bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing the gap in preterm resuscitation practices in high-income and low-middle income countries: a multicenter survey of the Asian neonatal network collaboration
Authors: Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Dewi Rizalya , Sutantio Jennie , Amin Zubair , Youn Young-Ah , Kim Sae Yun , Cho Su Jin , Chang Yun Sil , Kusuda Satoshi , Miyake Fuyu , Isayama Tetsuya
Published: January 2025

Background

Optimum neonatal resuscitation practices are vital for improving neonatal survival and neurodevelopment outcomes, particularly in extremely preterm infants. However, such practices may vary between high-income countries (HICs) and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to evaluate the resuscitation practices of high-risk infants in a large multi-country sample of healthcare facilities among HICs and LMICs in Asia under the AsianNeo Network.

Methods

In 2021, a customized 6-item online survey on resuscitation practices of infants born at <29 weeks gestation (or birth weight <1,200 g) was sent by the representative of each country's neonatal network to all the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) participating in AsianNeo network. At the time of the survey, there were 446 participating hospitals in eight countries: four high-income countries (Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan) and four low-middle-income countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand).

Results

The study included 446 hospitals, with a response rate of 72.6% (ranging from 62.7% to 100%), with 179 (55.2%) in HICs and 145 (44.7%) in LMICs. Routine attendance of experienced NICU physicians during resuscitations is reported to be higher in HICs than LMICs, both during daytime (79% vs. 40%) and nighttime (62% vs. 23%). The NRP guidelines in each country were varied, with 4 out of 8 countries using indigenously developed guidelines. Equipment availability during resuscitation was also variable; saturation monitors, radiant warmers, and plastic wraps were available in almost all hospitals, whereas oxygen and air blenders, heated humidified gas, and end-tidal CO2 detectors were more available in HICs. The most common device for Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) was the T-piece resuscitator (52.3%).

Conclusion

The neonatal resuscitation practices for extremely preterm infants, encompassing staff, equipment, and guidelines, exhibited variance between HICs and LMICs in the AsianNeo region. Further enhancements are imperative to narrow this gap and optimize neonatal outcomes.
Mechanism of salvianolic phenolic acids and hawthorn triterpenic acids combination in intervening atherosclerosis: network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation
Authors: Zhai Qu , Shang Shixi , Zhang Zihan , Sun Lihua , Huang Ying , Feng Shuyi , Wu Qian , Cui Haifeng , Shi Xiaolu
Published: January 2025

Background

This study employs network pharmacology and molecular docking methods in conjunction with animal experimentation to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which the combination of salvianolic phenolic acids and hawthorn triterpenic acids (SHC) exerts its therapeutic effect on carotid atherosclerosis (AS) in ApoE−/− mice.

Methods

A network pharmacology research approach was used to predict potential core targets for SHC intervention in atherosclerosis. The predictions were subsequently validated through the implementation of animal in vivo experiments. ApoE−/− mice were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, namely, a model group, an atorvastatin group, and an SHC group. After the administration period, the plaque area in the carotid artery and aortic arch, blood lipid levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) content were measured. Additionally, the expression of PI3K, Akt, NF-κB, JNK1, ERK1/2, and p38-MAPK in the aortic arteries was analyzed. Based on the protein expression results, molecular docking was used to predict the binding activity between the core compounds and core targets.

Results

A total of 23 core compounds were identified in SHC, and 55 core targets of SHC were screened as potential targets for intervention in AS. The results of the enrichment analysis indicated that the principal mechanisms through which SHC exerts its effects in AS are associated with lipid metabolism and the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways. The results from animal experiments demonstrated that atorvastatin and SHC markedly reduced the area of carotid plaque and downregulated the levels of TC and LDL-C in ApoE−/− mice. The administration of SHC was associated with an increase in SOD activity and a reduction in NO levels in the livers of mice. Furthermore, SHC was observed to downregulate the expression of NF-κB and p38-MAPK in the carotid region. The results of molecular docking demonstrated that the core compounds of SHC, including salvianolic acid A, B, and C, maslinic acid, ursolic acid, and oleic acid, were capable of stably binding to the core targets NF-κB and MAPK14.

