bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture on treating mild to moderate first-episode depression: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xia Jingyu , Jiang Minghui , Yin Xuan , Wang Zuqing , Li Feng , Wei Haiyan , Jin Chuanyun , Hu Yanmei , Chen Jianhua , Xu Shifen
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Only 30%-40% of patients with first-episode depression recover after taking antidepressants. Acupuncture is a clinically recognized treatment for depression, but its effect on first-episode depression remains unknown. This randomized controlled trial is designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) compared with escitalopram (ESC) in treating patients with mild to moderate first-episode depression.

Methods and analysis

This is a multi-site, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms. A total of 204 eligible patients will be randomly allocated to two groups: the EA group (receiving EA treatment with placebo drugs) and the ESC group (receiving escitalopram and sham acupuncture treatment). Treatment will last 12 weeks, with 3 sessions per week for the first 8 weeks, decreasing to 2 per week for the remaining 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the score of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and the secondary outcomes will include depression recovery rate, depression remission rate, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF-36), and the dose and frequency of ESC. The Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) will be used to assess all adverse effects. Full details of the statistical analysis plan for the primary and secondary outcomes will be described in this article.
A novel Adolescent Health Behavior Checklist
Authors: Su Yanjie , Bai Hua , Li Ying , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Adolescents are experiencing rising rates of obesity, insufficient exercise, and sleep disorders. To provide a scientific basis for policymakers to develop targeted and evidence-based health behavior education and policies, this study employed structural equation modeling to design the Adolescent Health Behavior Checklist (AHBC).

Methods

We designed a draft 6-dimensional AHBC, which includes the dimensions of exercise, diet, personal responsibility, sleep, interpersonal relationships, and stress management. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating healthier behavior. Through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), we optimized the construct validity of the AHBC.

Results

The optimal factor structure was first determined using EFA with 177 middle school students participating in the process. EFA suggested a hierarchical, 6-factor AHBC with good internal consistency (global Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). Using an independent sample of 349 middle school students, CFA confirmed the construct validity of the AHBC. The final model demonstrated a good fit: SRMR = 0.058, CFI = 0.990. Five out of six latent variables had factor loadings higher than 0.7, and 81% of the item-level factor loadings exceeded 0.7. Additionally, all latent variables had McDonald's omega values higher than 0.7, indicating acceptable convergent validity. Finally, factor correlations showed that the AHBC has good discriminant validity.

Conclusions

The AHBC is a 31-item checklist that assesses adolescents' all-around health behaviors, using a score of four as the benchmark value. The shortcomings of the current checklist are discussed, along with future theoretical and practical directions for improvement.
The relationship between benevolent childhood experiences and depression among Chinese university students: the serial mediating role of family relationships and sleep quality
Authors: Li Chong , Wang Yihan , Wang Jingjing , Wang Yuhao , Luo Yunjiao , Yan Na , Wang Yingxue , Sun Guixiang , Zhang Ying , Wang Wei
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Depression represents a significant mental health challenge among university students. Previous studies have revealed a relationship between benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) and depression, but the roles of family relationships and sleep quality in mediating the link between BCEs and depression remain unclear. This study constructed a serial mediating model to examine whether family relationships and sleep quality mediated the relationship between BCEs and depression among Chinese university students.

Methods

A total of 1830 university students from 25 universities in three provinces of China got recruited in this study. The assessment utilized the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs-10) for childhood experiences, the Quality of Family Relationships Scale for family dynamics, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) single-item for sleep quality, and the Center for Epidemiological Survey Depression Scale (CES-D-10) for depression. Correlation analyses and serial mediation modeling were conducted using SPSS 25.0 with PROCESS macro v3.4.1.

Results

BCEs, family relationships, and sleep quality scores were all found to be negatively correlated with depression scores (r = −0.46, −0.32, −0.47, respectively, all p < 0.01). Family relationships, and sleep quality scores were positively correlated with BCEs scores (r = 0.31, 0.27, respectively, both p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between the family relationships score and sleep quality score (r = 0.22, p < 0.01). Mediating analysis indicated that BCEs had a direct effect on depression (the direct effect accounted for 71.54%). Depression was affected by BCEs partly through three different pathways: the mediating role of family relationships (the mediation effect accounted for 8.50%), the mediating role of sleep quality (the mediation effect accounted for 16.40%), and the serial mediating role of both family relationships and sleep quality (the serial mediation effect accounted for 3.56%).

