bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram prediction model for length of hospital stay following laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Ming , Yang Ping , Gou Yunpeng , Chen Qiang , Xu Dong
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this research was to develop and internally validate a nomogram for forecasting the length of hospital stay following laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients diagnosed with appendicitis.

Methods

We developed a prediction model based on a training dataset of 415 pediatric patients with appendicitis, and hospitalization data were collected retrospectively from January 2021 and December 2022. The primary outcome measure in this study was hospital length of stay (LOS), with prolonged LOS defined as admission for a duration equal to or exceeding the 75th percentile of LOS, including the discharge day. Risk factor analysis was conducted through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Based on the regression coefficients, a nomogram prediction model was developed. The discriminative performance of the predicting model was evaluated using the C-index, and an adjusted C-index was computed through bootstrapping validation. Calibration curves were generated to assess the accuracy of the nomogram. Decision curve analysis was conducted to determine the clinical utility of the predicting model.

Results

Predictors contained in the prediction nomogram included Age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein level, operative time, appendiceal fecalith, and drainage tube. The C-index of the prediction nomogram was determined to be 0.873 (95% CI: 0.838–0.908), with a corrected C-index of 0.8625 obtained through bootstrapping validation (1,000 resamples), indicating the model's favorable discrimination. Calibration curves illustrated a strong agreement between predicted and observed outcomes. According to the decision curve analysis of the nomogram, the predictive model demonstrates a net benefit at threshold probabilities exceeding 2%.

Conclusion

This nomogram, incorporating variables such as Age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein level, operative time, appendiceal fecalith, and drainage tube, offers a convenient method for assessing the duration of hospitalization in pediatric patients with appendicitis.
Plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide and nitric oxide predict therapeutic response to amlodipine in pediatric primary hypertension
Authors: Wang Hui , Lin Yao , Wang Yuting , Shen Chen , Li Yaqi , Liu Yang , Shi Lin
Published: December 2024

Background

There is a lack of suitable predictive markers for assessing the efficacy of amlodipine in treating children with primary hypertension. This study aimed to explore whether plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and nitric oxide (NO) could predict the effectiveness of amlodipine in pediatric primary hypertension.

Methods

This study enrolled 74 children and adolescents with primary hypertension who were prescribed amlodipine monotherapy, and after 4 weeks of treatment, they were divided into responders and non-responders according to blood pressure. Baseline data differences between the two groups were analyzed, followed by binary logistic regression to assess the correlation between significant variables and therapeutic efficacy. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy, and the nomogram model was established to predict therapeutic response to amlodipine.

Results

The responders exhibited lower body mass index, C-peptide and plasma CGRP levels, and higher NO levels compared to the non-responders (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that plasma CGRP and NO were independently associated with the therapeutic response to amlodipine, showing a higher predictive performance when used in combination (AUC: 0.814, 95% CI 0.714–0.914) with a predictive sensitivity of 86.5% and specificity of 70.1%. The nomogram model displayed good calibration, and the decision curve analysis indicated this model led to net benefits in a wide range of threshold probability.

Conclusion

CGRP and NO may be valuable biomarkers for predicting amlodipine effectiveness in the treatment of pediatric primary hypertension, while the nomogram model indicates excellent predictive value.
High-efficiency spot size converter for photonic crystal fiber-to-waveguide using composite waveguide structures
Authors: Li Haoyu , Li Baoshuai , Zhuang Xingang , Chen Lingyun , Wu Bin , Zhao Luo , Zhu Xingbang , Gao Yesheng , Wu Hengkui
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the design of a high-efficiency spot size converter (SSC) for photonic crystal fiber (PCF) to silicon-based waveguides, utilizing composite optical waveguide structures. The SSC is composed of a series of waveguide cores, with one core progressively widening to enable all cores to collectively serve as a composite input port, while the broader core functions as the output port. Simulation results reveal that the proposed design efficiently facilitates mode and energy transfer between the waveguide and the PCF, achieving a coupling efficiency of up to 93.99% over a length of 66 μm. Additionally, the SSC exhibits polarization insensitivity, with the high circularity of the output beam enhancing vertical alignment tolerance, and maintaining excellent performance over a wide wavelength range. In sum, this SSC demonstrates excellent coupling efficiency and holds significant promise for applications in optical communication systems and optical integrated circuit systems.
The impact of eccentric training on athlete movement speed: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yugang , Zhuang Yuan , Zhang Lei , Sun Min
Published: December 2024

