bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health amidst multiple crises: trends and sociodemographic risk factors in Austria’s general population
Authors: Humer Elke , Pieh Christoph , Probst Thomas , Dinhof Carina , Schaffler Yvonne , Zeldovich Marina
Published: February 2025

Background

In recent years, mental health in Austria has faced substantial challenges due to a series of both global and regional crises.

Objective

This study aimed to assess changes in mental health indicators within the Austrian population over time from April 2022 to October 2024 and to identify sociodemographic correlates of poor mental health.

Methods

Two cross-sectional online surveys on representative samples of the Austrian general population were conducted at two timepoints: April 2022 (n = 1,032) and October 2024 (n = 2,025). Mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, insomnia, alcohol misuse, and stress, were measured using validated scales. Sociodemographic data were collected to examine associations with mental health indicators. Chi-squared tests and t-tests were conducted to compare mental health indicators between 2022 and 2024, and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine associations with sociodemographic data.

Results

Clinically relevant symptoms of depression and high stress decreased from 2022 to 2024 (depression from 28.3% to 21.6%, stress from 56.3% to 51.0%; p < 0.01), while other symptoms remained stable. Sociodemographic analysis revealed that female gender, younger age, lower income, unemployment, migration background and lack of partnership were associated with higher odds for several mental health issues.

Conclusions

Findings suggest small improvements in mental health from 2022 to 2024 and identified sociodemographic risk factors linked to mental health vulnerabilities.
Emotional regulation mechanisms regarding posttraumatic and depressive symptoms in maltreated youth
Authors: Ellis Kinsey , Kearney Christopher A.
Published: February 2025

Maltreated youth are a particularly vulnerable group that often contends with multifaceted mental health challenges, especially symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression. Emotional dysregulation may have a central role in linking victimization to youth psychopathology in this population, but few have examined the effect of specific mechanisms such as expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal in this regard. The present study examined these mechanisms vis-à-vis posttraumatic and depressive symptoms in a highly diverse sample of 133 youth aged 11–17 years who were removed from home following maltreatment. Expected positive relationships were found with respect to expressive suppression and total and cluster (i.e., intrusion, avoidance, alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity) posttraumatic stress symptoms as well as depressive symptoms. Conversely, unexpected positive relationships were found with respect to cognitive reappraisal and these symptoms only for specific groups, notably males, younger youth, and those who had not experienced sexual maltreatment. The findings may have implications for tailoring clinical protocols for this vulnerable population, and may offer directions for integrating expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal into transdiagnostic models of psychopathology in youth.
From activity to obesity: understanding gender and type of school divide among Saudi adolescents
Authors: Said Mohamed Ahmed , Alibrahim Mohammed Shaab
Published: February 2025

Background

Obesity has emerged as a significant predictor of the nationwide burden of non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives

This study explores patterns in body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB) among Saudi adolescents, focusing on variations by gender and school type (public vs. private). It identifies key factors affecting BMI.

Methods

A total of 2,815 students (53.64% male, aged 15.21 ± 1.55 years) participated. Body weight and composition were determined by bioelectrical impedance, while PA levels and SB scores were assessed through validated questionnaires. Two models were created, one with overall SB and the other with specific SBs.

Results

Among participants, 28.4% were overweight/obese, with 17.2% classified as obese. Obesity prevalence was higher in boys (26.9%) compared to girls (6.0%). Overweight prevalence was slightly lower in private schools (9.9%) than in public schools (11.8%), while obesity rates were similar (17.3% vs. 17.2%). A significant association between BMI and school type was identified solely in girls (Model 1: p = 0.004, ES = 0.109; Model 2: p = 0.012, ES = 0.096). Age was positively associated with BMI (Model 1: p < 0.004, ES = 0.025; Model 2: p < 0.001, ES = 0.019), as were SB scores (p < 0.001, ES = 0.17). Conversely, PA levels exhibited a negative correlation with BMI (Model 1: p < 0.001, effect size = −0.104; Model 2: p < 0.001, effect size = −0.106). Polynomial analysis revealed a cubic relationship between BMI and PA across all groups, though with low effect sizes.

Conclusion

Gender, age, PA, and SB explained a small portion of BMI variance. Future research should investigate mechanisms underlying these non-linear trends and explore additional confounding variables.
Combat sports in virtual reality for rehabilitation and disability adaptation: a mini-review
Authors: Li Yike , Jiang Chun , Li Hansen , Su Yuqin , Li Mengyao , Cao Yang , Zhang Guodong
Published: February 2025

