Browse Articles

A methodological assessment of randomization integrity in alteplase for acute ischemic stroke individual patient data meta-analyses

Objectives Little is known about the integrity of randomization for randomized controlled trials (RCT) included in alteplase for stroke meta-analyses. If the RCTs were not properly randomized, the results could not be accepted at face value. The objective was to assess the integrity of randomization in individual patient data (IPD) meta-analyses supporting alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. Methods We assessed randomization reporting, performed qualitative risk of bias assessments arising from the randomization process, and performed fixed effects meta-analyses of baseline variables for which zero heterogeneity is expected if all included RCTs have unbiased randomization. Fixed-effects meta-analyses of baseline age, weight, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were performed. If heterogeneity was present (I2 >  0%), trials were systematically removed, starting with the RCT with the largest t-statistic until the I2 value was 0%. Results The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study had a high risk of bias, the ECASS-3 RCT had some concerns, and all other trials were graded as low risk according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB-2) tool. The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study contributed to heterogeneity in age and weight meta-analyses, and the ECASS-3 RCT contributed to heterogeneity in the NIHSS score meta-analysis. Removal of suspect trials resulted in the expected I2 value of 0%. Conclusions: The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study and ECASS-3 trials contributed to heterogeneity in fixed effects meta-analyses of baseline variables while there should have been none. These RCTs are likely a source of selection bias in IPD meta-analyses due to suspect randomization.

Allogeneic ovarian transplantation promotes the recovery of ovarian function in a rat model of cisplatin-induced premature ovarian failure

Aluminous phyllosilicates promote exceptional nanoscale preservation of biogeochemical heterogeneities in Archaean siliciclastic microbial mats

Abstract Exceptional preservation of biogeochemical complexity in the Precambrian is largely limited to cherts, phosphates and shales; however, ancient fossils, including microbial mats and microbially induced sedimentary structures, also occur, more rarely, in poorly sorted, coarse-grained siliciclastics. The precise micromechanics by which exceptional retention of organic microbial traces occur within such rocks over billion-year geological timescales remain poorly understood. Herein, we explore the micro–nano-scale characteristics of microbial mats preserved in ~2.9 billion-year-old sandstones from the Mosquito Creek Formation (Pilbara, Australia) using a suite of advanced spatially correlated microscopy and geochemistry techniques. We demonstrate that sedimentary horizons rich in K–Al-phyllosilicates exhibit exceptional and unexpected preservation of biogeochemical complexity despite the age and metamorphic grade of the sequence. We propose that authigenic phyllosilicates intercalated with microbial kerogen at the nanoscale promote the preservation of nanoscopic domains of poorly ordered amorphous and turbostratic carbonaceous materials through pressure compensation associated with the kaolinite–illite transition during burial diagenesis and metamorphism, impeding the maturation of organic materials. Elucidating organic preservation in coarse-grained siliciclastics opens new avenues for biosignature searches both in ancient Earth sequences and on Mars, where similar phyllosilicate-bearing sandstones have been collected by the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover for near-future sample return.

The Triassic turtle of Thailand – revision of ‘Proganochelys’ ruchae

True turtles (Testudinata) appeared in the Norian (Late Triassic) and quickly attained a worldwide distribution and relatively high diversity. Their remains are currently known from that time from Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, and represent at least three separate clades. Whereas the generic and suprageneric attribution of comparatively well-preserved and studied European and South American taxa, such as Proganochelys quenstedtii, Proterochersis robusta and Proterochersis porebensis, Palaeochersis talampayensis, and Waluchelys cavitesta sparks no controversy, the more fragmentary and less common species have been variably considered representatives of separate genera or referred to already existing ones – most commonly, Proganochelys. This uncertainty is unfortunate, as it severely muddles the picture of the evolution, diversity, and geographical distribution of the earliest turtles. One such problematic species, coming from the Norian Huai Hin Lat Formation of Thailand, was described in 1980s as Proganochelys ruchae. However, this generic attribution was subsequently put into question and the recent increase of available Triassic turtle material allows to remove the species ruchae from Proganochelys to a new genus, Thaichelys gen. nov., and place it in the clade of Proterochersidae, together with Proterochersis spp., Keuperotesta limendorsa, and Chinlechelys tenertesta. As a result, the genus Proganochelys is considered here to be solely a central Pangean (modern-day European) taxon. Moreover, Thaichelys ruchae exhibits in some respects a transitional morphology between other Triassic taxa and Proterochersis spp., and may constitute a sister taxon to the grouping of Proterochersis spp. and Keuperotesta limendorsa from Europe. This, in turn, considering the lack of a Carnian record of pantestudinates outside of Asia, suggests that Thaichelys ruchae could represent an early radiation of the Proterochersidae which branched off before the Testudinata dispersed into the western Pangea.

