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Differences in bacterial community structure and metabolites between the root zone soil of the new high – Fragrance tea variety Jinlong No. 4 and its grandparent Huangdan

With the development of the tea industry, understanding the differences in root zone microecology among different tea varieties is of great significance for improving tea quality and yield. To investigate the microbial and metabolite foundation underlying the disparities in root zone physicochemical properties between the high-aroma new tea variety JL4 (Jinlong No.4) and its grandparent HD (Huangdan), the bacterial diversity, community structure and metabolite distinctions of HD and JL4 root zone soils were analyzed using NovaSeq 6000 high-throughput sequencing and GC-MS-derived metabolomics technologies. The analysis of soil physical and chemical properties showed that, compared with HD, the available phosphorus (AP) in JL4 was significantly decreased (28.91 ±  9.78 mg · kg−1, P < 0.05), and so was the available potassium (AK) at 57.67 ±  4.04 mg · kg−1. The results from 16S rDNA sequencing indicated that, compared with HD, JL4 had a lower Shannon index and a higher abundance of Gram-negative and aerobic-related bacteria. These results indicated that there was a decrease in bacterial diversity in the root zone soil of JL4. The dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Chloroflexi among others. Biomarkers in HD included Firmicutes, Rhizobiales, and Caulobacterales, and biomarkers for JL4 comprised Sphingomonadaceae bacterium URHD0088 and Halomonadaceae. GC-MS derivatization metabolomics highlighted sugars as having the most differential metabolites (8). In JL4, D-manitol 2 and scylo-inositol decreased while (-)-epicatechin, catechin, and D-pinitol increased. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed substantial enrichment in metabolic pathways related to flavonoid biosynthesis. The changes in these metabolites may have a significant impact on the growth and quality of tea plants. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) along with correlation analyses indicated significant impacts on root zone bacterial community structure by factors such as AK, Soil Organic Matter (SOM), NO3−-N (nitrate nitrogen), and pH levels. A significant positive correlation was observed between AK and both Firmicutes and Kapabacteria individually; furthermore, AP exhibited a highly significant positive correlation with Kapabacteria but a significant negative correlation with unidentified Archaea. Catechin and (-)-Epicatechin were significantly negatively correlated with Actinobacteria phylum while showing a significant positive correlation with Verrucomicrobia and Kryptonia phyla. This study systematically compared the microbial and metabolite characteristics of the root zone soil of JL4 and HD for the first time, providing new ideas and methods for tea variety improvement and precision cultivation management, which is expected to promote the high-quality development of the tea industry in the future.

Retrospective detection and whole genome sequencing identify the first local case of Pigeon Rotavirus A infection in Taiwan from 2018

Abstract In 2018, pigeon Rotavirus A G18P[17] was identified in Australia as the causative agent of a disease outbreak presenting as vomiting and diarrhea, reminiscent of the young pigeon disease syndrome. This virus has subsequently been detected in several other countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, and the United States. This study was conducted to determine the presence of pigeon Rotavirus A among archived samples collected in Taiwan, and to subsequently characterize the whole genome of a local isolate. Two hundred twenty-five pigeon liver samples collected from 2018 to 2023 were tested for the presence of pigeon rotavirus A RNA using PCR. A sample from 2018 tested positive, and the successful rescue of infective virions was achieved. The first coding-complete genome of this virus from Taiwan was successfully sequenced, revealing that isolate NPUST-001 belongs to genotype G18P[17]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A4-T4-N4-E19-H4. To date, this is the earliest known rotavirus A isolate with this exact genotype constellation recovered from a domestic pigeon sample in the Asian region. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP6 segment showed that isolate NPUST-001 belongs to a distinct lineage of pigeon Rotavirus A which comprises of several other strains reported from mainland China and the USA. Although no recent cases were detected, active surveillance for rotaviral infection among suspected cases is recommended to gather more information on the epidemiology of this virus locally.

