bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects of cold plasma in enhancing food phenolics: analyzing nutritional potential and process optimization through RSM and AI techniques
Authors: Shanker M. Anjaly , Rana Sandeep Singh
Published: January 2025

Consumption of plant-based food is steadily increasing and follows an augmented trend owing to their nutritive, functional, and energy potential. Different bioactive fractions, such as phenols, flavanols, and so on, contribute highly to the nutritive profile of food and are known to have a sensitivity toward higher temperatures. This limits the applicability of traditional thermal treatments for plant products, paving the way for the advancement of innovative and non-thermal techniques such as pulsed electric field, microwave, ultrasound, cold plasma, and high-pressure processing. Among these techniques, cold plasma would be an operative choice in plant-based applications due to their higher efficacy, greenness, chemical exclusivity, and quality retention. The efficiency of the plasma process in ensuring the bioactive potential depends on several factors, such as feeding gas, input voltage, exposure time, pressure, and current flow. This review explains in detail the optimization of process parameters of the cold plasma technique, ensuring greater extractability or retention of total phenols and antioxidant potential. Response surface methodology (RSM) is one of the common techniques involved in the optimization of these course factors. It also covers the convention of artificial intelligence-based methods, such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic algorithms (GA), in evaluating the data on process parameters. The review critically examines the strengths of each optimization tool in determining the optimal process parameters for maximizing phenol retention and antioxidant activity. The ascendancy of these techniques was mentioned in the studies regarding fruit, vegetables, and their products, and they can also be applied to other food products.
Global burden of chronic kidney disease due to dietary factors
Authors: Yin Lingtao , Kuai Mengni , Liu Zhuo , Zou Binbin , Wu Ping
Published: January 2025

Background

We aimed to assess the global impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to dietary risk factors.

Methods

The research utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to evaluate age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) linked to CKD resulting from dietary risk factors.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, both the ASMR and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) for CKD attributable to dietary risk factors exhibited an overall increasing trend globally. The mortality EAPC was 0.65, while the EAPC for DALYs stood at 0.39. Among dietary risk factors examined, a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with the most substantial increase in CKD burden. Notably, Central sub-Saharan Africa bore the highest burden of CKD due to dietary risk factors, with an ASMR of 10.24 and an ASDR of 229.23. The increases in ASMR and ASDR were more pronounced in high-income regions, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the EAPC values for ASMR were 1.45 and 1.05, respectively, and for ASDR were 1.08 and 0.96. Furthermore, the burden of CKD was notably higher among middle-aged and elderly individuals, especially men aged 65 and above.

Conclusion

The global disease burden attributed to dietary risk factors for CKD is increasing. A diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages exerted the most significant impact on CKD. There is a high incidence in Central sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in high-income regions and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to high sodium intake: a longitudinal study in 1990–2019 in China
Authors: Shen Yongyao , Jiang Liying , Yu Jin , Chen Bo , Liu Aidong , Guo Yongjin
Published: January 2025

Objective

Elevated sodium consumption is associated with increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and data for this disease burden attributable to high sodium intake in China from 1990 to 2019 are scarce in China. Our study aims to estimate and present the national burden of CKD attributable to high sodium intake, as well as its profile.

Methods

The regional disease burden data from the China Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) from 1990 to 2019 were compiled based on the methodology of GBD 2019. CKD burden [deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)] was quantified according to population group (age, gender) and regions categories (province, SDI). The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) were calculated to describe long-term trends.

Results

Totally, the number of deaths of CKD attributable to high sodium intake reached 95,000, with DALYs amounting to 2.59 million person-years in 2019, while the trends of ASMR (EAPC: -0.31, 95%CI: −0.46, −0.17%) and ASDR (−0.33, 95%CI: −0.48, −0.18%) were down during the observation period. The age-specific numbers and rates of deaths, as well as DALYs increase with age are higher in males than in females. Significant disparities in CKD burden attributable to high sodium intake were observed across provinces and SDI regions. In both 1990 and 2019, the number of deaths and DALYs were higher in middle SDI regions, while low-middle SDI regions had highest ASMR and ASDR. The EAPC of ASDR was found to be significantly negatively correlated with the 1990 ASDR (ρ = −0.393, p = 0.024), and the EAPC of ASMR and ASDR were also significantly negatively correlated with the 2019 SDI (ASMR:ρ = −0.571, p < 0.001; ASDR:ρ = −0.368, p = 0.035).

