bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the associations between the biomechanical and psychological mechanistic pathways of lower back pain development amongst persons with lower-limb amputation: A study protocol
Authors: Withey Alexandra , Cazzola Dario , Tabor Abby , Seminati Elena
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The global rise in lower-limb amputations is mainly due to diabetes and vascular complications. Amputations cause serious physical and psycho-social disabilities which impair locomotion and compromise patients quality of life. Biopsychosocial factors such as altered gait parameters, poor prosthetic fit, depression, fear avoidance behaviours and stigma increase the risk of individuals incurring lower back pain; the leading cause of secondary disability amongst persons with lower-limb amputation. Exploring the potential mechanistic pathways of lower back pain development is important to inform timely patient-centred programmes of care. Currently, limited information exists to inform the design of such programmes. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand the bio-behavioural, psychological, and social features of individuals with lower-limb amputation in the presence of lower back pain.

Methods and analysis

This proposed study protocol employs a prospective longitudinal study design that aims to explore the determinants of lower back pain amongst 30 adults with unilateral lower-limb amputation over 12-months. Biomechanical gait variables, trunk and lower-limb muscle activations, and objective pain measurements will be monitored every 3-months, and their relationship will be investigated. This information can be used to explore the characteristics of lower back pain and will inform future care management and rehabilitation processes. A data repository will be created and will be accessible through the University of Bath library website (https://library.bath.ac.uk/home).

Trial reference number

The study is registered at IRAS ID: 321729 and at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06243549.
Beyond pleasurable and meaningful: Psychologically rich entertainment experiences
Authors: Wirz Dominique S. , Eden Allison , Ulusoy Ezgi , Ellithorpe Morgan E.
Published: February 2025

Entertainment experiences have been conceptualized as hedonic (pleasurable) or eudaimonic (meaningful), mirroring the hedonic and eudaimonic components of psychological well-being. However, psychologists have proposed a third component of well-being: psychological richness, which is characterized by variety, novelty, and interest. In this paper we explore the role of psychological richness in film and television entertainment experiences. Two studies, an experience sampling study (n = 28) and a survey (students in the US, n = 247 and general population in Germany, n = 289) show the prevalence of experience of psychological richness during media use and its positive relationship with well-being. A replication with a different scale (n = 291) demonstrates that psychologically rich entertainment experiences may have been previously been conflated by some measures of eudaimonic entertainment. Incorporating psychologically rich entertainment experiences as a third addition to hedonic and eudaimonic experiences can increase the intervention potential of media used to enhance well-being.
Larger models yield better results? Streamlined severity classification of ADHD-related concerns using BERT-based knowledge distillation
Authors: Karim Ahmed Akib Jawad , Asad Kazi Hafiz Md. , Alam Md. Golam Rabiul
Published: February 2025

This work focuses on the efficiency of the knowledge distillation approach in generating a lightweight yet powerful BERT-based model for natural language processing (NLP) applications. After the model creation, we applied the resulting model, LastBERT, to a real-world task—classifying severity levels of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-related concerns from social media text data. Referring to LastBERT, a customized student BERT model, we significantly lowered model parameters from 110 million BERT base to 29 million-resulting in a model approximately 73.64% smaller. On the General Language Understanding Evaluation (GLUE) benchmark, comprising paraphrase identification, sentiment analysis, and text classification, the student model maintained strong performance across many tasks despite this reduction. The model was also used on a real-world ADHD dataset with an accuracy of 85%, F1 score of 85%, precision of 85%, and recall of 85%. When compared to DistilBERT (66 million parameters) and ClinicalBERT (110 million parameters), LastBERT demonstrated comparable performance, with DistilBERT slightly outperforming it at 87%, and ClinicalBERT achieving 86% across the same metrics. These findings highlight the LastBERT model’s capacity to classify degrees of ADHD severity properly, so it offers a useful tool for mental health professionals to assess and comprehend material produced by users on social networking platforms. The study emphasizes the possibilities of knowledge distillation to produce effective models fit for use in resource-limited conditions, hence advancing NLP and mental health diagnosis. Furthermore underlined by the considerable decrease in model size without appreciable performance loss is the lower computational resources needed for training and deployment, hence facilitating greater applicability. Especially using readily available computational tools like Google Colab and Kaggle Notebooks. This study shows the accessibility and usefulness of advanced NLP methods in pragmatic world applications.
Evaluating the impact of added greenery on perceived factors of an urban environment in virtual reality
Authors: Bar-Ad Ron , Vigo Markel , Caruso Geoffrey , Quboa Qudamah , Pinto Nuno
Published: February 2025

