bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between the site of back pain and number of painful sites with daily activities, seeking healthcare, and medication use among school adolescents
Authors: Gonçalves Tatiana Rehder , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix , Sichieri Rosely , Cunha Diana Barbosa
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The potential consequences of back pain (BP) are poorly described in adolescents. This study evaluated the association between BP sites (neck, thoracic and low back) and number of painful sites with missed school classes, interference in physical activities, seeking healthcare, and medication use among school adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 350 students (5th to 9th grade) of a public school in Brazil. Information on BP site and outcomes were self-reported. Logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Participants reporting at least one painful site in spine were 74.9% (n = 262), with mean age of 12.73 ± 1.67 (55.7% were girls). Most of them reported pain in two sites (n = 100; 28.6%) and the most frequent pain site was neck (n = 223; 63.7%). Thoracic and low BP were associated with missing school classes, interference in physical activities, seeking healthcare, and medication use, while neck pain showed no association. The number of painful sites was associated with daily activities and healthcare with those gradients increasing with the number of painful sites.

Conclusion

Thoracic and low BP were associated with daily activities, seeking healthcare, and medication use in early adolescence.
Hydrogen-oxygen mixture inhalation as an adjunctive treatment to home-based exercise in older patients with knee osteoarthritis: an open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Yan Mengwei , Li Yuru , Han Lei , Wang Hongqian , Jia Shufeng , Liu Xingchen , Liu Yang , Wu Fan , Wang Baoguo
Published: January 2025

Objective

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint condition, leading to disability and diminished quality of life. Molecular hydrogen has been proven to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but few studies have investigated its effects on osteoarthritis. Our study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of hydrogen-oxygen mixture (H2-O2) inhalation for KOA.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, eligible elderly KOA patients were randomly assigned to either Group H or Group C. Both groups participated in a 12-week home-based exercise (HBE) program, which included knee-joint exercises and health education. Group H additionally received H2-O2 inhalation for 60 min per day over 2 weeks, while Group C did not. The primary outcome was measured using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcomes included inflammation levels (hs-CRP, NLR, PLR, LMR), Chair Stand Test (CST), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS), and adverse events.

Results

A total of 121 subjects were enrolled, with an average age of 81.2 years, and 80.2% were female. The between-group mean difference in the WOMAC total score was −5.2 (95% CI −12.1 to 1.7, P = 0.140) at week 12, with Group H showing an improvement of −22.9 (95% CI −26.3 to −19.6, P < 0.001) and Group C showing an improvement of −19.4 (95% CI −22.7 to −16.0, P < 0.001) compared to baseline, revealing a significant group × time interaction (F (3, 356.034) = 14.425, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between both groups at week 12 in CST, TUG, SF-36 scores, EARS scores, or the incidence of adverse events.

Conclusion

Although clinical significance was not achieved, H2-O2 inhalation alleviated KOA symptoms and enhanced functional activity in elderly patients undergoing the HBE program during the initial 2 weeks. However, its sustained effects on improving KOA symptoms were not observed.
Role of mordenite zeolite in improving nutrient and water use efficiency in Alfisols
Authors: V Girijaveni , K Sammi Reddy , Ch Srinivasarao , B M K Raju , Balakrishnan Divya , Kundu Sumanta , Pushpanjali  , Rohit Jagriti , V K Singh
Published: January 2025