This review examines the existing literature regarding the utilization of combat sports in virtual reality (VR) for disease rehabilitation and adaptive physical activity. A total of 18 studies were obtained from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The results suggest that Boxing, the most studied combat sport in VR systems, has been primarily used to improve motor function and quality of life in patients with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Furthermore, VR combat sports have been shown to increase energy expenditure and physical activity intensity in individuals with disabilities, proving effective in maintaining overall physical health. Notably, VR boxing produces higher energy expenditure than other activities (e.g., tennis), with heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) during boxing sessions consistently exceeding those observed in tennis. Overall, research in this field remains limited and further explorations are warranted.
A smart classifier of orthoses, prostheses and special materials (OPMEs) in invoices
Authors: Gomes Wesckley , Colaço Júnior Methanias , Alves Luca Pareja Credidio Freire , Fontes Raphael , Silva Rodrigo , Nunes Bruno , Silva Caldeira , Valentim Ricardo
Published: February 2025

Context

The OPME (Órteses, Próteses e Materias Especiais or Orthoses, Prosthetics and Special Materials) Brazilian sector presents a wide variety of products and technologies, involving both multinational and local companies in healthcare. Despite technological advances, many services and information systems, especially in the public sphere, still use unstructured natural language descriptions of products, services or events, making their classification and analysis difficult. However, for efficient audits, it is necessary to classify and totalize invoices issued for product purchases automatically. In this way, the standardization lacking regarding nomenclature in the OPME marketing not only makes it difficult to compare products, whether for price standardization or standardization of use but also opens up space for possible acts of corruption.

Objective

To mitigate the problem of ineffective standardization and coding, develop and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of an OPME classifier, in the context of electronic invoice descriptions, from the point of view of auditors, healthcare professionals, and data scientists.

Method

Controlled Experiment, to evaluate scientifically mapped Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and compare accuracy measures, F1-Score, sensitivity, precision, average training time, and classification.

Results

With an accuracy of 99%, the Linear Support Vector algorithm stood out among the others in terms of accuracy, while Naïve Bayes in terms of efficiency, had the fastest average training time.

Conclusion

The results showed that it is possible to identify and classify OPMEs in invoices automatically. This allows for a more precise and effective analysis of signs such as anomalously high prices and quantities of OPMEs purchased per inhabitant, which are analyzed by the Audit of Brazil’s Unified Health System (AudSUS), Ministry of Health -Brazil, for identification of potential irregularities and contribution to transparency and efficiency in the management of health resources.
Life After Organ Transplantation in Young People
Authors: Forsberg Anna , Brandén Gabriela , Hamrin Micaela
Published: February 2025

Receiving an organ transplant provides people with an opportunity to be healthy. When young people receive transplants, they face unique challenges beyond the typical medical challenges all transplant patients experience. The overall goal of transplantation is health and life satisfaction. So, our research aimed to describe the main concerns among 14–25-year-old young people who have received transplants. Based on surveys, interviews, and a workshop attended by 44 young people, we identified nine major types of concerns. In this article, we will describe some of these concerns and what can be done to improve the health and life satisfaction of young transplant recipients.
Changes in stride pattern of elite women's 400 metres hurdles from 2019 to 2022: an analysis by performance level
Authors: Casal-García Nerea , López-Del Amo José Luis
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The main objective of this study was to investigate the stride patterns of elite women's 400 m hurdles which have undergone significant evolution in recent years, resulting in a complete change in the stride patterns of the athletes.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty-five individual performances of all participants in the World Championships in Doha 2019 and Oregon 2022, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the 2022 European Championships were analysed based on video recordings taken during the competition. The entire sample was divided into 3 performance-level groups (higher performance, intermediate performance, and lower performance). Correlation analysis, analysis of variance (Kruskall-Wallis) and linear multiple regression were performed.

Results and discussion

A total of 18 stride patterns have been identified, of which the most used by the highest performing athletes (58%) was the n + 1 pattern (consisting of adding a step between hurdle's intervals) maintaining 15 steps up to the 8th hurdle and then switching to 16 steps between hurdles 8th and 10th. In contrast, the majority of LP athletes used an n + 1 + 1 strategy, transitioning from 15 to 16 steps between the 5th and 6th hurdles (59%) and further increasing to 17 steps between hurdles 7th and 10th. Moreover, high-performance athletes take fewer strides during the race, with significant differences observed across all race intervals, particularly in the second half of the race. The number of steps between hurdles 8 and 9 predicted 78% of the ΔR2 of the athlete's total number of steps during the race, highlighting the importance of stride pattern and its changes during the final phase of the race.
Case report: Pesticide-related methemoglobinemia: Tebufenozide and indoxacarb poisoning
Authors: Wang Jieru , Yu Guangcai , Jian Tianzi , Kan Baotian , Li Wei , Jian Xiangdong
Published: February 2025

Background

Methemoglobinemia can be inherited or acquired. Acquired forms are more common due to drugs or poisonous substances that oxidize hemoglobin, and pesticide-related cases are notably rare.

Case Presentation

We report a 69-year-old woman who ingested 30 mL of tebufenozide and indoxacarb and was asymptomatic for 3 h; however, the patient was admitted to the hospital after 8 h, unconscious, with tachypnea, cyanosis, and 61.9% methemoglobin. The patient was administered methylene blue, mechanically ventilated, and hemoperfused. Subsequently, the patient recovered and was discharged with no discomfort and with normal laboratory test results.