Enhancing programmatic scale-up: Applying the consolidated framework for implementation research to evaluate decentralized drug-resistant tuberculosis services in Southern Nigeria

Background Decentralization of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) services using multilevel interventions was piloted in Akwa-Ibom and Oyo States of Nigeria, which had high rates of pre-treatment loss-to-follow-up in 2021. The varying outcomes of the intervention strategies necessitated understanding what worked well and why. This study aimed to identify enablers and barriers shaping the implementation of decentralized DR-TB services in these states and provide actionable strategies for programmatic scale-up. Methods Semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with 40 stakeholders involved in the pilot implementation of decentralized DR-TB services in southern Nigeria. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and template analysis done using NVivo statistical software, adapting the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs and sub-constructs as priori codes for data synthesis and analysis. Results The study identified enablers and barriers across the five CFIR domains. Intervention characteristics facilitators stemmed from its relative advantage and design enabling faster notification of diagnosed DR-TB patients, enhanced patient tracking, ease of conducting baseline investigations, bringing treatment closer by reducing transportation challenges, unique role of the Volunteer Liaison Officer, utility of WhatsApp platform, private sector engagement, and DR-TB survivors as peer counsellors. Critical incidents such as the removal of fuel subsidies and economic difficulties; and inner setting factors like existing infrastructure and health workforce, culture, available resources and tension for change from high pre-treatment loss to follow-up, and intervention’s alignment with workflow; all facilitated implementation. Barriers identified included: challenges with verbal autopsy, low adoption of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) innovation, pricing of baseline tests, poor power supply, inadequate laboratory facilities and insufficient DR-TB expertise in rural areas, and fear of TB infection among health workers. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the ease of implementing decentralized DR-TB services and their advantages over a centralized approach. Key enablers centered on innovation and individual characteristics, and inner setting dynamics within the TB program. There were more facilitators than barriers, with most barriers being modifiable despite some outer setting factors like fiscal policy and geographic access. These insights can guide nationwide adoption and scale-up of decentralized DR-TB services in Nigeria and similar settings in low-and middle-income countries. Trial Registration Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR202309676675265

Cascaded Fabry-Perot interferometer with thin film based on Vernier effect

Abstract The Vernier effect is often utilized to boost the sensing ability of optical fiber sensors. In this paper, theoretical model of cascaded Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) with thin film based on Vernier effect is established. The sensitivities of the envelope spectra, thin film cavity and mixed cavity of air-thin film are analyzed qualitatively. According to the theoretical analysis, although sensitivity from mixed cavity of air-thin film is amplified, the value is equal to the sensitivity of sing thin film cavity. Experimental verification is carried out by an example of thin film named polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer. Herein, a new FPI constructed by air cavity from a hollow-core fiber, PDMS cavity, and air-PDMS mixed cavity is proposed and demonstrated. In order to facilitate the generation of the Vernier effect, the length of the PDMS cavity is intentionally designed shorter than the air cavity, making the free spectral range of the air-PDMS cavity and air cavity is approximately equal. The temperature change makes the refractive index and thermal expansion of PDMS change, while gas pressure change results in elastic deformation of PDMS. The Vernier envelope wavelength shifts with the temperature and gas pressure change. The proposed FPI features high temperature and gas pressure sensitivities of 3.07 nm/℃, and 23.07 nm/MPa, and a high magnification factor of 17 when the lengths of HCF and PDMS are 82.5 and 3.7 μm, respectively. The experimental results show that the temperature and pressure sensitivities of the cascaded FPI’s envelope spectra are equal to the sensitivity of a single thin film microcavity, and the theoretical calculation is in good agreement with the experimental verification. The theoretical model is also applicable to thin film prepared by other polymer materials. Additionally, the proposed FPI has good stability, reversibility, and repeatability, which is a good choice in the field of optical fiber sensing.

Thermodynamics, economy and environment analyses and optimization of series, parallel, dual-loop Kalina cycles for double-source heat recovery in cement industry