The wellbeing effects of urban greenspace are well established, but may be more attributable to pedestrians’ perceptions than objective levels of greenery. An immersive virtual environment was designed with three levels of roadside greenery: no trees, 200 trees, and 400 trees. Participants were asked to rate each for several perceived and objective factors, and gave their years lived experience in urban, rural, and suburban environments. Trees impacted perceptions of beauty and greenness, and, slightly, building heights. Controlling for urban experience significantly lessened the impact of trees, but showed that perceived greenness had higher significant correlations to all other outcomes.
Clinical, immune and genetic risk factors of malaria-associated acute kidney injury in Zambian children: A study protocol
Authors: Mwaba Chisambo , Munsaka Sody , Mwakazanga David , Rutagwerae David , Ngalamika Owen , Mwanza Suzanna , McCulloch Mignon , Mpabalwani Evans
Published: February 2025

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects nearly half of children with severe malaria and increases the risk of adverse outcomes such as death and poor cognitive function. The pathogenesis and predictors of malaria-associated acute kidney injury (MAKI) are not fully described. This study aims to determine the clinical, immune, and genetic correlates of risk to AKI in Zambian children admitted with malaria. In addition, we intend to assess a modified renal angina index (mRAI), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR), when done on the first day of admission, for the ability to predict AKI two days later (day 3) in children admitted with malaria.

Methods

This is an unmatched case-control study with a nested prospective observational study. A case-to-control ratio of 1:1 is used and 380 children with malaria and aged less than 16 years are being recruited from two hospitals in Zambia. Eligible children are recruited after obtaining written informed consent. Recruitment occurs during the malaria season and began on 6th March 2024 and will continue until July 2025. AKI is defined using the 2012 KIDGO AKI creatinine criteria, and cases are defined as children admitted with malaria who develop AKI within 72 hours of admission, while controls are children admitted with malaria but with no AKI. Serum creatinine is collected on Day 1 within 24 hours of admission, on Day 3 and then again on discharge or day 7, whichever comes sooner. Baseline biomarker concentrations will be determined using the Luminex multiplex Elisa system or high-sensitivity ELISA. SPSS version 29 will be used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests will be run as appropriate. A p ≤ 0.05 will be considered as significant. The sensitivity, specificity, and estimates of the area under the curve (AUC) for the renal angina score will be determined.
A parametric bootstrap control chart for Lindley Geometric percentiles
Authors: Al-Lami Muthanna Ali Hussein , Jabbari Khamnei Hossein , Heydari Ali Akbar
Published: February 2025

Control charts are vital for quality control and process monitoring, helping businesses identify variations in production. Traditional control charts, like Shewhart charts, may not work well for skewed distributions, such as the Lindley geometric distribution (LG). This study introduces a new control chart that uses parametric bootstrap techniques to monitor percentiles of the LG distribution, providing a more effective quality control method. The LG distribution is useful for modeling material strength and failures, especially in structural design, where lower percentiles indicate reduced tensile strength. We conducted extensive simulations to assess the proposed control chart’s effectiveness, considering various distribution parameters, percentile values, Type I error rates, and sample sizes. Our findings highlight how subgroup size, percentiles, and significance levels affect control limits, stressing the need for careful parameter selection in monitoring processes. The results show that the new control chart is highly sensitive to changes in LG distribution parameters and performs consistently across different percentiles. This suggests its practical relevance and robustness for industrial applications in quality control. Future research should explore its performance in real-world production settings to confirm its efficiency and reliability.
Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on results in the animal naming test in patients with and without liver cirrhosis
Authors: Schleicher Eva Maria , Tuchscher Julia , Weber Matthias , Galle Peter Robert , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Gairing Simon Johannes , Labenz Christian
Published: February 2025

Introduction and objectives

Diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and cognitive dysfunction. The simplified Animal Naming Test (S-ANT1) has been established for detecting minimal HE (MHE). It is currently unknown whether S-ANT1 results are affected by diabetes mellitus in patients with and without cirrhosis.

Materials and methods

This study analyzed data from 268 patients with cirrhosis without signs of HE ≥ 1. MHE was defined using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES). All patients were also tested with S-ANT1. 14 patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic foot syndrome but no cirrhosis, as well as 37 healthy controls, were also tested with S-ANT1 and served as controls.

Results

Type 2 diabetes mellitus was present in 79 (29.5%) patients with cirrhosis and MHE according to PHES was detected in 81 (30.2%) patients. In the total cohort, results in S-ANT1 did not differ between patients with and without diabetes mellitus (19 vs. 20 animals, p = 0.108). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the only variables independently associated with performance in S-ANT1 were PHES-MHE, school education, sodium, and age, while diabetes mellitus was not. Patients with diabetic foot syndrome but no cirrhosis performed poorer in S-ANT1 compared to healthy controls, while patients with cirrhosis and MHE performed poorer than patients with diabetic foot syndrome.