Eccentric training has been proposed as a potential method for enhancing athletes' movement speed. However, a systematic review specifically examining the impact of eccentric training on movement speed in athletes has yet to be conducted. This paper aims to fill this gap by evaluating the effects of eccentric training on movement speed in athletes.A systematic search was carried out on May 15, 2024, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The search was conducted across multiple databases, including Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed, CNKI, and VIP, using keywords related to eccentric training, athletes, and movement speed. Out of 421 reviews screened, nine met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, with an average score of 3.67 (range 3–4). The results indicated that short-distance sprint speed (n = 7) was the most affected by eccentric training interventions. Sport-specific movement speed (n = 3) and change of direction speed (COD) (n = 5) were also positively influenced, although to a lesser extent.In conclusion, eccentric training significantly enhances sport-specific movement speed and COD speed, with more moderate effects on short-distance sprinting. These findings suggest that eccentric training can be a valuable intervention for improving movement speed in athletes, especially for sports that involve rapid directional changes.

Systematic Review Registration:

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024547112, identifier CRD42024547112.
Theory of mind in schizophrenia through a clinical liability approach: a sib-pair study
Authors: Giralt-López M. , Miret S. , Campanera S. , Moreira M. , Sotero-Moreno A. , Krebs MO. , Fañanás L. , Fatjó-Vilas M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Consistent findings indicate that Theory of Mind (ToM) is impaired in schizophrenia (SZ). To investigate whether such deficits are trait- or state-dependent, we investigated if ToM is modified by clinical liability markers (such as basic symptoms and psychotic-like experiences), focusing on the analysis of unaffected siblings of individuals diagnosed with SZ.

Methods

The study included a total of 65 participants: 38 patients diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and 27 healthy siblings. ToM was assessed using the Hinting Task (HT), Basic symptoms with The Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ), Psychotic-like-experiences with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) and Family history with the Family Interview for Genetic Studies.

Results

First, a comparison of HT performance between patients and siblings (linear mixed model adjusted for age, sex and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)) showed that patients presented lower scores than siblings (p = 0.022). These differences did not remain significant after adjusting for clinical vulnerability markers. Second, within siblings, linear regression analyses (adjusted for age, sex, IQ and family history) showed that higher FCQ Depressiveness and CAPE negative scores were related to poorer ToM performance (p = 0.007 and p = 0.032, respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that clinical liability markers are valuable for delineating variations in ToM capabilities within healthy individuals. Moreover, our results indicate that ToM deficits are not solely linked to SZ but also extend to its clinical vulnerability, suggesting that ToM could serve as an endophenotypic marker. This implies that ToM could help distinguish particularly susceptible individuals from a population at risk, such as those with a genetic predisposition (siblings).
Voice of a woman: influence of interaction partner characteristics on cycle dependent vocal changes in women
Authors: Lobmaier Janek S. , Klatt Wilhelm K. , Schweinberger Stefan R.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Research has shown that women’s vocal characteristics change during the menstrual cycle. Further, evidence suggests that individuals alter their voices depending on the context, such as when speaking to a highly attractive person, or a person with a different social status. The present study aimed at investigating the degree to which women’s voices change depending on the vocal characteristics of the interaction partner, and how any such changes are modulated by the woman’s current menstrual cycle phase.

Methods

Forty-two naturally cycling women were recorded once during the late follicular phase (high fertility) and once during the luteal phase (low fertility) while reproducing utterances of men and women who were previously assessed to have either attractive or unattractive voices.

Results

Phonetic analyses revealed that women’s voices in response to speakers changed depending on their menstrual cycle phase (F0 variation, maximum F0, Centre of gravity) and depending on the stimulus speaker’s vocal attractiveness (HNR, Formants 1–3, Centre of gravity), and sex (Formant 2). Also, the vocal characteristics differed when reproducing spoken sentences of the stimulus speakers compared to when they read out written sentences (minimum F0, Formants 2–4).

Discussion

These results provide further evidence that women alter their voice depending on the vocal characteristics of the interaction partner and that these changes are modulated by the menstrual cycle phase. Specifically, the present findings suggest that cyclic shifts on women’s voices may occur only in social contexts (i.e., when a putative interaction partner is involved).
Interest of neurofeedback training for cognitive performance and risk of brain disorders in the military context
Authors: Jacques Clémentine , Quiquempoix Michael , Sauvet Fabien , Le Van Quyen Michel , Gomez-Merino Danielle , Chennaoui Mounir
Published: December 2024