Conclusion

High sodium intake accounted for a sizeable burden of disease from 1990 to 2019 in China, also presents sexual and geographic variations. Despite a slight decreasing trend exists, the absolute number increased as much as twofold, particularly among males and seniors. Targeting to reduce sodium intake remains a priority, and progress requires systematic monitoring and evaluation, particularly in middle SDI regions that are experiencing rising trends and low-middle SDI regions being susceptible to approaches.
Treatment approaches in advanced penile cancer: targeted therapies and immunotherapy
Authors: Benjamin David J. , Hsu Robert C.
Published: January 2025

Penile cancer is a rare genitourinary malignancy which can be treated with surgery or radiation for localized disease, but often requires systemic treatment with chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic disease. With the emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies for specific genomic aberrations in the treatment of over a dozen other cancers, recent studies have sought to identify therapies other than chemotherapy in treating this uncommon cancer. Several ongoing trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody drug conjugates are attempting to identify additional therapies.
Gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines in relation to the risk of prostate cancer in the Asian population
Authors: Wang Zhengshi , Chen Haotian , Liu Yongqiang , Zou Libin , Zhang Zhijin , Yin Zhiqiang , Mao Shiyu , Guo Changcheng , Yang Bin , Wu Pengfei , Yao Xudong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Studies have shown that gut microbiota is involved in the tumorigenesis and development of prostate cancer. We aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of causal associations of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines with prostate cancer in the Asian population.

Patients and methods

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets were collected from the public databases. There were 418 bacterial traits, 452 metabolites, 91 cytokines, 5408 cases of prostate cancer from East Asia, and 109,347 controls included. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to investigate their causal relationships. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the reliability of MR results. Furthermore, the FinnGen database was used to assess the generalizability of our findings based on Asians.

Results

There were a total of 17 bacterial traits, 28 metabolites (including 2 microbiota-associated metabolites), and 9 cytokines to be significantly associated with prostate cancer in Asians (P < 0.05). Further MR analyses of these positive results indicated that G_Ruminococcaceae UCG014/TNFSF10 axis, G_Anaerofilum/TNFRSF14 axis, G_Erysipelotrichaceae UCG003/TNFSF10 axis, and P_Proteobacteria/cholesterol axis were key signaling pathways involved in the progression of prostate cancer. Notably, G_Ruminococcaceae UCG014/TNFSF10 axis and G_Anaerofilum/TNFRSF14 axis were found to act as protective factors, while the other two signaling axes played a crucial role in promoting the progression of prostate cancer. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the reliability of our findings. Using the European population as outcome, we further assessed the generalizability of our conclusions and found limited applicability to Europeans.

Conclusions

We found that there were causal associations of gut microbiota, metabolites, and cytokines with prostate cancer in Asians. The causal effects of gut microbiota on prostate cancer were partially mediated by metabolites and cytokines. These findings might contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
Seeing beyond words: nanotechnology in hepatocellular carcinoma - a bibliometric study
Authors: Tuergan Talaiti , Abulaiti Aimitaji , Tulahong Alimu , Zhang Ruiqing , Yuan Zhongdian , Lin Yanze , Shao Yingmei , Aji Tuerganaili
Published: January 2025

Background

Nanotechnology has increasingly been applied in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over the past two decades. This study aims to explore the utilization of nanotechnology in HCC through a bibliometric analysis, identifying key themes, trends, and contributions in this field.

Methods

The study utilized VOSviewer and CiteSpace software to perform a bibliometric analysis, evaluating scholarly contributions related to nanotechnology in HCC. The analysis focused on co-occurrence network relationships, publications, citations, and contributions from various entities and authors.

Results

The analysis revealed a total of 2,968 articles, with China and the USA being the most prominent contributors in terms of publications and citations. Notable contributions were made by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and authors Gao Jie and Li Yan. LLOVET JM emerged as the most co-cited author, indicating a leadership role in the field. The “International Journal of Nanomedicine” was identified as the leading publisher, while “Biomaterials” ranked highest in citations. The research mainly focused on drug delivery systems and apoptosis, highlighting significant advancements in utilizing nanotechnology for HCC treatment.

Conclusion

This bibliometric study underscores the critical role of nanotechnology in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, with a particular emphasis on drug delivery and apoptosis. The findings highlight the contributions of key countries, institutions, and authors, reflecting the global effort and collaboration in this rapidly evolving field.
Prevalence and risk factors for long COVID among cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Hongkun , Lu Tingting , Liu Yajie , Yang Jingqi , Ren Simeng , Han Baojin , Lai Honghao , Ge Long , Liu Jie
Published: January 2025

Objective

The prevalence of long COVID among cancer patients remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long COVID and explore potential risk factors among cancer patients.

Methods

A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from database inception until 21 March 2024, to identify studies that reported long COVID in cancer patients. Two investigators independently screened the studies and extracted all information about long COVID in cancer patients for subsequent analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the “Joannagen Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data”.