Conclusion

S-ANT1 seems to be usable for screening for MHE in patients with cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes mellitus, while one might be more cautious when interpreting results in patients with diabetes-related complications.
Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) agronomic performances in mixed cultivation using irrigation condition, North-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Wolele Mihret Anteneh , Zeleke Fentahun Meheret , Chekol Yeshambel Mekuriaw , Limenih Bimrew Asmare , Zegeye Zemenu Birhan
Published: February 2025

In this field experiment, the agronomic performance of Guinea grass was evaluated to assess the optimum planting spacing and harvesting age in mixed cultivation under irrigation conditions. These factors were arranged according to a 3*3 factorial setting, which was fitted to a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. This trial used three planting spaces (20, 30 and 40 cm) and harvesting ages (60, 90 and 120 days), grown in a mixed cropping system with Silver leaf desmodium using a furrow irrigation. The collected data includes plant height, leaves per plant, leaf length per plant, leaf to stem ratio, number of tillers per plant, number of roots per plant, root length per plant, and dry matter yield. The results of the study showed that age at harvest and planting space had a significant (P<0.001) effect on the morphological characteristics and dry matter yield of Guinea grass. The effect of these management practices was also affected the dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber contents of the grass. The maximum performances (high records) of the morphological characteristics and dry matter yield of Guinea grass were obtained by allocating a planting space of 40 cm and prolonging the harvesting period up to 120 days. However, harvesting at 90 days (11.48% of crude protein) resulted in the optimum nutritional contents. Therefore, in the area with irrigation facilities at midland agroecology, a planting space of 40 cm and a harvesting time of 90 days could be suggested through irrigation application in the study area and similar agro-ecologies.
Adaptive enhancement of shoulder x-ray images using tissue attenuation and type-II fuzzy sets
Authors: Liu Qifeng , Han Yong , Shen Lu , Du Jialei , Tania Marzia Hoque
Published: February 2025

Shoulder X-ray images typically have low contrast and high noise levels, making it challenging to distinguish and identify subtle anatomical structures. While existing image enhancement techniques are effective in improving contrast, they often overlook the enhancement of sharpness, especially when amplifying blurring and noise. These techniques may improve detail contrast but fail to maintain overall image clarity and the distinction between the target and the background. To address these issues, we propose a novel image enhancement method aimed at simultaneously improving both the contrast and sharpness of shoulder X-ray images. The method integrates automatic tissue attenuation techniques, which enhance the image contrast by removing non-essential tissue components while preserving important tissues and bones. Additionally, we apply an improved Type-II fuzzy set algorithm to further optimize image sharpness. By simultaneously enhancing contrast and sharpness, the method significantly improves image quality and detail distinguishability. When tested on certain images from the MURA dataset, the proposed method achieved the best or second-best results, outperforming five no-reference image quality assessment metrics. In comparative studies, the method demonstrated significant performance advantages over 10 contemporary X-ray image enhancement algorithms and was validated through ablation experiments to confirm the effectiveness of each module.
Computational modeling of bone allograft reconstruction following femoral shaft tumor resection: Investigating the impact of supplementary plate fixation
Authors: Boháč Petr , Apostolopoulos Vasileios , Marcián Petr , Tomáš Tomáš , Mahdal Michal , Návrat Tomáš
Published: February 2025

Background and objective

The use of bone allograft reconstructions after tumor resection can introduce significant complications. Stable fixation is required to decrease the incidence of mechanical complications of segmental bone allografts. The purpose of the present study is to compare plating fixation methods of diaphyseal allografts after intercalary resection of the femur.

Methods

We created four defined fixation models using plates and/or intramedullary polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to simulate typical bone tumor resection with intercalary allograft reconstruction. One angularly stable plate (DFP) with 13 locking screws and fresh frozen allografts (labeled “I”) were used for bone reconstruction. Three modified reconstructions were created: “II” included a supplementary plate (SP) with four locking screws, “III” was augmented with intramedullary PMMA in the allograft, and “IV” combined intramedullary PMMA and both plates. We applied a load model that simulates partial weight bearing on the lower limb to simulate the load during postoperative rehabilitation.

Results

The highest stress in the DFP occurred at the allograft-bone transition, with variant IV reaching 297 MPa. PMMA augmentation reduced median interfragmentary motion (IFM) and sliding distances, with variant III achieving the lowest distal sliding distance (0.9 μm) in the distal area. Supplementary plate fixation reduced maximal and median proximal IFM distances (86.9 μm in variant II vs. 116.0 μm in variant I) but increased sliding distances (23.7 μm in variant II vs. 0.6 μm in variant I).

