, glycohemoglobin was identified as a mediator of the relationship between the oxidative balance score and AAC.

Conclusion

This study revealed a significant negative correlation between OBS and AAC scores, particularly in postmenopausal women. The negative correlation between OBS and AAC is partly mediated by glycohemoglobin.
Development and cross-validation of predictive equations for fat-free mass estimation by bioelectrical impedance analysis in Brazilian subjects with overweight and obesity
Authors: Masset Kalina Veruska Da Silva Bezerra , Silva Analiza M. , Ferrari Gerson , Cabral Breno Guilherme De Araújo Tinoco , Dantas Paulo Moreira Silva , Da Costa Roberto Fernandes
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Obesity is a public health problem worldwide, and body composition assessment is a very important diagnostic tool. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a fast, non-invasive, relatively low-cost, and user-friendly technique; however, to obtain greater validity of the estimates, the predictive equations used must be population specific. Thus, the objectives of this study were: (1) to test the validity of four BIA equations used for fat-free mass (FFM) estimation and one model for fat mass (FM) estimation in adults with overweight or obesity; (2) develop and cross-validate new equations to estimate FFM to adults with overweight or obesity, and specific for those with obesity.

Methods

The non-probabilistic sample included 269 individuals, 53.2% with overweight and 46.8% with obesity, aged 18–79 years, randomly divided into two groups: development (n = 178) and cross-validation (n = 91), stratified by sex and classification as overweight or obese. The criterion technique was dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), whereas a tetrapolar single-frequency BIA equipment was used as the alternative method. Paired t-test, multiple regression, concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman analysis were used.

Results

Most existing equations were not valid and new equations were derived: (1) for individuals with overweight or obesity: CCC = 0.982; r2 = 0.95; standard error of estimate (SEE) = 2.50 kg; limits of agreement (LOA) = -5.0 to 4.8; and (2) specific for individuals with obesity: CCC = 0.968; r2 = 0.94; SEE = 2.53 kg; LOA = -5.3 to 5.2. No FFM differences were observed between the new models and the reference method (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The new proposed models provide valid options to estimate FFM in an adult population with overweight/obesity.
The diagnostic performance of International Ovarian Tumor Analysis: Simple Rules for diagnosing ovarian tumors—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gareeballah Awadia , Gameraddin Moawia , Alshoabi Sultan Abdulwadoud , Alsaedi Amirah , Elzaki Maisa , Alsharif Walaa , Daoud Ibrahim Mohamed , Aldahery Shrooq , Alelyani Magbool , AbdElrahim Elrashed , Alhazmi Fahad H. , Hamd Zuhal Y. , Ahmed Abouraida Raga , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Adam Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Adnexal masses are a common health issue in gynecology; the challenge lies in the differential diagnosis of these masses. The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules (IOTA-SR) offers the first scoring system to aid in diagnosis. It is based on a set of five ultrasound imaging features indicative of a malignant ovarian tumor and five features indicative of a benign tumor. This review aims to assess the diagnostic performance of IOTA-SR for classifying ovarian tumors as benign or malignant.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The terminologies “IOTA-SR”, “adnexal, mass”, and “ovarian tumors scoring” were employed. Twenty-seven research articles conducted from 2008 to 2022 were included in the meta-analysis; the publication outcome indicates that performance quality tests were extracted directly or indirectly, including true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN), and false negative (FN). The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the study quality and estimate the risk of bias. After estimating the pooled effect of the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was estimated using the bivariate random effects model. Utilizing Cochran’s Q statistics and Higgins’s inconsistency test through the I2 index for pooled analysis, the heterogeneity of studies was quantitatively evaluated. The funnel plot and Egger’s test were utilized to visually and quantitatively evaluate potential publication bias.

Results

Among 27 studies, including 7,841 adnexal masses, the results of this meta-analysis showed excellent diagnostic performance with a pooled sensitivity of 92% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89–0.94] and a pooled specificity of 92% (95% CI, 0.89–0.94). The IOTA-SR was applicable in 85.7% of adnexal masses.

Conclusion

The IOTA-SR is highly effective in the presurgical differentiation of malignant versus benign adnexal masses when applied by an expert ultrasonography operator.
Dual-positive gastric cancer: an extremely malignant subtype of gastric cancer with high serum alpha-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations
Authors: Xie Weixun , Hu Chengyu , Liu Hongming , Wu Zelai , Luo Bixian , Wu Xiaoying , Tuo Chuanlei , Deng Ziyin , Liang Han , Liu Yong , Gong Weihua
Published: January 2025

Background

Alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a highly malignant subtype of gastric cancer, but solely alpha-fetoprotein may fail to accurately predict the prognosis. Although the utilization of multi tumor markers could improve stratified patient management, such research in AFPGC is still blank. This study seeks to evaluate whether combining multiple tumor markers can enhance risk stratification and identify AFPGC subtypes with poor prognosis.