Conclusion

It is hypothesized that SHC may reduce lipid deposition and plaque formation in AS by regulating blood lipids, a process that may be closely linked to the inhibition of inflammatory regulator expression, including NF-κB and p38-MAPK.
Roles of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α in high glucose-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation
Authors: San Wenqing , Zhou Qianyou , Shen Danning , Cao Danyi , Chen Yun , Meng Guoliang
Published: January 2025

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, characterized by myocardial fibrosis, is a common complication of diabetes. Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) participates in various pathological and physiological cardiovascular processes. The current research aims to elucidate the roles and mechanisms of RORα in high glucose induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation. Primary neonatal cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats, and pre-administrated with RORα antagonist SR3335 (20 µM) or RORα agonist SR1078 (10 µM) followed by the stimulation with normal glucose (5.5 mM) or high glucose (33.3 mM) respectively. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) release into culture medium, cellular adenosine-triphosphate (ATP), and cell number were detected. Expressions of Collagen I, Collagen III, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) were evaluated. The extent of oxidative stress was also assessed. Our study found that high glucose elevated LDH release, reduced cellular ATP production, increased cells numbers, elevated expression of Collagen I, Collagen III, PCNA, α-SMA, RIPK1 and RIPK3, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, strengthened intensity of dihydroethidium (DHE) and MitoSOX fluorescence. Above effects were all further exacerbated by SR3335 but significantly reversed by SR1078. In conclusion, RORα antagonist SR3335 promoted cell injury and proliferation, enhanced collagen synthesis, facilitated oxidative stress and necroptosis in cardiac fibroblasts with high glucose stimulation, whereas RORα agonist SR1078 showed opposing effects. Our study proposed RORα as a novel target against high glucose-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation, which is beneficial to clarify ideal therapeutic implication for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Comparative evaluation of intravenous versus intranasal dexmedetomidine on emergence delirium and hemodynamics in pediatric patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dai Chenxu , Zhao Xuemei , Li Aoxue , Zhang Xuedong , Wang Penglei , Zhang Ye , Wu Yun
Published: January 2025

Background

Dexmedetomidine effectively prevents emergence delirium in children. However, intravenous dexmedetomidine is frequently associated with hemodynamic instability and delayed recovery. Intranasal dexmedetomidine has been proposed as a method of reducing these side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intranasal versus intravenous dexmedetomidine on emergence recovery and hemodynamics in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

Methods

A total of 139 children, aged 3–10 years, who were scheduled for elective adenotonsillectomy were randomly assigned to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine (IV DEX group) or intranasal dexmedetomidine (IN DEX group), or saline (control group) after anesthesia induction. The primary outcome was the highest score on the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) score during the first 30 min after awakening. Secondary outcomes included the perioperative blood pressure and heart rate, time to awakening, postoperative pain score, and length of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay.

Results

The highest PAED and pain scores were significantly lower in the IV and IN DEX groups than those in the control group during the first 30 min after awakening. However, no significant differences were observed between the IV and IN DEX groups. Notably, patients in the IN DEX group exhibited a significantly lower PAED score at 2 h and lower pain scores at 2, 4, and 6 h postoperatively than those in the IV DEX group. Patients in the IV DEX group exhibited a significantly longer awakening time and length of PACU stay than those in the IN DEX and control groups. In the IV DEX group, the heart rate was significantly lower perioperatively than at baseline, while this effect was not observed in the IN DEX group.

Conclusion

Both intravenous and intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine after induction of anesthesia effectively improved emergence delirium and pain intensity in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Intranasal administration of dexmedetomidine provided more stable hemodynamics and more prolonged analgesia and sedation than intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=180658.
Distinct lipidomic profiles but similar improvements in aerobic capacity following sprint interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training in male adolescents
Authors: Su Wantang , Liu Jianming , Wang Aozhe , Zhang Haifeng , Sun Yaqi , Yan Zhiyi , Svensson Michael , Yu Ji-Guo , Zhao Li
Published: January 2025

Background

Exercise-induced metabolic changes, especially lipidomic changes are generally associated with improvements in cardiovascular health. Despite numerous previous studies, the differences in lipidomic profile response to different types of exercise training remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate how two different exercise intensities affect aerobic capacity and serum lipidomic profiles in healthy adolescents.

Methods

Twenty-four healthy untrained male adolescents (13.08 ± 0.88 years old) were recruited and randomly assigned to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) group or sprint interval training (SIT) group to complete a specific training on a cycle ergometer for 6 weeks. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and body composition were measured, and blood samples were collected for serum lipoproteins and lipidomic analysis. Anthropometric, VO2peak, and serum biochemical data were analyzed using two-way repeated analysis of variance, while targeted lipidomic analysis was performed by principal component analysis and paired-sample t-test.

Results

VO2peak significantly improved from 39.05 ± 8.17 to 47.52 ± 8.51 [F (1, 44) = 14.75, p < 0.05] for MICT and from 40.13 ± 6.37 to 48.42 ± 7.01 [F (1, 44) = 14.75, p < 0.05] for SIT. A total of 28 lipids in MICT and 5 lipids in SIT showed significant changes out of 276 identified lipids (FC > 1.5 or <1/1.5, FDR <0.05). In MICT, 21 lipids, including sphingolipid (SP) and phospholipid (PL), decreased, while 7 lipids increased. In SIT, all 5 lipids, which were free fatty acid (FFA), decreased.