Conclusions

PMMA augmentation reduces IFM and sliding distances, enhancing rigidity, particularly in the distal area. Supplementary plate fixation decreases IFM distances in the proximal area but increases sliding distances in the same region. Variants III and IV demonstrate lower IFM and sliding distances in the distal area overall. Variant III shows very low sliding distances in both distal and proximal areas. Variant IV combines improved firmness with slightly higher stress levels.
Land cover classification of high-resolution remote sensing images based on improved spectral clustering
Authors: Wu Song , Cao Jian-Min , Zhao Xin-Yu
Published: February 2025

Applying unsupervised classification techniques on remote sensing images enables rapid land cover classification. Using remote sensing imagery from the ZY1-02D satellite’s VNIC and AHSI cameras as the basis, multi-source feature information encompassing spectral, edge shape, and texture features was extracted as the data source. The Lanczos algorithm, which determines the largest eigenpairs of a high-order matrix, was integrated with the spectral clustering algorithm to solve for eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The results indicate that this method can quickly and effectively classify land cover. The classification accuracy was significantly improved by incorporating multi-source feature information, with a kappa coefficient reaching 0.846. Compared to traditional classification methods, the improved spectral clustering algorithm demonstrated better adaptability to data distribution and superior clustering performance. This suggests that the method has strong recognition capabilities for pixels with complex spatial shapes, making it a high-performance, unsupervised classification approach.
Fund style drift and fund performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Yaozhi , Wei Honghong
Published: February 2025

This study selects the quarterly data of all equity and equity-oriented hybrid open-end funds in China from 2007 to 2022 as the research sample, and examines the impact of fund style drift on fund returns through a two-ways fixed effect model. Our results show that overall style drift tends to improve fund performance. However, after differentiating the type of style drift, we find that fund drift based on stock picking abilities enhanced performance, whereas fund drift based on chasing market trends reduced fund performance. This study presents a new measurement method based on industry allocation, providing an empirical foundation for research on industry-specific theme funds. It also offers fund managers insights for optimizing performance evaluation and incentive systems, while serving as a reference for regulators to develop flexible, effective policies for market stability.
Application of principles of cognitive psychology in teaching: Perspectives from undergraduate medical and dental students
Authors: Surti Ambreen , Sarfaraz Shaur , Ali Rabiya , Baig Mukhtiar , Rehman Rehana
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Principles of cognitive psychology (CP) aim to shed light on the fundamentals of perception, attention, and knowledge extraction used for critical thinking, learning, and recollection of information. These principles were incorporated to educate undergraduate medical and dental students, and the study aims to assess the perspectives of medical and dental students regarding applying these principles.

Methods

The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 555 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students using a validated questionnaire with purposive sampling. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 21.

Results

The study population comprised 555 undergraduate medical and dental students, with a mean age of 20.55 ± 1.86 years. Of these, 63.4% were pursuing MBBS, and 36.6% were BDS students. The sample included 320 (57.65%) female and 235 (42.35%) male students. MBBS and BDS students exhibited high confidence levels in most aspects of CP principles required for interactive learning. However, they expressed lower confidence in facilitator-student interaction, receiving feedback within large classes, and experiencing online teaching elements. A significant difference was observed between the two groups. In five of six CP attributes, MBBS students demonstrated significantly higher perceptions than BDS students: overcoming cognitive and emotional challenges, recognizing and overcoming ineffective learning strategies, paying attention in class, and integrating knowledge (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The current study reveals that MBBS students perceived the application of CP principles more positively than BDS students in key interactive learning areas. Furthermore, the integration of CP principles enhanced session interactivity, student engagement, attention, and retention. To optimize learning outcomes, institutions should consider adopting blended learning strategies, curricular innovations, and active learning methodologies (such as case-based, team-based, and problem-solving approaches) aligned with CP principles. Future longitudinal research could provide deeper insights into the long-term impact of CP principles on student learning and perception.
Chronic kidney disease among people living with HIV on TDF based regimen: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yazie Taklo Simeneh , Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh , Teshome Assefa Agegnehu , Addisu Zenaw Debasu , Belete Abebe Muche
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health concern among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV) who are taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based regimen. Despite the available evidence showing a high prevalence of CKD in this population, comprehensive pooled estimate of CKD among PLWHIV receiving TDF based regimen across the globe is lacking. Hence, the present systematic review aimed to provide a global pooled prevalence estimate of CKD.