Poor nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) is a predominantly faced problem in semi-arid regions that limit the crop production. This problem can be addressed with the application of zeolite that is a naturally available mineral with very high cation exchange and water holding capacity, which aids in improving NUE and WUE. Moreover, zeolites are safe for the environment and living organisms, and their use in agriculture results in improving physical and chemical properties of soil. Yet, its study is very limited in semi-arid regions of India. Thus, a study was conducted with locally available zeolite at CRIDA, Hyderabad. Zeolite was further characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM, as the type of zeolite collected is unknown from local market. The results of XRD and SEM revealed that the zeolite collected was mordenite zeolite. Our study includes laboratory and pot experiment where laboratory includes sorption and leaching column study to evaluate the zeolite capacity to hold and release the nutrients especially NH4+, P, and K. In this study, the adsorption behaviour of the natural mordenite was examined, and it was found that the maximum adsorption capacity for NH4+, P, and K were estimated as 10.6, 1.08, and 2.15 mg g−1, respectively, suggesting the zeolite has good affinity for N. Furthermore, the column study revealed that there was 15.4% reduction in NH4+–N loss with 10 tonnes zeolite ha−1 + N @ 100 kg ha−1 as compared to N alone, while the reduction was 39.6% with 10 tonnes zeolite ha−1 + N @ 500 kg ha−1 compared to N alone, suggesting that the zeolite could control the release of N as compared to the sole application of N, which was supplied through urea. In addition, pot experiment was carried out with three levels of fertiliser rates, four levels of zeolite, and two levels of moisture in randomised complete block design with three replications to evaluate the changes in soil available nutrients and their uptake in tomato. Results revealed that there was a significant positive impact on yield, water use efficiency, nutrient (N, P, and K) uptake, and soil available nutrients. Highest soil available N, P, and K, crop uptake, and yield were observed due to zeolite application @ 200 kg ha−1 along with 100% recommended dose of fertilization in Alfisols. Thus, zeolite application along with chemical fertilisers can improve the nutrient availability by reducing the leaching losses and improving nutrient use efficiency.
Comprehensive assessment to reveal the salt tolerance potential of cultivated eggplants and their wild relatives
Authors: Cebeci Esra , Boyaci Hatice Filiz , Kiran Sevinc , Ellialtioglu Sekure Sebnem
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to uncover salt-tolerant eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) genotypes and accessions. Crop wild relatives (S. macrocarpon L., S. linnaeanum, S. incanum L., S. insanum L., S. sisymbriifolium Lam.), commercial varieties (Topan374, Kemer, Amadeo, Faselis, Bildircin), and local genotypes (TB, BB, MK, AH) were investigated under 150 mM NaCl stress. The experiment was set in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Morphological and biochemical parameters were studied to distinguish salt-tolerant genotypes. Wild relatives have species-specific growth features; thus, the salt tolerance levels of morphologic features such as plant height and leaf area were found inappropriate to be compared. In eggplant, Na+ is a majorly harmful ion and there is a negative correlation between leaf Na+ content and plant tolerance index. The low Na+ concentration in roots of BB and S. linnaeanum caused high K+ and Ca2+ concentrations in their leaves. A plant with high proline accumulation displays greater tolerance under stress conditions. The proline content of S. linnaeanum, S. incanum L., and MK was analyzed to be higher than the others. Additionally, the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) increases were observed in S. linnaeanum, TB, and S. incanum L. Moreover, positive correlations were spotted between 0-5 scale values and MDA and Na+ level in shoots by correlation analysis. Strong correlations between proline accumulation–S. linnaeanum and MDA accumulation–AH were revealed by principal component analysis (PCA). In terms of results, the most salt-tolerant, S. linnaeanum, S. incanum L., BB, and MK, will be employed in future breeding studies to improve salt-tolerant inbred lines and varieties through interspecific hybridization.
Combining ability and gene action for resistance to Fusarium ear rot in tropical maize hybrids
Authors: Ayesiga Stella Bigirwa , Rubaihayo Patrick , Sempiira John Bosco , Adjei Emmanuel Amponsah , Dramadri Isaac Onziga , Oloka Bonny Michael , Sserumaga Julius Pyton
Published: January 2025

A comprehensive understanding of the genetics of resistance is essential for developing an effective breeding strategy to create germplasm resistant to Fusarium Ear Rot. This study aimed to determine the general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and heritability of resistance to infection by Fusarium verticillioides in tropical maize. Using the North Carolina II mating design, six inbred lines as females and seven as males were crossed to produce 42 hybrids, which were evaluated across five environments using artificial inoculation. At harvest, the hybrids were scored for Fusarium Ear Rot (FER) infection using a 1-9 severity scale. Significant GCA effects for the parents and SCA effects for the hybrids were observed. The narrow-sense heritability estimate was 0.22, while the broad-sense heritability was 0.73, and the additive genetic effects, as represented by GCA (m+f), were more significant than non-additive effects. The inbred parents JPS25-13, JPS26-125, JPS26-86, JPS25-11, JPS25-5, JPS25-7, and JPS25-9 were identified as the best general combiners for FER resistance. These lines, with favorable general combining ability effects for resistance to Fusarium verticillioides, are strong candidates for breeding resistant varieties.
The BASIDIN effector of the fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa promotes positive effects on the seed germination and seedlings development of Lactuca sativa
Authors: Farias Keilane Silva , Ferreira Monaliza Macêdo , De Oliveira Ivina Barbosa , Dalio Ronaldo José Durigan , Pirovani Carlos Priminho
Published: January 2025