Conclusion

Although both MICT and SIT induced similar and significant improvements in VO2peak, serum lipid adaptations to the training differed. The primary changes in serum lipidomic intermediates for both types of training were reductions; however, SIT affected FFA, while MICT predominantly influenced SPs and PLs.
Genome-wide characterization and expression analysis of the ADF gene family in response to salt and drought stress in alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Authors: Shi Mengmeng , Wang Yike , Lv Peng , Gong Yujie , Sha Qi , Zhao Xinyan , Zhou Wen , Meng Lingtao , Han Zegang , Zhang Lingxiao , Sun Yongwang
Published: January 2025

The microfilament cytoskeleton, formed by the process of actin polymerization, serves not only to support the morphology of the cell, but also to regulate a number of cellular activities. Actin-depolymerizing factors (ADFs) represent a significant class of actin-binding proteins that regulate the dynamic alterations in the microfilament framework, thereby playing a pivotal role in plant growth and development. Additionally, they are instrumental in modulating stress responses in plants. The ADF gene family has been explored in various plants, but there was a paucity of knowledge regarding the ADF gene family in alfalfa (Medicago sativa), which is one of the most significant leguminous forage crops globally. In this study, a total of nine ADF genes (designated MsADF1 through MsADF9) were identified in the alfalfa genome and mapped to five different chromosomes. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that the MsADF genes could be classified into four distinct groups, with members within the same group exhibiting comparable gene structures and conserved motifs. The analysis of the Ka/Ks ratios indicated that the MsADF genes underwent purity-based selection during its evolutionary expansion. The promoter region of these genes was found to contain multiple cis-acting elements related to hormone responses, defence, and stress, indicating that they may respond to a variety of developmental and environmental stimuli. Gene expression profiles analyzed by RT-qPCR experiments demonstrated that MsADF genes exhibited distinct expression patterns among different organs. Furthermore, the majority of MsADF genes were induced by salt and drought stress by more than two-fold, with MsADF1, 2/3, 6, and 9 being highly induced, suggesting their critical role in resistance to abiotic stress. These results provide comprehensive information on the MsADF gene family in alfalfa and lay a solid foundation for elucidating their biological function.
Closed-loop systems for plants expressing animal proteins: a modernized framework to safeguard the future of agricultural innovation
Authors: Bresnahan Kristin A. , Ferber Justin M. , Carrato J. Thomas , Stoddard Thomas J. , Palad Patrick V. , Richani Magi
Published: January 2025

Escalating population growth and climate change pressures on crop production necessitate agricultural innovation to ensure food security and sustainability. Plant molecular farming (PMF), which uses genetically modified (GM) plants to produce high-value proteins for food products, offers a promising solution. PMF products, particularly those that express an animal protein in seed and grain crops, have the potential to substantially benefit U.S. and global agriculture, food systems, economies, and the environment. Farmers can diversify and generate increased revenue streams, while consumers gain access to affordable proteins beyond those currently available. However, the development and commercialization of PMF products, especially those expressing allergenic animal proteins, require careful consideration of existing stewardship guidelines and best practices. Current GM plant stewardship practices must be thoroughly assessed to identify and address any gaps, ensuring that PMF products maintain identity preservation and containment throughout their lifecycle. Implementing a fit-for-purpose closed-loop system (CLS) is crucial for effectively identifying, managing, and mitigating the potential risks and liabilities associated with PMF product development, production, and processing. A CLS framework for PMF products expressing animal proteins should integrate existing best practices from Excellence Through Stewardship and applicable third-party guidelines, including by way of example ISO standards, Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, and Safe Quality Food, as well as newly designed controls to address potential PMF-specific risks. This comprehensive approach maximizes containment, identity preservation, regulatory compliance, traceability, incident response capabilities, and continuous improvement across the product lifecycle. While customization is required based on each PMF product developer’s specific product and operations, this paper examines industry best practices and describes CLS components that a PMF developer should consider in designing a robust, bespoke CLS to maintain identity preservation and product containment. Such a system will optimize for product quality and integrity while preventing commingling with commodity supplies and any associated market disruption while also addressing food safety. By implementing these rigorous systems, the PMF industry can realize its potential to contribute significantly to sustainable agriculture and food security.
Divergent response of grassland aboveground net primary productivity and precipitation utilization efficiency to altered precipitation patterns by process-based model
Authors: Cheng Chen , Wu Lu , Liu Hongyan , Liang Boyi , Zhu Xinrong , Yang Feiyun
Published: January 2025