Method

We conducted a systematic review of literatures published between January 2000 and May 2024. Articles and grey literature were searched from the following databases and search engine: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of science, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL), and Google Scholar. We included eligible studies that report magnitude of CKD in TDF based regimen. We executed the pooled CKD, subgroup analysis, and funnel plot using random effect model. All statistical analysis including sensitivity analysis were made using Stata 17 software.

Results

Sixty-nine studies with 88299 participants included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of CKD was 7% (95% CI:6–8). CD4 count less than 200 copies per milliliter, and being female were associated with CKD.

Conclusion

We concluded that the magnitude of CKD across the globe is high in people living with HIV who have received TDF based regimen. Early identification of CKD by considering regular renal function monitoring, and risk factors especially low CD4 count, and female gender at birth are essential.

Trial registration

The protocol has been prospectively registered with PROSPERO ((CRD42020136813).
Mindfulness-based (non-contact) boxing therapy (MBBT) for depression and anxiety: A feasibility study
Authors: Bozdarov Johny , Jones Brett D.M. , Umer Madeha , Blumberger Daniel M. , Husain Ishrat M.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Mindfulness-Based (non-contact) Boxing Therapy (MBBT) is a novel intervention designed to empower and promote self-agency through behavioral interventions, while reducing barriers to exercise for individuals with mental disorders. MBBT is an instructor-led, manualized, non-contact boxing group-exercise program (delivered in 90 min sessions, twice a week, over 10 weeks) that blends principles of mindfulness, meditation and group therapy. The current study tested the acceptability and feasibility of delivering MBBT to adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Methods

Nine adult outpatients with MDD or GAD were recruited from a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Toronto, Canada in a 10-week feasibility trial of MBBT using a pre-post design. Feasibility was assessed through recruitment and retention rates, while acceptability was assessed through the CSQ-8, and self-questionnaires. Secondary clinical outcomes included the PHQ-9, GAD-7, K10, CGI, and MAAS. Trial registry: ISRCTN23023309.

Results

Eight participants (5 female, 3 male) were included in the final analysis. Results indicated a high user retention (89%), attendance (84%), and satisfaction (98%). The study observed a statistically significant mean percent reduction in depression (54%), anxiety (51%) and distress (36%), alongside a mean percent increase in mindfulness (79%). Post intervention qualitative feedback from participants revealed themes of inclusivity and accessibility, cathartic release and control of emotions, improved self-esteem and confidence, self-agency, community, and trust in leadership.

Conclusions

Given the limitation of the study, MBBT appeared to be feasible and acceptable as an exercise/behavioural intervention. Further well-designed randomized clinical trials are warranted to confirm the clinical benefits of MBBT.
HPRNA: Predicting synergistic drug combinations for angina pectoris based on human pathway relationship network algorithm
Authors: Zhou Mengyao , Xu Mengfan , Zhang Xiangling , Xing Xiaochun , Li Yang , Wang Guanghui , Yan Guiying
Published: February 2025

Over the years, synergistic drug combinations therapies have attracted widespread attention due to its advantages of overcoming drug resistance, increasing treatment efficacy and decreasing toxicity. Compared to lengthy medical drugs experimental screening, mathematical models and algorithms show great potential in synergistic drug combinations prediction. In this paper, we introduce a novel mathematical algorithm, the Human Pathway Relationship Network Algorithm (HPRNA), which is designed to predict synergistic drug combinations for angina pectoris. We first reconstruct a novel angina pectoris drug dataset, which include drug name, drug metabolism, chemical formula, targets and pathways, then construct a comprehensive human pathway network based on the genetic similarity of the pathways which contain information about the targets. Finally, we introduce a novel indicator to calculate drug pair scores which measure the likelihood of forming synergistic drug combination. Experimental results on angina pectoris drug datasets convincingly demonstrate that the HPRNA makes efficient use of target and pathway information and is superior to previous algorithms.
Development of a novel evaluation method by mathematical anatomy for foot bone alignment displacement using x-ray radiographs
Authors: Maruyama Yosuke , Itsukaichi Katsutoshi , Hoshikawa Naoya , Nakagomi Takayuki , Matsuyama Tomohiro , Sasaki Hiroyuki
Published: February 2025