Plant resistance inducers that activate plant defense mechanisms may be useful in reducing agrotoxic use. Lettuce is among the most economically important leafy vegetable crops in the world. Since lettuce propagates through seeds, the use of high-quality seeds is extremely important for establishing the crop. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of alternative methods of seed treatment with the aim of increasing productivity. Based on this premise, we tested the effect of the rBASIDIN effector regarding its ability to induce germination and physiological changes in lettuce seedlings through seed treatment. The seeds were treated for 30 min by soaking with 50 µg mL-1, 75 µg mL-1 and 100 µg mL-1 of the recombinant effector protein rBASIDIN. Seeds treated with distilled water and 10 mmol of Tris-HCl served as controls. The physiological parameters evaluated were germination percentage at 4 and 7 days, seedling length (aerial part and root), dry and fresh mass, electrical conductivity, and enzymatic activity. Seeds treated with 50 and 75 µg mL-1 of rBASIDIN germinated earlier than the controls. Treatment with rBASIDIN at a concentration of 50 µg mL-1 resulted in seedlings with an average root length of 1.51 cm, while the average lengths of the controls (H2O and buffer) were 0.86 and 0.70 cm respectively. Seed treatment with rBASIDIN caused an increase in the fresh and dry weight of the plants. The lowest electrolyte leakage was detected in seeds treated with the three concentrations of rBASIDIN compared to the controls. Regarding the activity of defense enzymes, seedlings treated with rBASIDIN at lower concentrations showed higher chitinase and β-glucanase activity compared to the controls. The results indicated that the rBASIDIN effector plays an important signaling role in lettuce seeds, since small doses are already sufficient to induce changes in physiological parameters to obtain more vigorous plants.
To start or not to start? An exploratory study of work meaningfulness among start-up co-founders
Authors: Dirik Deniz , Özdoğan Burak
Published: January 2025

This study explores startup co-founders’ perceptions of meaningful work experiences in the dynamic and uncertain context of entrepreneurship. While entrepreneurial research has extensively examined firm-level outcomes such as performance and growth, the subjective experiences of entrepreneurs have remained relatively underexplored especially in an emerging country context. This study addresses meaningful work experiences of 12 startup co-founders from Turkiye by employing a qualitative research design and using in-depth interviews. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Job Characteristics Model (JCM), this research identifies key dimensions of meaningful work, including significance, autonomy, identity, challenge and resilience, recognition and support, and work-life balance. Our findings suggest that the complex interplay of intrinsic motivation and external validation contributes significantly to perceived entrepreneurial well-being and resilience. We present a three-dimensional model of perceived meaningfulness with professional, psychological, and societal aspects for meaningfulness experiences. We extend existing literature by demonstrating how startup ventures offer fertile ground for psychological fulfillment, not merely through financial success but through personal growth and societal impact.
Hoarding knowledge or hoarding stress? Investigating the link between digital hoarding and cognitive failures among Chinese college students
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Yaorong
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Digital hoarding is defined as the persistent accumulation of digital content and an unwillingness to delete it. This behavior has been found to be particularly prevalent among young people. This study aims to explore the impact of digital hoarding on cognitive failures, examining fatigue as a mediator and mindfulness as a moderator.

Method

A total of 801 participants were recruited to complete a survey that contained measures of digital hoarding, fatigue, mindfulness, and cognitive failures. The hypothesized moderated mediation model was tested using Models 4 and 8 from the PROCESS macro in SPSS.

Results

(1) Digital hoarding positively predicted cognitive failures. (2) Fatigue mediated the relationship between digital hoarding and cognitive failures. (3) Mindfulness moderated both the direct effect of digital hoarding on cognitive failures and the first segment of the mediating role of fatigue.

Discussion

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of digital hoarding. It also highlights the great potential of mindfulness in mitigating the negative effects of digital hoarding, and provides students with practical strategies for developing healthier and more balanced digital habits.
Exploring the influence of situational interest on outdoor tourists’ hedonic and eudaimonic well-being
Authors: Xu Peng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study introduces situational interest as a new factor influencing both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being in outdoor tourism settings. It explores how different dimensions of situational interest drive well-being and the mediation mechanisms involved.

Methods

Data were collected from 642 respondents through an online self-report questionnaire on the Credamo platform. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between situational interest dimensions, well-being outcomes, and mediating factors.

Results

The results show that instant enjoyment directly enhances hedonic well-being. Novelty has a direct effect on hedonic well-being and an indirect effect on eudaimonic well-being. Attention demand influences hedonic well-being both directly and indirectly. Challenge and exploration intention indirectly promote eudaimonic well-being through the satisfaction of autonomy needs.

Discussion

By uncovering the distinct pathways through which situational interest affects well-being, this study deepens our understanding of how outdoor tourism experiences can foster both immediate enjoyment and long-term personal growth. These findings provide practical insights for designing tourism activities that enhance tourists’ overall well-being.
“Holding on to Hope”: follow up qualitative findings of a tobacco treatment intervention for people experiencing mental health conditions
Authors: Zirnsak Tessa-May , McCarter Kristen , McKinlay Melissa L. , Guillaumier Ashleigh , Cocks Nadine , Brasier Catherine , Hayes Laura , Baker Amanda L. , Baird Donita E. , Bonevski Billie , Borland Ron , Castle David , Forbes Erin , Kelly Peter J. , Segan Catherine , Sweeney Rohan , Turner Alyna , Williams Jill M. , Brophy Lisa
Published: January 2025

Background

Mental health service users are more likely to smoke tobacco and are as likely to make quit attempts as people not experiencing SMI, but they are less likely to succeed. Quitting tobacco can be harder for people experiencing SMI due to higher levels of nicotine dependence, more severe withdrawal, and many other complex factors. The Quitlink study was a randomized controlled trial combining a tailored 8-week Quitline intervention delivered by dedicated Quitline counsellors plus combination nicotine replacement therapy for people who experience SMI. The purpose of this paper is to report on the medium- and longer-term findings from interviews conducted at 5 and 8 months.