Discussion

The findings of this study demonstrated that family relationships and sleep quality partially mediated the association between BCEs and depression by serial mediating effects.Thus, improving sleep quality and family intervention may be effective measures to protect Chinese university students from depression.
Understanding key factors contributing to mental health challenges among pediatric nurses: a systematic review
Authors: Limungi Godfrey Mbaabu , Amer Mesmar , Elmadani Mohammed , Simon Klara , Hamad Osama , Horvath Eva , Livia Patty , Orsolya Mate
Published: February 2025

Background

The mental health and wellbeing of nurses, particularly pediatric nurses, have garnered attention due to the increased risk of mental health challenges associated with their demanding profession. These nurses are especially vulnerable, yet their mental wellbeing is often understudied.

Objective

This systematic review aims to identify and analyze key factors associated with mental health challenges among pediatric nurses and explore how these factors interact to influence their wellbeing.

Methodology

The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024553062) and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases: PubMed Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline, and Embase. Eligible studies included both qualitative and quantitative studies that examined factors linked to mental health challenges among pediatric nurses. The quality of the studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data extraction and synthesis involved qualitative content analysis to identify key factors.

Results

Five studies from China, Turkey, Greece, Canada, and Saudi Arabia were included. The key factors identified were high workload, poor work environment, limited resources, and strained interpersonal relationships, lack of support, irregular shift patterns, demanding roles, and financial strain. These factors were significantly associated with increased stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression among pediatric nurses. The interaction of these factors created a complex web influencing their mental health, with supportive work environments and adequate financial compensation mitigating some negative effects.

Conclusion

This systematic review identifies high workload, poor work environment, limited resources, and strained interpersonal relationships, lack of support, irregular shift patterns, demanding roles, and financial strain as key factors impacting the mental wellbeing of pediatric nurses. These factors interact to exacerbate stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Effective interventions should include manageable nurse-to-patient ratios, adequate resource allocation, fostering a supportive work culture, flexible scheduling, targeted support for senior nurses, and improved financial compensation.
Black:white inequities in infant mortality across the 69 most populous US cities, 2018–2021
Authors: Saiyed Nazia S. , Bishop-Royse Jessica C. , Smart Britney P. , Leung Anne , Benjamins Maureen R.
Published: February 2025

The United States has poor birth outcomes, including high rates of infant mortality and substantial racial inequities, compared to other developed nations. However, both overall mortality rates and racial inequities in rates vary across locations, emphasizing the structural forces that shape population health. We used mortality and natality data from the National Vital Statistics System to assess racial inequities in infant mortality rates within the most populous US cities for 2018–2021. Specifically, we: (1) calculate overall and race-specific infant mortality rates for 69 cities and racial inequities in infant mortality for 48 cities; and, (2) analyze associations between these inequities and city-level measures of structural racism. City-level infant mortality rates ranged from 1.96 deaths per 1,000 births in Irvine, CA to 13.92 in Detroit, MI. The non-Hispanic Black infant mortality rate was 2.5 times higher than the non-Hispanic white rate in the US and the Black:white rate ratio was statistically significant in all study cities, ranging from 1.8 (Omaha, NE) to 5.0 (Cincinnati, OH). The Black:white rate ratio was greater than 4.0 in 10 cities. Overall and race-specific infant mortality rates were associated with measures of education, economic status, incarceration, segregation, and diversity. Racial inequities in infant mortality were associated with measures of economic status. Understanding infant mortality inequities at the city level is critical to support the efforts of urban health advocates. Moreover, examining the persistent associations of structural racism with infant mortality will help guide necessary programmatic or policy decisions to reduce infant mortality in US cities.
Global, regional and national burden of decubitus ulcers in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021: a systematic analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2021
Authors: Zhang Shenyue , Wei Guoxing , Han Liu , Zhong Weibing , Lu Zhentan , Niu Zehao
Published: February 2025

Background

Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers, pose a significant public health challenge due to their substantial impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures.

Methods

The number and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of prevalence, death, disability adjusted life-year (DALY), years of life lost (YLL), and years lived with disability (YLD) at the global, regional, and national levels were acquired from the GBD 2021 database. Trends were evaluated based on the estimated average percentage change (EAPC) of ASRs. Additionally, data were stratified by socio-demographic index (SDI) quantiles, regions, countries, territories, and age groups.

Results

The total number of decubitus ulcer cases increased from 300,442 in 1990 to 645,588 in 2021. The global ASR of prevalence decreased slightly from 8.25 to 7.92 per 100,000 persons, with most cases occurring in individuals aged 60 and older. Deaths due to decubitus ulcers rose from 16,622 in 1990 to 37,033 in 2021, while the global ASR of death declined from 0.53 to 0.46 per 100,000 persons. DALY due to decubitus ulcers increased, exhibiting significant variation across regions and age groups. A higher SDI was correlated with increased ASRs of prevalence (R = 0.488, p < 0.001) and YLD (R = 0.495, p < 0.001). Conversely, a higher SDI was correlated with lower ASRs of death (R = −0.329, p < 0.001), DALY (R = −0.398, p < 0.001), and YLL (R = −0.445, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The global burden of decubitus ulcers has risen, with notable regional and age-related disparities. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers to optimize healthcare strategies and mitigate the public health impact of decubitus ulcers.
Daily physical activity, coffee and energy drink consumption, and sleep patterns among Chinese elite professional esports athletes: a case study of Zhejiang Regans Gaming
Authors: Pang Zhihui , Su Lide , Zhang Yang
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Esports is increasingly recognized as both a legitimate sport and profession. However, evidence on the health behaviors of esports athletes remains limited. Due to the nature of their activity, these athletes face occupational health risks associated with prolonged sedentary behavior, sleep deprivation, and excessive energy drink consumption. This study aimed to document the health behaviors of professional esports athletes.