Methods

We first screened for patients with elevated serum CEA levels within the AFPGC cohort and evaluated their prognosis. Tumor characteristics and overall health conditions were analyzed to identify factors contributing to CEA elevation. Finally, the treatment responses of this group to different treatment modalities were also reviewed.

Results

Approximately 45% of gastric cancer patients with elevated serum AFP also show increased CEA levels, classifying them as the dual-positive gastric cancer (DPGC) subgroup. These patients exhibit significantly shorter overall survival, heightened metastasis risk, and are more susceptible to systemic inflammation, immune response dysregulation, malnutrition, and cancer-related thrombosis. The elevation in serum CEA levels may indicate gastric cancer liver metastasis and increased neutrophils. While surgery is optimal for AFPGC, DPGC patients benefit significantly from immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy.

Conclusions

In AFPGC, combining serum AFP and CEA offers a more accurate prognosis. The poor prognosis in DPGC may be associated with aggressive local properties and systemic complications. Liver metastases and increased neutrophils are associated with increased serum CEA in AFPGC. Immunochemotherapy is a viable option for DPGC patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Case report: Short-course hypofractionated radiation therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of advanced ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Wan Xinan , Fang Mingxing , Yuan Le , Zhang Hang , Wang Dan
Published: January 2025

Background

Ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of ovarian epithelial carcinoma that is resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy and has a poor prognosis, and there is no standard treatment plan for patients for whom multiline treatment has failed.

Case presentation

oma with FIGO stage IVB disease who was sequentially treated with paclitaxel liposomes+carboplatin, 5-Fu+CF+oxaliplatin, capecitabine+oxaliplatin, bevacizumab+FOLFOX4, S-1, and bevacizumab+oxaliplatin+raltitrexed chemotherapy. After the progression of the disease, a combination of short-course hypofractionated radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors was used. The radiotherapy target area was the metastatic lymph nodes in the right posterior part of the hepatic artery, with a radiation dose of 30 Gy/10 F. Camrelizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, was administered intravenously every three weeks at a dose of 200 mg each time. The therapeutic effect was significant, with CA125 levels within the normal range. Metastatic lymph nodes disappeared from the abdominal cavity. The therapeutic effect achieved a complete response (CR). Currently, CA125 levels are within the normal range, and abdominal CT reveals no tumor recurrence or metastasis. The duration of response (DoR) reached over four years.

Conclusion

Ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma is a rare tumor with poor treatment efficacy and poor prognosis. Short-course hypofractionated radiation therapy combined with PD-1 inhibitors may be an effective and safe treatment strategy.
Prevalence and predictors of short stature in children aged 3–18 years in Hainan Province, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yan Mi , Qin Yingying , Li Hongai , Huang Chuican , Li Haidan , Liu Li , Cai Yuhua , Fan Lichun , Xiang Wei , Huang Xiaoyan
Published: January 2025

Background

Short stature is a global health-related problem and remains to be evaluated in children in Hainan Province. The present study was conducted to investigate the associated factors with short-stature in children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a staged, cluster random sampling method. A total of 26,189 children aged 3–18 years, originating from 18 cities and counties in Hainan Province, to determine the prevalence of short stature. Additionally, these children were selected for a thorough analysis of associated factors.

Results

The crude prevalence of short stature was 2.88%, and the standard prevalence was (after adding weights) 3.01%. Children's short stature was significantly related to seven factors: area, birth weight, body mass index z score (BAZ), maternal education, family income (RMB per year), frequency of bean intake and frequency of egg intake. A nomogram model of factors associated with short stature was constructed. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.698 (95% CI: 0.679–0.716).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that birth weight, BAZ, dietary habits, and family-related factors were strongly correlated with short stature in children in Hainan Province.
Use of rituximab in mature, high-grade and advanced-stage pediatric B-lineage non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a systematic review, meta-analysis and the Brazilian reality
Authors: Castro Alejandra Adriana Cardoso de , Oliveira Liana Alves de , Andrade Diancarlos Pereira de , Carbone Edna Kakitani , Rosati Roberto
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Rituximab is a valuable agent for treating adult B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), and several studies have tested its efficacy in children with mature, high-grade B-NHL. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the use of rituximab in children and adolescents with high-grade mature B-NHL and to conduct a meta-analysis of the evidence. Since access to this medication in public health systems in low- and middle-income countries is complex, we were also interested in mapping access to it in Brazil.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the survival of pediatric patients with mature, high-grade and advanced-stage B-NHL treated with rituximab in combination with chemotherapy in first-line treatment or later. Patients' access to the medication was evaluated through a questionnaire sent to oncologists in Brazilian pediatric oncology centers.