The major methods of evaluating the foot arch in clinical practice in patients with foot deformities are medial longitudinal arch measurement using body surface somatometry and radiographic morphometry. Although these methods are widely used, they are considered problematic in terms of differences in scores between the methods. In this study, we developed a new geometric shape analysis method for the bony arrangement of the foot using the two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D-FFT), which incorporates mathematical anatomy using x-ray radiographs. Lateral radiographs of the foot bones were obtained using ImageJ2 provided by the National Institutes of Health. The 2D-FFT images show the characteristic directional power spectrum extending from low to high frequencies in the first and third quadrants on the normal, low and high arched foot respectively. The current method of reflecting the bone arrangement status of the metatarsal and tarsal bones may have the potential to establish a new radiographic evaluation method for assessing abnormal foot–bone alignment. As a result, the foot bone 2D-FFT method can be useful in assessing the medial longitudinal arch and predicting the prognosis of these patients.
Mint essential oil: A natural and effective agent for controlling house dust mites
Authors: Cai Haiming , Zhang Xu , Lin Zhibin , Li Shanshan , Lin Huiquan , Lin Yongwen
Published: February 2025

Conventional methods of house dust mite control often involve chemical pesticides, raising concerns about their potential hazards. Mint essential oil presents a natural and eco-friendly alternative for managing house dust mite infestations. In this study, ten varieties of mint plants were cultivated, and their essential oils were extracted through steam distillation. The toxicity of these mint essential oils and their main compounds on adult house dust mites was assessed using contact+fumigant mortality bioassays and vapour-phase mortality bioassays. A repellent bioassay was also conducted to evaluate the repellent effects of mint oils and main compound on house dust mites. The toxicity of mint essential oils varied among the different varieties, with some demonstrating higher potency in eradicating house dust mites. Mint oils showed both acaricidal action and repellent effects on house dust mites, with certain varieties exhibiting stronger efficacy. Linalool as active compounds was identified as key contributors to the acaricidal properties of mint essential oil. Mint essential oil, particularly certain varieties rich in active compounds, shows promise as a natural and effective agent for controlling house dust mites. Its dual functionality in killing and repelling house dust mites, along with its environmentally friendly nature, make it a viable alternative to chemical pesticides for house dust mite management. Further research on the specific mechanisms of action and long-term effectiveness of mint essential oil in house dust mite control is warranted to explore its full potential as a sustainable pest management solution.
Relationship between movement behaviours and life satisfaction in Chinese children: A cross-lagged panel analysis
Authors: Yang Xingyi , Zhang Danqing , Liu Yang
Published: February 2025

Understanding the impacts of daily movement behaviours on the well-being of children is crucial for developing effective health promotion strategies. This study examined the relationship between movement behaviours and life satisfaction (LS) using longitudinal data from a sample of primary school students. This one-year follow-up study included 683 students (8.91 ± 1.31 years old) from Shanghai, China. Information on days of moderate- to vigorous-physical activity (MVPA), days of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), screen time (ST), and sleep duration was measured via a self-reported questionnaire. Cross-lagged models were used to assess the relationships between movement behaviours at baseline and LS at follow-up. Path analysis showed baseline sleep duration was a significant predictor of subsequent LS. Sex-specific models indicated baseline LS and sleep duration were predictors in males, and baseline MVPA, MSE, and sleep duration in females. Grade-specific models revealed positive relationships of baseline MSE and sleep duration with LS in Level 1 (grade 1 and 2), and baseline MVPA and MSE in Level 2 (grade 3 and 4). This study shows a complex interplay between 24-hour movement behaviours and LS among children. While baseline sleep duration emerged as a consistent predictor of LS at follow-up across the overall sample, the influence of MVPA, MSE, and ST varied by sex and grade level. These results highlight the importance of considering a range of lifestyle factors, including sleep and physical activity, in understanding and potentially enhancing life satisfaction in childhood.
Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state are associated with higher in-hospital mortality and morbidity in diabetes patients hospitalized with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, but not within 30 days of readmission
Authors: Almutairi Turki , Dargham Soha , Jayyousi Amin , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Abi Khalil Charbel
Published: February 2025

Background

While the cardiovascular risk of hyperglycemia has been thoroughly elucidated in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) hospitalized for myocardial infarction, the evidence surrounding acute severe hyperglycemia is less well-established. Our study aimed to explore the impact of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), both severe hyperglycemic conditions, on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2D admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

We used the National Readmission Database (2016–2019) to extract patients with T2DM and STEMI at baseline. Subsequently, we selected cases of DKA and HHS. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital acute renal failure, cardiogenic shock, and 30-day readmission and mortality.

Results

The presence of DKA increased the adjusted odds of mortality and cardiogenic shock by almost 2-fold (adjusted Odds Ratios aOR = 2.30 [1.70–3.12], 2.055 [1.602–2.637], respectively) and renal failure by nearly 5-fold (aOR = 5.175 [4.090–6.546]). HHS was also associated with higher odds of mortality, acute renal failure, and cardiogenic shock. In 30 days, DKA and HHS increased the risk of readmission (aOR = 1.815 [1.449–2.75], 1.751 [1.376–2.228], respectively). There were no differences in the rates of cardiovascular disease, mortality, or other cardiovascular events between DKA and HHS patients. Within 30 days of readmission, DKA and HHS were associated with higher odds of readmission but not mortality. Cardiovascular disease was the most common etiology of readmission in all patients. The incidence of non-STEMI was the highest in DKA patients, and the incidence of STEMI was the highest in the HHS group.