Results

A total of 13 studies involving 6,653 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of long COVID was 23.52% [95% confidence interval (CI), 12.14% to 40.64%] among cancer patients reported experiencing long COVID after acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The pooled prevalence of any long COVID in cancer patients was 20.51% (95% CI, 15.91% to 26.03%), 15.79% (95% CI, 11.39% to 21.47%), and 12.54% (95% CI, 6.38% to 23.18%) in 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up duration. Fatigue was the most common symptom, followed by respiratory symptoms, myalgia, and sleep disturbance. Patients with comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of experiencing long COVID [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.70; p = 0.019]. No statistically significant differences in sex, primary tumor, or tumor stage were detected.

Conclusion

Nearly a quarter of cancer patients will experience long COVID after surviving from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this would even last for 1 year or longer. Fatigue, respiratory symptoms, myalgia, and sleep disturbance need to be more addressed and managed to reduce symptom burden on cancer patients and improve quality of life. Patients with comorbidities are at a high risk of developing long COVID. Further randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodological designs and large sample sizes are needed for future validation.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023456665.
Familial Mediterranean fever in Romania: a case report and literature review
Authors: Iuhas Alin , Marinău Cristian , Niulaș Larisa , Futaki Zsolt , Balmoș Andreea , Kozma Kinga , Indrieș Mirela , Sava Cristian
Published: January 2025

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent fever and systemic inflammation, most prevalent in Eastern Mediterranean populations. Rare in regions like Romania, FMF presents diagnostic challenges and risks severe complications if untreated. We report a 7-year-old Romanian girl, from a non-classical ethnic background, with recurrent febrile episodes and elevated inflammatory markers. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous MEFV c.2082G>A (p.Met694Ile) variant. Colchicine therapy reduced flare frequency and normalized inflammatory markers. FMF should be considered in atypical populations with recurrent inflammation. Genetic testing aids diagnosis in non-endemic regions, enabling early colchicine treatment to prevent complications.
Magnetic beads as intravesical foreign bodies in children: our clinical experience
Authors: Zeng Yefeng , Huang Shaogang , Yang Zhilin , Gu Xianbin , Sun Xuerui , Chen Pengyu , Li Shoulin
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To analyze the clinical data of five patients involving intravesical magnetic beads, summarizing diagnostic and therapeutic experiences.

Methods

From January 2018 to November 2023, five pediatric patients were treated for intravesical magnetic beads at Shenzhen Children's Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the records of these patients, including demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and treatment methods.

Results

All intravesical magnetic beads were retrieved from patients’ bladders. The patients ranged from 12 to 14 years, with a mean age of 13 years. None of them had a history of psychiatric disorders. Depending on the number of magnetic beads, their aggregation state, and the time since insertion, Three cases were successfully retrieved via cystoscopy, one via pneumovesicoscopy, and another via open surgery. No complications were observed during the postoperative follow-up.

Conclusion

Magnetic beads are a relatively rare type of intravesical foreign bodies and should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Cystoscopy is the first method for both diagnosis and treatment. When magnetic beads cannot be retrieved via cystoscopy, pneumovesicoscopy may be a viable option for the retrieval of foreign bodies. When endoscopic techniques are unsuitable or have failed, open surgery is a necessary option.
The chiisanoside derivatives present in the leaves of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus activate autophagy through the LRP6/GSK3β axis and thereafter inhibit oxidative stress, thereby counteracting cisplatin-induced ototoxicity
Authors: Zhang Wenxin , Teng Hongbo , Zhao Tianyi , Eglitis Roberts I. , Wang Xv , Yu Zhengxuan , Qu Shurong , Wang Haijing , Zhao Yaru , Fan Bowen , Liu Shuangli , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cisplatin is extensively employed in the treatment of multiple solid malignant tumors. Nevertheless, side effects such as cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO) pose obstacles to tumor therapy.The important natural product chiisanoside from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus has abundant activity against CIO.

Methods

In this study, 26 chiisanoside derivatives were screened, and compound 19 demonstrated significant protective activity against CIO damage. A cisplatin—induced HEI—OC1 cell injury model and a mouse ototoxicity model were established. The regulatory effects were revealed through transcriptome sequencing, and the protein expression levels were analyzed by molecular docking, ELISA, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence.

Results

It was found that compound 19 inhibited cell apoptosis, alleviated abnormal hearing and spiral ganglion damage. Transcriptome sequencing revealed its regulatory effects. Compound 19 treatment increased autophagy levels, thereby alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).In-depth studies have found that the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) weakens the regulatory effect of compound 19 on autophagy and inhibits the clearance of damaged cells, resulting in oxidative stress damage, apoptosis and necrosis. By knocking down LRP6, it was found that the protective effect of compound 19 was eliminated, the autophagy level was significantly reduced, oxidative stress and ROS production were induced, and apoptosis after cisplatin exposure was promoted. Finally, the inhibitor LiCl was used to suppress the expression of GSK3β. It was found that inhibiting GSK3β could protect cells from cisplatin-induced damage by activating autophagy.