Methods

As a part of the broader Quitlink study, participants were invited to qualitative interviews at 2, 5 and 8 months following recruitment, in line with quantitative follow-up time points. Interviews were conducted with 28 participants in the Quitlink trial (intervention group n = 12, control group n = 16). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed with a thematic analysis methodology using NVivo 12. Key themes were determined using inductive coding.

Results

Six key themes were identified. These included: internal/external attributions for tobacco smoking, social relationships and relapse, the role of hopefulness in quitting, the role of clinicians in initiating and maintaining a quit attempt, increasing cessation literacy, and efficacy of the study intervention. Overall, findings suggested that participants’ quit attempts were often precarious and vulnerable, but active support and feelings of social connectedness were key to supporting participants to initiate a quit attempt and maintain gains.

Conclusions

People who experience SMI can make attempts to quit smoking tobacco with support from clinicians and social networks. Connectedness and hope are significant enablers of making and sustaining quit attempts.

Trial registration

The Quitlink trial was registered with ANZCTR (www.anzctr.org.au): ACTRN12619000244101 prior to the accrual of the first participant and updated regularly as per registry guidelines.
Premonitory urge in tic disorders – a scoping review
Authors: Wohlgemuth John B. , Watson Kelly H. , Gill Kayce D. , Isaacs David A.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Premonitory urges are uncomfortable bodily sensations preceding tics. They are highly prevalent, frequently bothersome, and increasingly recognized as a central phenotypic feature in tic disorder populations. This scoping review aimed to systematically consolidate published knowledge and identify knowledge gaps regarding premonitory urges in primary tic disorders.

Methods

Search strategies were deployed in five databases and five topic-relevant journals. Two independent reviewers screened all candidate abstracts against predefined inclusion criteria. One hundred and fifty-five articles were included in the scoping review. The same two reviewers independently extracted and consolidated pertinent data from included articles.

Results

Multiple methods for assessing premonitory urge were identified, each with strengths and weaknesses. The subjective quality of premonitory urges varies between individuals, with increased prevalence of a “not just right” urge quality in individuals with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder. Awareness of premonitory urge appears to arise several years after tic-onset, yet many individuals perceive their tics as voluntary responses to premonitory urges. Premonitory urges and tics are temporally coupled in real time, but premonitory urge severity and tic severity, as assessed by clinical scales, are not consistently associated. The mechanistic and developmental relationship between premonitory urges and tics remains unclear. Data are limited on premonitory urge response to treatment, but several promising interventions were identified. The insula and supplementary motor area are the neuroanatomical structures most strongly implicated in emergence of the premonitory urge.

Discussion

Knowledge of the clinical characteristics, measurement, and neural mechanisms of premonitory urge has advanced considerably in recent years, but important knowledge gaps remain in each of these domains. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be key to developing effective interventions for premonitory urge.

Systematic Review Registration

Open Science Framework (OSF) https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WT43Z.
A cohort-based assessment of drug use trends during the COVID-19 pandemic: relationship with mood and sociodemographic factors in Brazil
Authors: Heidrich Nubia , Nin Maurício Schüler , Almeida Felipe Borges , Constant Hilda M. R. M. , Freese Luana , Barros Helena M. T.
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges, including severe psychological consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals, such as those with substance use disorders. This study investigated the impact of the pandemic on substance use patterns and psychological health in Brazilians, exploring associations with sociodemographic factors to identify groups at higher risk. Data were collected online to assess self-reported substance use through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and psychological state, using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and level of social distancing. The research was conducted in three waves: September-October 2020, April-May 2021, and September-November 2022. The ASSIST (alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, and cocaine/crack) and DASS-21 (anxiety, depression, and stress) scores decreased over time. Regarding sociodemographic data, being male, single, with less education, lower income and lower social distancing showed associations with alcohol and cannabis scores. All drug scores showed associations with psychological symptoms and time, suggesting a possible adaptation or resilience of the sample to the challenges of the pandemic. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring patterns of substance use and mental health in times of crisis, especially in vulnerable populations. Such knowledge is essential to inform public health strategies and prepare health systems to face future global crises.
Double burden of malnutrition among households in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belay Mahider Awoke , Bogale Eyob Ketema , Haile Mitiku Tefera , Bogale Solomon Ketema , Getachew Eyob , Andarge Getnet Alemu , Seid Kedir , Lakew Gebeyehu , Yirsaw Amlaku Nigusie , Gebreegziabher Zenebe Abebe , Semagn Birhan Ewunu , Alemu Ayenew Takele
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) at the household level has increased in sub-Saharan African countries as a result of rapid changes in global food systems and growing urbanization. The presence of overweight or obese mothers with undernourished (stunted, wasted, or underweight) children within the same household holds particular significance. However, no comprehensive study or meta-analysis has been conducted to summarize the national evidence of the double burden of malnutrition in mother–child pairs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition at the household level in Ethiopia in 2024.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition and associated factors among households in Ethiopia, using an advanced search of electronic databases and search engines. The standardized Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) method was used to extract data from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and evaluate the quality of each article. The analysis was performed using STATA V.17. A random-effects model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and Q tests.