Results

We selected 17 trials, which were subsequently grouped by disease type and line of therapy. In patients receiving first-line treatment, excluding those with primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), the use of rituximab resulted in (1) better event-free survival [Hazard Ratio of 0.37 (0.22, 0.61); p < 0.01]; (2) a reduced risk of events [odds ratio of 0.44 (0.26–0.76); p = 0.003]; and (3) a reduced risk of death [odds ratio of 0.44 (0.21–0.89); p = 0.02]. In refractory or relapsed (R/R) patients, rituximab use was associated with a decreased chance of death [odds ratio of 0.25 (0.09–0.75); p = 0.01]. Additionally, our survey included 31 Brazilian centers, 63% of which reported bearing the cost of rituximab.

Conclusion

Rituximab improves outcomes in pediatric patients receiving first-line treatment for high-grade B-NHL (except PBML) and overall survival in R/R patients. However, access to rituximab in Brazilian hospitals is currently dependent on centers supporting its economic burden.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO (CRD42021292912).
Nicotine’s impact on platelet function: insights into hemostasis mechanisms
Authors: Wu Xiayu , Liu Yongjun , Zou Changhao , He Fuqin , Guo Fang , Liu Sijia , Fan Yi , Zhu Xuedong , Zhou Qianyi , Shu Dan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Traditional Miao and Dai Chinese medicines have used nicotine-rich leaf tobacco to treat traumatic injuries by promoting hemostasis. While nicotine is known to enhance platelet aggregation, its effects on other platelet functions and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods and Results

This study aimed to thoroughly investigate nicotine’s effects on human platelets and its pharmacological mechanisms, using thromboelastography to assess nicotine’s impact on platelet function during coagulation. This study aimed to investigate the functional effects of nicotine on human platelets and elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms. The impact of nicotine on platelet function during the coagulation process was assessed using thromboelastography. Further studies showed that nicotine fully activates washed platelets, promoting aggregation, granule release, adhesion, spreading, and plaque retraction. Concurrently, nicotine was found to enhance the intracellular concentration of calcium ions in platelets ([Ca2+]i). To explore the underlying mechanisms, molecular docking software was employed to identify the platelet membrane receptors PAR1 and PAR4, which exhibited the highest docking scores with nicotine. Intervention with two receptor inhibitors demonstrated that only the PAR4 inhibitor could reverse the stimulatory effects of nicotine on platelet granule release. Through the examination of alterations in the downstream signaling pathways of PAR4 receptors, it was determined that nicotine promo-facilitates the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and ERK1/2 proteins, subsequently contributing to the activation of αIIbβ3 receptors in platelets. Conversely, the application of PAR4 inhibitors was found to reverse these effects.

Discussion

In conclusion, nicotine activates αIIbβ3 receptors and significantly enhances platelet function by promoting the phosphorylation of the platelet PAR4 receptor signaling pathway. These findings suggest the potential utility of nicotine as a hemostatic agent.
The prediction of X2B6 monolayers with ultrahigh carrier mobility
Authors: Du Xiuzhi , Huang Zhaoming
Published: January 2025

Two-dimensional (2D) materials present novel electronic and catalytic performances, showing a promising application as nano-device. In this investigation, a family of 2D material, X2B6 (X = K, Na and Rb), is predicted with puckered crystal structure by elemental mutation method. The dynamic and thermal stability of the X2B6 monolayer is addressed. The anisotropic mechanical properties of the X2B6 monolayer is obtained by the Young’s modulus (296–406 N/m) and the Poisson’s ratio (0.36–0.35). Interestingly, the K2B6 and Rb2B6 monolayers demonstrate a metallic band structure, while the Na2B6 monolayer is a semiconductor with an ultra-narrow bandgap only about 0.42 eV. Then, the ultra-high electron mobility in the Na2B6 monolayer is calculated as about 9942 cm2.V−1.s−1, and the excellent optical performance of the Na2B6 monolayer is also addressed. More importantly, the advantageous catalytic activity in hydrogen evolution reduction (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) is explored in these X2B6 monolayers. Our work suggests a theoretical guidance to use the X2B6 monolayer as a high-speed electronic devices and highly efficient catalyst.
Sexual dimorphism for juvenile body weight in chickens divergently selected for 8-week body weight
Authors: Siegel Paul B. , Honaker Christa F.
Published: January 2025

