bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary habits of Byzantine Kovuklukaya (Sinop, Türkiye): an isolated society or ostracized people?
Authors: Özdemir Kameray , Itahashi Yu , Yoneda Minoru , Erdal Yılmaz Selim
Published: February 2025

Introduction

During the medieval period, cultural attitudes toward leprosy often involved the exclusion of infected people from general society. People suffering from leprosy were often moved to live in separate places such as a specific district, village, or hospital. Such actions are social implications of how the disease and its sufferers were viewed and dealt with. This study aims to investigate whether Kovuklukaya was inhabited by segregated lepers.

Methods

This was conducted by examining diet of individuals using stable isotope analysis of bulk bone collagen and compound-specific amino acids, and integrating these results with osteoarchaeological, pathological, and ethnographic data.

Results

The stable isotope values reveal a terrestrial C3 diet with little inclusion of C4 plants. The probable source of the animal protein would appear to be sheep and/or goat. Although there is a broad range of available and potentially exploited and consumed food resources in the Black Sea region, the narrow range of the isotopic values would suggest a similarity in the availability or choice of food resources at the different sites in the region.

Discussion

A wide diversity in consumed food resources of ostracized people from different dwellings may be expected. However, the isotopic values suggest that the people of Kovuklukaya consumed a narrow range of food resources. This similarity may arise from the mountainous environment which may restrict the range of available food resources, but is more probably due to common dietary habits such as the regular consumption of the same kinds of foods, eating from the same pots, etc., in a closely related group, kin, or family. The homogeneous characteristic of the dietary habits at Kovuklukaya supports the premise that Kovuklukaya was a small mountain village or hamlet rather than a leper colony.
Technology and application of treating water inrush disasters in underground engineering with the method of physical detection combined with grouting
Authors: Jiang Huangbin , Jiang Chu , Chen Di , Qiu Xiang
Published: February 2025

The water gushing disaster in karst unfavorable geology has always been one of the difficult problems to be solved in the engineering field. In view of engineering problems such as water gushing in karst geology with relatively high-water flow velocity and water seepage at the joints of the underground diaphragm wall which is concealed, a treatment method for water gushing disasters in karst geology based on physical detection combined with grouting is proposed. The main steps of this method are as follows: Firstly, according to the analysis results of engineering geological investigations, by selecting appropriate physical detection means, accurately locate the hidden danger positions such as underground water gushing channels and cracks. Then, based on the results of physical detection, select appropriate grouting materials and techniques to conduct water blocking treatment at the water gushing points and effectively block the water gushing paths. In addition, the feasibility of the above method has also been verified through engineering applications. For the water gushing problem in the limestone area with extensive karst development, the electrical method of geophysical exploration technology was adopted to clarify the karst water gushing channels. And combined with the clay-cement paste grouting blocking technology to block them. The results show that the water blocking effect is obvious, and the water gushing volume has been drastically reduced from 103,900 to 8,600 m³/d, with a reduction rate as high as 91.72%. Moreover, for the concealed water gushing disasters at the joints of the underground diaphragm wall, the sonar detection method was selected to explore the positions of water gushing. Then the cement-water glass double-liquid grouting method was used to conduct anti-seepage treatment at the water gushing positions. An inspection of the water gushing situation after treatment found that the leakage phenomenon at the joints was significantly reduced. The research results can provide certain references for the design of treatment schemes for similar water gushing disasters in karst unfavorable geology.
Flow assurance study based on hydrate deposition modeling
Authors: Li Junliang , Cai Meng , Wei Na
Published: February 2025

During throttling and pressure reduction, hydrates can form due to changes in pipeline pressure, particularly in natural gas with high water content. The formation of hydrates obstructs gas flow, even in minimal quantities, resulting in elevated differential pressure and accelerating hydrate formation, which leads to technical challenges such as diminished production and pressure retention. This study introduces and verifies a multi-field coupling risk prediction model for hydrate blockages in natural gas pipelines. The model integrates the temperature field, pressure field, multiphase flow theory, and hydrate clogging theory. Based on this foundation, the impacts of inlet temperature, pressure, and gas volume on the formation of hydrates in pipelines were analyzed, and the most vulnerable blocked point and the maximum formation rate were determined for different sensitivity factors. The results show that elevated inlet pressure and reduced inlet temperature enhance the maximal hydrate formation rate, while gas volume exerts a negligible influence. And increasing gas transport will move the most susceptible blockage point downstream. Finally, the original model is used to forecast actual gas hydrate plugging using time discretization and iterative calculation approaches.
Comprehensive analysis of non-coding RNA-mediated endothelial cell-specific regulatory circuits in coronary artery disease risk
Authors: Huang Boshui , Lai Zhijie , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Qinhao , Hu Tingting , Yu Fulong , Zhou Shuxian , Zhang Yan , Meng Juan
Published: February 2025