Discussion

These findings suggest that compound 19 is capable of preventing ototoxicity by activating autophagy via the LRP6/GSK3β axis and consequently inhibiting oxidative stress, offering a new approach for treating CIO and sensorineural hearing loss.
Protective effect of resveratrol on retinal damage in glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Tao , Wan Junli , Wang Lu , Guo Wenmei , Hu Yue , Wang Hao , Bian Wei
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound commonly found in natural plants and fruits, exhibits potential in preventing optic nerve damage in glaucoma, as indicated by several animal studies. However, there is presently a dearth of relevant evidence available for comprehensive summarization.

Methods

In this study, we conducted an extensive search across 7 electronic databases, encompassing all pertinent animal studies for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methodological quality was evaluated using SYRCLE’s bias risk tool, with statistical analysis performed using Stata 17.0. The primary outcome measures included the survival of retinal ganglion cells and retinal thickness.

Results

The comprehensive analysis of the 30 included studies revealed that resveratrol can enhance the expression of Sirtuin 1(SIRT1) protein in retinal tissue (SMD: 3.00, 95% CI: 2.46, 3.53, P = 0.095), boost the survival rate of retinal ganglion cells (SMD: 4.33, 95% CI: 3.28, 5.38, P < 0.05), decelerate the thinning of retinal thickness (SMD: 4.26, 95% CI: 2.77, 5.75, P < 0.05), and enhance visual function. Its potential mechanism of action may involve the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and cell apoptosis.

Discussion

Resveratrol emerges as a promising agent for mitigating glaucoma-related retinal damage. However, given that the animal research models utilized in the study may not fully reflect the intricate scenarios of multiple coexisting diseases in clinical settings, and the administration methods in animal models may differ from those in clinical practice, future studies should aim to provide higher levels of evidence to facilitate the clinical translation of these findings.

Systematic Review Registration:

identifier [CRD42024535673].
The efficacy and safety of first-line monotherapies in primary therapy of invasive aspergillosis: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhao Jiaojiao , Wang Yifei , Ge Long , Kwong Joey Sum-wing , Lan Junjie , Zhang Rui , Zhao Huaye , Hu Linfang , Wang Jiaxue , Sun Shuimei , Tan Songsong , Lin Xiaoqing , He Rui , Zheng Wenyi , Li Xiaosi , Zhang Jiaxing
Published: January 2025

Objective

Several antifungals are available for the treatment of patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). This study aims to evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of the first-line monotherapies in primary therapy of IA through network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP database, Wanfang database, and China Biology Medicine for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to July 2023 that evaluated the efficacy and safety of monotherapies. We performed NMA with a frequentist random effects model and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Primary outcomes were the all-cause mortality at week 12, and secondary outcomes included overall response rate, and incidence of adverse events (AEs) and severe adverse events (SAEs).

Results

A total of three RCTs involving 1,368 participants (four antifungals) were included. The NMA showed that compared to amphotericin B deoxycholate (D-AmB), the triazoles (posaconazole (POS), isavuconazole (ISA) and voriconazole (VCZ)) can improve the overall response rate in primary therapy of IA, but only VCZ and ISA can reduce the all-cause mortality at week 12 for patients with proven and probable IA (VCZ vs D-AmB: RR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.47–0.93, moderate certainty; ISA vs D-AmB: RR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0 .31–0.86, low certainty). ISA (SUCRA = 93.50%; mean rank, 1.20) seemed to be the most effective therapy in the above population. As to proven, probable, and possible IA patients, the triazoles were superior to D-AmB in terms of reducing all-cause mortality. Furthermore, the risk of AEs and SAEs was comparable for the three triazoles, but the risk of SAEs was significantly higher for D-AmB than others.