The functioning of ecosystem services in water-limited grassland ecosystems is significantly influenced by precipitation characteristics. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of different precipitation scenarios on grassland productivity using the APSIM model. Historical weather data from 1968 to 2017 and observational data from three types of steppes (meadow, typical, and desert steppe) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2004 to 2010 were collected to determine key crop variety parameters for the APSIM model. The effects of annual precipitation, seasonal precipitation, and inter-growing season precipitation variability on aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and precipitation utilization efficiency (PUE) in different types of steppes were investigated by scenario simulation by validated model. The simulated ANPP shows distinctive responses to the changed rainfall characteristics, where the influence of precipitation decreasing is more evident than precipitation increasing by the same precipitation change. Regarding steppe types, the typical steppe responded more strongly to increased precipitation, while decreased precipitation led to higher decline in ANPP for desert steppe. Precipitation during growing seasons caused more significant change than dormancy seasons regarding ANPP, however, PUE show the opposite trend, indicating the contribution of unit level precipitation changes to productivity is significant during dormancy seasons. The effect of changing precipitation during middle growing season outweighed that of late growing season and early growing season, and the positive effect of increasing precipitation were more pronounced in typical steppe and desert steppe if facing early growing season precipitation increase in the future. The research results provide a theoretical basis and technical support for optimizing grassland production management.
Religion and politics of belonging in digital times: youth religiosity in focus
Authors: Mattes Astrid , Haselbacher Miriam , Limacher Katharina , Novak Christoph
Published: January 2025

Political responses to growing diversity are often characterised by one-dimensional attempts to pin down a collective identity. In stark contrast, we see that young people in diverse urban areas negotiate their multiple, flexible belonging both on- and offline. Young believers, in particular, experience their religion as a powerful category of difference, often related to discrimination or rejection on grounds of their religiosity. Here, the discursive construction of belonging, as discussed in the concept “politics of belonging,” is useful to grasp the formations of in- and out-groups on religious grounds. Individual negotiations of belonging always resonate with political ideas of the nation and the secular and with discourses of inclusion and exclusion. The discursive and structural maintenance of boundaries that separate people into those who belong and those who do not is more than a top-down process. It concerns and involves individuals and their identifications. Here, digital spaces, as increasingly relevant spaces of public exchange, provide new terms for identity work. In this paper, we are interested in the specific role of digital spaces for identification among young believers and for processes of boundary drawing. Building on social media tours and qualitative in-depth interviews with 41 young believers of different religious traditions, we explore individual negotiations of belonging in digital spaces, as well as negotiations in relation to religious communities and political concepts. We find that digital spaces reinforce certain boundaries (e.g., among religious traditions) whereas they facilitate the blurring of others (e.g., confessional structures). This is guided by algorithms following the logic of attention economy that structures social media as well as by the conscious search for digital possibilities of inclusion. At the same time, the online world enables various forms of countering experienced exclusions. Consequently, we identify strategies of young believers to navigate complex discourses of being religious in a secular world and the role of the digital within it. We discuss these empirical findings on religious youth against the theoretical backdrop of a “Politics of Belonging” and we explore options towards a theoretical concept to grasp digital politics of belonging.
Enhancing work life through social cognition: the effect of SCIT in bipolar disorder
Authors: Anaforoglu Bikmaz Zeynep , Mackali Zeynep , Cakir Sibel
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of social cognition and interaction therapy (SCIT) in improving occupational functioning in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder I (BD-I). The effects of SCIT intervention with standard treatment methods were investigated on social cognition and functioning effects, which are often negatively affected in patients with BD-I.

Methods

The research involved 28 participants, allocated into two groups: An experimental group (n = 12) receiving SCIT for 8 weeks alongside standard treatments (pharmacotherapy and psychiatric interviews), and a control group (n = 16) undergoing standard treatment without additional interventions. Outcome measures were assessed using a suite of tools, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Eyes Test (ET), Metacognition Scale (MCI), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illnesses (ISMI), and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Given the small sample size, non-parametric tests were employed for data analysis. Analyses were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test for comparisons between the experimental and control groups and within groups. Also, the effects of the intervention on social cognition, occupational functioning and resistance to stigmatization were dealt.