Operational environments are characterized by a range of psycho-physiological constraints that can degrade combatants’ performance and impact on their long-term health. Neurofeedback training (NFT), a non-invasive, safe and effective means of regulating brain activity, has been shown to be effective for mental disorders, as well as for cognitive and motor capacities and aiding sports performance in healthy individuals. Its value in helping soldiers in operational condition or suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTSD) is undeniable, but relatively unexplored. The aim of this narrative review is to show the applicability of NFT to enhance cognitive performance and to treat (or manage) PTSD symptoms in the military context. It provides an overview of NFT use cases before, during or after military operations, and in the treatment of soldiers suffering from PTSD. The position of NFT within the broad spectrum of performance enhancement techniques, as well as several key factors influencing the effectiveness of NFT are discussed. Finally, suggestions for the use of NFT in the military context (pre-training environments, and during and post-deployments to combat zones or field operations), future research directions, recommendations and caveats (e.g., on transfer to operational situations, inter-individual variability in responsiveness) are offered. This review is thus expected to draw clear perspectives for both researchers and armed forces regarding NFT for cognitive performance enhancement and PTSD treatment related to the military context.
Health behavior and medical insurance under the healthy China strategy: a moral hazard perspective
Authors: Chen Linhong , Zhang Lingyu , Xu Xiaocang
Published: December 2024

Introduction

High medical expenditure is one of the major obstacles to achieving common prosperity in China. As a health risk compensation and protection mechanism, medical insurance has played a good role in alleviating the economic burden of patients. However, due to the existence of moral hazard, medical insurance may also lead to the occurrence of psychological deviation and overtreatment of patients or hospitals’ health treatment expectations, thus generating unnecessary pressure on public financial expenditure.

Methods

Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) and Heckman model, this paper discusses the difference in the impact of medical insurance on outpatient and hospitalization costs. The change of the proportion of out-of-pocket medical expenditure is further analyzed.

Results

The study found that while medical insurance reduced the probability of outpatient visits and increased the probability of hospitalization, it increased the cost of outpatient visits and hospitalization. Further, it reduces the share of out-of-pocket medical expenditure.

Discussion

This shows that medical insurance does play a role in alleviating the financial pressure of patients, but the overtreatment caused by moral hazard cannot be ignored, especially the over-examination and over-prescribing of drugs in the outpatient process.
Implementation and evaluation of whole-course-based Internet Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy Services: a cross-sectional study in western China
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Lv You , Wang Shiyan , Guo Mengran , Guo Yi , Zheng Minglin , He Lulu , Wu Fengbo , Fan Ping
Published: December 2024

Background

In recent years, the development of telemedicine and eHealth services has led to the rapid worldwide growth of Internet hospitals, which played a significant role during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, little is known about the characteristics and safety of Internet hospital outpatient pharmacy services (IHOPSs), which represent a new model of pharmaceutical services.

Objective

This study aimed to reveal the comprehensive characteristics and safety of whole-course-based IHOPSs in a general tertiary hospital in western China.

Methods

We established a whole-course–based IHOPS model. A total of 373,936 online prescriptions placed from February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2023 were analyzed. These included information on patients, prescriptions, and deliveries; error rates for prescription reviews and medication dispensations; economic value; and degree of patient satisfaction. Over the course of the study, a total of 373,936 prescriptions representing 351,884 patients and 945,172 medications were delivered to 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, and 4 municipalities in China.

Results

IHOPSs saved patients more than 320,376 days (7,689,036 h) and RMB (Renminbi) ¥94.05 million in costs. The error rates of prescription review and dispensing were 0.0011% and 0.0008%, respectively. The infectious disease department (n = 63,903; 17.09%) ranked first in the number of prescriptions written for all three consecutive years. Of the 373,936 delivered prescriptions, 90.15% (337,104/373,936) were sent to Sichuan.

Conclusion

The IHOPS was found to be efficient, convenient, and safe because it handled the challenge of precisely and safely delivering medications to patients on time during and to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided patients with safe and convenient pharmaceutical services unlimited by geography or time zones. Widespread use of this service could help alleviate pressure on offline pharmacists, giving them the time and resources to provide other professional services. Our model can therefore serve as a useful reference for policymakers to support the development of Internet pharmaceutical services. Further efforts are needed to regulate and standardize the management of this novel service.
Investment strategies for sustainable safe development of Chinese coal mine employees driven by digital intelligence
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Cheng Gang , Peng Weicai , Yang Xia , Du Yamin
Published: December 2024