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, driven by both lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition. Large-scale population genetic studies have greatly enhanced our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of CAD and facilitated the discovery of disease-associated genes. Noncoding RNAs, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), play crucial roles in the regulation of these genes. However, the impact of CAD-associated genetic variants on noncoding RNAs and their regulatory gene networks remain largely unexplored. In this study, we systematically identified the targets of both noncoding and coding genes influenced by CAD-associated variants. We constructed a CAD risk gene network, encompassing circRNAs, miRNA and genes, based on the concept of competing endogenous RNA regulation. Additionally, we focused on the endothelial cell (EC)-specific gene regulatory network to prioritize disease-associated circRNAs. Notably, we identified two CAD-associated variants that may disrupt circZNF609 and circABCC1, potentially altering their function as miRNA sponges and impacting EC-specific gene regulation, ultimately contributing to disease risk. Our findings link CAD genetic predisposition to noncoding RNA-mediated gene regulatory mechanisms in specific cell types, providing a valuable resource for novel target identification and advancing precision medicine in CAD.
Retrocaval ureter and right ureteropelvic junction obstruction: a case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Ze-Sheng , Yan Min-Bo , Lv Zhuan , He Ji-Rong , Wen Wei-Jun , Mai Chuan-Xin , Tu Fa-Rong , Li Jian-Sheng
Published: February 2025

A clinical case involving a patient with retrocaval ureter and right ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is presented, accompanied by a comprehensive review and discussion of relevant literature. The patient, a 43-year-old female, was admitted to the hospital after discovering right hydronephrosis 2 weeks prior. Computed tomographic urography (CTU) revealed significant right hydronephrosis, a retrocaval ureter, and compression of the right renal variant artery causing UPJO. Retrograde pyelography further demonstrated a stenotic upper segment of the right ureter, exhibiting an “S”-shaped appearance. To address these issues, the patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for retrocaval ureteral realignment and right pyeloureteroplasty. Notably, there were no complications during or after the surgical procedure, and the patient’s recovery was uneventful. The coexistence of retrocaval ureter and right UPJO is infrequently encountered in clinical practice. However, the simultaneous correction of these anomalies through laparoscopic surgery has proven to be both safe and feasible.
Preliminary transcriptomic analyses reveal in vitro and in planta overexpression of various bacteriocins in Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Amoia Serafina Serena , Saponari Maria , Saldarelli Pasquale , Ligorio Angela Maria , Grosso Carmine Del , Loconsole Giuliana , D’Attoma Giusy , Boscia Donato , Giampetruzzi Annalisa
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium of worldwide importance causing detrimental diseases in several crops. Recent reports from European and Mediterranean countries raised great concerns and have given impetus to new studies investigating both the pathogenicity of the newly emerged strains and the susceptibility and vulnerability of Mediterranean agroecosystems, with the outbreak in olive trees in southern Italy being the most investigated new pathosystem. The complexity of this pathogen makes difficult to understand its interaction mechanisms with host plants and plant microbial communities.

Materials and methods

In this study, we performed a pilot dual RNA-seq analysis on a diseased olive tree infected by Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca, to gather information about bacterial infection dynamics and reciprocal interactions between plant host and the bacterium. Adopting a mRNA enrichment protocol allowed to better probe bacterial sequences by increasing the resolution of differential gene expressions.

Results

The overexpression of a bacteriocin (cvaC-1), as the major result gained by the transcriptomic analysis, led us to validate its potential application as a marker of Xylella fastidiosa multiplication in olive, citrus and periwinkle artificially inoculated plants. Transcriptomic analysis of in vitro cultured strains of Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca, while confirming that bacteriocin-related genes are the most abundant transcripts, unraveled strain differences in the cvaC-1 and cvaC-2 ratio.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the cvaC-1-related transcript can be employed in RT-qPCR/RT-PCR to improve the detectability of actively growing Xylella fastidiosa cells in vitro and in host’s xylem vessels. Indeed, being the most expressed component of bacterial weapons, novel studies focusing on its functions and role in the bacterial pathogenic life cycle should be envisioned.
A video-oculography study of fixation instability in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nguyen Elle Minh Ngoc Le , Clough Meaghan J. , Fielding Joanne , White Owen B.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that causes extraocular muscle weakness in up to 70–85% of patients, which can impact quality of life. Current diagnostic measures are not very sensitive for ocular MG. This study aimed to compare fixation instability (inability to maintain gaze on a target) in patients with MG with control participants using video-oculography.