Conclusion

Tebufenozide and indoxacarb may cause methemoglobinemia, leading to cyanosis, unconsciousness, and respiratory failure; therefore, they should be handled with care in clinical practice.
Contributions of Europeans to Xenotransplantation Research: 1. Pig Organ Xenotransplantation
Authors: Iwanczyk Zuzanna , Vasudev Krish , Cozzi Emanuele , Cooper David K. C.
Published: February 2025

Xenotransplantation has a rich history, marked by European pioneers who laid the groundwork for many breakthroughs in the field. Pig organ xenotransplantation offers a solution to the global shortage of deceased human donor organs, whilst allowing the modification of the donor graft itself. The field has continued to garner interest, particularly with the recent advent of simpler and faster genetic-engineering technologies. This review highlights the contributions of European researchers to xenotransplantation, spanning pig kidney, heart, liver, and lung transplantation. Research has focused on (i) identifying and deleting key xenoantigens and modifying the source pig by expression of human “protective” proteins and (ii) testing novel immunosuppressive regimens. These contributions have played key roles in advancing xenotransplantation from the laboratory to early clinical experiments. Europeans have also addressed the potential risks of xenozoonotic infections and the regulatory challenges. The research endeavours of groups in Europe are summarized. Several European researchers moved either permanently or temporarily to US institutions, and their insight and innovations are also highlighted. While we aim to recognize the significant contributions of European physicians and scientists in this article, it is not an exhaustive list of all those who have influenced the field.
Identification and Expression of Laccase Gene Family in Potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Luo Hongyu , Liu Zhen , Zhu Jinyong , Li Zhitao , Qiu Xiaoqiang , Wang Weilu , Gao Chengwei , Qi Jiangpeng , Bao Minmin , Liu Yuhui
Published: February 2025

Through the identification and expression pattern analysis of potato Laccase (LAC) gene family members, the characteristics of the StLAC gene family were elucidated, and the biological function of potato StLACs was further analyzed. In this study, bioinformatics approaches were employed to identify the members of the potato LAC family at the whole-genome level. Subsequently, their physicochemical properties, chromosomal localizations, gene structures, gene duplication events, and expression patterns were thoroughly analyzed. By leveraging the RNA-seq data retrieved from the PGSC database, the expression patterns of StLACs in diploid monoploid (DM) potatoes under various tissue, stress, and hormone treatments were investigated. Moreover, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was utilized to analyze the relative expression levels of StLACs in the “Atlantic” potato cultivar under salt stress treatments at different time points (zero hours, one hour, three hours, twelve hours, and twenty-four hours), aiming to screen for the StLAC genes potentially involved in the potato’s response to salt stress. Forty-five members of the potato StLAC gene family were identified, unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. Through the analysis of their gene structures and phylogenetic characteristics, the 45 StLACs members were classified into five subgroups. Collinearity analysis indicated that segmental duplication and tandem repeats played major roles in the expansion of the StLAC genes. Using RNA-seq and qPCR analyses, two candidate StLAC genes (Soltu09G001990 and Soltu04G028320) involved in the potato’s response to salt stress were screened out. This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding StLAC gene family characteristics and an in-depth analysis of StLAC gene function in potato.
Research on Online Monitoring of Partial Discharge of Insulation Defects in Air Switchgear Based on Characteristic Gases
Authors: Tian Yi , Niu Haotian , Wang Shuai , Zhu Guixin
Published: February 2025

Air switchgear is an important power equipment in the transmission, transformation, and distribution process of the power system. Insulation defects can lead to partial discharge, which is one of the primary causes of air switchgear failure. Current monitoring methods primarily rely on detecting ultra-high frequency or ultrasonic signals generated by partial discharge to identify insulation defects. However, these methods are prone to external signal interference, resulting in substantial detection errors. Based on gas discharge theory and engineering practice, this paper uses three typical defects to represent the main insulation defects of air switchgear, namely metal protrusion defects, insulation layer air gap defects, and metal particle defects. After that, the validity of the numerical model to describe the partial discharge process of air switchgear insulation defects is verified by the volt-ampere characteristic curve. The discharge process of three typical defect models was investigated by using the numerical model, and the variation curves of the volume fractions of CO, NO2, and O3 gases at different voltage levels and different discharge durations were obtained. After analysis, the volume fractions of the three characteristic gases are unique under different defect models and partial discharge quantities. Finally, this paper designed a partial discharge inversion method based on characteristic gases, and fitted time-domain regression equations and partial discharge inversion regression equations based on the changes in volume fractions of the three characteristic gases measured. The research results of this paper provide a theoretical basis for online detection of partial discharge in high-voltage air switchgear through characteristic gases. The method proposed in this paper can also be applied to other gas-insulated equipment, such as GIS, metal-enclosed switchgear, and vacuum circuit breakers.
Lattice Design of an Intermediate-Energy Electron Storage Ring Dedicated to Materials Research
Authors: Li Changliang , Chen Jianhui , Wu Hailong , Zhang Qinglei , Wang Kun
Published: February 2025