Methods

This case study sampled athletes from Zhejiang Regans Gaming, who are full-time professionals competing at the elite level. Data were collected over three training days, with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sleep patterns monitored using the Apple Watch Series 9.

Results

Athletes trained for an average of 13 h daily in a seated position, engaging in only 35.6 ± 0.9 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The extended training hours led to delayed sleep schedules, with a typical bedtime of 3:05 a.m. Sleep quality was poor, with athletes averaging 45.2 ± 13.0 min awake in bed, 392.8 ± 13.9 min of total sleep, and a sleep efficiency of 89.7 ± 3.0%. Likely due to sleep deprivation, athletes consumed an average of 2 cups of coffee and 2.5 ± 0.4 bottles of energy drinks daily.

Conclusion

This study offers firsthand evidence of the concerning health behaviors among Chinese elite professional esports athletes. Physical activity levels and sleep quality are notably poor, while energy drink consumption is prevalent. Team managers should monitor sleep quality and energy drink consumption, while governing bodies must recognize the long-term risks of excessive sedentary behavior in esports.
Integrating the Triple Bottom Line into the Vehicle Routing Problem: a transdisciplinary approach to customer prioritization
Authors: Trigos Federico , Osorio María Lucila
Published: February 2025

The current business environment is characterized by heightened competition, rising customer expectations, and increasing demands for cost efficiency and sustainability. Within this context, management's mandate for a seamless flow of products to customers, especially those with high priority, is underscored by imperatives to lower costs, adhere to policies and regulations, and sustain personnel wellbeing and motivation. This research advances the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) by integrating a transdisciplinary approach to customer prioritization that extends beyond revenue-based metrics. By incorporating customer preferences and sustainability considerations alongside traditional economic and logistical factors into the decision-making process, the model ensures a more efficient allocation of resources and improved customer service, ultimately enhancing long-term profitability. A real-world numerical illustration is provided, demonstrating that order acceptance is crucial and highlighting that not all customers should be served when considering the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) objectives. The study further explores how prioritization strategies, when managed across different business functions, can lead to better alignment with TBL, balancing economic, social, and environmental goals. The model's application offers significant practical implications for businesses operating under resource constraints, helping them optimize routes, reduce operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth while maintaining high customer satisfaction. Finally, the paper presents avenues for future research, including expanding the model's scope to incorporate reverse logistics and further refining customer prioritization strategies.
Donor after circulatory death in pancreas transplantation: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Chassot Mathieu , Scheen Marc , Wassmer Charles-Henri , Compagnon Philippe , Peloso Andrea , Haidar Fadi
Published: February 2025

The growing disparity between the demand for pancreas transplants and the availability of suitable organs underscores the urgent need for innovative donor strategies, including the utilization of donors after circulatory death (DCD). This scoping review presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of transplantation outcomes between DCD and donors after brain death (DBD), focusing on pancreatic graft survival, postoperative complications, and functional metrics such as graft performance and HbA1c levels. Although DCD grafts were suspected to be associated with higher rates of early complications, including delayed graft function and thrombosis, altogether resulting from potentially more ischemia-reperfusion injuries, their long-term outcomes are comparable to those of DBD grafts. This equivalence is likely driven by careful donor selection, a meticulous pancreas procurement, use of normothermic regional perfusion and a short ischemic time. The findings highlight the transformative potential of DCD donors in expanding the pancreas donor pool, addressing critical organ shortages, and enhancing transplant accessibility. This review advocates for the integration of DCD donors into routine clinical practice, emphasizing the need for optimized clinical protocols and organ allocation strategies. By leveraging DCD donors more effectively, the transplant community can make significant strides in improving patient outcomes and addressing the global organ shortage crisis.
A study on the implementation of dual career at European higher education institutions: the student-athletes' and experts' views
Authors: Izzicupo Pascal , Serafini Sofia , Prestanti Iris , Fusco Andrea , Abalasei Beatrice-Aurelia , Alonso del Hierro Tara , Çalışkan Burak , Di Baldassarre Angela , Ege Håkon , Figueiredo Antonio J. , Ghinassi Barbara , González-García Higinio , Onose Ionut , Onose Raluca-Mihaela , Perissinotto Matteo , Ramírez-Muñoz Amaia , Sánchez-Pato Antonio , Stanković Nemanja , Stojiljković Nenad , Doupona Mojca , Capranica Laura
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The holistic development of elite athletes is a priority within European sports policies, necessitating a coordinated approach to dual career support. This study evaluated the perspectives of both university experts and student-athletes (S-As) on various dual career aspects, aiming to provide actionable insights for improving policies within European higher education institutions (HEIs).