This research aims to investigate the heat recovery of both suspension preheater flue gas and clinker cooler hot air in cement industry. Three thermodynamic cycles including series Kalina Cycle (S-KC)、parallel Kalina Cycle (P-KC) and dual-loop Kalina Cycle (DL-KC) are introduced for converting dual-source heat resources into power to enhance the system efficiency for cement production process. Firstly, the multi-layer comprehensive evaluation models are established for the three thermodynamic cycles. Then, the parametric studies are implemented to estimate the influences of six key parameters on the system’s thermodynamic-economic-environmental performances. Meanwhile, optimization investigations consisting of thermodynamic optimal design (TOD), thermodynamic and economic optimal design (TEOD), and thermodynamic, economic and environmental optimal design (TEEOD) are considered, and the performances of systems and components are compared under three optimal design scenarios. The results prove that, for S-KC, P-KC and DL-KC, the higher net power output (Wnet) can be gained with decreasing condenser outlet temperature and regenerator temperature difference, and increasing evaporator temperature difference and superheat degree, the lower electricity production cost (EPC) can be acquired with decreasing condenser outlet temperature, evaporator temperature difference and regenerator temperature difference, while the less environment impact load (EIL) can be attained with decreasing condenser outlet temperature, regenerator temperature difference and basic ammonia concentration, and increasing superheat degree. In addition, under TOD, TEOD and TEEOD scenarios, DL-KC is the best selection from the thermodynamic, economic and environmental perspectives, with the corresponding Wnet of 7166 kW, 6904 kW and 6838 kW, the EPC of 0.00476 $/kWh, 0.00369 $/kWh and 0.00362$/kWh, the EIL of 0.0597 mPEChina,90/kWh, 0.0599 mPEChina,90/kW and 0.0593 mPEChina,90/kW. It also identifies that the evaporator unit is the key component contributing to exergy destruction and investment cost for three systems, while the pump has the maximum influence on environmental performance.

Author Correction: Identification of CT based radiomic biomarkers for progression free survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

A DNA barcode library for Culex mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of South America with the description of two cryptic species of subgenus Melanoconion

Among mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), the genus Culex Linnaeus is one of the most diverse in the world and includes numerous known vector species of parasites and viruses to humans. Morphological identification of Culex species is notoriously difficult and relies mostly on the examination of properly dissected male genitalia which largely prevents female and immature identification during entomological, ecological or arboviral surveys. The aims of this study were (i) to establish a DNA barcode library for Culex mosquitoes of French Guiana based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) marker, (ii) to compare three approaches of molecular delimitation of species to morphological identification, (iii) to test the effectiveness of the COI marker at a broader geographical scale across South America, and (iv) to discuss the internal classification of the genus Culex as regard to our phylogenetic analysis. Mosquitoes used in this study were sampled in French Guiana between 2013 and 2023. We provide 246 COI sequences for 90 morphologically identified species of Culex, including five new country records and two newly described species. Overall, congruence between morphological identification and molecular delimitations using the COI barcode was high. The Barcode of Life Data clustering approach into Barcode Index Numbers gives the best result in terms of species delimitation. Inconsistencies between morphological identification and molecular delimitation can be explained by introgression, incomplete lineage sorting, imperfect taxonomy or the effect of geographical gap in sampling. This increases by almost two-fold the number of mosquito species for which a DNA barcode is available in French Guiana, including 75% of the Culex species currently known in the territory. Finally, this study confirms the usefulness of the COI barcode in identifying Culex of South America, but also points the limits of this marker for some groups of species within the subgenera Culex and Melanoconion.

Predicting quality of life and self-care behaviors in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy based on psychological factors

Off the charts: A comparative analysis of data visualisations in online science news from South Africa and the USA

Terms like ‘big data’, ‘data science’, and ‘data visualisation’ have become buzzwords in recent years and are increasingly intertwined with journalism. Data visualisation may further blur the lines between science communication and graphic design. Our study is situated in these overlaps to compare the design of data visualisations in science news stories across four online news media platforms in South Africa and the United States. Our study contributes to an understanding of how well-considered data visualisations are tools for effective storytelling, and offers practical recommendations for using data visualisation in science communication efforts.

Impact of COVID-19 infection on Kawasaki disease and immune status in children

Correction: Determinants of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy spectrum

Dynamic changes in cortical neurotrophic factor-positive interneurons during sleep

Design of a clinical balance tool for fall risk assessments: A development and usability study

Background Falls are a significant source of early morbidity and mortality in the aging population, yet clinical changes that lead to increased fall risks often escape early identification and intervention. A device to measure postural control would facilitate evidence-based fall risk assessment. Objectives Our objectives were to iteratively develop a prototype quantitative posture instrument (QuPI) to replace the weight scale and to assess barriers and facilitators of its implementation in a clinical setting. Methods We undertook an iterative formative evaluation and usability study of QuPI prototypes in primary care, medical oncology, sports medicine, cardiology, and endocrinology outpatient clinics. Clinicians evaluated an initial QuPI prototype and completed a semi-structured interview to determine critical functionality, inform design, and assess usability. The QuPI was then modified according to the results, and a new prototype was tested and evaluated. Results Eighteen clinicians participated in both rounds of interviews. Clinicians who participated (referred to as participants) reported willingness to use the QuPI with all patients during the first round of interviews and stated they would replace their current weight scale with the modified QuPI during the second round of interviews. Participants identified design elements that were both facilitators and barriers to use. Usability scores for both prototypes were excellent. Despite several national guidelines for fall risk assessments, lack of consistent use of guidelines by care teams was found to be a barrier to effective fall risk assessments. Conclusion The QuPI provides a new method for quantifying fall risks with good user acceptance, usability, and clinical feasibility without disrupting workflow. The QuPI supplemented and facilitated the use of standard algorithms for fall risk assessment. Greater education of the entire care team regarding evidence-based fall risk assessment will promote adherence to guidelines and fall prevention.