Methods

A prospective study of 20 age-and sex-matched MG and control participants was performed using a novel protocol with the EyeLink 1000 plus ©. Bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) analysis, number of fixations on a target, and percentage of dwell time of fixations in the target interest area (IA) were calculated. Inter-eye (right vs. left) comparisons were performed using paired t-tests, and inter-group (MG vs. control) comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests.

Results

There were no inter-eye differences in the BCEAs between control eyes and MG eyes. However, the BCEAs were larger in both the right (RE) and left (LE) eyes of MG patients in the right (RE p = 0.029, LE p = 0.033), left (RE p = 0.006, LE p = 0.004), upward (RE p = 0.009, LE p = 0.018), and downward (RE p = 0.006, LE p = 0.006) gaze holds of the controls. The total mean sum of gaze hold fixations in all directions was greater in MG patients than in control participants (354 ± 139 vs. 249 ± 135, p = 0.020), with horizontal gaze holds showing greater differences than vertical gaze holds (p = 0.007 vs. p = 0.097). The percentage of dwell time in the target IA was lower in MG patients, but this only reached significance in the right gaze hold (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

MG patients showed greater BCEA values and refixations and lower target IA percentages of dwell time during gaze hold than control participants, suggesting extraocular neuromuscular junction instability and fatigue. Interestingly, there were no significant inter-eye differences in MG participants. This study is limited by the small number of patients but adds to the current literature exploring video-oculography in MG patients as a novel diagnostic tool. Further studies are recommended for translation into clinical practice.
Imaging characteristics of pediatric primary thymic lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma: case reports of four children with a literature review
Authors: Zhu Xiao-dong , Fang Yuan , Wang Xiao-yu , Hu Jun , Gu Dong-hao , Yao Qiong , Qiao Zhong-wei
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the imaging characteristics of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) in children's thymi.

Methods

Four pediatric cases of primary thymic LELC confirmed by needle biopsy pathology from our research center were enrolled. All children underwent an enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) examination. In addition, 11 cases of pediatric thymic LELC with CT manifestations reported in the literature over the past 20 years were combined to explore their imaging characteristics.

Results

In our research center, there were four cases, all boys, with an average age of 11.25 ± 2.87 years. CT showed a soft tissue mass in the anterior mediastinum in all four cases, with the mass being lobulated or roughly circular and growing laterally. The largest mass had a diameter of 120 mm, with an average of 90 ± 21.6 mm. In three cases, the mass showed cystic necrosis, which enhanced unevenly, and in three cases, small blood vessels were seen traversing the mass. Two cases had an invasion of the pleura and lung with associated pleural effusion. In two cases, vascular reconstruction showed blood supply from branches of the internal thoracic artery, with one case having spinal metastasis. Combined with literature reports of 11 pediatric cases with thymic LELC, a total of 15 cases of thymic LELC were identified: 13 cases were boys, 2 cases were girls, and the average age was 11.2 ± 2.9 years. The largest lesion had a diameter of 160 mm, with an average of 107 ± 27.78 mm. Seven cases had cystic necrosis, 4 cases had calcification, 5 cases did not mention the enhancement method, and the remaining 10 cases showed uneven enhancement. Furthermore, six cases had tumor invasion of adjacent large blood vessels; six cases had pleural effusion; five cases had pleural invasion; six cases had metastasis to the mediastinal, hilar, or axillary lymph nodes cases had pulmonary metastasis; and four cases had bone metastasis.

Conclusion

Thymic LELC in children showed a higher incidence in boys. The imaging characteristics of pediatric thymic LELC manifested as a large mass located in the anterior mediastinum, with highly malignant features and metastasis.
Outcomes of liver transplantation of hepatoblastoma: single-center data in mainland China
Authors: Huang Hongting , Li Linman , Zhu Jianjun , Xu Dongwei , Wan Ping , Qiu Bijun , Zhang Jiaxu , Yang Yongkang , Zhao Jie , Zhang Jianjun , Luo Yi , Feng Mingxuan , Xia Qiang
Published: February 2025

Objective

HB is the most common liver malignancy in children. Giving the rarity of the research reporting outcomes of LT for HB in China, updated long-term data are needed. The primary objective was to evaluate the outcomes of liver transplantation in HB. The secondary objective was to assess the clinical parameters that influence the outcomes of liver transplantation in HB.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the dataset of a single-center cohort from RJ-SJTUM. Outcomes were OS and PFS. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate mortality adjusted HRs with 95% CIs.