Materials and methods

Data was collected through an online survey tailored for HEI experts and S-As across multiple countries. A total of 46 HEI experts and 321 S-As responded to the survey. The role of the country of origin on each dual career aspect for S-As was investigated using a MANOVA, followed by an ANOVA and post hoc analyses using Tukey's test when an effect emerged. The data from HEI experts and comparisons between S-As and HEI experts were handled descriptively due to the violation of assumptions of homogeneity of variances and sufficient sample size.

Results

The study revealed significant trends and disparities in the availability and quality of support services. In particular, logistic, and financial support, and other support/policies areas showed a significant effect for S-As countries of origin, with Romanian and Serbian S-As generally reporting better scores and Italian and Spanish worse. In general, HEI experts rated dual career provision areas more favorably than S-As.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of integrating both HEI expert and S-As' perspectives to develop effective dual career policies. Tailored interventions and enhanced communication about available resources are crucial for improving the dual career experiences of S-As across Europe.
AgriLink: an innovative real-time data monitoring and connectivity platform for an orange orchard in Morocco
Authors: Baraka Kamal , Ezzahar Jamal , Madiafi Mohammed , Erraji Hassan , Vivaldi Gaetano Alessandro , Tallou Anas
Published: February 2025

Sustainable and digital agriculture, grounded in robust scientific research, is crucial to addressing the challenges related to the water-food-energy Nexus (WFE). Ensuring global food security, particularly for small-scale farms, presents a major challenge for the scientific community in the coming decades. Despite occupying only 12% of agricultural land, small-scale farms are responsible for around 35% of the world’s food production. In this context, digital and smart farming solutions, including low-cost, energy-efficient technologies, offer a promising way forward. Low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN), such as LoRa, Sigfox, and NB-IoT, are particularly well-suited for Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled agriculture due to their affordable deployment, energy efficiency, and optimal transmission range for agricultural applications. In contrast, existing systems—often based on expensive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) or satellite imagery—are not suitable for smallholder farmers for several reasons (high costs, technical complexity, and insufficient resolution for small-scale plots). Therefore, this paper introduces a new IoT-based agricultural platform utilizing LoRaWAN technology, designed to provide an affordable and effective solution within the Moroccan agriculture context, suffering from severe water scarcity in the last decades. The platform, called AgriLink, uses sensors to collect data and transmit it to a gateway via LoRaWAN. The data is then processed and transferred to a server using Python, SQLite, and InfluxDB. Once the server confirms the receipt of the data, it is promptly deleted from the gateway. This approach allows farmers to monitor and manage their irrigation and fertilization systems in real-time, enhancing both efficiency and ease of use, while overcoming the limitations of existing systems. The objective of using this platform is primarily to save more water and fertilizers in fruit tree crop orchards, which consequently serve to promote sustainable agriculture.
Conservative approach to a rare case of persistent sciatic artery with iatrogenic femoral arteriovenous fistula: a case report
Authors: Wang Lizhao , Gu Yan , Yang Sen
Published: February 2025

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare anatomic variant disease with an incidence of approximately 0.025%–0.05% it is considered to be an axial congenital vascular malformation, which may be related to the failure of sciatic artery degeneration and iliofemoral artery dysplasia. Some patients may be asymptomatic, while others experience chronic pain, thrombosis, and aneurysm formation. We report the case of a 63-year-old female patient with a superficial femoralartery (SFA)-common femoral vein (CFV) arteriovenous fistula found on ultrasound of the lower extremities due to soreness and numbness of the lower limbs. Interventional surgery and computed tomography were performed to close the internal fistulas and detect the PSA. A coated stent graft was inserted to close the arteriovenous fistula. After 1-mongth follow-up, lower limb discomfort disappeared, and she was administered symptomatic treatment with anticoagulation and swelling reduction medication. Six months after surgery, computed tomography indicated the disappearance of internal fistula and good PSA progression. Lower extremity symptoms were considered to be related to the femoral arteriovenous fistula; therefore, no intervention was performed for the PSA, we only provided health education, such as reducing sedentary and right lying to prevent vascular lesions.
An in-depth review on utilizing ultrasound biomicroscopy for assessing the iridocorneal angle and ciliary body in canines
Authors: Kim Donghee , Kwon Hyun , Hwang Jiyi , Jung Ji Seung , Park Kyung-Mee
Published: February 2025