Results

A total of seven publications met the inclusion criteria, including data from 56,877 and 43,770 mother–child pairs for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively. The pooled prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition among the mother–child pairs was 8.30% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.51, 15.09). The heterogeneity test revealed extremely high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.91%; p = 0.00). In the subgroup analysis based on sample size, the pooled estimated prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition was high for a sample size of fewer than 1,000 mother–child pairs (11.69% (95% CI: 3.11, 20.28)). The pooled estimate from the subgroup analysis of the data collected 8 years ago was 8.61% (95% CI: 1.11, 22.33). Residence, household size, housing quality, wealth index, household food security status, mother’s age and educational status, and child’s age are some of the factors that influence the double burden of malnutrition among mother–child pairs.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, the double burden of malnutrition among mother–child pairs is rapidly emerging. As a result, double-duty interventions should be implemented to address this issue, taking into account multiple factors at the household level.

Systematic review registration

The protocol for the systematic review and meta-analysis was registered under the registration ID CRD42024517778 with the PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis).
Eye health risks associated with unclean fuel: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Chen Shi-Hang , Tang Yuan , Xue Song
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study comprehensively examined the correlation between unclean cooking fuels (UCF) and ocular health, covering diverse eye conditions such as cataracts, visual impairments, and ocular discomfort.

Methods

According to MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted on 28 studies from 3 databases. Literature quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Heterogeneity among articles was gaged with the I2 statistic, sensitivity analysis used ‘leave-one-out test’, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger, Begg tests, and funnel plot analysis.

Results

The study evidenced a significant association between UCF exposure and cataracts [OR 2.29, 95% CI (1.24, 4.23)], visual impairments [OR 1.70, 95% CI (1.45, 2.00)], and eye diseases/symptoms [OR 2.03, 95% CI (1.25, 3.29)]. However, no correlation was found between UCF exposure and glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure [OR 0.96, 95% CI (0.84, 1.10), n = 2]. Subgroup analysis revealed that UCF cooking had an impact on nuclear cataracts [OR 1.98, 95% CI (1.67, 2.33), n = 4]. But not on cortical cataracts [OR 1.25, 95% CI (0.98, 1.60), n = 3]. Additionally, UCF exposure was linked to severe visual impairments like night blindness [OR 2.03, 95% CI (1.00, 4.96)], blindness [OR 1.43, 95% CI (1.32, 1.55)], and specific ocular symptoms such as tearing while cooking (OR = 3.20), eye irritation (OR = 2.58), and red eyes (OR = 2.03).

Conclusion

UCF cooking had significant impact on ocular health, notably on eye symptoms, cataracts, and visual impairments. UCF exposure presented demographic inequalities in cataract prevalence, while eye symptoms can serve as a reliable self-assessment of UCF exposure.
The effect of knowledge, attitude, and practice model-based health education on psychological well-being and self-efficacy of patients with concurrent cerebrovascular stenosis and coronary heart disease: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Zhou Qiyu , Qian Yuli , Zhang Dan , Xu Huan , Yuan Bei , Tian Wenfeng , Li Qiong
Published: January 2025

Objective

This research aimed to evaluate the effect of knowledge, attitude, and practice model-based health education on patients with cerebrovascular stenosis and coronary heart disease who underwent simultaneous interventional therapy.

Methods

Sixty patients with cerebrovascular stenosis complicated with coronary heart disease and treated in The Third People’s Hospital of Hubei Province, from February 2019 to April 2021 participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 30) or an intervention group (n = 30). The control group received routine nursing care, while the intervention group received knowledge, attitude, and practice-based health education. Comparisons were made between the two groups regarding satisfaction rates, anxiety, depression, knowledge, attitude, practice scores.