Effects of probiotic yogurt on relative respiratory tract infections, urine, saliva biomarkers, and fecal bacterial load in Ugandan children: a randomized controlled trial

DNA calorimetric force spectroscopy at single base pair resolution

Comparing public willingness-to-pay for different low-carbon measures: A case study of Shenzhen, China

Cities in China have made progressive strides in developing low-carbon societies and experimenting with various low-carbon measures. The successful implementation of these low-carbon measures and the subsequent maintenance of relevant amenities rely on the support of local residents. However, there is limited understanding of residents' awareness and support for the different types of low-carbon measures, which can involve different trade-offs. This research addressed this research gap by surveying residents’ willingness-to-pay for five representative low-carbon measures implemented in Shenzhen, a pioneering low-carbon city in China. Surveys were collected from 14 distinct residential areas in Shenzhen, and the analysis results revealed that Shenzhen residents were more inclined to pay for low-carbon measures that directly benefit them personally, as opposed to those serving the collective good. This trend was particularly evident among educated elites. Other notable findings include: 1) respondents aware of the different low-carbon measures in effect were more likely to pay for them; 2) male respondents, new Shenzhen residents (relocated within the last 5 years), high-income individuals, and residents in aging residential areas tended to contribute higher amounts towards low-carbon measures; 3) providing detailed information on carbon mitigation effects significantly increased both the likelihood and the amount of respondents' WTP; 4) the adoption of new-energy vehicles (NEVs) is especially controversial between NEV owners and gasoline vehicle owners. These findings hold implications, such as developing targeted policies and educational interventions, to enhance public awareness and support for low-carbon initiatives, thus fostering sustainability in rapidly growing urban centers like Shenzhen.

Influences of coal-rock interface morphology’s spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics on top coal caving law

Scalable photonic-phonoinc integrated circuitry for reconfigurable signal processing

Pelvic floor disorders and associated factors among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Background Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are a group of conditions caused by injured or weakened pelvic muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that support or hold pelvic organs in place so they can function correctly. Common PFDs are pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary incontinence (UI), and faecal incontinence (FI). A preliminary search on the subject within the last decade identified no review protocol or systematic review, despite a significant percentage of women in SSA suffering from it. Methods and analysis A comprehensive literature search will be gathered from electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Hinari, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. The protocol followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Protocol (PRISMA-P) guideline. All studies conducted in sub-Saharan African countries will be included regardless of their study design as long as these studies report the magnitude of the problem under study. Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) appraisal checklist will be used to assess the quality of individual studies. Heterogeneity will be checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics, and a random-effects model will be employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of PFDs and its associated factors. Results The present study will estimate the pooled prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and their associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa countries. Systematic review registration This review was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42024578550.