China’s “14th Five-Year Plan” proposes the construction of a “Digital China,” posing the challenge of digital transformation to coal mining enterprises. It is critical to compare the effectiveness of investing in digital devices with that of human capital. This study establishes a structural equation model based on the ‘regulation-situation-behavior’ theoretical framework. The model, developed through in-depth empirical analysis of enterprises, captures the relationships between exogenous and endogenous latent variables. The primary factors influencing both the active and passive safety behaviors of coal miners are discussed. The micro-mechanisms of human interaction with digital intelligence equipment are analyzed. The findings indicate that, in terms of overall utility value, investment in Intelligent surveillance management generates a total utility value that is 4.292 times higher than that of investment in team demonstration management. This disparity is primarily attributed to the significant positive impact that Intelligent surveillance management exerts on the active safety behavior of coal miners. Specifically, it influences miners’ safety behavior through the dual effects of situational promotion focus and situational prevention focus, whereas team demonstration management solely utilizes situational promotion focus. Additionally, the investigation reveals that miners attach significant importance to the role of instant feedback and continuous monitoring in Intelligent surveillance management. Consequently, coal mining enterprises should prioritize investing in digital intelligence supervision systems with real-time, full-time, and full-coverage capabilities. They should also focus on improving education, publicity, and training related to Intelligent surveillance management. These approaches can effectively enhance the digital, intelligent, safe and sustainable development capabilities of coal mines.
Public perceptions of digital mental health awareness campaign in the Arab Gulf states: a qualitative thematic analysis
Authors: Alomair Noura , Alkhaldi Ghadah , Alsadhan Norah M. , Alkasabi Rawan , Alageel Samah
Published: December 2024

Mental illness is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Research shows a lack of mental health knowledge and inappropriate practices in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Our study aimed to evaluate individuals’ perspectives on mental health by analyzing their responses to a digital campaign directed at GCC adolescents. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis of comments in response to the Gulf Health Council’s mental health campaign. The campaign content was shared on four social media platforms: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X. A total of 2,146 comments were included in the analysis. There was a widespread denial of the existence of mental illness. The comments revealed a lack of understanding and insufficient support for individuals dealing with mental health issues. Stigma and discrimination against people with mental illness were evident in the comments. The general perception was that individuals have control over their mental health, often associating mental illness with weakness and lack of willpower. Mental illness was believed to be caused by religious and moral shortcomings, and religion was viewed as the solution. Some comments highlighted the need to acknowledge mental illness and urged the development of strategies to promote mental health. Our research shows a lack of awareness, stigma, and inadequate resources for individuals dealing with mental health issues. It highlights the importance of addressing barriers to mental healthcare and increasing access to support. Interventions focusing on stigma reduction and promoting acceptance of mental health disorders are crucial and require collaborative efforts from various stakeholders.
Organization Theory for Implementation Science (OTIS): reflections and recommendations
Authors: Birken Sarah A. , Baloh Jure , Kegler Michelle C. , Huang Terry T.-K. , Lee Matthew , Adsul Prajakta , Ryan Grace , Peluso Alexandra , Wagi Cheyenne , Randazzo Aliza , Mullins Megan A. , Morrill Kristin E. , Ko Linda K.
Published: December 2024

Organizations exert influence on the implementation of evidence-based practices and other innovations that are independent of the influence of organizations' individual constituents. Despite their influence, nuanced explanations of organizations' influence remain limited in implementation science. Organization theories are uniquely suited to offer insights and explain organizational influences on implementation. In this paper, we describe the efforts of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network's (CPCRN) Organization Theory for Implementation Science (OTIS) workgroup to equip implementation scientists with theory-guided understanding of organizational influences on implementation. We provide a set of recommendations for future efforts to enhance implementation through the use of organization theories and OTIS tools.
Designing a model of indifference in theorizing in management research with grounded theory approach
Authors: Asgharinajib Maryam , Aalipour Sima , Sorooshian Shahryar
Published: December 2024

This study explores and elucidates the phenomenon of indifference in theorizing within management research in Iran, highlighting the causal conditions and implications of this indifference on both the academic and practical landscapes of management. Using a qualitative grounded theory methodology, this study synthesized the data collected through interviews with management faculty members from various Iranian universities. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants until theoretical saturation was achieved with 29 interviews. The data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software, enabling the construction of a paradigm model to explain the observed phenomena. The study identified multiple causal conditions contributing to indifference in theorizing, including individual, educational, cultural, economic, social, political, and systemic factors. These factors collectively foster a climate of scientific isolation, hindering the development of management theories and affecting both educators and students. The outcomes of this indifference manifest as a reduction in theoretical innovation and diminished engagement with management theory among academics and practitioners. Indifference, as a key concept in the presented model, represents a type of scientific silence, indicating the unwillingness or inability of researchers to create new and effective theories in the field of management. This research contributes to the field by providing a detailed model of the dynamics underlying indifference in theorizing within management studies in Iran, a topic that has received limited attention in the existing literature. The study's findings emphasize the need for systemic changes to overcome barriers to theorizing and suggest pathways for revitalizing theoretical contributions in management research.
The factors associated with teenage pregnancy among young women aged between 15 and 19 years in Rwanda: a retrospective cross-sectional study on the Rwanda Demographic Health Survey 2019–2020
Authors: Nduhuye Felix , Kubana Emmanuel , Matutina Stella , Mwesigye David , Munyaneza Athanase , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia
Published: December 2024