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of triazoles are more favorable than D-AmB in the primary therapy of IA, with ISA being the optimal choice.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD42023407632.
Design of a 100-MeV compact VHEE beam line in Tsinghua University
Authors: Li Hongyu , Zha Hao , Lin Xiancai , Gao Qiang , Liu Focheng , Shi Jiaru , Chen Huaibi
Published: January 2025

A 100-MeV Compact Electron Accelerator design has been proposed for Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) radiotherapy research at Tsinghua University. The microwave source for this system is a 50 MW X-band klystron, paired with a pulse compressor featuring a correction cavity chain. During high-power test, the system achieved a flat-top power gain three times the input. The acceleration system consists of three main components: a backward traveling-wave buncher that bunches and accelerates electrons from a thermionic cathode gun to 8 MeV, followed by two 72-cell X-band constant-gradient traveling-wave accelerating structures, which further increase the electron energy to 100 MeV with a gradient of 80 MV/m. The total length of the system is 1.8 m, and its design is detailed in this paper.
Inflammation severity, rather than respiratory failure, is strongly associated with mortality of ARDS patients in high-altitude ICUs
Authors: Molano-Franco Daniel , Masclans Enviz Joan Ramon , Viruez-Soto Antonio , Gomez Mario , Rojas Harvey , Beltran Edgar , Nieto Victor , Aliaga-Raduan Fernanda , Iturri Pablo , Arias-Reyes Christian , Soliz Jorge
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In high-altitude cities located above 2,500 m, hospitals face a concerning mortality rate of over 50% among intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This elevated mortality rate is largely due to the absence of altitude-specific medical protocols that consider the unique physiological adaptations of high-altitude residents to hypoxic conditions. This study addresses this critical gap by analyzing demographic, clinical, sex-specific, and preclinical data from ICUs in Bogotá, Colombia (2,650 m) and El Alto, Bolivia (4,150 m).

Methods

A cohort of seventy ARDS patients, aged 18 and older, was evaluated within 24 h of ICU admission. Data collected included demographic information (age, sex), clinical characteristics (primary pathology, weight, height), vital signs, respiratory variables, cardiorespiratory parameters, blood count results, inflammatory markers, severity assessment scores, and comorbidities. Advanced statistical analyses, such as multivariate logistic regression and principal component analysis, were utilized to identify key clinical predictors of ARDS-related mortality.

Results

Our findings indicate that in high-altitude ICUs, monitoring inflammatory markers may be more beneficial for improving ARDS survival rates than emphasizing respiratory failure markers. Unexpectedly, we found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between altitudes of 2,650 and 4,150 m or between male and female patients.

Conclusion

The study concludes that, in high-altitude settings, ARDS patient survival in ICUs is more closely associated with managing inflammatory responses than with focusing solely on respiratory parameters. Further large-scale studies are recommended to validate the impact of inflammatory marker monitoring on survival outcomes in high-altitude ICUs.
An image dataset for analyzing tea picking behavior in tea plantations
Authors: Han Ru , Zheng Ye , Tian Renjie , Shu Lei , Jing Xiaoyuan , Yang Fan
Published: January 2025

Tea is an important economic product in China, and tea picking is a key agricultural activity. As the practice of tea picking in China gradually shifts towards intelligent and mechanized methods, artificial intelligence recognition technology has become a crucial tool, showing great potential in recognizing large-scale tea picking operations and various picking behaviors. Constructing a comprehensive database is essential for these advancements. The newly developed Tea Garden Harvest Dataset offers several advantages that have a positive impact on tea garden management: 1) Enhanced image diversity: through advanced data augmentation techniques such as rotation, cropping, enhancement, and flipping, our dataset provides a rich variety of images. This diversity improves the model’s ability to accurately recognize tea picking behaviors under different environments and conditions. 2) Precise annotations: every image in our dataset is meticulously annotated with boundary box coordinates, object categories, and sizes. This detailed annotation helps to better understand the target features, enhancing the model’s learning process and overall performance. 3) Multi-Scale training capability: our dataset supports multi-scale training, allowing the model to adapt to targets of different sizes. This capability ensures versatility and accuracy in real-world applications, where objects may appear at varying distances and scales. This tea garden picking dataset not only fills the existing gap in the data related to tea picking in China but also makes a significant contribution to advancing intelligent tea picking practices. By leveraging its unique advantages, this dataset becomes a powerful resource for tea garden management, promoting increased efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in tea production.
Night-break treatment with blue and green lights regulates erect thallus formation in the brown alga Petalonia fascia (KU-1293)
Authors: Maegawa Yuya , Takahashi Fumio , Hiyama Tsunami , Yoshikawa Shinya
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigated the photoperiodic responses regulating erect thallus formation in Petalonia fascia (KU-1293). We found that, through critical day length analysis and night break treatment culture experiments, P. fascia formed erect thalli under short-day conditions, indicating a genuine photoperiodic response. The critical day length for this morphological change was 10–11 h. Notably, night-break treatment with blue light (BL) and green light (GL) inhibited, whereas that with red light (RL) enhanced erect thallus formation. P. fascia was more sensitive to BL than to GL, requiring approximately 100-times less light to exhibit similar effects. Furthermore, promotion of erect thallus formation by RL was not negated by far-red light, suggesting the presence of a novel RL receptor distinct from the classical phytochrome system in terrestrial plants. These findings highlight the complexity of light wavelength interactions in regulating photoperiodic responses and suggest the presence of unique photoreceptors for day-length perception and erect thallus formation in P. fascia.
Identification and characteristics of differentially expressed genes under UV-B stress in Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Song Xiaolin , Zhu Yingjie , Bao Ying
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of Gossypium hirsutum under UV-B stress and identify the significant pathways based on gene enrichment analysis results.