Results

RJ-SJTUM has accounted for 68.5% of the total cases in China since 2019. The 5-year PFS and OS rates were 63.6% and 84.6% respectively. AFP ≥13,686.5 ng/ml before LT was an independent risk factor for PFS (P < 0.001), and distal metastasis before LT was an independent risk factor for OS (P = 0.028). All patients received post-LT chemotherapy, and two patients experienced severe liver injury. Patients with localized tumor recurrence after LT had favorable outcomes if radical resection of the recurrence was achieved. Sirolimus played a role in prolonging the survival of patients with recurrent HB after LT (P = 0.0307).

Conclusion

LT achieved favorable outcomes for patients with locally advanced hepatoblastoma. This study suggests that a judicious patient selection to exclude patients with high-risk predictors, as well as standardized postoperative management is critical in this process.
The CYP2D6 phenotyping performance of single-point saliva metabolic ratio in a healthy Chinese Han population
Authors: Huang Yongfa , He Zhangyuting , Guan Xiaoduo , Hu Pei , Chen Rui
Published: February 2025

The CYP2D6 plays critical roles in drug metabolism, and its inter-individual variability should be properly addressed in clinical practice. Our research aimed to assess the performance of single-point saliva metabolic ratio (MR) in a healthy Chinese Han population using dextromethorphan as the probe drug. MR was determined as the ratio of parent drug to metabolite in 3 h saliva, 3 h plasma, and 0–3 h urine post-ingestion. 416 healthy volunteers were enrolled, with 290 (69.7%) male participants and a median body mass index (BMI) of 23.1 kg/m2. The Spearman correlation coefficients were 0.876 between plasma and saliva MR, and 0.746 between plasma and urine MR. The population was clustered into four metabolizer classes with either plasma or saliva MR, but into two metabolizer classes with urine MR. The saliva-based clustering agreed well with plasma-based clustering (Cohen’s Kappa 0.689). A clear negative correlation was observed between Activity Score (AS) and saliva MR, and linear regression revealed that overweight population had significantly lower saliva MR than others. In conclusion, single-point saliva MR performed better than urine MR with satisfactory correlation with plasma MR and effective separation of four metabolizer classes. Predicting saliva MR with the AS system was more accurate when BMI was considered.
Circadian rhythm, glucose metabolism and diabetic complications: the role of glucokinase and the enlightenment on future treatment
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Wang Shuo , Gao Ling
Published: February 2025

The circadian clock, an innate timing mechanism, governs a variety of physiological activities by producing near-24-h cycles in gene expression. These cycles are reflected in patterns of metabolism and behavior. This system consists of two parts: one is the central clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, and the other is the peripheral clock located in tissues throughout the body. Glucokinase, also termed hexokinase 4, is a member of the hexokinase family. It acts as a glucose sensor, plays a pivotal role in glucose homeostasis. Here, we review the role of circadian rhythm in glucose metabolism across various tissues, look into the molecular mechanism of circadian disruption involvement in glucose metabolism and diabetic complications, with a particular focus on the role of glucokinase. Finally, we propose potential strategies for effectively treating metabolic disorders and diabetic complications by modulating circadian rhythm glucokinase.
The role of innovation and entrepreneurship employee training programs in enhancing organizational commitment from the perspective of industry–education integration
Authors: Wu Zijing , Li Qiang , Zhang Biao
Published: February 2025

This study aims to explore the role of employee training programs in enhancing organizational commitment. In the context where organizational commitment is crucial for enterprises’ stable development and employee training programs are an important part of human resources development, understanding their relationship is of great significance. Qualitative research methods were employed. Specifically, semi - structured interviews were carried out with employees from diverse industries. Then, thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Through the thematic analysis, several key themes emerged. The relevance of training content to employees’ job roles and career aspirations has a significant impact on training effectiveness. Employees highly value practical and work - applicable training, which is closely linked to job satisfaction. The quality of trainers is also crucial, as competent and engaging trainers can enhance the perceived value of training. Moreover, knowledge sharing promoted by training programs benefits employees’ personal and professional development and strengthens the organization’s collaborative culture. The results highlight that these findings have practical implications for managers. They should design training programs that match employees’ needs and career goals, invest in improving trainers’ capabilities, and create a knowledge - sharing - friendly environment. By taking these actions, managers can enhance employees’ job satisfaction, skills, and career growth, thereby strengthening organizational commitment. Looking ahead, future research could conduct longitudinal studies to track the long - term effects of training on organizational commitment. Also, exploring the influence of organizational culture and individual differences on training outcomes can offer more targeted training strategies for different organizations and employees.
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intuitive Exercise Scale for young adults
Authors: Shi Dongzhe , Lv Fangyan , Tan Jingbin , Gao Dingguo
Published: February 2025

Background

The Intuitive Exercise Scale (IEXS) is a scale designed to evaluate the positive relationship with exercise, including their ability to tune in to bodily cues, maintain mindfulness while moving, and utilize diverse movement patterns. As that the psychometric properties of the IEXS have not been thoroughly established across cultures and various age groups, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the translated IEXS among young Chinese adults.