There is a dearth of literature on the genetics of sexual dimorphism for juvenile body weight in meat-type chickens given its biological and economic relevance. Herein, we report the sexual dimorphism for 4- and 8-week body weights in White Plymouth Rock chicken lines that have undergone 67 generations of selection. Fluctuations in the degree of dimorphism occurred across generations, with greater dimorphism and less variation at 8 weeks than 4 weeks. Over the 67 generations, there was a significant decrease in the degree of dimorphism in the high line, with no changes in the low line. It is very difficult to genetically modify sexual dimorphism in a particular population using the currently available conventional tools, and nature possesses homeostatic mechanisms that maintain stasis in a population.
The grapevine ABC transporter B family member 15 is a trans-resveratrol transporter out of grapevine cells
Authors: Martínez-Márquez Ascensión , Martins Viviana , Sellés-Marchart Susana , Gerós Hernâni , Corchete Purificación , Bru-Martínez Roque
Published: January 2025

Stilbenes, particularly trans-resveratrol, play a highly relevant defense role in grapevines as phytoalexin is induced in response to stress. Metabolism and transport of stilbenes can be conveniently investigated in grapevine cell culture since large amounts of trans-resveratrol are accumulated in the extracellular medium upon treatment with the elicitor methylated cyclodextrin, either alone or combined with methyl jasmonate. A proteomic approach on grapevine cell membrane fractions was performed to find trans-resveratrol transporter candidates. The candidate VvABCB15 was functionally characterized. Its stable expression in both yeast and Silybum marianum cells’ heterologous systems led to increased trans-resveratrol transport in these hosts. Transient expression in Vitis cells showed an enhanced absorbent- or elicitor-assisted accumulation of extracellular trans-resveratrol in VvABCB15-expressing or VvGSTU10/VvABCB15-co-expressing cell suspension cultures. Experiments of transient expression in Vitis cell suspensions using light-switchable stilbene synthase (pHYH::VvSTS3) and VvABCB15 further confirmed the candidate’s role as a trans-resveratrol transporter. VvABCB15-YFP fusion proteins in Nicotiana leaf showed localization in the plasma membrane, consistent with a functional role in trans-resveratrol transport. This is the first report to provide evidence for the involvement of an ABC transporter B type, VvABCB15, in trans-resveratrol transport to the extracellular medium of grapevine cells.
Development of a rapid detection technology system for noxious plants based on a novel isothermal amplification technique
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xu Han , Liu Mengdi , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2025

Noxious plants pose a significant threat to human and livestock health, as well as to the safety of agricultural and forestry ecosystems. Accurate and rapid identification of these plants is crucial for risk prevention. This paper explores for the first time the development and application of a rapid detection technology for noxious plants based on a novel isothermal amplification technique. We targeted the seeds, leaves, and grain impurities of four major noxious weeds: Amaranthus palmeri, the A.tuberculatus complex, Rhaponticum repens, and Euphrosyne xanthiifolia, we designed and screened primers and probes suitable for this isothermal amplification method, determined their limit of detection, optimized the genomic DNA extraction methods, and verified the method. We developed genomic DNA extraction methods for single tissue components of plant seeds and leaves, as well as for mixed tissue components. Ultimately, we established standardized detection protocols for different tissue forms of each species, significantly enhancing detection efficiency. This study enables the detection positive samples in seeds or leaves within 10 to 15 minutes and positive samples from mixtures within 12 to 18 minutes. The entire process, from sample collection, genomic DNA preparation to reaction completion, takes approximately 35 minutes. This detection technology, which marks the first development of an isothermal amplification-based method for noxious plants, meets the needs for on-site rapid testing, aiding in the timely identification of risks and the implementation of corresponding prevention and control measures.
Straw return was more beneficial to improving saline soil quality and crop productivity than biochar in the short term
Authors: Cong Ping , Song Jiashen , Dong Jianxin , Su Wenyan , Feng Wenhao , Zhang Hongyuan
Published: January 2025