Methods

In this study, the allotetraploid crop G. hirsutum was used to examine changes in various physiological indexes under UV-B stress, and screened out all DEGs under UV-B stress (16 kJ m-2 d-1) based on six leaf transcriptomes. The main enrichment pathways of DEGs were analyzed according to gene annotation. Finally, we predicted the regulatory genes of phenylpropanoid pathway under UV-B stress by co-expression network analysis, and selected GhMYB4 for verification.

Results

Gene annotation analysis revealed that DEGs were predominantly enriched in pathways related to photosynthesis and secondary metabolism. Further analysis revealed that UV-B stress impaired photosynthesis mainly by damaging photosystem II (PSII) and inhibiting electron transport, whereas G. hirsutum responded to UV-B stress by synthesizing secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins and lignin. We selected the regulatory genes GhMYB4 for verification. It was found to be an anthocyanin negative regulator in response to UV-B stress.

Conclusions

UV-B stress impaired photosynthesis mainly by damaging photosystem II (PSII) and inhibiting electron transport, whereas G. hirsutum responded to UV-B stress by synthesizing secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins and lignin.
Measuring the dark triad: a meta-analytical SEM study of two prominent short scales
Authors: Knitter Lukas A. , Hoffmann Jerome , Eid Michael , Koch Tobias
Published: January 2025

This research examines the factor structure and psychometric properties of two well-known Dark Triad personality trait questionnaires: the Short Dark Triad (SD3) and the Dirty Dozen (DD). By analyzing data from 11 (SD3) and 5 (DD) carefully selected studies in the United States and Canada, this meta-analysis uncovers unexpected correlations among questionnaire items, challenging existing assumptions. The study employs a two-stage structural equation modeling approach to evaluate various measurement models. Conventional models, such as the correlated factor and orthogonal bifactor models, fail to explain the irregular correlations. For Dirty Dozen items, a bifactor-(S·I-1) model is more suitable than the orthogonal bifactor model, significantly affecting interpretation. On the other hand, the complex structure of the SD3 necessitates item revision to enhance reliability, discriminant validity, and predictive validity. These findings emphasize the need for refining and clarifying concepts in item revision. Furthermore, the research highlights the overlap between Machiavellianism and psychopathy, particularly in relation to revenge-related items, suggesting the need for differentiation between these traits or the identification of distinct core characteristics.
Family functionality as a mediator in the relationship between humanization and academic burnout in adolescents
Authors: Molina Moreno Pablo , Fernández Gea Silvia , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Molero Jurado María del Mar , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: January 2025

Introduction

During adolescence, personal competencies serve as protective factors against social exclusion and are crucial for promoting psychological well-being and creating opportunities for growth. Family and educational systems play a pivotal role in supporting these competencies. This study aims to analyze the relationships between humanization competencies, academic burnout, and family functionality, to examine sex differences in these variables, and to explore the mediating effect of family functionality.

Methods

The sample comprised 1,092 secondary school students (584 females and 508 males) from Almería, Spain, aged 12 to 17 (M = 14.5 years).

Results

The findings show that family functionality is positively associated with humanization competencies and academic efficacy, and negatively associated with emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Notable sex differences emerged, with males scoring higher in optimism, self-efficacy, and affect, while females scored higher in sociability and cynicism. Mediation analysis revealed that family functionality partially mediates the relationship between humanization competencies and academic burnout, specifically impacting cynicism, academic efficacy, and emotional exhaustion.

Discussion

These results highlight the critical role of a supportive family environment in enhancing adolescents’ psychological resilience and academic outcomes. The study suggests that interventions targeting family functionality could be effective in reducing academic burnout and promoting overall well-being among adolescents.
A didactic illustration of writing skill growth through a longitudinal diagnostic classification model
Authors: Ravand Hamdollah , Effatpanah Farshad , Kunina-Habenicht Olga , Madison Matthew J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Diagnostic classification models (DCMs) have received increasing attention in cross-sectional studies. However, L2 learning studies, tracking skill development over time, require models suited for longitudinal analyses. Growth DCMs offer a promising framework for such analyses.