Results

The intervention group exhibited a higher satisfaction level than the control group. Additionally, the intervention group showed improved self-efficacy and reduced anxiety and depression scores at discharge, 1 month, and 3 months after discharge. The intervention group achieved higher knowledge, attitude, and practice scores at all three time points compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the application of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Model in patients with cerebrovascular stenosis and coronary heart disease can effectively enhance psychological well-being, improve self-efficacy, and enhance understanding of the disease.
Direct and indirect relationships between Food Parental Practices, diet quality, and food satisfaction in adolescents
Authors: Del Valle Carola , Miranda Horacio , Orellana Ligia , Adásme-Berrios Cristian , Calvo-Porral Cristina , Schnettler Berta
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The relationship between four parental feeding practices from the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire for adolescents (CFPQ-Teen) and Satisfaction With Food-related Life (SWFoL) in adolescents was evaluated using diet quality measured using the Adapted Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) as a mediating variable.

Methods

Participants were 860 adolescents aged 10–16 years of both sexes who responded to four factors on the CFPQ-Teen, food satisfaction scale, and diet quality index. Structural equation analysis was used in a structural mediation model on a polychoric correlation matrix using the weighted least squares mean-variance adjusted (WLSMV) method.

Results

Diet quality was a mediating factor in the interaction between two parental practices related to parental modeling and adolescent control over SWFoL. There was evidence of a direct relationship between monitoring and restrictive factors for weight control and SWFoL.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that the association between parental feeding practices and food satisfaction may be direct or mediated by diet quality in adolescents.
Analysis of factors influencing HPV vaccination intention among Chinese college students: structural equation modeling based on health belief theory
Authors: Song Shi-Yuan , Guo Ying , Li Yi-Hua , Wang Zheng , Gao Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

Increasing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates is vital for achieving society-wide public health goals, yet current research on HPV vaccine-related knowledge, vaccination intentions, and behaviors among college students in ethnic minority regions is inadequate. This investigation sought to explore the present circumstances of college students in China’s ethnic minority regions concerning their awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the HPV vaccine. This study also aimed to provide a scientific basis for future health education and HPV vaccine promotion in China’s college student population.

Methods

Based on health belief theory, 1,388 valid questionnaires were collected online to investigate college students’ knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors related to HPV vaccination and the factors influencing their willingness to be vaccinated. The data were analyzed via SPSS 26.0 for descriptive analysis and Amos 24.0 for structural equation modeling, factor analysis and path analysis.

Results

The overall HPV vaccine awareness rate was 77.9%. In terms of health attitudes, the positive intention rate was 50.4%, with females having more positive attitudes than males (OR = 2.242, 95% CI = 1.777–2.829). In terms of health behaviors, the rate of positive behaviors was low (40.0%), and the probability of positive behaviors was significantly lower for students with nonmedical-related majors than for those with medical majors (OR = 0.579, 95% CI = 0.442–0.759). The results of the structural equation modeling analysis revealed that college students’ perceptions of the perceived benefits of the HPV vaccine positively and directly affect their willingness to be vaccinated (β = 0.290, p < 0.001), and perceived severity has an indirect effect on their willingness to be vaccinated (β = 0.198, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Although college students in ethnic minority areas have a high rate of HPV-related knowledge, their willingness to be actively vaccinated and their positive behaviors need to be improved. In addition, enhancing the levels of perceived severity and perceived efficacy among college students can help increase their willingness to receive the HPV vaccine.
Promotion of physical activity-related health competence using digital workplace-based health promotion: a pilot study for office workers
Authors: Oppermann Leonard , Dierks Marie-Luise
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Engaging in health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, which is particularly important for office workers with sedentary lifestyles. Therefore, time- and location-independent interventions for increasing HEPA are necessary.

Methods

To achieve long-term changes in HEPA, interventions can be based on physical activity-related health competence (PAHCO). 48 office workers (83% female, 50 ± 8 years) completed an intervention consisting of bi-weekly exercise videos for 5 weeks, supplemented by PAHCO and anatomical education. The participants’ HEPA levels were measured using the Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sport Questionnaire (Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität Fragebogen; BSA-F)and a physical activity diary, with follow-up measurements at 3 months.

Results

There was a significant increase in PAHCO (p = 0.002), especially in control competence (p < 0.001), after the intervention and at follow-up. The other sub-competences also increased, but not significantly. HEPA decreased after the intervention and at follow-up, but the decrease was not statistically significant.

Discussion

PAHCO increases after the end of the intervention, especially through the sub-competence of control competence. The other two sub-competences also improved, but not significantly. Participating in the study had no impact on HEPA as an outcome of the PAHCO model. Our study provides preliminary evidence that PAHCO can be enhanced through digital, time- and location-independent interventions. Future research should utilize a randomized controlled design to be able to causally attribute the effects of PA interventions in office workers to the intervention and objective measurements for HEPA should be employed.
Exploring nonlinear and interaction effects of urban campus built environments on exercise walking using crowdsourced data
Authors: Lu Bo , Liu Qingyun , Liu Hao , Long Tianxiang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

University campuses, with their abundant natural resources and sports facilities, are essential in promoting walking activities among students, faculty, and nearby communities. However, the mechanisms through which campus environments influence walking activities remain insufficiently understood. This study examines universities in Wuhan, China, using crowdsourced data and machine learning methods to analyze the nonlinear and interactive effects of campus built environments on exercise walking.