In this review, we explore the transformative role of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) in veterinary ophthalmology, focusing on its utility in evaluating the iridocorneal angle and ciliary body in dogs. We begin by outlining UBM’s foundational principles, providing a holistic understanding of its operational mechanics. This is followed by an exploration of the techniques and considerations for optimal UBM imaging, including the use of topical anesthesia, probe positioning, and maintaining a controlled measurement environment. A major section is dedicated to the detailed anatomy of the anterior segment, emphasizing the iridocorneal angle and ciliary body in controlling aqueous humor dynamics within canine and feline eyes. By comparing anatomical structures in humans and animals, we highlight the need for distinct parameters in veterinary medicine. The review also analyzes the parameters obtainable via UBM, emphasizing its potential in monitoring drug-induced ocular changes, gaging post-cataract surgical outcomes, and observing inter-species variations. We conclude by encapsulating the current state of research, addressing existing challenges, and suggesting future research avenues. This synthesis underscores the pivotal role of UBM in advancing veterinary ophthalmic diagnostics and research.
What do complementary and alternative medicines mean to UK dairy farmers and how do they use them?
Authors: Crouch Kayleigh M. , Cramer Helen , Rees Gwen M. , Sharp Debbie , Barrett David C. , Cabral Christie
Published: February 2025

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by some farmers to support herd health management practices. There is concern by a large majority of the veterinary community, who consider CAM to be counter to evidence-based practice. Little is known about what and how CAM is used on farms, and it is not clear which products or practices are encompassed by what farmers consider to be CAM. This paper reports on a study exploring the use of CAM on dairy farms in the UK.

Methods

Twenty farms with a range of management systems and herd sizes were recruited. Interviews were conducted with 24 farmers via face-to-face, telephone or videoconferencing modalities necessitated by the Covid-19 movement restrictions. 16 farms were visited to collect observational data using ethnographic fieldnotes and photographs. Interviews were conducted using topic guides and explored participants’ experience of CAM and potential influence on antibiotic use. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed using NViVo software.

Results

A range of views and conceptualisation of CAM was identified among the participating dairy farmers. CAM was not usually seen as one particular product or health management tool but encompassed a range of health management strategies and philosophies. Results indicated that some farmers explore and engage with a range of complementary and alternative medicines and approaches to animal health on dairy farms. Some farmers considered food products, shop bought products, environmental enrichment, in-depth animal observations and technology to form part of their CAM approach. Farmers associated CAM with holistic health management and animal welfare. CAM formed part of a wider ethos regarding holistic farming and land use and was sometimes used to support them in avoiding overuse of antibiotics.

Discussion

Farmers use CAM, and their conceptualisation of it is complex. Several resources and stakeholders were consulted by farmers to understand CAM and conventional medicine. Farmers interest in CAM warrants further consideration. This may support dairy farmers to reduce antimicrobial use responsibly, with veterinary support.
Dietary Dunaliella salina microalgae enriches eggs with carotenoids and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, enhancing the antioxidant and immune responses in heat-stressed laying hens
Authors: Madkour Mahmoud , Ali Sami I. , Alagawany Mahmoud , El-Kholy Mohamed S. , El-Baz Farouk K. , Alqhtani Abdulmohsen H. , Alharthi Abdulrahman S. , Pokoo-Aikins Anthony , Elolimy Ahmed A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Dunaliella salina (DS) is a prospective source of bioactive carotenoids, including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids. The effect of dietary supplementation of DS on the productive performance, immune response, and egg quality of heat-stressed laying hens has not been comprehensively studied. We investigated how dietary D. salina supplementation affects the deposition of bioactive carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids in egg yolks of laying hens experiencing summer heat stress, as determined by the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI). The influence of D. salina supplementation on the productive performance, immune response, and antioxidant status of heat-stressed laying hens was assessed.

Methods

A total of 120 Elma-Brown laying hens were assigned to four dietary treatments with DS supplementation at 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g/kg of diet. The experiment lasted 60 days, during which eggs were collected at three time points: 15, 30, and 60 days from the start of the study.