Conclusion

The presence of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is associated with higher odds of mortality, renal failure, cardiogenic shock, and 30-day readmission in STEMI patients with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the need for enhanced clinical management and monitoring of patients experiencing acute hyperglycemia.
Unveiling microbial succession dynamics on different plastic surfaces using WGCNA
Authors: Davidov Keren , Itzahri Sheli , Sinberger Liat Anabel , Oren Matan
Published: February 2025

Over recent decades, marine microorganisms have increasingly adapted to plastic debris, forming distinct plastic-attached microbial communities. Despite this, the colonization and succession processes on plastic surfaces in marine environments remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a microbiome succession experiment using four common plastic polymers (PE, PP, PS, and PET), as well as glass and wood, in a temperature-controlled seawater system over a 2- to 90-day period. We employed long-read 16S rRNA metabarcoding to profile the prokaryotic microbiome’s taxonomic composition at five time points throughout the experiment. By applying Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to our 16S metabarcoding data, we identified unique succession signatures for 77 bacterial genera and observed polymer-specific enrichment in 39 genera. Our findings also revealed that the most significant variations in microbiome composition across surfaces occurred during the initial succession stages, with potential intra-genus relationships that are linked to surface preferences. This research advances our understanding of microbial succession dynamics on marine plastic debris and introduces a robust statistical approach for identifying succession signatures of specific bacterial taxa.
Effect of the hour-1 bundle on clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Shukun , Wang Hongye , Fan Xiaoguang , Liu Jian , Qiao Lujun
Published: February 2025

Background

According to the 2018 bundle guidelines of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, many emergency departments and intensive care units currently adopt the hour-1 bundle as a standard practice for sepsis management. However, recent studies on the hour-1 bundle for sepsis treatment have yielded inconsistent results, raising questions and challenges about its clinical efficacy.

Aim

This study will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the impact of the hour-1 bundle and non-hour-1 bundle on the clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Methods

The protocol was prepared according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses protocol (PRISMA-P) statement. The systematic review will be carried out in line with the statement of PRISMA. The following electronic databases will be searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science. All clinical studies comparing the impact of the hour-1 bundle and non-hour-1 bundle on clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis and septic shock will be included. All stages of the literature search, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment will be conducted independently by two reviewers. Any disagreements between the two reviewers will be resolved by discussion or arbitration by a third reviewer. The primary outcome will be short-term mortality, which involves in-hospital, 28-day, 30-day, and 90-day mortality corresponding to the definition used in each study. For quality assessment, the risk of bias specified by the Cochrane Collaboration and the methodological index for non-randomized studies will be used for randomized control trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, respectively. Data synthesis will be performed via Review Manager 5.1.0.

Expected results

This systematic review will integrate all relevant studies to quantitatively estimate the effect size and clarify the role of the hour-1 bundle in sepsis management, contributing new evidence-based guidance to the field.

Systematic review registration

Protocol registration and reporting: PROSPERO CRD42024579314.
Analysis of attacking styles and goal-scoring in the 2021/22 Women’s Super League
Authors: Craven Lizzie , Oxenham Patrick , Ranaweera Jayamini
Published: February 2025

The rapid rise in elite women’s football has increased the demand for female specific research to enable more accurate and appropriate assessments of tactical performance. Thereby, this study aimed to describe goal scoring in relation to different attacking styles during a Women’s Super League (WSL) season. Specifically, 1179 attacking sequences leading to shots on target performed by all 12 teams in the 2021/22 WSL season were analysed. The style of attack for each attacking sequence was characterised by research guided key performance indicators and recorded with the outcome of the subsequent shot on target. Descriptive results indicated that most shots (27.23%) were originating from combinative organised attacks, while set plays accounted for the most goals (27.08%), with fast organised attacks demonstrating the best goal conversation rates (53.33%). Outcomes of a chi-square test highlighted a significant (but weak) association between attacking styles and shot outcomes (χ42 = 9.87, P = 0.043) in the considered WSL season, with shots originating from set plays resulting in significantly more goals than expected (AR = 2.45). Overall, the results can be useful for practitioners when formulating tactical game plans and training sessions, while also providing multiple opportunities for future research in tactical analysis of women’s football.
Questioning the Validity of Hadith in the Digital Era
Authors: Desi Asmarita
Published: February 2025