Salinized soil often exhibits high salt content and low nutrient availability, leading to the reduction of soil ecosystem function and crop productivity. Although straw return has profound effects on saline soil improvement, how soil quality index (SQI), soil ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), and crop yield respond to different organic ameliorants remain unclear. Herein, a field experiment was established to explore the influence of various straw management strategies (no organic ameliorant, CK; corn straw return, CS; and corn straw biochar return; CB) on the saline soil functions and crop productivity. In relation to CK and CB, CS significantly improved SQI by 52% and 35%, respectively. This may be due to the decreased soil salt (especially soluble Na+) and increased available nutrients under corn straw return. Furthermore, CS increased soil EMF than CK by 71% and CB by 39%, which was caused by the increased activities of 1,4-β-glucosidase, β-1,4-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, and leucine aminopeptidase. The linear model further supported that soil enzyme activities are positively related to available nutrient contents and negatively correlated with salt content. Moreover, the crop yield under CS significantly increased by 22% compared to CK. Also, soil quality positively influenced crop yield, with soil salt and available phosphorus being the primary influencing factors. However, crop yield was not sensitive to soil EMF. In summary, straw return was more beneficial to improving soil quality and crop productivity than biochar in the short term in saline soils.
Founding and sustaining grassroots actions in superdiverse neighbourhoods facing socioeconomic challenges: narratives of emergent processes, actions and resources
Authors: Elgenius Gabriella , Phillimore Jenny
Published: January 2025

The study contributes new knowledge about civil society and non-profit action in superdiverse neighbourhoods that face socioeconomic challenges in England and Sweden. Locally based grassroot organisations are of special interest and demonstrate substantial voluntary altruism. Since little is known about the nature of civil society in these conditions, this paper addresses a gap in knowledge using material from interviews with founders and actors of grassroots action and micro-mapping in four neighbourhoods. The analysis draws upon perspectives within Social Sciences to shed light on the offerings of grassroots activity with a particular focus on emergence narratives. Three axes of interest frame the analysis: actors’ motivations, resources and ways of working. In short, actors base their work on lived experiences and a shared vision to mitigate inequalities not addressed by mainstream services. Actors employ a creative use of local resources to achieve shared goals, building on the diversity of local population in innovative ways and developing value-driven assets-based approaches alongside flexible ways of working.
The relationship between work-life balance and psychological well-being: an empirical study of metro rail travelers working in the information technology sector
Authors: Prasad K. D. V. , Rao Mruthyanjaya , Vaidya Rajesh , Sriyogi Kottala , Singh Shivoham , Srinivas Ved
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between work–life balance and the psychological well-being of metro rail travelers working in the information technology sector. The study also examined occupational stress as a pathway between work-life balance and psychological well-being. The study also investigated the impact of occupational stress and work–life balance on the psychological well-being of metro travelers who work in the information technology sector, modeling lower- and higher-order constructs.

Methods

A quantitative survey method was used, and the data were gathered from information technology employees who frequently travel on Metro Rail to commute to the office and return home when the COVID-19 pandemic peaked in India in 2022. A structured questionnaire was developed, and a link was provided to the IT sector employees visiting almost all the metro stations in Hyderabad, an Indian Metro, to measure 8 reflective constructs. The data were gathered via random sampling, and the questionnaires were randomly distributed to the different IT sector companies. The valid responses of 500 participants were analyzed for structural equation modeling. The eight reflective constructs in the study are occupational stress, the 3 constructs of work–life balance—“work interference with personal life, personal life interference with work and work–personal life enhancement”—and the four constructs of psychological well-being autonomy, self-acceptance, positive relations, and environmental mastery.

Results

The SEM results for the lower-order constructs indicate that the impact of occupational stress on psychological well-being was statistically significant (p < 0.005), as were the two constructs of psychological well-being, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). With respect to the impact of the work–life balance constructs, the impacts of the WIPL, WPLE, and PLIW work–life balance constructs were statistically significant (p < 0.05; p < 0.001, respectively) for all four psychological well-being constructs. Occupational stress partially mediated the relationship between work–life balance and psychological well-being, as both the direct and indirect effects were statistically significant when the higher-order constructs work–life balance and psychological well-being were tested. The direct effects of occupational stress and work–life balance on psychological well-being are statistically significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The authors suggest framing policies to mitigate occupational stress and enhance the psychological well-being and work–life balance of employees in the information technology sector.
EFL learners’ motivation and acceptance of using large language models in English academic writing: an extension of the UTAUT model
Authors: Wang Qingran
Published: January 2025