Background

Teenage pregnancy is a significant public health issue and is strongly associated with risky sexual behaviors such as early sexual initiation, unprotected sex, and multiple sexual partners. According to the 2014 World Health Organization report, 11% of all births worldwide were to teenagers aged 15–19 years, with more than 95% of these pregnancies occurring in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, which bears much of this burden. In Rwanda, the prevalence of teenage pregnancy has risen from 4.1% in 2005 to 7.3% in 2014, indicating a growing concern. However, there is limited and inconsistent evidence on the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the factors associated with teenage pregnancy. This research seeks to provide valuable insights for targeted interventions, which are urgently needed in light of the increasing rates.

Methods

We employed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing data from the 2019/2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey of 3,258 eligible participants aged 15–19 years. To identify factors associated with teenage pregnancy, we performed a bivariate logistic regression analysis. The significant variables from the bivariate analysis were then exported into multivariate logistic regression models, with the results presented as odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a significance threshold set at 5%.

Results

Our findings indicated that teenagers aged 18–19 years were more likely to experience pregnancy compared to those younger than 17 (OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.16–8.37). Adolescents who had engaged in sexual activity 95 times or more had a significantly higher likelihood of becoming pregnant than those with less frequent sexual activity (OR = 13.53; 95% CI: 5.21–35.12). Furthermore, adolescents with parents with a secondary education were 80% less likely to become pregnant compared to those with parents with a primary or no education (OR = 0.2; 95% CI: 0.07–0.63).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that teenage pregnancy is shaped by several individual factors including age and sexual behavior, along with parental education levels. These findings underscore the critical need for targeted sexual education and enhanced family support systems to mitigate teenage pregnancies. Further, longitudinal studies are essential for establishing causality and guiding effective policy development.
Black and Blue: how democratic attitudes shape affect toward Blue or Black Lives Matter
Authors: Vitriol Joseph A. , Sandor Joseph , Farhart Christina E.
Published: December 2024

In the context of longstanding racial discrimination within the legal system, high-profile incidents of police violence and misconduct have recently precipitated widespread collective action among members of marginalized communities. A large body of evidence demonstrates that social movements like Black Lives Matter, which were organized in response to legitimate concerns about racial inequality and discrimination in the legal system, have led to increased political participation, egalitarian racial attitudes, and policy reform. Still, much is unknown about the factors that shape public perceptions of Black Lives Matter; even less is known about factors influencing public opinion toward Blue Lives Matter—a movement concerned with the safety of the law enforcement community, and which may also provide ideological defense against the claims and demands of Black Lives Matter and in support of police officers believed to be unfairly maligned. Using data from two panel studies, including one sampled to approximate national representativeness, we demonstrate that positive affect toward Black Lives Matter covaries with pro-democratic attitudes and legal forms of social protest, and the belief that one's behavior can precipitate meaningful political change. We also demonstrate that anti-democratic attitudes, more satisfaction with democracy, and increased trust in government predict positive affect toward Blue Lives Matter. These results emerge while controlling for ideological self-placement and demographic variables, as well as political interest and knowledge. We discuss these findings in light of perspectives on collective action and social movement, intergroup conflict and prejudice, and ideological differences in support of democratic norms and values.
Response of infrared thermography related parameters to (non-)sport specific exercise and relationship with internal load parameters in individual and team sport athletes—a systematic review
Authors: Masur Lukas , Brand Florian , Düking Peter
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Monitoring internal load is crucial for athletes but often requires invasive methods for muscle-related parameters, limiting practicality. Infrared thermography (IRT) related parameters might overcome this limitation. This systematic review aimed to examine the available literature on the response of IRT related parameters to (non-)sport specific exercise and reveal relationships with internal load parameters in athletic populations.

Methods

Four scientific databases were systematically searched (February 2024) with keywords related to IRT, load, and sports disciplines. Risk of bias was evaluated using QUADAS-2. Main inclusion criteria for studies were i) reporting of IRT related parameters and other internal load parameters prior/post (non-)sport specific exercise ii) inclusion of least Tier 2 athletes ≥ 18 years. After identifying n = 10,538 studies, 13 articles (n = 231 participants) were included.

Results

Following (non-)sport specific exercise in athletic populations, the majority of relevant studies showed a decrease in IRT related parameters within 15 min, while studies showed an increase in IRT related parameters following 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after exercise cessation. Relationships between alterations in IRT related parameters and other internal load parameters are inconsistent across the literature.