Results

The findings revealed that participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in social cognition and occupational functioning after SCIT compared to the control group. However, the levels of stigmatization experienced by individuals as a result of ISMI measurements were significantly lower in the SCIT group compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The study concludes that SCIT can be an effective intervention for enhancing certain psychosocial and cognitive functions in individuals with BD-I, thereby improving their occupational functioning. Nevertheless, the persistent levels of stigma indicate the need for additional strategies to address the broader challenges faced by individuals with BD-I in terms of societal perception and self-stigmatization.
Dual pathways of aging stereotype threat at work: impacts on work behaviors of older workers
Authors: Liu Lidan , Wang Zhongjun , Guo Xicheng , Li Sulei , Wu Xiaodi
Published: January 2025

Aging stereotype threat is a significant issue in modern workplaces, affecting older workers’ self-perceptions and work behaviors. Although research often highlights the negative impacts of aging stereotypes, the dual pathways by which these stereotypes influence negative and positive work behaviors remain underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by employing a dual mediation model, grounded in Uncertainty-Identity Theory and Psychological Reactance Theory, to explore the effects of aging stereotype threat on older workers’ behaviors. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with two-wave data from older employees in various industries, the study shows that aging stereotype threat significantly affects aging identity, which fully mediates its link to work withdrawal behaviors. In contrast, psychological reactance emerges as another mediator, leading to proactive work behaviors. The results also suggest that older workers with high self-efficacy exhibit a stronger relationship between stereotype threat and aging identity. This research adds to the literature by exploring how aging stereotype threat leads to both negative and positive behavioral outcomes. It provides valuable insights for organizations aiming to support older employees in the workplace.
Batterer typologies: substance use, impulsivity and results of an IPVAW offender treatment program in Spain
Authors: Mateo-Fernández Pedro V. , Osa-Subtil Iria , Ronzón-Tirado Román , de la Peña Fernández María Elena
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Batterer impulsivity and substance use are relevant factors in the study of gender violence. Impulsivity is defined by the tendency to act suddenly and without forethought. Combined with drunkenness, it can materially increase the likelihood of intimate partner violence.

Methods

The present study examines substance use and impulsivity among a sample of 243 men convicted of IPVAW offences under the Spanish Gender Violence Act (Organic Law 1/2004) in relation to the levels of violence and psychopathologies presented by these perpetrators, in order to understand the results of court-ordered psychological treatments provided under Spain’s Gender Violence Offenders Intervention Program. The participants, aged an average 39.1 years, were classified into three types based on demographic factors, substance use and other relevant variables. Meanwhile, the tools used included AUDIT and EuropASI to assess alcohol consumption, CTS2 to measure the frequency and intensity of violent behaviors over the last year, and SCID-II for personality disorders.

Results

Our findings reflected marked improvements in conflict resolution strategies, especially in terms of reduced psychological violence and sexual coercion, but not physical violence. Impulsivity and early-onset alcohol use were identified as key risk factors for violent behavior. Latent class analysis revealed the existence of three sub-types, comprising high-risk batterers displaying high levels of aggression and drinking problems, low-risk batterers displaying high levels of secondary psychopathy, and medium-risk batterers.

Discussion

The study underscores the need for differentiated treatment approaches to address both psychological problems and substance use, while highlighting the need for personalized interventions to rein in violent behavior and prevent reoffending. We We propose a future longitudinal study to throw light on the subsequent developmental paths taken by IPVAW offenders.
Fatigue in living kidney donors compared to a German general population sample: an exploratory study
Authors: Akkus Dilek , Westenberger Adrian , Einecke Gunilla , Gwinner Wilfried , Tegtbur Uwe , Nöhre Mariel , de Zwaan Martina
Published: January 2025

Background

Clinical studies have not conclusively clarified whether fatigue scores in living kidney donors after donation are fundamentally different from general population samples. Moreover, the association between sociodemographic and donor specific factors and fatigue in donors is not well understood.

Patients and methods

Fatigue scores of 358 living kidney donors on average 7.67 years post-donation were compared with 1896 subjects from the German general population in five strata of age and sex. Fatigue was measured with the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Relationships between the five MFI-20 subscales and the sociodemographic variables sex, age, education, and in the donor sample also years since donation were calculated. Additionally, the association between donor specific variables and fatigue levels were analyzed.

Results

Overall, donors had lower fatigue scores than the population sample. Particularly the age group 65-74 and above reported significantly lower fatigue scores. A significant exception was found in women aged 45-54 years, where donors showed significant higher general fatigue scores than the corresponding subgroup of the general population sample. Multiple regression analyses in the general population sample revealed associations between female sex and higher age with higher values in most MFI-20 subscales, whereas subjects with higher education showed mostly lower fatigue scores. In the donor group, these associations were of little importance. Also, years since donation, partnership, and recipient group were not strongly related to fatigue. However, higher fatigue in donors was associated with more donation regret, a more negative relationship with the recipient, a more negatively perceived recipient health, less perceived family support, and more financial burden.