Laser arc weak coupling achieves porosity free welding and stable droplet transfer for high nitrogen steel

On-Demand Catalytic Platform for Glycerol Upgrade and Utilization

Exclusive roaming mechanism for the Cl + C2H2→C2H + HCl bimolecular reaction

An assessment of the teacher completed ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Profile’ as a routine measure of child developmental health

The routine measurement of children’s developmental health varies across educational settings and systems. The Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP) is a routinely recorded measure of a child’s development completed at the end of their first school year, for all children attending school in England and Wales. Despite widespread use for research and educational purposes, the measurement properties are unknown. This study examined the internal consistency and structural validity of the EYFSP, investigating whether the summed item-level scores, which we refer to as the ‘total score’, can be used as a summary of children’s developmental health. It also examined predictive validity of the total score with respect to later academic attainment and behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties. The data source was the longitudinal prospective birth cohort, Born in Bradford (BiB), and routine education data were obtained from Local Authorities. The internal consistency and structural validity of the EYFSP total score were investigated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and a Rasch model. Predictive validity was assessed using linear mixed effects models for Key Stage 2 (Maths, Reading, Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling), and behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). We found that the EYFSP items demonstrated internal consistency, however, an Item Response model suggested weak structural validity (n = 10,589). Mixed effects regression found the EYFSP total score to predict later academic outcomes (n = 2711), and behavioural, social, and emotional difficulties (n = 984). This study has revealed that whilst caution should be applied for measurement of children with close to ‘average’ ability levels using the EYFSP, the EYFSP total score is an internally consistent measure with predictive validity.

Evolution characteristics and obstacle factors of rural resilience in Chinese minority areas in the background of rural tourism and COVID-19

Abstract Rural tourism and COVID-19 have brought significant impacts and lasting challenges to the resilience development of rural territorial systems. To improve the livelihoods of farmers and promote the sustainable development of tourism village systems, it is of great significance to clarify the characteristics of, and obstacle factors to, the evolution of these systems. Based on the concept of production-living-ecology, resilience theory, and sustainable livelihood theory, a resilience assessment framework for tourism villages is constructed from the perspective of farmers in the following three dimensions: production resilience, living resilience and ecological resilience. Moreover, the comprehensive index method and an obstacle degree model are utilized to quantitatively measure and identify the resilience characteristics and obstacle factors of the tourism villages in Xiangxi Prefecture, China. The results reveal the following. (1) The three periods of the evolution of the resilience of tourism villages in Xiangxi Prefecture included the undeveloped tourism period, the normalized tourism period, and the COVID-19 disturbance period. Throughout these periods, tourism village resilience was characterized by a steady increase followed by a small decline, overall demonstrating a fluctuating upward trend. Rural tourism has had a positive effect on the long-term development of the rural territorial system, whereas the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect. (2) The tourism village resilience of farmers perspective with different livelihood types exhibits obvious heterogeneity; the tourism village resilience of tourism-led farmers is the highest, followed by that of part-time balanced farmers. Thus, these livelihood types are the main direction for the development and transformation of farmers with other livelihood types. (3) The obstacle factors to the evolution of the resilience of tourism villages in Xiangxi Prefecture exhibit a converging trend. In the three periods, the common obstacles to the evolution and development of tourism village resilience included the number of people participating in rural tourism, the tourism business area, and the area of farmland returned to forests.

Molecularly distinct striatonigral neuron subtypes differentially regulate locomotion

Abstract Striatonigral neurons, traditionally known for promoting locomotion, comprise diverse subtypes with distinct transcriptomic profiles. However, their specific contributions to locomotor regulation remain incompletely understood. Using the genetic markers Kremen1 and Calb1 , we demonstrate in mouse models that Kremen1 + and Calb1 + striatonigral neurons exerted opposing effects on locomotion. Kremen1 + neurons displayed delayed activation at locomotion onset but exhibited increasing activity during locomotion offset. In contrast, Calb1 + neurons showed early activation at locomotion onset and decreasing activity during locomotion offset. Optogenetic activation of Kremen1 + neurons suppressed ongoing locomotion, whereas activation of Calb1 + neurons promoted locomotion. Activation of Kremen1 + neurons induced a greater reduction in dopamine release than Calb1 + neurons, followed by a post-stimulation rebound. Conversely, activation of Calb1 + neurons triggered an initial increase in dopamine release. Furthermore, genetic knockdown of GABA-B receptor Gabbr1 in Aldh1a1 + nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons (DANs) reduced DAN inhibition and completely abolished the locomotion-suppressing effect of Kremen1 + neurons. Together, these findings reveal a cell type-specific mechanism within striatonigral neuron subtypes: Calb1 + neurons promote locomotion, while Kremen1 + neurons terminate ongoing movement by inhibiting Aldh1a1 + DAN activity via GABBR1 receptors.