Results and discussion

including DS at 1 g/kg improved egg production and feed conversion, with improved antioxidant status via a marked inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde in heat-stressed laying hens. Dietary 0.5 g/kg DS improved the immune response of heat-stressed laying hens compared to that of the control group. The highest dose of DS (1.5 g/kg diet) increased astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and total carotenoids by 9.8%, 50.44%, 49.19%, and 84.21% (p < 0.05), respectively, and decreased β-carotene by 38.61% (p < 0.05), when compared with the control. Feeding DS to heat-stressed laying hens increased the concentrations of the long-chain Omega-3 (docosahexaenoic acid) in egg yolks; the dose of 0.5 g/kg diet for 15 d produced an increase in the DHA content by104.76% above the control group (p < 0.5). Feeding DS improved the nutritional indices of egg yolks, as egg yolks retained a high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)/polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/saturated fatty acids, low thrombogenicity index (IT), low atherogenicity index (IA), and high hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (h/H). Feeding heat-stressed laying hens DS improved their productivity and antioxidant status, resulting in functional eggs enriched with bioactive carotenoids (astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein) and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
Using Coherent Hemodynamic Spectroscopy Model to Investigate Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Toronov Vladislav , Soltani Nima , Leung Leeanne , Mohindra Rohit , Lin Steve
Published: February 2025

The Coherent Hemodynamic Spectroscopy (CHS) model provides a quantitative framework for modeling cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism, particularly in response to small physiological perturbations. However, in its original approximate formulation it was limited to conditions where parameter changes were constrained to 10–20%, making it unsuitable for modeling extreme physiological disruptions such as cardiac arrest. In this study, we present a detailed discussion of the algorithm using the complete CHS model, which extends the original framework by solving partial differential equations without approximations to handle large non-periodic perturbations. This model was applied to data from a previously published cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) study in pigs, where cerebral blood flow changed by 100%. While our prior work demonstrated the utility of this approach for analyzing cerebral microvascular and metabolic parameters, it did not include the algorithmic details necessary for reproducibility and broader application. Here, we address this gap by describing the algorithm’s workflow, including the use of non-linear multivariate optimization, and its ability to recover multiple physiological variables, such as the capillary and venule oxygen saturations, and parameters, such as the capillary oxygen diffusion rate, and arterial oxygen saturation. The latter can be valuable when the pulse oximetry measurements are unavailable due to unstable, weak or absent pulse. This study underscores the importance of non-linear modeling in advancing the application of CHS to extreme physiological conditions and highlights its potential for translational research and clinical innovation.
Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
Authors: Yao Qian , Li Peixing , Ren Chaoqun , Tang Chaowei , Qin Qiongyao , Li Jianzhong , Jin Wu
Published: February 2025

A reverse-flow combustor has a larger liner surface area due to airflow turning, which complicates flow and cooling control, particularly heat transfer efficiency. Effective heat management is essential for maintaining uniform temperature distribution and preventing thermal gradients. This study explores the impact of axial position and diameter of primary holes on thermal performance and flow dynamics. Results indicate that as the primary holes move toward the dome, the recirculation vortex size decreases, leading to insufficient fuel mixing, a reduction in the high-temperature area in the primary zone, and an increase in the high-temperature area of the middle zone. On the other hand, moving the primary holes downstream enhances fuel mixing, increasing high-temperature areas in the primary zone and reducing them in the middle and dilution zones, thus improving thermal boundary layers and convective heat transfer rates. When the primary hole is moved 10 mm downstream, outlet temperature improves significantly with an outlet temperature distribution factor (OTDF) of 0.21 and a radial temperature distribution factor (RTDF) of 0.16. Additionally, reducing the upper primary hole diameter strengthens jet deflection, improving fuel–gas mixing at the dome and heat transfer to the central region. With a 2.1 mm hole diameter, the temperature gradient decreases, resulting in an OTDF of 0.184 and RTDF of 0.15. Furthermore, as the momentum flux ratio increases, the jet penetration depth initially rises and then stabilizes. Momentum flux ratios between 10.6 and 15.1 significantly affect jet penetration, while further increases result in smaller fluctuations. Higher momentum flux ratios create localized high- and low-temperature zones, reducing outlet temperature distribution quality. The optimal momentum ratio for the reverse-flow combustor, ensuring effective jet penetration and better temperature distribution, is between 10.6 and 14.7, with a corresponding penetration depth of 34.3 mm to 35.1 mm. These findings offer valuable insights for improving reverse-flow combustor design and performance.
Response of Winter Wheat to 35-Year Cereal Monoculture
Authors: Woźniak Andrzej , Haliniarz Małgorzata
Published: February 2025