Conclusion

Fatigue is less prevalent particularly in older donors and predictors of fatigue presented in the general population sample seem to have little importance in the donors. However, middle-aged female donors might be more prone to develop fatigue. This group may require more intense exploration before and after donation to detect and treat the underlying factors timely.
Development and validation of the “Adjustment Disorder Scale for Medically Ill Patients - ETAM”
Authors: Zapata-Ospina Juan Pablo , Rodríguez Natalia , Rodríguez Ayda Margarita , García-Valencia Jenny , Jiménez-Benítez Mercedes , Martínez-Ramos Nicolás , Restrepo Bernal Diana , Gallego Ana Lucía , Gómez Carolina , Tabares Luis Fernando , Cardeño-Castro Carlos , Aguirre-Acevedo Daniel Camilo
Published: January 2025

Background

Adjustment disorder (AD) is common among medically ill patients, yet current evaluation methods do not address the specific characteristics in this population. This study aimed to develop a measurement scale for AD in medically ill patients in Colombia and to find evidence of its validity and reliability.

Methods

This was a scale development and validation study. In the first qualitative phase, items were developed. In the second phase, the content validity of each item was evaluated by patients and clinicians. In the third phase, structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, criterion validity, and convergent construct validity were assessed. Items were analyzed using a generalized partial credit model within an item response theory framework.

Results

The Adjustment Disorder Scale for Medically Ill Patients (ETAM, for its acronym in Spanish) was developed, comprising 20 items that address the free description of stressful situations in the last 15 days and mental symptoms attributed to them. Evidence of content validity was found. The scale was administered to 512 medically ill patients, revealing a three-dimensional structure: 1) “AD Symptoms”, 2) “Impact on Self-Care”, and 3) “Impact on Desire to Live”. Internal consistency was adequate, with McDonald’s omega of 0.95 and Cronbach’s alpha between 0.82 and 0.92 for its dimensions. ETAM had high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.98). Criterion validity evidence was obtained with an independent psychiatrist’s diagnosis, with an AUROC of 0.99, and convergent validity was consistent with hypotheses of correlation with other instruments with similar constructs. Discrimination and difficulty parameters were calculated for each item.

Conclusion

The ETAM is a scale with evidence of validity and reliability that can be used for the diagnosis of AD in medically ill patients in Colombia.
Agents of sustainable change: the importance of leadership and responsibility in corporate sustainability
Authors: Keil Maike , Michaux Valerie , Ziefle Martina , Arning Katrin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Addressing climate change requires both individual behavioral change and corporate transformation, as organizations play a crucial role in a sustainable society. How sustainability in organizations is perceived and implemented, depends on diverse factors such as management practices, communication, individual attitudes, and behaviors of leaders and employees. However, current research only investigates factors that affect the implementation of sustainable development and practices separately. Hence, holistic approaches are required to provide insight into how they affect a company’s sustainability efforts.

Methods

A quantitative online survey with n = 87 employees was conducted in Germany in 2023. The Corporate Sustainability Index (CSI) was developed to indicate the extent to which organizations implement sustainability into their policies and concrete practices. To investigate which factors predict corporate sustainability, we analyzed employee-, management-, and organization-related factors using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Institutionalized responsibility for sustainability was the strongest predictor of the CSI, along with a top-down approach to implement corporate sustainability. In contrast, employees’ environmental awareness and their organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment were not related to CSI.

Discussion and conclusions

Our results stress the importance of leaders with an environmental focus as role models who can drive the transformation towards effective sustainability management in companies. This study offers important insights into the prerequisites for leaders to foster an environmentally responsible culture in their organizations.
Extending the concept of total pain to cancer survivorship
Authors: Krawczyk Marian , Solbrække Kari Nyheim , Thoresen Lisbeth
Published: January 2025

More people are surviving cancer than ever before. While there is a growing body of research on quality of life in cancer survivorship, we still do not have a good understanding of the lived complexities that many people experience after successful treatment. Inspired by the literature on existential concerns in cancer survivorship, we consider how the concept of ‘total pain’, which emerged from the contemporary hospice movement, may be useful to think about experiences of suffering in cancer survivorship, using interviews from a Norwegian research project Rethinking Cancer Survivorship. We find that the concept of total pain encapsulates concerns for existential suffering and also has unique features which offer new forms of understanding and action. This includes its origins within cancer care; how it addresses the individual as a whole and re-centres the body; its reliance on and recognition of the limits of narrative; how it attends to relationality; and how the concept may afford unique insights for service development. Dying from cancer and surviving cancer are different processes, but total pain can serve as a useful conceptual compass to orient our understandings of those who experience this illness, regardless of disease outcome.
Agonism and performance in adolescent football players in informal physical education settings
Authors: Aliberti Sara , D’Elia Francesca , Giardullo Giuseppe , Raiola Gaetano
Published: January 2025