Method

This study utilizes writing data from two learner groups: one receiving peer feedback (n = 100) and the other receiving no feedback (n = 100), assessed at three time points. It demonstrates the application of longitudinal DCM via the TDCM package to analyze growth trajectories in four writing subskills: Content, Organization, Grammar, and Vocabulary. The primary focus is on showcasing the package, but substantive findings can also be helpful.

Results

The multi-group analysis revealed similar V-shaped growth trajectories for Grammar and Vocabulary, along with consistent inverted V-shaped patterns for Organization and Content in both groups.

Discussion

The results showed minor differences between the two groups, potentially indicating the limited impact of peer feedback on L2 writing development. This could be attributed to the social dynamics between peers.
Effects of music training on executive functions in preschool children aged 3–6 years: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Yanan , Shi Lin , Musib Ahmad Faudzi
Published: January 2025

Background

Executive functions is a crucial ability in the early development of preschool children. While numerous studies have found that music training has a favorable effect on children’s executive functions, there is a lack of a consistent perspective on this topic, particularly with regard to the dose–response relationship.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted of Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to compute standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In all, 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis, in which children’s music training groups showed significantly improved inhibitory control (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.6), working memory (SMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54), and cognitive flexibility (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.04–0.42) in comparison with control groups. Subgroup analyses indicated significant improvements relative to the control groups for inhibitory control following music training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.22–0.8), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.2–0.75), and lasting 20–30 min per session (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.2–0.63). Significant improvements were seen for working memory following music training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.18–0.65), occurring <3 times per week (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.06–0.93), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.28, 95% CI:0.1–0.47), and lasting 20–30 min per session (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16–0.54). Music training significantly improved cognitive flexibility following training having a duration of ≥12 weeks (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.04–0.41), occurring ≥3 times per week (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.0–0.39), and lasting >40 min per session (SMD = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.22–1.26).

Conclusion

Music training has a positive effect on inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in preschool children aged 3–6 years. This effect is influenced by certain training factors, including the duration of the intervention period, frequency per week, and length of each session.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#aboutregpage, CRD42024513482.
Cyber anti-intellectualism and science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kuang Yan
Published: January 2025

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, science communication played a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and promoting scientific literacy among the public. However, the rise of anti-intellectualism on social media platforms has posed significant challenges to science, scientists, and science communication, hindering effective public engagement with scientific affairs. This study aims to explore the mechanisms through which anti-intellectualism impacts science communication on social media platforms from the perspective of communication effect theory.

Method

This study employed a cross-sectional research design to conduct an online questionnaire survey of Chinese social media users from August to September 2021. The survey results were analyzed via descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and a chain mediation model with SPSS 26.0.

Results

There were significant differences in anti-intellectualism tendency among groups of different demographic characteristics. The majority of respondents placed greater emphasis on knowledge that has practical benefits in life. Respondents’ trust in different groups of intellectuals showed significant inconsistencies, with economists and experts receiving the lowest levels of trust. Anti-intellectualism significantly and positively predicted the level of misconception of scientific and technological information, while significantly and negatively predicting individuals’ attitudes toward science communication. It further influenced respondents’ behavior in disseminating scientific and technological information through the chain mediation of scientific misconception and attitudes toward science communication.

Conclusion

This research enriches the conceptual framework of anti-intellectualism across various cultural contexts, as well as the theoretical framework concerning the interaction between anti-intellectualism and science communication. The findings provide suggestions for developing strategies to enhance the effectiveness of science communication and risk communication during public emergencies.
Potential profiling of social alienation in older female patients with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Li Yakun , Wang Hongxia
Published: January 2025

Background

With the global trend of aging, stress urinary incontinence is becoming more common in older adults, which may have some impact on patients' quality of life. Social alienation can generate negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and morbid stigma, and reduce patients' quality of life. However, the current status of social alienation is different among different older adult female patients with stress urinary incontinence. Therefore, this study categorizes older adult female stress urinary incontinence patients through potential analysis to understand the category characteristics of social alienation level of older adult female stress urinary incontinence patients, and explores the influencing factors of social alienation level of different categories of older adult female stress urinary incontinence patients, which can provide a reference to personalized intervention programs for the characteristics of social alienation of older adult female stress urinary incontinence in the future.

Method

A convenience sampling method was used to select 365 cases of older adult female stress urinary incontinence patients from March 2023 to April 2024 in three communities in Jinzhou City. The General Information Questionnaire, the Family Care Index Scale, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the General Alienation Scale were used to conduct the survey.