Methods

We translated and culturally adapted the IEXS for a sample of 630 Chinese young adults (M = 19.61 SD = 1.13) who agreed to complete the scale online. The psychometric evaluation included item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), and assessments of reliability, predictive validity, and criterion validity.

Results

The mean IEXS score was 47.23 (SD = 7.28), and EFA identified four latent constructs: emotional exercise, exercise rigidity, body trust, and mindful exercise. The CFA confirmed the model’s fit (CFI = 0.98; SRMR = 0.06). Item-total correlations ranged from 0.639 to 0.753, with item loadings between 0.635 and 0.760. Also, the reliability metrics demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.869) and test–retest stability (ICC = 0.721, p < 0.01). Predictive validity was confirmed through significant correlations with the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), and criterion validity showed moderate correlations (0.342–0.615) with validated scales.

Conclusion

The Chinese IEXS is a robust and valid tool for assessing intuitive exercise tendencies in Chinese young adults.
The risk of developing depression in tuberculosis survivors: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , Jung Jin Hyung , Han Kyungdo , Kim Hyewon , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: February 2025

Background

Despite a high tuberculosis incidence in Korea, the association between tuberculosis and depression remains underexplored. This study aims to assess depression risk in tuberculosis survivors.

Methods

Utilizing South Korea’s National Health Insurance Sharing Service (NHISS) database, we conducted a gender-age-matched analysis comparing depression risk between tuberculosis survivors and the general population.

Results

This study included 137,996 participants, of whom 34,499 had tuberculosis history, and 103,497 age- and sex-matched individuals were selected as the control group. The risk of developing depression was higher in tuberculosis survivors than in the control group (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15-1.25). In men, the risk of developing depression was 1.32 times (95% CI 1.25-1.39) compared with 1.05 times (95% CI 0.98-1.12) in women. Those taking para-aminosalicylate, cycloserine, and prothionamide had a higher risk of developing depression compared to those using other anti-tuberculosis drugs, with the risk ratio ranging from 1.27 to 1.61.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis survivors had a higher risk of developing depression compared to the control group. Although the prevalence of depression was higher in women compared to men, the risk of developing depression was higher in male tuberculosis survivors than in the control group, in contrast to the findings in women. The risk of developing depression in tuberculosis survivors differed depending on the anti-tuberculosis drug used and was mainly high in most of the second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale in Saudi patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Alhujaili Naseem A. , Alsulami Salhah S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Anticipated stigma is associated with experiences of enacted stigma or discrimination from others in the past or the present based on one’s chronic illness. People diagnosed with chronic diseases report experiencing significant stigma from others, including social rejection from friends and family members, work termination from employers, and poor care from healthcare providers. The aim of this paper was to explain the translation procedure and the psychometric evaluation of the Arabic language version of the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale (CIASS), which was designed and evaluated psychometrically in different countries and languages.

Methods

The Arabic version of the CIASS was given to 222 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the measured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling with confirmatory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method was applied to evaluate the CIASS questionnaire in order to assess its factorial structure and validity for patients suffering from MS.

Results

The Arabic version of CIASS is shown to have high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.89) and structural validity.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of CIASS is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of anticipated stigma among patients with MS. The use of this tool in the clinical setting can help to identify the source of stigma and guide its management accordingly. However, further validation studies among patients with different chronic illnesses are required.
Construction and evaluation of leukemia suicide risk predictive model based on SEER database
Authors: Zheng Shan , Tong Yuxin , Chen Jiayi , Yang Linlin , Tan Yamin
Published: February 2025

Background

A marked increase in suicide rate has been detected among individuals diagnosed with leukemia. Our research aimed to develop a predictive model intended for assessing the suicide risk in leukemia patients. This novel tool aims to optimize the process of pinpointing individuals at high risk within clinical environments, thereby guaranteeing the timely provision of targeted intervention strategies.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2020, our study involved a cohort of 194584 leukemia patients, extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. These patients were randomly stratified into distinct training and validation cohorts. We utilized the Cox proportional hazards model to screen for influential variables and construct a predictive nomogram within the training set. The concordance index (C-index) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to evaluate model’s discrimination, and calibration curves was used to assess the calibration ability. Furthermore, the validation set was utilized to conduct an internal validation process to ensure the robustness of nomogram.

Results

Age, gender, race, residence, marital status, and histologic type were selected to construct the nomogram for predicting suicide risk of leukemia patients. In the training and validation sets, the C-indexes were 0.798 and 0.776, respectively. The calibration plots demonstrated a significant agreement between the predicted and actual outcomes. Ultimately, leukemia patients were divided into two groups, and Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in the high- and low-risk groups, as confirmed in the validation set.