Conclusion

While the majority of studies show an increase in IRT related parameters following (non-)sport specific exercise, relationships with other internal load parameters and underlying physiological mechanisms evoking IRT related alterations are not conclusively revealed in athletic populations. Future research needs to assess the relationship of IRT related parameters especially with inflammatory parameters in athletic populations following (non-)sport specific exercise. Practitioners might assess IRT related parameters in conjunction with other load parameters.
Case Report: Life-saving embolization: a rare case of post-traumatic retroperitoneal hematoma from deep circumflex iliac artery rupture
Authors: Xu Hong-wei , He Cong
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Retroperitoneal hematoma with ongoing hemorrhage is a rare but critical condition following blunt abdominal trauma, requiring urgent evaluation and management. This case details a large retroperitoneal hematoma in the right iliac fossa caused by a rupture of the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA), successfully treated with transcatheter arterial embolization.

Case description

A 66-year-old female presented to our hospital six hours after an electric tricycle accident with dizziness, fatigue, hypotension (80/50 mmHg), and tachycardia (105 beats/min). Laboratory tests revealed a hemoglobin level of 9.2 g/dl and a hematocrit level of 27.5%. Contrast-enhanced CT showed an 18 cm × 10 cm × 5 cm retroperitoneal hematoma in the right iliac fossa with active bleeding. Emergent angiography identified the bleeding source as a branch of the right DCIA. Embolization was performed using a microcoil through a coaxial microcatheter positioned proximal to the bleeding site, successfully stopping the hemorrhage. The patient's condition stabilized, and ultrasound monitoring showed a gradual reduction in hematoma size. The patient was discharged two weeks later.

Conclusion

This case highlights a rare but severe instance of retroperitoneal hematoma due to DCIA rupture, effectively managed with transcatheter arterial embolization. The utility of contrast-enhanced CT and angiography in diagnosing active bleeding is emphasized, underscoring the efficacy of transcatheter embolization as a critical intervention in such life-threatening situations.
Initial investigation into patellofemoral morphology in hemophilic arthritis patients
Authors: Wang Haohao , Jiang Rendong , Dong Zhishang , Zhao Dongyue , Zhao Jianli , Shi Chao , Yuan Zhen
Published: December 2024

Background

Hemophilic arthritis (HA) is associated with significant changes in the morphology of mature knee joints due to abnormal growth plate development. Previous studies have established marked distinctions between the femur and tibia of subjects with Haemophilia and those with osteoarthritis (OA). This study explored the morphological characteristics of the patella and patellofemoral joint in subjects with Haemophilia. These findings can inform the design of knee joint prostheses tailored to this condition, improve the precision of total knee replacement surgery, and reduce postoperative knee pain and patellar dislocation.

Methods

Before surgery, we conducted preoperative measurements of patellar length, patellar diagonal length, patellar ligament length, patellar width, patellar thickness, the INSALL index, the lateral patellofemoral angle, the trochlear groove angle,the patellar lateral displacement rate, and the patellofemoral index using lateral and axial x-ray images in 40 subjects with Haemophilia, 40 OA patients, and 40 normal individuals.

Results

Significant statistical differences in certain morphological parameters were observed among the three groups of patients (P < 0.05). Compared with the OA and normal control groups, the HA group presented significant disparities in patellar thickness, patellar ligament length, the Insall ratio, the patellar lateral shift rate, the lateral patellar angle, and the patellofemoral index.

Conclusion

Compared with OA and normal individuals, Subjects with Haemophilia presented with smaller and thinner patellae, more significant patellar ligament contracture, reduced patellar height, and more pronounced patellar dislocation. Consequently, during total knee arthroplasty, we lean toward patellar reshaping in subjects with Haemophilia, exercise caution when considering patellar replacement, and, for those with severe preoperative patellar dislocation, perform intraoperative lateral retinacular release.
Recombinant characteristics and pathogenicity of a novel PRRSV variant in weaned piglets derived from recombination of three clinical epidemic strains
Authors: Yang Yalin , Yao Longshuai , Wang Xinyuan , Dong Xinrong , Wang Gang , Yu Ying
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The recent emergence of PRRSV strains NADC30 and NADC34, along with their recombination with HP-PRRSV-like strains, has added complexity to PRRS control strategies on swine farms. Given the high variability and recombination potential of PRRSV, continuous monitoring of the virus’s clinical epidemiology is essential for effective prevention and control.

Methods

This study isolated a PRRSV variant, designated SDVD-NMG2023, from approximately 65-day-old pigs, showing a mortality rate of around 15% within the herd. The whole-genome, ORF5, and NSP2 sequences of the SDVD-NMG2023 isolate were aligned with 42 reference strains using MEGA software. Recombination analysis was performed using SimPlot software and RDP software. Pathogenicity analysis of SDVD-NMG2023 was conducted in four-week-old SPF Yorkshire piglets.