Storage ring X-ray light sources, which hold the great promises of high flux, high average brilliance, high stability, continuously adjustable spectra, and simultaneous multiple end-stations operations, have become indispensable tools for frontier research in diverse fields from materials science, condensed matter physics, chemistry, to life science, etc. Based on the double double-bend achromat (DDBA) lattice structure, an intermediate-energy electron storage ring with circumference of 288 m, emittance of 2.57 nm, is designed for dedicated materials research. Each cell of the storage ring consists of a 6.2 m-long straight section and a 1.86 m-short straight section, allowing more insertion devices to be accommodated in the entire ring. This lattice shows great nonlinear dynamic performances of large dynamic aperture and large local momentum aperture. Furthermore, the intra-beam scattering (IBS) effects under several circumstances, are also negligibly small.
Research on Impact Coefficient of Railroad Large Span Steel Truss Arch Bridge Based on Vehicle–Bridge Coupling
Authors: Peng Yipu , Jiang Boen , Chen Li , Tang Zhiyuan , Li Zichao , Li Jian
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the impact coefficient of a large-span steel truss arch railroad bridge under moving train loads, with the Nanning Three Banks Yongjiang Special Bridge serving as the case study. Field tests were conducted to measure the bridge’s self-vibration characteristics, dynamic deflection, and strain. A coupled vehicle–bridge vibration model was developed using the finite element software ABAQUS 2022 for the bridge and multi-body dynamics software SIMPACK 2022 for the CRH2 train. The two models were integrated to simulate the dynamic interaction between the train and bridge under different speeds and single-/double-track operations. The results demonstrate that the joint simulation of SIMPACK and ABAQUS was an effective method for the vehicle–bridge coupled vibration analysis. The key findings include the following: the deflection and stress impact coefficients increased with the train speed, where the main span exhibited larger deflection coefficients than the side span. The stress impact coefficients varied significantly across different bridge components, where the lower chord of the side span and the ties of the main span showed the highest values. While there was no substantial difference in the deflection impact coefficients between the single- and double-track operations, the stress impact coefficients showed deviations, particularly in the side span’s lower chord and ties, highlighting their sensitivity to vehicle-induced deflection. This study concluded that the bridge’s deflection impact coefficient met design specifications, but the stress impact coefficient exceeded the specified values, suggesting that stress amplification should be carefully considered in the design of similar bridges to ensure operational safety.
Exergy Analysis of the Discharge of Sensible Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems: Granular Material vs. Solid Blocks
Authors: Soria-Verdugo Antonio , Sánchez-González Alberto , Carbajal Gerardo , García-Hernando Néstor
Published: February 2025

Thermal energy storage (TES) systems are essential components of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants that enable uniform generation of green electricity and process heat. The performance of sensible heat TES systems based on granular material and on solid blocks was experimentally analyzed during the discharge process. A granular material TES system was studied in its operation as a regular fluidized bed and as a confined bed that restricted the motion of the granular material via mechanical confinement. The pressure drop required to circulate the heat transfer fluid (HTF) through the TES system made of alumina blocks was measured to be two orders of magnitude lower than that used in the granular material TES system, being uniform and close to 0.2 bar for operation of the fluidized bed and decreasing from 0.65 to 0.3 bar for the confined bed. The evolution of the exergy efficiency of the TES systems along the discharge process was determined by obtaining an inversed exponential reduction for the fluidized bed TES system, a parabolic reduction for the alumina block TES system, and a roughly uniform value for the confined bed TES system. The exergy efficiency of the confined bed TES system, considering the HTF pressure drop as a parasitic consumption of the plant, remained higher than 90% during the complete discharge process.
Research on O2O Takeout Delivery Route Optimization Problem Based on Improved Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Cai Youming , Bao Xiaoguang
Published: February 2025

This paper considers the vehicle routing optimization problem for O2O takeout delivery services. In the problem, takeout orders are divided into priority orders and ordinary orders based on whether customers have purchased the on-time delivery service. By comprehensively considering the three parties of platform, customers, and riders, a multi-objective function is established to minimize platform costs, maximize average customer satisfaction, and maximize average rider earnings. For the problem, the ε-constraint method and the weighted sum approach are first employed to transform the multi-objective problem into a single-objective one. Then, an improved genetic algorithm integrated with a local search method is designed. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is validated by using instances adapted from the existing literature. By setting the lower bounds for average customer satisfaction, as well as the weights for platform costs and average rider earnings, it can provide flexible and effective decision-making references for decision makers.
At-Home Breath Data Collection for Signatures of Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Clinical Study
Authors: Naser Sokiyna , Roberts Deborah A. , Shrestha Sudhir
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath as non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring blood glucose levels in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A pilot clinical study was conducted to explore the correlation between VOCs and blood glucose levels in six T2DM patients. Participants used a custom-developed sensor device to collect breath data at home, alongside finger-stick blood glucose readings. Breath data were transmitted to a cloud database, while blood glucose readings were recorded on paper charts. The sensor data from the device and the blood glucose readings from the charts were consolidated to create the study dataset. Support vector machine and random forest models were employed to analyze the dataset, which achieved accuracies of 85% and 82%, respectively. The results demonstrate the feasibility of at-home breath sensor data collection for clinical studies and suggest its potential as a viable alternative to traditional invasive glucose monitoring methods. Future studies will expand the dataset to include more participants and additional clinical variables to enhance model performance and predictive power. This research highlights the promise of non-invasive breath analysis for glucose monitoring, which could improve patient compliance and diabetes management.
Pictorial Review of MRI Findings of Glycogen Storage Disease from Children to Young Adults
Authors: Amano Yasuo , Ishige Mika , Amano Maki , Shinoda Naoki , Ando Chisato , Takagi Ryo
Published: February 2025