Methods

This study utilized crowdsourced exercise walking data and incorporated diverse campus characteristics to construct a multidimensional variable system. By applying the XGBoost algorithm and SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations), an explainable machine learning framework was established to evaluate the importance of various factors, explore the nonlinear relationships between variables and walking activity, and analyze the interaction effects among these variables.

Results

The findings underscore the significant impact of several key factors, including the proportion of sports land, proximity to water bodies, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NDVI, alongside the notable influence of six distinct campus area types. The analysis of nonlinear effects revealed distinct thresholds and patterns of influence that differ from other urban environments, with some variables exhibiting fluctuated or U-shaped effects. Additionally, strong interactions were identified among variable combinations, highlighting the synergistic impact of elements like sports facilities, green spaces, and waterfront areas when strategically integrated.

Conclusion

This research contributes to the understanding of how campus built environments affect walking activities, offering targeted recommendations for campus planning and design. Recommendations include optimizing the spatial configuration of sports facilities, green spaces, and water bodies to maximize their synergistic impacts on walking activity. These insights can foster the development of inclusive, health-promoting, and sustainable campuses.
Benefits, limits, and risks of ChatGPT in medicine
Authors: Tangsrivimol Jonathan A. , Darzidehkalani Erfan , Virk Hafeez Ul Hassan , Wang Zhen , Egger Jan , Wang Michelle , Hacking Sean , Glicksberg Benjamin S. , Strauss Markus , Krittanawong Chayakrit
Published: January 2025

ChatGPT represents a transformative technology in healthcare, with demonstrated impacts across clinical practice, medical education, and research. Studies show significant efficiency gains, including 70% reduction in administrative time for discharge summaries and achievement of medical professional-level performance on standardized tests (60% accuracy on USMLE, 78.2% on PubMedQA). ChatGPT offers personalized learning platforms, automated scoring, and instant access to vast medical knowledge in medical education, addressing resource limitations and enhancing training efficiency. It streamlines clinical workflows by supporting triage processes, generating discharge summaries, and alleviating administrative burdens, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. Additionally, ChatGPT facilitates remote monitoring and chronic disease management, providing personalized advice, medication reminders, and emotional support, thus bridging gaps between clinical visits. Its ability to process and synthesize vast amounts of data accelerates research workflows, aiding in literature reviews, hypothesis generation, and clinical trial designs. This paper aims to gather and analyze published studies involving ChatGPT, focusing on exploring its advantages and disadvantages within the healthcare context. To aid in understanding and progress, our analysis is organized into six key areas: (1) Information and Education, (2) Triage and Symptom Assessment, (3) Remote Monitoring and Support, (4) Mental Healthcare Assistance, (5) Research and Decision Support, and (6) Language Translation. Realizing ChatGPT’s full potential in healthcare requires addressing key limitations, such as its lack of clinical experience, inability to process visual data, and absence of emotional intelligence. Ethical, privacy, and regulatory challenges further complicate its integration. Future improvements should focus on enhancing accuracy, developing multimodal AI models, improving empathy through sentiment analysis, and safeguarding against artificial hallucination. While not a replacement for healthcare professionals, ChatGPT can serve as a powerful assistant, augmenting their expertise to improve efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care. This collaboration ensures responsible adoption of AI in transforming healthcare delivery. While ChatGPT demonstrates significant potential in healthcare transformation, systematic evaluation of its implementation across different healthcare settings reveals varying levels of evidence quality–from robust randomized trials in medical education to preliminary observational studies in clinical practice. This heterogeneity in evidence quality necessitates a structured approach to future research and implementation.
Improving remote sensing dehazing quality through local hybrid correction and optimization of atmospheric attenuation model based on wavelength
Authors: Zhao Daihong , Shi Kun , Li Zheng , Chen Meixiang
Published: January 2025