Results

Phylogenetic and molecular evolutionary analyses revealed a natural recombination event involving the NADC30, NADC34, and JXA1 strains. Piglets infected with SDVD-NMG2023 exhibited mild clinical symptoms, including elevated rectal temperatures in two out of five piglets, as well as cough, mild anorexia, weight stunting, interstitial pneumonia, and thymic atrophy in all cases.

Discussion

The findings indicate that the novel crossbred PRRSV isolate SDVD-NMG2023, derived from three prevalent clinical strains, may induce more unusual clinical presentations compared to those associated with HP-PRRS, albeit still impacting the health of the herd by causing immunosuppression. This study provides critical insights into the emergence of multi-strain PRRSV recombination, particularly between NADC30/34-like and HP-PRRSV-like strains, supporting a more strategic and comprehensive approach to PRRS prevention and control.
Effects of Gynura procumbens extract supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, antioxidant capacity, immunity and meat quality of meat ducks
Authors: Ai Gaoxiang , Xiong Pingwen , Chen Jiang , Song Wenjing , Song Qiongli , Xu Chuanhui , Su Weide , Zou Zhiheng , Wei Qipeng , Chen Xiaolian
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr is a common traditional Chinese medicine with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, no related studies reported the potential application effect of Gynura procumbens on meat ducks. The study aims to investigate the potential effects of Gynura procumbens extract (GPE) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, antioxidant capacity, immunity and meat quality.

Methods

A total of 480 21-day-old female healthy ducks were randomly allocated to four treatments, each treatment containing six replicates with 20 ducks per replicate. The groups received a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg GPE (CON), 200 mg/kg GPE (GPE200), 400 mg/kg GPE (GPE400), and 600 mg/kg GPE (GPE600), respectively. The entire experiment lasted for 7 weeks.

Results

The results showed that dietary supplementation with 600 mg/kg GPE significantly reduced the contents of serum urea nitrogen, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). GPE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) supplementation effectively reduced the contents of IL-2 and MDA. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) as well as total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) in GPE600 group dramatically elevated in comparison with the control group. Dietary GPE supplementation considerably increased the moisture content of the breast muscle. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with GPE markedly decreased the water loss rate and shear force.

Discussion

With the ban of antibiotics in poultry production, traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used in livestock and poultry production due to their high efficiency and low toxicity. Gynura procumbens extract GPE as a natural plant origin contains a series of biologically active components, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponin, tannin and terpenoid. This study indicated that dietary supplementation with GPE can increase serum total antioxidant capacity, regulate immune function and improve meat quality to some extent in meat ducks. The recommended optimal GPE level in the diet of meat ducks is 600 mg/kg according to the results in this study.
GMTP: Enhanced Travel Time Prediction with Graph Attention Network and BERT Integration
Authors: Liu Ting , Liu Yuan
Published: December 2024

(1) Background: Existing Vehicle travel time prediction applications face challenges in modeling complex road network and handling irregular spatiotemporal traffic state propagation. (2) Methods: To address these issues, we propose a Graph Attention-based Multi-Spatiotemporal Features for Travel Time Prediction (GMTP) model, which integrates an enhanced graph attention network (GATv2) and Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) to analyze dynamic correlations across spatial and temporal dimensions. The pre-training process consists of two blocks: the Road Segment Interaction Pattern to Enhance GATv2, which generates road segment representation vectors, and a traffic congestion-aware trajectory encoder by incorporating a shared attention mechanism for high computational efficiency. Additionally, two self-supervised tasks are designed for improved model accuracy and robustness. (3) Results: The fine-tuned model had comparatively optimal performance metrics with significant reductions in Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). (4) Conclusions: Ultimately, the integration of this model into travel time prediction, based on two large-scale real-world trajectory datasets, demonstrates enhanced performance and computational efficiency.
Bisindole Compounds—Synthesis and Medicinal Properties
Authors: Marinescu Maria
Published: December 2024