The digital era has an influence on understanding information or messages obtained from various social media, including hadith. This requires Muslims to be careful in understanding the validity criteria of hadith. This paper aims to describe the validity of hadith in the digital era, with several important questions; Are there differences in the study of hadith before and after digital tools? Is the study of hadith in the digital era still important?, and how is the analysis of issues related to the validity of hadith in the digital era? The method used in this research is library research with descriptive analysis. Sources of data obtained in the form of books, articles, websites and other reliable documents that are in accordance with the object of research. The results of this study are that: the validity of a hadith in the digital era can be known by referring to the criteria for authentic hadith. The criteria in terms of valid sanad hadith are continuous sanad, fair narrators and dhabit. Meanwhile, in terms of the matan, there are no syadz and 'illat
Reinterpretation the Meaning of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamā’ah in the Book of Syarh al-Sunnah by al-Barbahāri
Authors: Maulana Muhammad Al-Fayyadh , Abror Indal
Published: February 2025

The debate about the meaning of the term ahl al-sunnah wa al-jamā'ah in the iftirāq al-ummah hadith has not stopped until now. Each group has different views and claims to each other as the most deserving of that status. Al-Barbahari (d. 329 H), one of the figures of the Hanbali school of thought, tried to revive this understanding, but then tried to revive it haphazardly by modern Salafi-Wahhabi groups in order to legitimize the takfiri movement and anti-heresy sentiments. This article explains the views of al-Barbahari in the book Syarḥ al-Sunnah with several basic questions; first, what is al-Barbahari's view in interpreting ahl al-sunnah wa al-jamā'ah?, and second, what is the approach of manhaj wasaṭiyyah al-Azhar in explaining the same term? To analyze this problem, the writer uses descriptive-analytical method through the approach of manhaj al-Azhar al-Syarif and found the fact that Al-Barbahari has the characteristics of thinking that tend to be textual and pragmatic. Thus, there are many discrepancies in the discourse of aqidah, the use of reason in understanding the texts, and the methods of criticism and syarah of hadith are not appropriate.
A non-powder weapon projectile uneventfully removed from the pterygopalatine fossa: A case report
Authors: Blizniak Filip , Lubecka Karolina , Chęciński Maciej , Karawan Sławomir , Gola Wojciech , Sikora Maciej
Published: February 2025

The cases of a ballistic projectile entering the pterygopalatine fossa are rare (8 reported cases), and the procedure of removing a foreign body from this anatomical space requires an operator’s experience and appropriate attention. We report the second case of a bullet from a non-powder weapon in the pterygopalatine fossa described in the English literature and the first removed by open trans-sinusal surgery. A 53-year-old male patient was shot and referred from another hospital for removal of a bullet from the pterygopalatine fossa. The patient had a craniofacial CT scan and was in good general condition. The foreign body was trans-sinusally non-endoscopically removed. The experience, knowledge and manual dexterity of the operator allowed avoiding iatrogenic complications such as intraoperative bleeding and nerve injury. The basis for a successful operation was good diagnostic, including radiological diagnostic consisting of performing a cranio-facial CT scan.
Management of Emergencies in the Hepato-Gastro-Enterology Department of the Kara University Hospital
Authors:   Department of anaesthesia and intensive care at CHU-Kara, Mouzou E. T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Emergency care in hepato-gastroenterology (HGE) at CHU-Kara is expanding. Objective: To assess the management of emergencies in the general hospital ward at CHU-Kara. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study of patient records from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2024. It ran from July 1 to September 31, 2024. Results: 170 emergencies were identified, with a hospital frequency of 20.90% and a sex ratio of 1.6. The average age was 49 years. Digestive haemorrhage was the leading emergency (69.41%), dominated by ruptured oesophageal varices (RVO), followed by peptic ulcers. Other emergencies were hepatic encephalopathy (12.94%), acute abdominal pain (11.77%), ingestion of caustic products (2.94%) and chronic vomiting (2.94%). All patients had undergone an initial assessment combined with non-specific resuscitation. All patients had not undergone aetiological investigation. Vasoactive drugs in the splanchnic territory were not available. In addition to secondary prevention of RVR, their management was based on the administration of non-cardioselective beta-blockers used alone. The course of treatment was marked by a high mortality rate of 31.76%, due to the delay in consultation, the severity of the life-threatening condition, the patients' lack of financial resources, the absence of health insurance and the inadequacy of the technical facilities. Conclusion: Emergencies in the Emergency Department are frequent at CHU-Kara; they are dominated by upper digestive haemorrhage, which is life-threatening.