DNA Barcode, chemical analysis, and antioxidant activity of Psidium guineense from Ecuador

This study investigates the phytochemical, genetic, and antioxidant properties of Psidium guineense, a species native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador. Leaves were collected, preserved in recognized herbaria, and subjected to Soxhlet extraction using polar and non-polar solvents. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites, while GC-MS analysis detected chemical compounds in the extracts. Antioxidant assays demonstrated high phenolic (54.34 ± 0.49 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (6.43 ± 0.38 mg QE/g) content, with significant antioxidant activity in DPPH (0.57 ± 0.04 mg TE/g), FRAP (105.52 ± 6.85), and ABTS (1.25 ± 0.01 mg TE/g) assays. DNA barcoding of nine loci, (seven from the chloroplast genome and two nuclear genome) using a CTAB extraction protocol and PCR, provides the first genetic characterization of this species, contributing to genetic diversity assessments and phylogenetic studies. These findings underscore the importance of P. guineense as a source of potent bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant potential, highlighting its applicability in nutritional and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, the genetic insights gained support efforts to expand DNA barcoding databases for tropical biodiversity conservation.

Evaluation of artificial intelligence robot’s knowledge and reliability on dental implants and peri-implant phenotype

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and quality of information generated by ChatGPT regarding dental implants and peri-implant phenotypes. A structured questionnaire on these topics was presented to the AI-based chatbot, and its responses were assessed by dental professionals using a modified Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the DISCERN tool. The study included 60 participants divided into three professional groups: oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontologists, and general dental practitioners. While no statistically significant differences were observed among the groups (p > 0.05), oral and maxillofacial surgeons consistently assigned lower DISCERN and GQS scores compared to other professionals. The findings of this study suggest that ChatGPT has the potential to serve as a supplementary tool for patient information in dental implant procedures. However, its responses may lack the depth and specificity required for clinical decision-making. Dental professionals should exercise caution when relying on artificial intelligence (AI) -generated content and guide patients in interpreting such information. Future research should explore the variability of AI responses, assess multiple chatbot platforms, and investigate their integration into dental clinical practice.

Support-free iridium hydroxide for high-efficiency proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis

Sedimentary DNA is a promising indicator of the abundance of marine benthos: Insights from the burrowing decapod Upogebia major

Upogebia major (De Haan 1841) is a decapod widely distributed in tidal flats in East Asia and Russia and is a dominant species in some regions. Nevertheless, because the inhabiting deep burrows exceeding a depth of 2 m, conducting quantitative surveys is extremely challenging. These challenges are not unique to this species but are also common to infaunal marine benthos. Therefore, this study focuses on environmental DNA (eDNA). eDNA consists of DNA fragments present in water and sediments and serves as an indicator of the presence and abundance of organisms. In particular, sedimentary DNA (sedDNA) is highly concentrated compared with that found in water. When sedDNA is used as an indicator of abundance, it is essential to first comprehensively understand the relationship between abundance and sedDNA concentration. Hence, the number of burrow openings in U. major was considered as abundance, and the relationship between the seasonal variation in abundance and sedDNA concentration was investigated in three tidal flats with different burrow distributions and topographies. During the growth period of this species in stable bottom environments such as bag-shaped lagoons, 105 copies/g sediment of sedDNA was detected in burrow-rich areas, which was significantly higher than in other areas. This indicated a correlation between abundance and concentration. However, it was found that events such as spawning, strong wave action, and changes in activity due to increase in water temperature induced fluctuations in concentration. Therefore, while the sedDNA concentration has the potential to reflect abundance, it is susceptible to biological and physical influences; hence, caution is required regarding the location and timing of surveys. This study sheds light on a fraction of the relationship between U. major abundance and sedDNA concentration, offering initial insights into the applicability of sedDNA analysis for estimating the abundance of various marine benthos.