Large language models (LLMs), represented by ChatGPT, are one of the most significant technological breakthroughs in generative AI and have begun to be applied in EFL writing instruction. The advent of LLMs presents both opportunities and challenges for EFL learners, underscoring the importance of empirical evidence on their motivation and acceptance of using LLMs in learning English academic writing. This study recruited 238 participants who had completed one semester of training in using LLMs for business-related English academic writing. Participants answered question items based on the L2 Motivational Self System and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the structural relationships between the variables of motivation, region, previous learning experience, and the UTAUT model. Additionally, the moderating effect of motivation on the relationship between the four UTAUT determinants, behavioral intention, and use behavior was tested. The results show that performance expectancy and social influence significantly affect learners’ behavioral intention to use LLMs. Moreover, motivation proved to be a key factor in shaping both behavioral intention and actual use behavior, highlighting its crucial role in the adoption of technology for learning English academic writing.
The relationship between nightmares and depression in adolescents: the effect of age and anxiety
Authors: Li Yuhang , Duan Xiaorong , Han Le , Liu Ning , Han Xueyang , Su Mingzhu , Yang Tao , He Sha , Liu Rui , Gao Xinyu , Xie Yutong , Jiang Jie , Yang Laiqi , Xie Bin , Zou Xue
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Nightmares and depression are prevalent issues among adolescents. This study explores the relationship between nightmares and depression, focusing on the mediating role of anxiety and the moderating effect of age

Methods

A total of 210 adolescents aged 13 to 24 were surveyed using the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire (NDQ-CV), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). They also underwent niacin skin flushing response (NSFR) testing to explore physiological correlations. A moderated mediation model was applied to assess the relationships between nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between nightmares and NSFR

Results

Nightmares did not directly lead to depression, but anxiety served as a full mediator in this relationship. Age had no significant moderating effect. Additionally, a significant negative correlation between nightmares and NSFR was observed

Conclusion

Nightmares contribute to anxiety, which can lead to depression in adolescents, suggesting that clinicians can identify and intervene with nightmares in adolescents to minimize the onset of psychological disorders. The study also highlights a possible connection between nightmares and NSFR, suggesting further research is needed to understand the physiological mechanisms
Association between internet use and depression among the middle-aged and elderly adults with multimorbidity in China: do gender differences exist?
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Jia Yuheng , Hong Lixin , Zhang Yixin , Li Lihua , Tian Kan
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Internet use and the results of mental health are related. Numbers of studies presented the association between Internet use and depression, and the middle-aged and elderly adults with multimorbidity are of concern. The study aimed to explore the relationship between Internet use and depression in middle-aged and elderly adults with multimorbidity.

Methods

We selected 2550 respondents aged 45 years and above with multimorbidity from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 database. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the effects of Internet use on depression, as well as comparing gender differences. Meanwhile, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to test the robustness of the results.

Results

Overall, 49.8% of respondents had a risk of developing depression, and 14.9% of the participants used the Internet. Internet use (OR = 0.66, P = 0.002), type of devices (one type: OR = 0.69, P = .011;≥2 types: OR = 0.53, P = 0.03), frequency of Internet use (regularly: OR = 0.67, P = 0.005) were all inversely associated with depression. Significant differences between genders were observed, Internet use was associated with a lower prevalence of depression among men, while the association was not statistically significant among women.

Conclusions

There is a significantly negative association between Internet use and depression in the middle-aged and elderly adults with multimorbidity in China, and this relationship varies across different genders. This suggests that Internet use may be a protective factor for depressive symptoms in the older population, offering a guideline for policymakers to develop specific strategies for different genders.
Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and their effects on glycolipid metabolism in pregnant women and their newborn in Haikou City, China
Authors: Cheng Xiaomei , Gao Haifeng , Li Qiaojun , Zhang Naifan , Lu Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of large organic compounds that persist in the environment and are classified as an important subset of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This study aimed to assess PAH exposure in pregnant women and newborns in Haikou City, China, and evaluate their impact on glycolipid metabolism.

Methods

A total of 300 pregnant women and their newborns were selected for the study between May 2022 and December 2023. Data on lifestyle and dietary habits were collected, and PAH levels in venous blood and umbilical cord blood were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Glycolipid metabolism indicators, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were also measured. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between PAH exposure and metabolic indicators.

Results

Thirteen PAHs were detected in both maternal and cord blood. The median concentrations of ΣPAHs (the total concentration of the 16 detected PAHs) were 11.211 μg/L in maternal blood and 10.921 μg/L in newborns. Significant correlations were observed between PAH exposure and glycolipid metabolism, with PAH exposure linked to reduced levels of TC and TG. Factors such as proximity to roads, cooking fuel type, and dietary habits influenced PAH levels. Higher education levels were associated with lower PAH concentrations, whereas living near roads and using gas as cooking fuel increased exposure.