A field experiment aimed to evaluate grain yield and grain quality of winter wheat cultivated in a 35-year cereal monoculture and three soil tillage systems (TSs). Winter wheat grown in the plot after common pea (PS) served as the control. In the monoculture (MON) and on PS plots, winter wheat was sown in the conventional (CT), reduced (RT), and no-tillage (NT) systems. In the CT system, shallow plowing was applied after the previous crop harvest, followed by pre-sow plowing. In the RT system, a cultivator was used, and the pre-sow plowing was replaced with a pre-sowing set. In turn, in the NT system, the soil was treated with glyphosate and cultivated using a pre-sowing cultivation set. Winter wheat produced over 2-fold higher grain yield on the PS plot than in the MON as well as in the CT than in the RT and NT systems. In turn, the plant number after emergence was differentiated only by the cropping system (CS). On the PS plots, the number of plants after emergence was 15.6% higher, and the spike number was 50.5% higher than on the MON plots. Also, more spikes per m2 were found on the CT than on the RT and NT plots. Similarly, the grain weight per spike and the 1000 grain weight were higher on the PS plots compared to the MON plots as well as in the CT than in the RT and NT systems. The evaluation of the variance analysis components shows that the grain yield, plant number after emergence, spike number, grain number per spike, and 1000 grain weight were more strongly influenced by CS than by TS. Grain quality, expressed by the contents of total protein, wet gluten, and starch, as well as by Zeleny’s sedimentation index and grain uniformity index, were affected to a greater extent by CS than TS and reached higher values in the grain harvested from the PS plot compared to MON.
Correction: Wu et al. Influence of Nitrogen Application Rate on Stem Lodging Resistance Rice Under Dry Cultivation. Agronomy 2023, 13, 426
Authors: Wu Meikang , Jiang Hao , Wei Zhiheng , Li Wanchun , Gao Kaiyu , Wang Dongchao , Wei Xiaoshuang , Tian Ping , Cui Jingjing , Di Yuting , Wu Zhihai , Yang Meiying
Published: February 2025

In the original publication [...]
Characterization of APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor Gene Family and Their Responses to Abiotic Stress in Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
Authors: Wu Jing , Xie Jingyao , Zhang Wei , Wu Ya , Zhong Ziqin , Chen Chengjie , Luan Aiping , He Yehua
Published: February 2025

AP2/ERF (APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor) transcription factors, a class of plant-specific transcription factors, play a pivotal role in plant growth, development, metabolism, and stress response. The pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), a perennial fruit, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. It is an economically important crop worldwide, which is consumed as fresh fruit, canned fruit, a fiber source, and even pharmaceutical raw material. We identified 75 AcoAP2/ERF genes in the pineapple genome, with four manually curated. They were distributed evenly on 23 chromosomes, except on LG20 and LG23. Sequence lengths, molecular weights, and intron numbers were diverse. The majority of pineapple AcoAP2/ERF genes were localized in nuclear while seven AcoERFs were located in mitochondrial or chloroplast. All pineapple AcoAP2/ERF genes possess an AP2 domain and are divided into 10 clades. Most originate from whole-genome or segmental duplication instead of transposon events. Utilizing pineapple calluses as experimental material, qRT–PCR analysis revealed that the expression of the majority of AcoAP2/ERF genes was induced in response to abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), ethylene (ET), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). In this study, we cloned the promoter sequence of the AcoERF24 gene and divided it into three fragments to construct individual vectors. These vectors were subsequently introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana for β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity analysis, revealing variations in activity levels among the different fragments. This study not only deepens our understanding of the AcoAP2/ERF genes family in olives but also provides an important basis for subsequent studies on the regulation of AcoERF24 gene expression and biological functions.
Development of a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and CRISPR-Cas12a-Based Assay for Rapid Detection of Rice Bakanae Disease Caused by Fusarium fujikuroi
Authors: Li Hongyu , Qiu Yue , Zhang Anpeng , Hu Yingxiong , Cheng Can , Zhou Jihua , Niu Fuan , Sun Bin , Dai Yuting , Xie Kaizhen , Feng Zhizun , Ding Xiaorui , Hu Bilian , Zhang Xueqing , Cao Liming , Chu Huangwei
Published: February 2025

Fusarium fujikuroi is the primary causal agent of rice bakanae disease, which can lead to substantial yield losses. Developing a rapid, highly specific, and accurate method for detecting F. fujikuroi is crucial for effective surveillance, prevention, and control of rice bakanae disease. In this study, a novel detection assay, RPA-Cas12a-F, was developed by integrating recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and Cas12a for the detection of F. fujikuroi. This assay demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 copy/μL of reference plasmid or 0.1 fg/μL of F. fujikuroi genomic DNA (gDNA). Furthermore, to enable on-site detection, the RPA-Cas12a technique was combined with a lateral flow strip (LFS) for visual readout, thereby developing the RPA-Cas12a-LFS assay. The LOD of the RPA-Cas12a-LFS assay was 1000 copies/μL of plasmid or 10 fg/μL of F. fujikuroi gDNA. The RPA-Cas12a-based assays developed in this study enable rapid, highly accurate, sensitive, and specific detection of F. fujikuroi, making them a promising tool for on-site detection without the need for expensive equipment and time-consuming methodologies.
Enhancing Organic Selenium Forms in Alfalfa Forage Through Inorganic Selenium Foliar Application: Insights from Laboratory and Field Studies Using X-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Sánchez-Martín María-Jesús , Gaggiotti Mónica , Simonelli Laura , Marini Carlo , Marini Federico , Boada Roberto , Llugany Mercè , Valiente Manuel , Céccoli Gabriel , Stoffel María Micaela , Viltres-Portales Marcia , Picco Juan Manuel , Guevara María Gabriela , Muñoz Fernando Felipe
Published: February 2025