The indole nucleus stands out as a pharmacophore, among other aromatic heterocyclic compounds with remarkable therapeutic properties, such as benzimidazole, pyridine, quinoline, benzothiazole, and others. Moreover, a series of recent studies refer to strategies for the synthesis of bisindole derivatives, with various medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, etc. Also, a series of natural bisindole compounds are mentioned in the literature for their various biological properties and as a starting point in the synthesis of other related bisindoles. Drawing from these data, we have proposed in this review to provide an overview of the synthesis techniques and medicinal qualities of the bisindolic compounds that have been mentioned in recent literature from 2010 to 2024 as well as their numerous uses in the chemistry of materials, nanomaterials, dyes, polymers, and corrosion inhibitors.
Study on Mechanical Behavior of a New Three-Dimensional Sensor Under Rock Rheology
Authors: Xiao Jiang , Wang Tongxiaoyu , Liu Yujiang , Wang Yihui , Wang Yulin , Zhang Boyuan , Wu Jianjun
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the problems of the complex in situ stress measurement process, difficult measurement and long-term monitoring, it is particularly important to design a three-dimensional borehole full stress monitoring method based on the principle of rock mass rheological stress recovery, which lays a foundation for underground construction, such as roadway engineering and tunnel engineering. Through theoretical calculation and mechanical analysis, the magnitude, direction and inclination of the stress at any point in the borehole of the geological body are analyzed. Based on this, a three-dimensional borehole full stress monitor is constructed. At the same time, the rheological stress change process of rock mass around the borehole is analyzed by numerical simulation, the rationality of the three-dimensional borehole full stress monitor is determined, and a new method of borehole surrounding rock stress monitoring is proposed. The results show that: (1) the stress monitoring of the surrounding rock can be realized by the stress recovery principle of a rock mass rheological borehole, and it can be monitored for a long time; (2) the three-dimensional borehole total stress monitor can reflect the size and direction of the six principal stresses of the surrounding rock stress through eight measuring points; (3) the design structure and mechanical properties of the three-dimensional borehole full stress monitor are reasonable, and the linearity and sensitivity of the hydraulic membrane material are reasonable, which can meet the standards of long-term monitoring.
Urban Greenway Planning and Designing Based on MGWR and the Entropy Weight Method
Authors: Li Weijia , Ji Xinge , Bai Hua
Published: December 2024

Travelers’ attention to high-quality human habitats is increasing, and the role of urban greenways in improving the quality of travelling spaces has also been appreciated. This research aims at making the weight calculation of suitability more scientific and reasonable, clustering the shared bicycle travelling OD points according to suitability, and analyzing the distribution of OD points. Taking Xiamen as an example, multiscale geographically weighted regression and entropy weight methods were used to calculate the weights of variables using multi-source big data. The clustering of origin-destination (OD) points for shared bicycle travel are identified using the DBSCAN clustering algorithm, which can provide accurate support for greenway planning and shared bicycle placement. The results show that the density of tourist attractions, POI entropy index, road density, and intermediate are four important factors affecting the suitability of greenways. The clustering results of the shared bicycle OD points show that the high-aggregation areas of origin and destination points are located in the northeast and southwest directions as well as west and east directions. This study provides a theoretical and modelling analysis reference for greenway planning and design.
Predictive Models for Educational Purposes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Almalawi Ahlam , Soh Ben , Li Alice , Samra Halima
Published: December 2024

This systematic literature review evaluates predictive models in education, focusing on their role in forecasting student performance, identifying at-risk students, and personalising learning experiences. The review compares the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) algorithms such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Decision Trees with traditional statistical models, assessing their ability to manage complex educational data and improve decision-making. The search, conducted across databases including ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar, yielded 400 records. After screening and removing duplicates, 124 studies were included in the final review. The findings show that ML algorithms consistently outperform traditional models due to their capacity to handle large, non-linear datasets and continuously enhance predictive accuracy as new patterns emerge. These models effectively incorporate socio-economic, demographic, and academic data, making them valuable tools for improving student retention and performance. However, the review also identifies key challenges, including the risk of perpetuating biases present in historical data, issues of transparency, and the complexity of interpreting AI-driven decisions. In addition, reliance on varying data processing methods across studies reduces the generalisability of current models. Future research should focus on developing more transparent, interpretable, and equitable models while standardising data collection and incorporating non-traditional variables, such as cognitive and motivational factors. Ensuring transparency and ethical standards in handling student data is essential for fostering trust in AI-driven models.
Integrating Generative AI in Hackathons: Opportunities, Challenges, and Educational Implications
Authors: Sajja Ramteja , Ramirez Carlos Erazo , Li Zhouyayan , Demiray Bekir Z. , Sermet Yusuf , Demir Ibrahim
Published: December 2024

Hackathons have become essential in the software industry, fostering innovation and skill development for both organizations and students. These events facilitate rapid prototyping for companies while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that bridge theory and practice. Over time, hackathons have evolved from competitive arenas into dynamic educational platforms, promoting collaboration between academia and industry. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is transforming hackathons, enhancing learning experiences, and introducing ethical considerations. This study examines the impact of generative AI tools on technological decision-making during the 2023 University of Iowa Hackathon. It analyzes how AI influences project efficiency, learning outcomes, and collaboration, while addressing the ethical challenges posed by its use. The findings offer actionable insights and strategies for effectively integrating AI into future hackathons, balancing innovation, ethics, and educational value.