Conclusion

There is a notable risk of PAH exposure in pregnant women and newborns in Haikou, influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. PAH exposure during pregnancy may affect glycolipid metabolism in both mothers and newborns, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce exposure.
Machine learning techniques for predicting neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants: a systematic review
Authors: Ortega-Leon Arantxa , Urda Daniel , Turias Ignacio J. , Lubián-López Simón P. , Benavente-Fernández Isabel
Published: January 2025

Background and objective

Very preterm infants are highly susceptible to Neurodevelopmental Impairments (NDIs), including cognitive, motor, and language deficits. This paper presents a systematic review of the application of Machine Learning (ML) techniques to predict NDIs in premature infants.

Methods

This review presents a comparative analysis of existing studies from January 2018 to December 2023, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and future research directions.

Results

We identified 26 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In addition, we explore the potential of ML algorithms and discuss commonly used data sources, including clinical and neuroimaging data. Furthermore, the inclusion of omics data as a contemporary approach employed, in other diagnostic contexts is proposed.

Conclusions

We identified limitations and emphasized the significance of employing multimodal data models and explored various alternatives to address the limitations identified in the reviewed studies. The insights derived from this review guide researchers and clinicians toward improving early identification and intervention strategies for NDIs in this vulnerable population.
“It's a good idea, but…”: a qualitative evaluation of the GoldiCare intervention in Norwegian home care services
Authors: Fischer Heike , Lohne Fredrik Klæboe , Fimland Marius Steiro , Redzovic Skender Elez
Published: January 2025

Background

Addressing high levels of physical strain among Norwegian home care workers is crucial if home care services are to continue to provide cost-effective and high-quality health care for people in their homes. Excessive physical demands may contribute to poor long-term musculoskeletal health and high sick leave rates among home care workers. Based on the Goldilocks Work Principle of redistributing an uneven distribution of physical demands to promote a working environment with a “just right” physical demands conducive to promoting long-term health, the GoldiCare intervention in home care services was conducted. The objective of this qualitative process evaluation study was to gain insights into how the implementation outcomes of acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption and fidelity, respectively, impacted the implementation of the GoldiCare intervention.

Methods

We conducted ten individual interviews with operations managers and five focus group interviews with home care workers from the intervention units. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a three step-content analysis was employed to analyze interview material.

Results

Our analysis identified that although the intervention was considered broadly acceptable, there were several challenges corresponding to the dimensions of appropriateness, feasibility, adoption and fidelity. Major barriers were identified in particular with regard to appropriateness, that is underlying ways of measuring physical demands; and feasibility, that is barriers to implementing the tool. Further synthesis of these findings resulted in four core issues that need to be addressed if the GoldiCare intervention is to be successfully implemented in comparable Norwegian home care settings: proxy issues; complexity and unpredictability; organization-level issues; and operational autonomy.

Conclusion

The findings provide valuable insights for future attempts to implement GoldiCare interventions in home care settings, highlighting the need to further integrate GoldiCare and other comparable types of intervention into the political, economic, sociocultural, professional, and technological context of home care services. Performed in the right way, such integration will also allow for more participatory input from those enacting such interventions.

Trial registration

This clinical trial was registered on 08/05/2022 under NCT05 487027.
Heterogeneous foraging swarms can be better
Authors: Kaminka Gal A. , Douchan Yinon
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Inspired by natural phenomena, generations of researchers have been investigating how a swarm of robots can act coherently and purposefully, when individual robots can only sense and communicate with nearby peers, with no means of global communications and coordination. In this paper, we will show that swarms can perform better, when they self-adapt to admit heterogeneous behavior roles.

Methods

We model a foraging swarm task as an extensive-form fully-cooperative game, in which the swarm reward is an additive function of individual contributions (the sum of collected items). To maximize the swarm reward, previous work proposed using distributed reinforcement learning, where each robot adapts its own collision-avoidance decisions based on the Effectiveness Index reward (EI). EI uses information about the time between their own collisions (information readily available even to simple physical robots). While promising, the use of EI is brittle (as we show), since robots that selfishly seek to optimize their own EI (minimizing time spent on collisions) can actually cause swarm-wide performance to degrade.

Results

To address this, we derive a reward function from a game-theoretic view of swarm foraging as a fully-cooperative, unknown horizon repeating game. We demonstrate analytically that the total coordination overhead of the swarm (total time spent on collision-avoidance, rather than foraging per-se) is directly tied to the total utility of the swarm: less overhead, more items collected. Treating every collision as a stage in the repeating game, the overhead is bounded by the total EI of all robots. We then use a marginal-contribution (difference-reward) formulation to derive individual rewards from the total EI. The resulting Aligned Effective Index (AEI) reward has the property that each individual can estimate the impact of its decisions on the swarm: individual improvements translate to swarm improvements. We show that AEI provably generalizes previous work, adding a component that computes the effect of counterfactual robot absence. Different assumptions on this counterfactual lead to bounds on AEI from above and below.