Conclusions

We have successfully developed an intuitive and robust predictive model for assessing the suicide risk among leukemia patients. This model holds the potential to contribute to the reduction of preventable deaths.
Organizational factors behind low sickness absence in Swedish municipalities—An explorative qualitative study
Authors: Stöllman Åsa , Stoetzer Ulrich , Svartengren Magnus , Molin Fredrik
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study explores organizational factors that contributes to low sickness absence in Swedish municipalities.

Methods

A qualitative, explorative design was used, including semi-structured individual interviews with 63 managers across 12 municipalities with either high or low sickness absence. Interviews were conducted with Human resources managers, Administration managers and Unit managers in senior care and schools.

Results

The results revealed that municipalities with low sickness absence demonstrate leadership practices that emphasize proximity and accessibility, promote employee development, integrate systematic work environment management, including employee participation into daily routines. Additionally, an open and effective communication was identified as a crucial factor in fostering sustainable organizations. The results show that municipalities with lower sickness absence rates tend to have more sophisticated organizational strategies, especially in clear and manageable areas, it requires strategic planning and well-defined structures.

Discussion

A recurring theme in the analysis is the proximity and interconnectedness observed in leadership, communication, and employee participation, with leaders that show a high degree of involvement in day-to-day activities. This “proximity principle,” emerges as a potential significant factor influencing health outcomes in working life.
Measurement of the operational efficiency of tertiary public hospitals in Western China: evidence from Guangxi from 2019 to 2022
Authors: Huang Junjie , Yuan Haitao , Wu Yanlong , Wang Huiyu , Liu Xinwen , Wei Bo , Zhang Mengjian , Zhu Pinghua
Published: February 2025

Objective

The continuous increase in health care costs and the growing demand for health services among residents make it an urgent priority to improve the operational efficiency of the health system in Chinese society. In this study, data on the operational efficiency of tertiary public hospitals in Guangxi were analyzed to identify issues in hospital management within the context of performance assessment, which thereby enhanced the social service capacity of hospitals.

Methods

A comprehensive evaluation index system was constructed based on the “national monitoring indicators” of operational efficiency. The indicators were analyzed using data envelopment analysis with Banker, Charnes and Cooper (DEA-BCC) and Malmquist index models. The Tobit regression model was used to analyze the major factors affecting the efficiency of public hospitals.

Results

Between 2019 and 2022, the pure technical efficiency (PTE) of 61 tertiary public hospitals in Guangxi remained at a relatively high level. The results of the Malmquist index showed a downward trend. The technical progress (TC) indicator became the main factor affecting the decline in the operational efficiency of hospitals. Tobit regression analysis revealed that plenty of factors exerted a significant impact on the operating efficiency of hospitals. These factors included the number of beds, the ratio of outpatient and inpatient patients relative to total patient numbers, the proportion of discharged patients undergoing surgery among total patients, business expenditures and total annual revenue.

Conclusion

The scale of tertiary public hospitals in Guangxi is prominently unreasonable. It is necessary to raise the efficiency of resource utilization. The operation and management situation is not optimistic. Hospitals should accelerate the transformation of their development model, rationally allocate medical resources and shift from scale expansion to the improvement of quality and efficiency. Meanwhile, they should actively participate in establishing the hierarchical medical treatment system, controlling operating costs and reasonably increasing the proportion of personnel expenses to improve operational and management efficiency.
Gender equality among medical and dental academic researchers in West Africa: a theoretical analysis of a compendium of research
Authors: Foláyan Moréniké Oluwátóyìn , Gascón-Catalán Ana , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z.
Published: February 2025

Background

This study conducted theoretical analyses of the findings of a study on gender disparities in research productivity and leadership in medical and dental research institutions in Nigeria. The aim was to highlight the connectedness of the study findings, and to develop a conceptual framework that can inform future studies on gender equity in academia across West Africa.

Methods

A content analysis of the research outputs was conducted using four theoretical frameworks to assess the alignment of the study findings with gender equality goals. The research examined policy effectiveness and institutional practices using the 2008 USAID Gender Equality Framework; analyzed how personal traits, societal expectations, and organizational practices intersect using Fagenson's Theory of Gender and Career Development; uncovered gendered power dynamics and inform strategies for institutional reform using the Feminist Institutionalism Analytical Lens; and shed light on disparities in mentorship, collaboration, and academic publishing using the Academic Literacies Theory.