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are rare, inherited disorders of glycogen metabolism caused by a deficiency of enzymes or transporters. GSDs involve the liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, and heart of children and young adults. The complications involving these organs affect the prognosis of patients with GSDs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for identifying the complications of GSDs and monitoring the response to treatments owing to its ability of tissue characterization and the lack of a need for ionizing radiation. This pictorial review describes the MRI sequences used for GSDs, presents clinical examples, and emphasizes the pivotal role of MRI as an imaging tool in diagnosing complications associated with GSDs. MRI should be performed at least every year in patients with GSDs and hepatic tumors or myocardial scarring. Further MRI sequences that can be used to quantify the severity of GSDs are discussed.
Development of an Anti-Zearalenone Nanobody Phage Display Library and Preparation of Specific Nanobodies
Authors: Zeng Ying , Hu Yiying , Chen Ganying , Feng Qingqing , Wang Ruiting , Zhang Zhilin , Chen Jinxian , Liao Junbin , Lin Danrong , Zhu Wei
Published: February 2025

Zearalenone (ZEN), a toxic estrogenic mycotoxin in cereals, threatens human and animal health through reproductive, immune, and cytotoxic effects, necessitating sensitive detection methods. While nanobodies offer advantages over conventional antibodies for on-site ZEN detection, their application remains unexplored. This study aimed to develop an anti-ZEN nanobody derived from an anti-ZEN phage display nanobody library. An alpaca was immunized with a ZEN-bovine serum albumin (ZEN-BSA) antigen, achieving peak serum antibody titers (1:25,600) following four immunizations. A high-capacity phage display nanobody library (1.0 × 1011 plaque-forming units/mL) was constructed. Following four rounds of biopanning, an enrichment factor of 479 was achieved. Phage ELISA screening identified six phage display nanobodies with specific ZEN-binding activity, and multiple sequence alignment revealed four unique nanobody sequences. The selected phage display nanobody, designated phage-V44, was expressed and purified, and its presence was validated by SDS-PAGE and western blotting, which detected a single approximately 17 kDa band consistent with the expected nanobody size. We established a working curve for an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for ZEN, which showed an IC50 value of 7.55 ng/mL. The specificity and affinity of the V44 were also verified. Collectively, the study successfully constructed an anti-ZEN phage display nanobody library, screened four specific ZEN-binding phage display nanobodies, and prepared the anti-ZEN nanobody V44. Thereby establishing a foundation for the nanobody’s future integration into rapid on-site detection methods for ZEN in both animal feed and human food products.
Investigation of Electroencephalographic Aspects, Adaptive Features, and Clinical Phenotypes in a Group of Children with Autism—A Pilot Study
Authors: Capisizu Alexandru , Zăgrean Leon , Poenaru Elena , Tudorache Elena , Bulf Mihaela Anca , Capisizu Adriana Sorina
Published: February 2025

(1) Background: Autism, as an important global problem that affects many phenotypically different individuals, is associated with electroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities and adaptability impairment. (2) Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study of a group of 101 autistic children, we aimed to evaluate the presence of EEG abnormalities, adaptive features, and clinical phenotypes via EEG, the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System II (ABAS II) scale, and neurological examination. (3) Results: Our results showed statistically significant associations between the level of adaptability obtained through the ABAS II scale and neurological deficit, specifically in terms of coordination impairment. There were also statistically significant differences between the level of adaptability and clinical phenotypes between autism type groups. (4) Conclusions: This study shows that children with autism are likely to exhibit neurological and adaptive abnormalities. Non-invasive assessment tools, such as EEG recordings, the ABAS II scale, and neurological examination offer valuable support for improved diagnosis and management.
Complexities: An Open Access Journal for the Field of Complex Systems
Authors: Mendes José F. F.
Published: February 2025

On behalf of the MDPI Editorial Board and Staff, I am pleased to announce the launch of Complexities (ISSN: 3042-6448) [...]
Marine-Derived COS-diDA for Sensitive Skin Treatment: Synthesis, Traits, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Su Yue , Hou Jinhua , Zheng Yuanxi , Zhang Shanshan , Liu Lixin , Wu Wenhui , Bao Chunling
Published: February 2025