Football is one of the most widely practiced sports in the world, and competition significantly influences athletic performance, especially in adolescents who experience emotional pressure that impacts their performance through the management of performance-related stress. Physical education is integrated within the school curriculum, but it is also typically delivered in sports associations engaged in competitive activities, which become informal learning environments as they pursue the same educational goals as schools. However, few studies have focused on this aspect, particularly the role of emotions and their relationship with performance anxiety in adolescent football players. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between pre-competitive anxiety and emotional regulation in adolescents regarding competitive performance. The study design was exploratory. A sample of 79 Under-19 football players, with a mean age of 14.6 (±1.89) years, was recruited through convenience sampling. A battery of pre-competition questionnaires was administered, including the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) to measure anxiety levels and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-SF) to assess pre-competition emotional levels. Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the strength and direction of the relationship between emotional levels and anxiety, while Chi-square test was employed to examine differences in anxiety levels across different player roles. The results showed that 70% of the football players displayed normal anxiety levels, with no significant differences across player positions. No significant correlation was found between emotional levels and anxiety. The primary causes of anxiety were cognitive concerns and bodily sensations, which negatively affected concentration. Although emotions were generally high, they did not appear to directly influence performance anxiety, suggesting that other factors may contribute to pre-competitive emotional regulation. In conclusion, contrary to common belief, performance anxiety in adolescent football competitions does not have a direct impact on emotional levels.
Physical impairments in individuals with Long COVID
Authors: Salmam Imane , Perreault Kadija , Best Krista L. , Zahouani Imane , Drouin Gilles , Tittley Jean , Desmeules François , Campeau-Lecours Alexandre , Beaulieu-Bonneau Simon , Paquette Jean-Sébastien , Deslauriers Simon , Brouillard Sarah-Maude , Lepage Katherine , Roy Jean-Sébastien
Published: January 2025

Objective

The primary objective was to compare the physical capacities of individuals with Long COVID [Long COVID group (LCG)] to those who had COVID-19 but did not develop persistent symptoms [short COVID group (SCG)], and to individuals without a history of COVID-19 [control group (CG)]. The secondary objectives were to provide a comprehensive profile of sociodemographic and COVID-19 history of individuals with Long COVID, considering factors such as sex, gender, hospitalization, time since onset, and comorbidities, and b) identify self-reported and objective clinical measures explaining health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with Long COVID.

Methods

A total of 120 adults were included in each of the groups. Participants completed self-reported assessments covering HRQoL, comorbidities, pain, sleep, and fatigue. Physical assessments included handgrip strength (HGS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 6-minute-walk-test (6MWT), perceived exertion during the 6MWT (Modified-Borg Scale), and daily step count during a 7-day period.

Results

Mean age (mean [SD]) for LCG, SCG, and CG was 44.2 [11.2], 42.1 [16.4], and 46[15.9], respectively. LCG showed significantly higher pain, comorbidities, and fatigue, along with lower HRQoL and sleep quality compared to the other groups. HGS, SPPB, and 6MWT performance were also significantly lower in LCG, while perceived exertion during 6MWT was higher. Finally, the number of steps per day was significantly lower in LCG. Higher prevalence of obesity and comorbidities were identified among those hospitalized after COVID-19. Fatigue, pain, comorbidities, and Step count were the variables explaining HRQoL for LCG (R2: 0.58; F = 35.9).

Conclusion

Long COVID individuals, on average 329 [146] days post-infection, experience enduring physical and health-related challenges, with significant implications for their overall well-being.
From fragmented to integrated healthcare managing hypertension post-stroke: a qualitative study
Authors: Azhari Hala F. , Hewitt Jonathan , O'Neill Martin , Smith Alexander , Quinn Terence , Dawson Jesse
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As stroke incidence rises with an aging population, hypertension remains a critical modifiable risk factor for both primary and secondary stroke prevention. Effective management of hypertension post-stroke requires a shift from fragmented care to integrated, patient-centered approaches. This study explores the perspectives of stroke survivors and healthcare professionals on hypertension management and evaluates the acceptability of innovative strategies, including 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM).

Methods

A qualitative study using grounded theory methodology was conducted through focus group interviews with stroke survivors and healthcare professionals in Wales and Scotland between January 2019 and December 2022. Participants included 48 individuals representing diverse backgrounds and experiences. Data were analyzed thematically to identify barriers and facilitators in hypertension management post-stroke.

Results

Key findings identified four major themes: the need for improved cooperation among multidisciplinary teams, knowledge gaps in stroke survivors regarding hypertension's role in stroke risk, the complexities of polypharmacy, and the potential benefits of ABPM for individualized care. Stroke survivors expressed a reliance on clinicians for hypertension management, while healthcare professionals emphasized the importance of empowering patients through education and self-management. ABPM emerged as a promising tool to enhance hypertension monitoring and support patient engagement, though practical challenges remain.