Near-ground remote sensing image dehazing is crucial for accurately monitoring land resources. An effective dehazing technique and a precise atmospheric attenuation model are fundamental to acquiring real-time ground data with high fidelity. The dark channel prior (DCP) is a widely used method for improving visibility in hazy conditions, but it often results in reduced image clarity and artifacts, that limit its practical utility. To address these limitations, we propose a novel hybrid correction method, local hybrid correction (LHC), which integrates gamma correction for high-contrast regions and logarithmic correction for low-contrast regions within a dehazed image. We calculated the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of Weber contrast for the dehazed image and analyzed the impact of different contrast thresholds on the effectiveness of improving image clarity and reducing artifacts. Our results showed that a contrast threshold corresponding to the 90% CDF significantly improved image sharpness and reduced artifacts compared to other thresholds. Furthermore, LHC outperformed both gamma and logarithmic corrections in terms of image clarity and artifact reduction, even after applying additional post-processing methods such as multi-exposure fusion and guided filtering. The quantitative analysis of the dehazed images, using gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) metrics, indicated that the LHC method offered a balanced advantage in enhancing image details, texture consistency, and structural complexity. Specifically, images processed by LHC exhibit moderate contrast and correlation, low homogeneity and high entropy, all these made the LHC method a very suitable solution for near-ground remote sensing tasks that required enhanced image detail and reduced artifacts. We also examined the atmospheric attenuation coefficient, observing that it increased with distance, deviating progressively from empirical values, this phenomenon underscored the complex effects of atmospheric scattering on dehazing accuracy, especially at extended ranges. Additionally, we refined the transmittance attenuation model using light reflection at the 550 nm wavelength from verdant landscapes, which improved the model’s alignment with real-world conditions. This approach was not only effective for this wavelength but could adapt to other wavelengths in future studies. Overall, our research advanced the precision of remote sensing dehazing techniques, promising improved decision-making for land resource management and a variety of environmental applications.
Integration of electric vehicles in electricity-carbon market toward eco-transport futures
Authors: Wang Zhidong , Yang Fuyuan , Lai Shuying , Tao Yuechuan , Zhang Jiawei
Published: January 2025

Integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into the electricity and carbon markets presents a promising pathway toward sustainable transportation futures. This article proposes a comprehensive framework that synergizes the operations of the electricity and carbon markets with the growing adoption of EVs. The proposed framework includes a low-carbon transmission network operation model that integrates the electricity and carbon markets, facilitating optimal energy dispatch while minimizing carbon emissions. In addition, the framework extends to distribution network operations, incorporating a double carbon taxation mechanism to address emissions at both the generation and consumption levels. A carbon emission flow model is employed to meticulously trace carbon emissions across the supply chain, enhancing transparency and accountability. The framework also introduces an EV-integrated traffic flow model that captures the interactions between transportation networks and energy demand, influencing traffic dynamics and EV charging behaviors. Furthermore, a planning and pricing model for EV charging stations is developed, incorporating carbon costs into the pricing strategy to incentivize eco-friendly practices. The multilevel solution algorithm ensures an iterative convergence of decision variables across transmission, distribution, and transportation networks, ultimately fostering an integrated eco-transport system. This work contributes to the development of sustainable transport systems by promoting efficient EV integration and supporting decarbonization efforts in both the energy and transportation sectors.
To pre-process or not to pre-process? On the role of EEG enhancement for cybersickness characterization and the importance of amplitude modulation features
Authors: Rosanne Olivier , Benesch Danielle , Kratzig Gregory , Paré Simon , Bolt Nicole , Falk Tiago H.
Published: January 2025

Virtual Reality (VR) has expanded beyond the entertainment field and has become a valuable tool across different verticals, including healthcare, education, and professional training, just to name a few. Despite these advancements, widespread usage of VR systems is still limited, mostly due to motion sickness symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches, which are collectively termed “cybersickness”. In this paper, we explore the use of electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool for real-time characterization of cybersickness. In particular, we aim to answer three research questions: (1) what neural patterns are indicative of cybersickness levels, (2) do EEG amplitude modulation features convey more important and explainable patterns, and (3) what role does EEG pre-processing play in overall cybersickness characterization. Experimental results show that minimal pre-processing retains artifacts that may be useful for cybersickness detection (e.g., head and eye movements), while more advanced methods enable the extraction of more interpretable neural patterns that may help the research community gain additional insights on the neural underpinnings of cybersickness. Our experiments show that the proposed amplitude modulation features comprise roughly 60% of the top-selected features for EEG-based cybersickness detection.
The Human Protein Atlas: A Molecular Journey Inside Our Bodies to Understand Health and Disease
Authors: Bertilsson Filippa , Lindskog Cecilia , Méar Loren
Published: January 2025

In this article, we will talk about a way to explore the intricate universe of the human body—an online resource called the Human Protein Atlas. Using this Atlas as a kind of “map” of the human body, scientists can play the role of modern-day explorers, equipped with advanced tools and techniques. The Human Protein Atlas helps researchers study biological questions involving the various organs, tissues, and cells of the body. The “maps” of the Human Protein Atlas were created using techniques that enable scientists to visualize the locations of specific proteins of choice within organs and tissues. Information contained in the Atlas can help to reveal the mechanisms of health and disease, and here we provide a couple of important examples of problems scientists can investigate using these “maps”, namely the function of the fallopian tubes and the mysteries of ovarian cancer.