Framework for investigating structure cracking using real engineering data combined with physics constraints

Durability analysis of rotary direct drive electro-hydraulic pressure servo valve based on failure physics principle

The rotary direct drive electro-hydraulic servo valve (RDDPV) is extensively employed in hydraulic systems across aerospace, automotive, and various industrial sectors owing to its remarkable precision and rapid response characteristics. The investigation of the durability life of such devices, constituting intricate amalgamations of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components, has perennially posed a formidable challenge. To address this challenge, our study proposes a methodology grounded in failure mechanisms to systematically quantify the durability life of RDDPV. In conjunction with finite element analysis, this study delves into the fatigue durability of the transmission mechanism and the wear durability of the slide valve—two components recognized as vulnerabilities within the RDDPV. Initially, a novel approach is proposed that integrates probability theory and fuzzy theory with the traditional Miner theory, enhancing the accuracy of fatigue life predictions for transmission mechanisms. Subsequently, a meticulous examination of the wear mechanism of the slide valve ensued, wherein we quantitatively characterized the radial wear between the valve core and sleeve using the degree of line wear. Ultimately, employing durability index calculations, the total operational life of the valve is ascertained at about 435,000 hours, thereby aligning with national standards. This research methodology not only contributes significantly to the field but also holds substantial reference value for the precise quantification of the durability life of analogous electro-hydraulic pressure servo valves.

“Betaone” barley water extract suppresses ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in vivo and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro

Betaone is a variety of barley developed by the Korea Rural Development Administration. This study investigated the anti-osteoporosis effects of Betaone barley water extract (B1W) on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in mice. To elucidate its mechanism, the effect of B1W on osteoclasts was assessed by measuring the protein expression of nuclear factor-activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), the expression of genes involved in osteoclast differentiation, and bone pit assays. B1W (300 mg/kg/day) significantly increased bone mineral density and bone volume fraction, but decreased trabecular separation compared to the OVX group. B1W also showed a trend towards decreasing serum C-telopeptide of collagen type 1 levels in OVX mice. Additionally, B1W reduced the expression of NFATc1 and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of various marker genes such as c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CTSK), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), and osteoclast-associated Ig-like receptor (OSCAR). B1W reduced the osteoclast activity in the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-treated osteoclasts by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Based on the results, B1W can be considered a useful candidate for a therapeutic agent for treating conditions of bone loss and could also be used as an ingredient in health supplements.

Bile acids as biomarkers in carbonized archaeological sediment: Insights from dung burning experiments

Bile acids are increasingly used as fecal biomarkers for studying archeology, environmental pollution, paleoeconomy, and human-animal interactions. Exclusively synthesized by vertebrates, bile acids are more resistant to diagenetic degradation than other steroidal biomarkers. Although bile acids have been detected and analyzed in archaeological sediments, particularly in contexts where dung may have been used as fuel, their preservation after burning is poorly understood. In this study, we conducted controlled experiments on modern cattle dung to investigate the tolerance of bile acid to high temperatures (125°C, 233°C, 341°C, and 449°C). Bile acids were quantified before and after burning via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-EI-MS). Our results indicate that elevated temperatures destabilize most bile acids to varying degrees. Primary and secondary bile acids showed moderate heat tolerance, persisting at reduced concentrations after exposure to the maximum furnace and open-air temperatures. In contrast, oxo-bile acids exhibited lower thermal stability and disappeared at exposure above 233°C. Open-air fires led to more significant overall bile acid loss than the furnace conditions, likely due to the higher temperatures. However, incompletely burned dung fragments from the cooler periphery of the fire pits, retained higher bile acid concentrations than fully combusted ashes. Our findings suggest that high temperatures complicate the use of bile acid profiles to distinguish species of origin. These persistent bile acids can, in archaeological contexts, provide valuable insights into past resource utilization, seasonal fuel use, mobility patterns, and environmental reconstruction.