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient, yet its deficiency remains a global concern. This study investigates the biofortification of alfalfa (Medicago sativa cv. ProINTA Super Monarca GR9) via foliar Se application to enhance Se accumulation and transformation into bioavailable organic forms. A controlled environment experiment in a plant growth chamber and a one-season open-field trial (January 2023, Argentina) were conducted. Treatments included sodium selenate (Se(VI)), sodium selenite (Se(IV)), and a 1:1 mixture, applied at 45 and 90 g Se ha−1, with and without the biostimulant BIOFORGE®. Treated plants exhibited increased Se content, correlating with the applied doses. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed that most inorganic Se was transformed into organic Se forms, with Se(IV) treatments yielding the highest concentrations of organic Se species such as selenocysteine (SeCys) and selenomethionine (SeMet). Open-field trials showed a complete conversion of Se, though total Se accumulation was lower than in controlled conditions. Se treatments did not affect forage quality or biomass production. The biostimulant slightly reduced Se uptake but did not compromise biofortification. These results highlight Se(IV) as the optimal treatment for alfalfa biofortification, presenting a sustainable strategy to enhance dietary Se intake through functional foods.
Accumulated Photosynthetically Active Radiation and Its Heterogeneity Collectively Decrease Soybean Yield in Apple-Based Intercropping Systems
Authors: Peng Ruidong , Xu Huasen , Bi Huaxing , Wang Ning
Published: February 2025

The under-canopy light environment in agroforestry systems is a key limiting factor for the growth of intercropped crops. However, the impact of under-canopy light heterogeneity on crop yield remains unclear. This study focused on 4 (Y4)-, 6 (Y6)-, and 8 (Y8)-year-old apple tree/soybean intercropping systems with root barriers, measuring under-canopy photosynthetically active radiation, yield, and yield components at different phenological stages of soybean, and establishing a quantitative relationship between light heterogeneity and soybean yield. In the apple/soybean intercropping system, the spatial heterogeneity of accumulated photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) is greatest in Y6, with the APAR divided into five categories parallelized along the tree rows. Y4, which had the least spatial APAR heterogeneity, was divided into three categories. The APAR was split into two classes in Y8. The seed number per plant and 100-seed weight of soybean decreased with the increase in tree age. Compared to Y4, yields of Y6 and Y8 treatments decreased by 22.6% and 46.2%, respectively. The reduction in APAR showed a negative effect on yield and its components of soybean, especially in Y4. The shading intensity and under-canopy light heterogeneity jointly constrained the intercropped soybean yield; this effect was gradually strengthened with increasing tree age. Different measures should be taken according to different tree ages and soybean growth stages in intercropping systems to reduce the adverse effects of under-canopy light on soybean yield.
Antioxidant Defenses and Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase (PARP) Activity Provide “Radioresilience” Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Stress in Dwarf Bean Plants
Authors: Hay Mele Bruno , Bianchi Anna Rita , Guerretti Valeria , Pugliese Mariagabriella , De Maio Anna , Arena Carmen
Published: February 2025

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) poses a significant risk for all organisms. Although plants are generally more resistant than animals, radiation still impacts their structure and function. Plant resistance to ionizing radiation is a pivotal property to guarantee their survival. This study evaluates bean leaves’ early and long-term responses to oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation. To assess the early response, we measured a battery of photosynthetic efficiency and oxidative stress markers after exposure of dwarf bean plants to X-ray doses of 0.3, 10, 50, and 100 Gy. We observed that doses started to impact photosynthetic activity at 50 Gy and that markers aggregate in two kinds of behaviors. To test the capacity to recover from radiation-induced damages, 50 Gy-irradiated plants were evaluated with the same markers 3-, 10-, 12-, and 20-days post-irradiation. Dwarf beans displayed remarkable resilience, recovering photosynthetic activity to pre-stress level after three days and pigment content after ten days. The remodulation of oxidative stress markers is slower and more complex, with catalase and total polyphenols failing to recover completely and residual antioxidant activity after twenty days. Despite that, PARP activity recovers to pre-irradiation after three days. The restoration of photosynthesis to pre-irradiated conditions highlights the DNA-repairing efficiency of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and antioxidant machinery in providing resilience to radiation-induced oxidative stress. Understanding resilience mechanisms sheds light on the ability of plants to survive and thrive in radiation-intense environments, such as space or radioactively contaminated areas.