Due to environmental pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, and autoimmunity, many individuals frequently encounter skin problems, such as sensitive skin, caused by the activation of the TRPV1 pathway and immune-inflammatory reactions. This study aims to synthesize compounds with soothing effects using β-chitooligosaccharides (COS) derived from marine Sargassum, which is investigated for its regulating inflammatory responses and activating of TRPV1 pathways. Dopamine is used as the hydroxyl donor in this process. COS-diDA, a compound that binds two dopamine amines, is synthesized using Michael additions and Schiff base reactions under alkaline circumstances, with a pH of 8.5. This work investigates the soothing effects of COS-diDA using a HaCaT cell model activated with capsaicin (CAP). ELISA and immunofluorescence experiments provide evidence that COS-diDA efficiently inhibits the activation of the TRPV1 protein in HaCaT cells by reducing its levels when stimulated with CAP. In addition, ELISA analysis demonstrates that COS-diDA reduces the secretion of IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8 from HaCaT cells stimulated with CAP, indicating an interaction between the TRPV1 protein and interleukins. Additional research on in vitro pain models generated by CAP confirms the anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of COS-diDA. The study indicates that COS-diDA exhibits favorable adhesion qualities and possesses anti-inflammatory action, making it a viable candidate for inclusion as an anti-inflammatory component of cosmetic formulations.
Intravascular Ultrasound Findings in Acute and Chronic Deep Vein Thrombosis of the Lower Extremities
Authors: Corvino Fabio , Giurazza Francesco , Galia Massimo , Corvino Antonio , Minici Roberto , Basile Antonio , Ierardi Anna Maria , Marra Paolo , Niola Raffaella
Published: February 2025

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities, as part of venous thromboembolism disorder, is the third leading cause of acute cardiovascular syndrome after heart attack and stroke. It can result in disability due to pulmonary embolism (PE) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), particularly in cases where the thrombosis extends to the iliofemoral veins. Anticoagulation therapy is effective in preventing thrombus propagation and embolism but may not be sufficient for thrombus degradation and venous patency restoration. Up to 50% of patients with iliofemoral DVT develop PTS, mainly due to venous outflow obstruction or valvular incompetence. To date, the advent of new devices that enables rapid thrombus elimination and the restoration of deep venous patency, known as the “OPEN VEIN hypothesis”, may prevent valvular damage and reflux, cutting down the rate of PTS. Similarly, chronic venous disease could be related to a stenosis or occlusion of a major vein that can restrict blood flow. In this setting, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an essential tool for correct diagnostic and therapeutic planning in acute and chronic vein disease. Only angiography in vein disease can limit the procedure’s efficacy, with a high rate of stenosis misdiagnosed; IVUS provides further imaging that complements traditional angiographic study, and its role is now established by different international guidelines. If compared to angiography, IVUS allows for the evaluation of major axial veins in a 360-degree ultrasound image of the lumen and of the vessel wall structure. At the same time, the precise location and size of the major lower extremity veins allow for the placement of the stent to be more straightforward with a precise dimension of the vein in all of its diameters; moreover, other abnormalities should be visualized as acute or chronic thrombus, fibrosis, or trabeculations. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of IVUS findings in acute and chronic lower extremity DVT, emphasizing its diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Towards Blended Learning in Primary STEM in Latvia: Four Teaching Profiles
Authors: Čakāne Ildze , Greitāns Kārlis , Burgmanis Ģirts , Namsone Dace
Published: February 2025

In the present research, the authors assessed teaching quality in the context of blended learning in primary STEM; the educational reforms in the authors’ country require a digital transformation of education and a gradual shift to blended learning; therefore, appropriate teaching should follow in STEM classrooms. This research investigates the following research questions: how can we conceptualize teaching and learning in the context of blended learning in order to determine teaching quality? What teaching profiles are characteristic in the analyzed primary STEM lessons and what do the profiles indicate about student opportunities for blended learning? Through the analysis of existing reports about blended learning in STEM, the authors set three categories as important for blended learning to happen, namely opportunities for (1) learning with information and communication technologies (ICTs); (2) self-regulated learning; and (3) deep learning. To answer the research questions, the authors used a quantitative rubric-based evaluation approach. The selected criteria in tandem with level descriptors (from previously developed and validated framework) were used to analyze primary STEM lesson transcripts to determine teaching performance across eight criteria. Furthermore, a profiling approach was developed to uncover patterns in the data describing teaching quality; data analysis revealed four different teaching profiles. The use of ICT in the majority of the 187 analyzed lessons remains at the surface level or is non-existent. Teaching profiles were observed, in which students had various opportunities for self-regulated and deep learning. The student use of ICT was observed in 11% of samples’ lessons and all of those at the surface level. In addition to analyzing primary STEM lessons through a previously validated framework, this study contributes a novel profiling approach that systematically uncovers patterns of teaching performance in a blended learning context. By integrating categories of ICT use, self-regulated learning, and deep learning, the research provides an original lens on teaching quality that can guide both educators and policymakers in implementing effective blended learning strategies.
How Education Subsidies Affect Junior High School Students’ Noncognitive Ability Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Zheng Yimin , Zheng Yifan , Liu Xinqiao
Published: February 2025