Comparison of ultrasound and dynamic MRI for the measurement of diaphragmatic excursion: A prospective single-center study

Objectives Ultrasound (US) measurements of diaphragmatic excursion (DE) are widely used to provide a non-invasive assessment of the diaphragmatic function at the bedside, especially in intensive care. However, this measurement has never been validated against a less operator-dependent technique such as MRI. Dynamic MRI is the only imaging modality that creates a four-dimensional reconstruction of the diaphragm. The primary objective of this study was to assess the agreement between DE obtained using dynamic MRI with those obtained using ultrasound. The secondary objectives were to define DE thresholds for the diagnosis of DD using MRI and to compare the performance of US and MRI to diagnose DD. Methods Prospective single-center study in which consecutive outpatients referred for a dynamic thoracic MRI were included. This study was conducted at a university hospital in Paris, where there was daily access to ultrasound (US) and extensive expertise in diaphragmatic MRI The DE of each hemi-diaphragm was measured sequentially using ultrasound and MRI in random order, during spontaneous breathing (SB) and forced inspiration (FI) by independent observers blinded to each other. We analyzed the agreement between DE obtained using US and MRI for each hemi-diaphragm. Results We enrolled forty-five patients, aged 58 ± 36 years, of which twenty-eight (68%) had a confirmed DD. During SB, the mean bias for DE measurement was −3.8 mm, 95% CI [−7.1; −0.6] for the left hemi-diaphragm, and 1.0 mm, 95% CI [−3.5; 5.5] for the right hemi-diaphragm. Limits of agreement (millimeters) were [−25; 17] on the left side, and [−28; 30] on the right side. MRI threshold values for DE defining dysfunction were 11 mm for quiet SB, and 38 mm for FI. These thresholds had a sensitivity of 77.7% and a specificity of 77.4% during SB, with an AUC of 0.86. Conclusion US and MRI provide different values for DE, probably because the measurements were not obtained exactly at the same localization. Nevertheless, diagnostic performances of MRI and US to recognize DD appeared comparable.

Use and impact of digital technology in supporting health providers deliver care in low- and low-middle-income countries: A systematic review protocol

Background Healthcare providers are critical to the successful, sustainable and impactful implementation of digital health. Despite the growing interest, Digital Health Innovations (DHIs) are often implemented without sufficient evidence, leading to numerous short-lived projects and a limited understanding of their impact on health systems and outcomes. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a new Classification of Digital Health Interventions, identifying four core DHI user groups. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the impact of DHIs designed for one of these user groups—healthcare providers—on delivering health services in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). Methods We will conduct an umbrella review, analysing systematic reviews on DHIs for healthcare providers. Data will be extracted using deductive coding before being thematically analysed according to the 11 DHIs for service providers outlined in the WHO’s 2023 Classification. Discussion This umbrella review will explore, synthesise, and evaluate the quality of evidence on how healthcare providers in LLMICs utilise DHIs to address service delivery challenges and their effectiveness. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive synthesis of evidence focused on DHIs designed for use by healthcare providers in LLMICs. It is also the first review to align with WHO’s taxonomy for DHIs, as outlined in the WHO Classification of Digital Interventions, Services and Applications in Health. Systematic review registration The protocol is being registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024586285).

Voices of surgical wards nurses on barriers hindering acute post-operative pain management at Tshwane municipality, South Africa

Introduction and background Acute pain is expected following a surgery, but it is often inadequately managed by health care providers. However, little is known about the barriers that hinder acute post-operative pain management among surgical wards nurses. Objective Uncovering barriers that hinder the surgical wards nurses to manage acute post-operative pain at the selected public hospital in Tshwane municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods This study utilized a qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from a purposive sampling of 13 professional nurses. Data collected were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim by the first author. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. An independent co-coder assisted with data analysis. Findings The barriers described by the participants include: 1) Organisational/ management related barriers; 2) Personnel related barriers, which were discussed as shortage of nurses, inadequate skill competency to manage acute post-operative pain, and interprofessional communication; and 3) Patient related barriers. Conclusion This paper comes to the conclusion that, due to a number of stated barriers or obstacles, the nurses employed in the surgical wards of the selected hospital in South Africa are not adequately managing the acute post-operative pain. As a result, hospital management must devise practical solutions to the stated obstacles.