Discussion

While the theoretical analysis clarifies both assumptions and gaps with respect to the reality of robots, experiments with real and simulated robots empirically demonstrate the efficacy of the approach in practice, and the importance of behavioral (decision-making) diversity in optimizing swarm goals.
Automated classification of elongated styloid processes using deep learning models-an artificial intelligence diagnostics
Authors: Ganesan Anuradha , Gautham Kumar N. , Natarajan Prabhu Manickam , Gauthaman Jeevitha
Published: January 2025

Background

The styloid process (SP), a bony projection from the temporal bone which can become elongated, resulting in cervical pain, throat discomfort, and headaches. Associated with Eagle syndrome, this elongation can compress nearby nerves and blood vessels, leading to potentially severe complications. Traditional imaging-based methods for classifying various types of elongated styloid processes (ESP) are challenging due to variations in image quality, patient positioning, and anatomical differences, which limit diagnostic accuracy. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, provide more efficient classification of elongated styloid processes.

Objective

This study aims to develop an automated classification system for elongated styloid processes using deep learning models and to evaluate the performance of two distinct architectures, EfficientNetB5 and InceptionV3, in classifying elongated styloid processes.

Methods

This retrospective analysis classified elongated styloid processes using Ortho Pantomograms (OPG) sourced from our oral radiology archives. Styloid process lengths were measured using ImageJ software. A dataset of 330 elongated and 120 normal styloid images was curated for deep learning model training and testing. Pre-processing included median filtering and resizing, with data augmentation applied to improve generalization. EfficientNetB5 and InceptionV3 models, utilized as feature extractors, captured unique styloid characteristics. Model performance was evaluated based on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, with a comparative analysis conducted to identify the most effective model and support advancements in patient care.

Results

The EfficientNetB5 model achieved an accuracy of 97.49%, a precision of 98.00%, a recall of 97.00%, and an F1-score of 97.00%, demonstrating strong overall performance. Additionally, the model achieved an AUC of 0.9825. By comparison, the InceptionV3 model achieved an accuracy of 84.11%, a precision of 85.00%, a recall of 84.00%, and an F1-score of 84.00%, with an AUC of 0.8943. This comparison indicates that EfficientNetB5 outperformed InceptionV3 across all key metrics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study presents a deep learning-based approach utilizing EfficientNetB5 and InceptionV3 to accurately categorize elongated styloid processes into distinct types based on their morphological characteristics from digital panoramic radiographs. Our results indicate that these models, particularly EfficientNetB5, can enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline clinical workflows, contributing to improved patient care.
Robotic pedicle screw placement for minimal invasive thoracolumbar spine surgery: a technical note
Authors: Gatam Luthfi , Phedy Phedy , Husin Syafruddin , Mahadhipta Harmantya , Rizki Gatam Asrafi , Mitchel Mitchel , Gani Karina Sylvana , Kholinne Erica
Published: January 2025

Background

Pedicle screw placement in spine surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires precise and accurate placement of pedicle screws. This technical note describes the steps involved in performing robotic assistance pedicle screw insertion in thoracolumbar spine surgery using the ExcelsiusGPS platform.

Methods

This paper outlines the surgical techniques and intraoperative workflow for pedicle screw placement using the ExcelsiusGPS system. It also covers the surgical process, including patient positioning, dynamic reference placement, intraoperative cone-beam tomography, screw planning, exposure, and insertion techniques for spinal stabilization.

Discussion

A meta-analysis highlighted the significant advantages of robotic spine surgery over traditional freehand techniques, including a notably lower complication rate (4.83% vs. 14.97%) and up to a tenfold reduction in surgeon radiation exposure compared to fluoroscopy. Additionally, robotic systems enhance pedicle screw placement accuracy, achieving a 91.7% success rate. This higher accuracy is attributed to real-time screw planning, trajectory guidance, and precise adjustments in robotic-assisted surgery. These advantages establish robotic assistance as a crucial innovation for enhancing surgical precision and patient safety, although it requires careful handling of technical challenges like alignment changes in highly flexible bones and ensuring accurate instrument trajectory during screw placement.

Conclusion

Robotic-assisted spine surgery improves pedicle screw accuracy with real-time planning and trajectory adjustments, reducing complications and radiation exposure. However, higher costs and increased screw use warrant careful evaluation of its cost-effectiveness and impact on healthcare resources.