Education subsidies play a crucial role in allocating educational resources and significantly impact students’ ability development. This study utilizes data from the China Education Panel Survey to examine the effects of education subsidies on junior high school students’ ability development, employing the framework of new human capital theory along with least squares, propensity score matching, and quantile regression models. The findings reveal that, first, education subsidies exert a significant positive effect on students’ noncognitive abilities, although no similar effect is observed for their cognitive abilities. Second, education subsidies exhibit a “compensatory effect” in enhancing noncognitive abilities, with a more pronounced impact observed among students with lower levels of noncognitive ability. Third, education subsidies particularly benefit female students, students from less affluent families, and those residing in rural areas, with these groups experiencing greater improvements in noncognitive abilities. The study suggests refining education subsidy policies and implementation strategies to foster a collaborative system among families, schools, and society, thereby promoting junior high school students’ comprehensive development through multiple avenues.
Unified Morphological and Genetic Analyses Confirm the Existence of the Dwarf Snakehead Channa shingon (Anabantiformes: Channidae), in Kachin State, Myanmar
Authors: Htoo Hsu , Laskar Boni Amin , Lee Soo Rin , Vu Sang Van , Phyo Phoo Mon Mon , Thitsar Phyo , Kim Hyun-Woo , Kundu Shantanu
Published: February 2025

Prior to this study, Myanmar was known to host 15 species of snakehead fishes (genus Channa) distributed across Southeast Asia. The region, characterized by its confluence of diverse river systems and two biodiversity hotspots, is presumed to have notable gaps in its biodiversity assessments. Recently, a new snakehead species, Channa shingon, was discovered in China, with its potential distribution in Myanmar warranting further investigation. This study focused on exploring Channa species in Kachin State and examined collected specimens using an integrated approach. The specimens were identified as C. shingon based on their distinct morphological characters, with a maximum standard length of 99.2 mm. Additionally, mitochondrial COI sequence data were generated, and species confirmation was achieved through nucleotide BLAST searches, genetic distance estimations, and phylogenetic analyses. The DNA sequences of C. shingon showed a mean inter-species genetic distance of 7.97% to 27.41% compared with other Channa species in the dataset, while the intra-species genetic distance between the Burmese and Chinese populations was 0.27%. Both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses distinctly separated C. shingon from other congeners through a monophyletic clustering pattern, revealing its sister relationship with C. rubora. Overall, this study provides the first report of C. shingon from Myanmar and suggests its speciation from a common ancestor with C. rubora, likely driven by geographical barriers such as the Irrawaddy River. Furthermore, the study contributes a robust DNA barcode dataset encompassing 85.7% of the global Channa species diversity, which can serve as a valuable resource for further species identification, discovery, and diversity assessments of snakeheads from South and Southeast Asia.
Association of +67 G/A and -426 T/C Polymorphism in Eotaxin (CCL11) Gene with Psoriasis Phenotypes
Authors: Vašků Vladimír , Fiala Adam , Vašků Anna
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Several gene targets were identified for psoriasis. Some are currently being explored as potential therapeutic targets, including CCL11. Our task was to prove a possible association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms +67 G/A and -426 T/C in the eotaxin gene (CCL11, 17q 21.3) with the development and clinical aspects of psoriasis as an immune-based dermatological disease and evaluate its relationship to potential comorbidities. Material and Methods: In total, 460 patients with psoriasis were included in the case–control and genotype–phenotype study together with 167 control persons of similar age and sex distributions without a personal and/or family history of chronic disease of the skin. Two eotaxin gene polymorphisms were detected from isolated DNA via standard PCR, restriction analysis methods, and horizontal electrophoresis. Results: No significant case–control differences in the frequency of the CCL11 genotype in both polymorphisms were observed. In polymorphism +67 G/A, a significant increase in the AA genotype in patients with psoriasis guttata compared to plaque psoriasis was found (p = 0.006). A significant association of the A allele in psoriatic patients with a personal history of allergy was found (p = 0.02). The A alle was also significantly associated with a family history of psoriasis (p = 0.00008). In men, a higher risk of a delayed start of psoriasis (later than 40 years) associated with the T allele of -426 T/C polymorphism (p = 0.0007) was found. When double genotypes of both polymorphisms were evaluated, we observed significant differences in double genotype distribution between men with and without a family history of allergy (Pdg = 0.0005) and between those with and without affected siblings (Pdg = 0.03). In women with psoriasis, a higher risk of the TT genotype of -426 T/C polymorphism in patients with a personal history of diabetes (p = 0.001) as well as in patients with both a personal history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (p = 0.00005) was proved. When double genotypes of both polymorphisms were evaluated, the significance of double genotype difference between those with and without personal history of diabetes was very high (Pdg = 0.0002). Similarly, the significance of the double genotype difference between those with and without personal history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes was very high (Pdg = 0.000001). Conclusions: CCL11 is considered one of the basic chemokines responsible for the origin and development of immune-based reactions. Based on our results, we suggest that the +67 G/A CCL11 polymorphism should be considered as a gene modulator of psoriasis in specific subgroups of patients.
The Effects of Processing Treatments on the Quality and Functional Constituents of Crabapple Flower Tea
Authors: Liu Huabin , Fan Junjun , Ma Jingze , Cai Yanan , Yu Zhu , Zhao Huawen , Dong Ruixia
Published: February 2025