Discussion

The study underscores the importance of integrating patient education, multidisciplinary care, and advanced monitoring techniques like ABPM into hypertension management. Strengthening communication pathways between patients and healthcare providers can foster greater patient engagement and accountability. Addressing socio-economic barriers, improving patient-clinician communication, and implementing holistic care strategies are critical for reducing recurrent stroke risk. These findings emphasize the need for systemic reforms and targeted interventions to bridge gaps in hypertension care delivery post-stroke.
One-year outcomes of elderly acute cholecystitis patients by index treatment
Authors: Lluís Núria , Villodre Celia , Guilabert Lucía , de Castro Isabel , Zapater Pedro , Martínez Belén , Aparicio José R. , Lluís Fèlix , de-Madaria Enrique
Published: January 2025

Background

Strategies for managing the elderly with acute cholecystitis need to be refined.

Aims

To examine additional procedures, hospital readmissions, and outpatient visits in the year following the index admission.

Patients and methods

Single-institution retrospective study of fifty consecutive patients aged ≥70 years admitted with acute cholecystitis. A propensity score matching analysis adjusted for demographic and clinical variables was carried out.

Results

The one-year rates of additional procedures were 0%, 47.4%, and 72.7% for surgery, supportive care (SC), and percutaneous gallbladder drainage (PCGD), respectively. The one-year readmission rate was 0%, 15.8%, and 50% after these index procedures, respectively. After propensity score analysis, patients who received SC (55.6% vs. 0%, P = .03) or PCGD (77.8% vs. 0%, P = .002) had a higher rate of additional procedures compared to those who underwent surgery. Additionally, patients receiving PCGD had a higher readmission rate than those undergoing surgery (55.6% vs. 0%, P = .03). Nine patients who received SC and nine patients who received PCGD could have potentially undergone surgery during the index admission. This would have resulted in improved one-year outcomes.

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy during the index hospitalization may provide better one-year outcomes than SC or PCGD in at least 50% of patients ≥70 years with acute cholecystitis.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction, Phenotypic Traits Extraction, and Yield Estimation of Shiitake Mushrooms Based on Structure from Motion and Multi-View Stereo
Authors: Xu Xingmei , Li Jiayuan , Zhou Jing , Feng Puyu , Yu Helong , Ma Yuntao
Published: January 2025

Phenotypic traits of fungi and their automated extraction are crucial for evaluating genetic diversity, breeding new varieties, and estimating yield. However, research on the high-throughput, rapid, and non-destructive extraction of fungal phenotypic traits using 3D point clouds remains limited. In this study, a smart phone is used to capture multi-view images of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) from three different heights and angles, employing the YOLOv8x model to segment the primary image regions. The segmented images were reconstructed in 3D using Structure from Motion (SfM) and Multi-View Stereo (MVS). To automatically segment individual mushroom instances, we developed a CP-PointNet++ network integrated with clustering methods, achieving an overall accuracy (OA) of 97.45% in segmentation. The computed phenotype correlated strongly with manual measurements, yielding R2 > 0.8 and nRMSE < 0.09 for the pileus transverse and longitudinal diameters, R2 = 0.53 and RMSE = 3.26 mm for the pileus height, R2 = 0.79 and nRMSE = 0.12 for stipe diameter, and R2 = 0.65 and RMSE = 4.98 mm for the stipe height. Using these parameters, yield estimation was performed using PLSR, SVR, RF, and GRNN machine learning models, with GRNN demonstrating superior performance (R2 = 0.91). This approach was also adaptable for extracting phenotypic traits of other fungi, providing valuable support for fungal breeding initiatives.
Quality Grading of Oudemansiella raphanipes Using Three-Teacher Knowledge Distillation with Cascaded Structure for LightWeight Neural Networks
Authors: Chen Haoxuan , Huang Huamao , Peng Yangyang , Zhou Hui , Hu Haiying , Liu Ming
Published: January 2025

Oudemansiella raphanipes is valued for its rich nutritional content and medicinal properties, but traditional manual grading methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive. To address this, deep learning techniques are employed to automate the grading process, and knowledge distillation (KD) is used to enhance the accuracy of a small-parameter model while maintaining a low resource occupation and fast response speed in resource-limited devices. This study employs a three-teacher KD framework and investigates three cascaded structures: the parallel model, the standard series model, and the series model with residual connections (residual-series model). The student model used is a lightweight ShuffleNet V2 0.5x, while the teacher models are VGG16, ResNet50, and Xception. Our experiments show that the cascaded structures result in improved performance indices, compared with the traditional ensemble model with equal weights; in particular, the residual-series model outperforms the other models, achieving a grading accuracy of 99.7% on the testing dataset with an average inference time of 5.51 ms. The findings of this study have the potential for broader application of KD in resource-limited environments for automated quality grading.