Results

The key domains influencing gender inequality and requiring targeted actions are: first, the patriarchal societal, cultural, and religious values that shape gender roles, restricting women's career advancement. Second, institutional policies and organizational culture that limits female leadership and research productivity. Third, individual and generational perspectives influence advocacy, with younger individuals recognizing inequality more readily. Research productivity and leadership disparities can be addressed through mentorship and training programs for early-career researchers that foster the development of gender-sensitive advocates. The developed conceptual framework outlines three core research and action domains—societal, institutional, and individual factors—and their sub-factors, alongside targeted interventions influencing gender inequality, proposed targeted recommendations and expected outcomes.

Conclusions

The findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of gender disparities. Strategic actions are needed to address the issues that foster gender equality in medical and dental research institutions, and to support female researchers in West Africa. These actions should focus on the younger generations to drive needed changes.
Influence of foliar and soil potassium fertilizer on ratoon sugarcane performance: yield, quality, and nutrient uptake
Authors: Khontiang Kamonrat , Ketrot Daojarus , Tawornpruek Saowanuch , Wongleecharoen Chalermchart , Inboonchuay Tawatchai , Wongsuksri Acharaporn
Published: February 2025

Potassium (K) is essential for optimizing sugarcane production, playing a critical role in various processes that influence yield and quality. However, the effectiveness of different K forms in enhancing sugarcane productivity through foliar application remains underexplored, leaving a significant knowledge gap. This study investigates the impact of various foliar K supplements under differing soil K conditions, hypothesizing that such supplementation will enhance yield and nutrient uptake in ratoon sugarcane. Field trials were conducted on first ratoon sugarcane in loamy soil, using a 2 × 7 factorial in a randomized complete block design. The first factor compared no soil-applied K with soil-applied K, while the second factor consisted of foliar K treatments: water (control), 2.5% weight by volume of KCl, K₂SO₄, K₂SiO₃, KNO₃, diluted molasses, and vinasse at a 5× dilution. Results indicated that foliar supplementation with KNO₃ and K₂SiO₃ (without soil-applied K) effectively maintained ratoon sugarcane yield and sugar yield, comparable to yields achieved with soil-applied K combined with foliar water. Foliar K supplementation also improved the uptake of N, P, K, and Si in cane stalks, matching or exceeding uptake levels observed in ratoon sugarcane with soil-applied K. Although no yield enhancement was observed with the combination of foliar K supplementation and soil-applied K, most foliar K treatments increased K uptake even with adequate soil K levels. In conclusion, foliar K supplementation, particularly with KNO₃ and K₂SiO₃, is an effective strategy for maintaining sugarcane productivity, and improving nutrient use efficiency, especially when K fertilizer is unavailable or costly.
Comparison of radiological interpretation made by veterinary radiologists and state-of-the-art commercial AI software for canine and feline radiographic studies
Authors: Ndiaye Yero S. , Cramton Peter , Chernev Chavdar , Ockenfels Axel , Schwarz Tobias
Published: February 2025

Introduction

As human medical diagnostic expertise is scarcely available, especially in veterinary care, artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used as a remedy. AI's promise comes from improving human diagnostics or providing good diagnostics at lower cost, increasing access. This study analyzed the diagnostic performance of a widely used AI radiology software vs. veterinary radiologists in interpreting canine and feline radiographs. We aimed to establish whether the performance of commonly used AI matches the performance of a typical radiologist and thus can be reliably used. Secondly, we try to identify in which cases AI is effective.

Methods

Fifty canine and feline radiographic studies in DICOM format were anonymized and reported by 11 board-certified veterinary radiologists (ECVDI or ACVR) and processed with commercial and widely used AI software dedicated to small animal radiography (SignalRAY®, SignalPET® Dallas, TX, USA). The AI software used a deep-learning algorithm and returned a coded abnormal or normal diagnosis for each finding in the study. The radiologists provided a written report in English. All reports' findings were coded into categories matching the codes from the AI software and classified as normal or abnormal. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each radiologist and the AI software were calculated. The variance in agreement between each radiologist and the AI software was measured to calculate the ambiguity of each radiological finding.

Results

AI matched the best radiologist in accuracy and was more specific but less sensitive than human radiologists. AI did better than the median radiologist overall in low- and high-ambiguity cases. In high-ambiguity cases, AI's accuracy remained high, though it was less effective at detecting abnormalities but better at identifying normal findings. The study confirmed AI's reliability, especially in low-ambiguity scenarios.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that AI performs almost as well as the best veterinary radiologist in all settings of descriptive radiographic findings. However, its strengths lie more in confirming normality than detecting abnormalities, and it does not provide differential diagnoses. Therefore, the broader use of AI could reliably increase diagnostic availability but requires further human input. Given the unique strengths of human experts and AI and the differences in sensitivity vs. specificity and low-ambiguity vs. high-ambiguity settings, AI will likely complement rather than replace human experts.
Optimization and Metabolite Profiling of Mycotoxin Enniatin B Biodegradation by Bacillus tequilensis
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Wang Xu , Liu Xinyi , Li Yiying , Feng Dantong , Kang Shuo , Wang Yidan , Liu Yang , Su Xu , Wei Shiyu , Li Zhaoyu , Wang Yali , Tian Yongqiang
Published: February 2025