The edible value of crabapple flowers remains unreported. In this study, the flower buds of three crabapple cultivars with different flower colors, Malus ‘Royalty’ (purple-red), ‘May’s Delight’ (pink), and ‘Snowdrift’ (white), were processed via hot-air drying at different temperatures and durations. The results showed that the sensory scores of ‘Royalty’ (4 h at 50 °C or 6 h at 40 °C), ‘Snowdrift’ (5 h at 50 °C), and ‘May’s Delight’ (4 h at 60 °C or 6 h at 50 °C) were higher (score > 90 points). The contents of phloridzin, total flavonoids (TFC), and total free amino acids (TFAC) in ‘May’s Delight’ under 50 or 60 °C were significantly higher than in other treatments. The differences in functional constituents among the different treatments of ‘Royalty’ were the smallest (C.V < 7%). The influences (C.Vk > 35%) of cultivar and drying temperature on the phlorizin content (PC) and TFAC were significantly higher than those of other treatments. The PC maintained the highest stability (C.Vk < 10%) under different temperatures and durations. The value of color parameter a* of dry flowers was significantly positively correlated with TFC, PC, and TFAC, and the total score of the sensory evaluation was positively correlated with the TFC. Based on functional constituents and sensory evaluation, ‘May’s Delight’ with air-drying at 50 °C for 6 h was the best option for crabapple flower tea.
How Fatigued Are ICU Professional Nurses in Chinese Public Hospitals Due to Equipment Alarms? Cross-Section Study from Beijing’s Tertiary Hospital, China, 2022
Authors: Zhang Zifan , Liu Zhilin , Liu Yutong , Gu Dai , Zhang Chunyan , Wang Yanling , Bian Ying
Published: February 2025

Objective: This study investigates alarm fatigue among ICU nurses in China and its influencing factors to optimize alarm management. Methods: This study was conducted using a cross-sectional design. In May 2022, electronic questionnaires were distributed to ICU nurses in Beijing tertiary hospitals, using the Chinese version of the alarm fatigue scale and equipment alarm records. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Results: Results showed an average alarm fatigue score of 20.70 ± 6.54 (out of 52), indicating a moderate-to-low level. Nurses’ self-assessed health, work attitude, alarm accuracy, and frequency of simultaneous alarms significantly influenced fatigue levels (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis identified five factors, with work intensity, mental health, false alarm rate, and job responsibility being significant predictors (95% CI excluded zero). Alarm records revealed an average of 621 daily alarms in ICUs, 93.93% from monitors, with a false alarm rate of 56.36%, and only 43.64% being valid. Conclusions: This study highlights the multi-factorial nature of alarm fatigue and the need to improve alarm systems and nurse support.
Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils, Channel Banks, and Riverbed Sediments of a Watershed Under Agricultural Pressure
Authors: Assis Kamylla Gonçalves Oliveira , Nascimento Rennan Cabral , Teixeira Marcos Paulo Rodrigues , Rimá Fernando Braga , do Nascimento Clístenes Williams Araújo , Silva Cinthia Maria Cordeiro Atanázio Cruz , Oliva Katerin Manuelita Encina , Lopes José Wellington Batista , Barbosa Ronny Sobreira , Singh Vijay Pal , da Silva Yuri Jacques Agra Bezerra
Published: February 2025

Anthropogenic activities increase the amount of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the environment and consequently affect the quality of soils and water resources. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations, spatial distribution, and sources of soil and sediment pollution at the watershed scale for the following PTEs: aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), cerium (Ce), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lanthanum (La), manganese (Mn), neodymium (Nd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), samarium (Sm), thorium (Th), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), yttrium (Y) and zinc (Zn). One hundred and eighty-eight composite samples collected from preserved Cerrado areas, channel banks, agricultural areas, pastures, and riverbed sediments were used. Environmental contamination was assessed using geochemical indices and ecological risk assessment. The concentration of these elements often followed the order of riverbed sediment > channel bank > pasture > agricultural areas. Based on the pollutant load index, riverbed sediments and channel banks were classified as polluted, acting as a source of PTEs. The Gurgueia watershed, Brazil, was classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted, with low to no enrichment by PTEs. These values serve as a basis for future monitoring of the impacts resulting from the advance of agricultural and industrial activities in the region.