Results

A total of 365 respondents were included, and three potential categories of social alienation were finally identified, namely, low social alienation (29.0%), medium social alienation-self alienation (49.4%), and high social alienation (21.6%). The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that occupational status, marital status, whether living alone, place of residence, BMI, whether other chronic diseases, level of narrative disorders, and level of family care were the influencing factors of social alienation in older adult female patients with stress urinary incontinence (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The social alienation of older adult female patients with stress urinary incontinence is characterized by a significant number of categories, and healthcare professionals can identify the characteristics and influencing factors of each category at an early stage, which can provide a basis for the development of targeted clinical interventions to help patients reduce the level of social alienation.
Multifaceted impacts of double-aging neighborhood’s built environments on SAIP: a deep dive into Chinese rapidly aging urban society
Authors: Qian Yue , Qiao Guanmin , Zhang Guoping , He Xianjing , Ma Renfeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The healthy aging of older adults in dual-older adult communities is influenced by multiple factors, and understanding its underlying mechanisms can promote healthy aging among the older adults in a wide range of developing countries. This comprehensive study delves into the intricate interplay between multifaceted built environmental factors, and their direct and indirect effects on the successful AIP residing in double-aging neighborhoods.

Methods

Applying a series of HLM, the research meticulously explores the intricate links between SAIP and multi-scale aging spaces, including home space, community social participation, and built environments.

Results

The results show that: (1) Older adults people’s need for spiritual comfort derived from home space exceed the need for financial support and family care, becoming a major positive factor for SAIP; (2) The neighborhood based on acquaintance society, partly replace the role of home-based care in influencing SAIP. Especially, community participation has a positive impact, serving as an extension of the home space, such as college for senior citizens and outdoor activity space; (3) The built environment of double-aging neighborhoods has a significant positive effect, with a sense of place identity replacing the reliance on family members and acquaintances to facilitate SAIP; (4) In high-density old district, the distribution of public facilities is saturated, and the proper utilizes of these facilities becomes an important factor affecting SAIP.

Discussion

We provide a multi-factorial perspective of SAIP, demonstrating the compensatory and substitutional roles of community-based older adults care services and friendly neighborhood relationships in fulfilling home-based older adults care functions. This approach better promotes the construction of age-friendly communities and supports SAIP.
How exercise frequency affects BMI: a nationwide cross-sectional study exploring key influencing factors, including dietary behavior
Authors: Zhang Ming , Guan Qinyi , Mai Jianrong , Li Si , Liu Chengwu , Zhou Ling , Lin Lina , Teng Kaisheng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an important indicator for assessing obesity and related health risks. With the rapid socio-economic development and changes in lifestyle, abnormal BMI (such as underweight, overweight, and obesity) has become an increasingly serious public health issue. This study aims to explore the impact of exercise frequency on BMI among Chinese adults aged 19 to 59, and to analyze the role of dietary behaviors in regulating BMI, providing a basis for BMI intervention strategies.

Method

The study employs a multi-stage sampling method across 23 provinces, provincial capitals, and four municipalities in China, randomly selecting 120 cities from each region. Online surveys were conducted using Wenjuanxing by trained surveyors.

Result

A total of 8,611 individuals participated in the survey. Among them, 1,066 (12.38%) had a BMI < 18.5, 5,354 (62.18%) had a BMI between 18.5 and 23.9, and 2,191 (25.44%) had a BMI ≥ 24. Factors such as gender, age, marital status, monthly household income, smoking, and alcohol consumption significantly affected BMI (p < 0.05). The overall impact of exercise on abnormal BMI was −0.003, with a direct effect of −0.005. The mediating effect of dietary behaviors between exercise and abnormal BMI was 0.002, accounting for 92.48% of the total effect.

Conclusion

This study highlights the widespread prevalence of abnormal BMI among individuals aged 19 to 59 in China. A single exercise intervention may be insufficient to effectively improve abnormal BMI; thus, it should be combined with strategies aimed at enhancing dietary behaviors.
Physical parameters and biological factors affect the abscopal effect of combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy: an update on preclinical works
Authors: Ren Wangcai , Wen Jialing , Guo Gang , Gu Wenchao , Zhang Shenke , Liu Chang , Osada Kensuke , Shimokawa Takashi , Wang Qiaojuan , Wang Yue , Tu Xuanzhang , Li Chen , Sui Li , Ma Liqiu
Published: January 2025

In the process of radiotherapy for cancer patients, there is an extremely low probability phenomenon that the distal tumor/metastasis away from the irradiation field undergoes regression after localized radiation therapy, which is called the abscopal effect. Enhancing the incidence of this phenomenon possesses profound significance for the investigation of metastatic cancer treatment. Currently, the underlying mechanisms of the abscopal effect remain unclear. Radiation-induced immunogenic cell death is considered one of the potential mechanisms for the abscopal effect. From this perspective, we explored how physical parameters and biological factors influence this process. Differences between patients with respect to physical factors and intrinsic biological factors that activate the immune response (acquired factors) may affect the induction of the abscopal effect.