Fusarium avenaceum is the predominant fungal pathogen responsible for root rot in Angelica crops and poses a serious threat to their commercial quality and yield in China. This fungus produces enniatin B (ENN B), a toxin that could be a pathogenicity and virulence factor in plant–pathogen interactions. Yet whether ENN B exacerbates host infection and the onset of root rot in Angelica spp. caused by F. avenaceum is surprisingly understudied. Pathogenicity assays revealed that ENN B co-inoculation with F. avenaceum significantly increased the root rot disease index in Angelica sinensis from 83.33% (pathogen alone) to 92.86% (p < 0.05). Toxin degradation experiments showed that the bacteria Paenibacillus polymyxa and Bacillus tequilensis were capable of degrading 60.69% and 70.02% of ENN B, respectively. Response surface optimization (24.5 °C, 22.01 mg/L ENN B, 0.99% inoculum) enhanced degradation by B. tequilensis to 81.94%, a 11.74% improvement. Three ester compounds were identified by LC-HRMS as potential degradation products of ENN B. In planta trials demonstrated that the disease index was 50.01% for the group co-inoculated with ENN B degradation products and F. avenaceum, a 42.85% reduction compared to the group co-inoculated with ENN B and F. avenaceum. This study provides a new microbial strategy for controlling root rot in Angelica crops from a mycotoxin degradation perspective, which can be applied to promote sustainable agricultural production.
Effects of AFB1 and Aspergillus flavus Spores on Root Rhizospheric Fungal Population, Seedling Emergence, Plant Growth, and Yield
Authors: Ngwenya Simangele C. , Sithole Nkanyiso J. , Mthiyane Doctor M. N. , Mwanza Mulunda , Onwudiwe Damian C. , Ramachela Khosi
Published: February 2025

Maize is susceptible to fungal infections that can lead to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination, and this could have dire consequences on plant growth and yield. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of AFB1 and the Aspergillus flavus fungus on root rhizospheric fungal population, maize seedling emergence, growth, and yield. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment was conducted in two sites in 5 (AFB1/A. flavus spores’ treatments) × 3 replicates of 12 pots per experimental unit. This study showed that there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the colony forming unit (CFU) with the increase in A. flavus in the soil and a significant effect on reducing soil pH. It was observed that in all the maize that was exposed to AFB1 and A. flavus spores, there was a significant linear decrease in emergence percentage and speed of emergence with the increase in AFB1 and A. flavus spores in the soil, whereby the maize that was exposed to 320 ppb/kg of AFB1 also reported the lowest emergence percentage (51.4%), emergence rate index (5.0), and emergence speed (2.06). AFB1 also exerted a depressive effect on plant height and number of leaves, thus reducing the grain yield per plant. This study showed that A. flavus had a non-significant effect on growth and yield in maize when compared to AFB1.
Identification of Key Genes Associated with Lycopene Accumulation in Red Carrot Taproots Based on WGCNA
Authors: An Xiaoning , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Hang , Zhang Xinyu , Li Lixia , Luo Dan , Wu Zhe
Published: February 2025

Lycopene (carotenoid) is a natural pigment with strong antioxidant properties. The taproots of red carrots (Daucus carota L.) exhibit red coloration due to the presence of high levels of lycopene. However, the candidate genes responsible for regulating lycopene accumulation in red carrots have yet to be identified. In this study, the variations in carotenoid content were assessed at five different stages of taproot development. The results showed a rapid accumulation of lycopene in the taproots between 45 and 60 days after sowing, peaking at its highest level by 75 days. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct co-expression modules associated with lycopene accumulation. Notably, two of the identified modules (red and mediumpurple3) exhibited significant correlations with lycopene content. A total of 24 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched by both Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, and one carotenoid pathway gene was only enriched by KEGG analysis. Among these genes, five genes associated with photosynthesis (DCAR_016944 [DcCHL27], DCAR_021505 [DcFNR2], DCAR_000568 [DcPSB28], DCAR_030558 [DcBPG1], and DCAR_030562 [DcBPG1]) and one carotenoid pathway gene (DCAR_013459 [DcCRTISO-1]) were highly connected hub genes. These six genes were significantly up-regulated at 60 and 75 days after sowing, when the taproots accumulated high lycopene content, and were identified as candidate genes. These findings contribute valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of lycopene.