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Physical and motivational effects of Exergames in healthy adults—A scoping review
Exergames have the potential to be used as physical-cognitive training tools. Although numerous studies investigated the physical and motivational effects of Exergaming, a comprehensive summary of training effects in healthy adults is still missing. This scoping review aims to identify available evidence and research gaps on absolute and relative effects of Exergame training on physical indicators (effectiveness) and motivation (attractiveness) compared to no or conventional training in healthy adults. A systematic literature search was performed in EBSCOhost, WoS CC, SURF, and Science Research for studies meeting the following criteria: a) randomized controlled trials with Exergames compared to conventional training and/ or no treatment; b) healthy adults (age: 18 to 64 years); c) Exergame training interventions; d) assessment of pre-post differences, primary outcomes: endurance, strength, flexibility, speed, balance, sensorimotor coordination, sports skills, player experience; secondary outcomes: adverse events, physical activity level, attitudes, and knowledge. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro Scale. Charted data were categorized according to the PICOS framework. Mean differences, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes (ES) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Evidence Maps were created to illustrate the estimated Risk of Bias, estimated effect, and sample sizes. Eighteen publications with 907 participants were included. The number of studies per outcome was low (2 to 9balance:). Studies on coordination and knowledge were lacking. No study analyzed the relative effects of speed training with Exergames. Absolute effects of Exergame training ranged from no to large effects. Significant ES were consistently found for skill training. Negative effects were found for individual parameters. Relative effects of Exergame training ranged from no to large effects (one exception). A moderate absolute effect favoring traditional training was found for skill training. The remaining results suggest that Exergaming elicited similar training effects compared to conventional training. A high variance of applied training, corresponding training parameters (FITT-VP), outcome measures, as well as methodological deficits and incomplete reporting were identified in included studies. Therefore, a lack of high-quality studies and reviews was identified. Future research should conduct high quality RCT studies analyzing the effectiveness and attractiveness in Exergames. In addition, more suitable, well-designed Exergames should be developed.
Mechanistic elucidation of human pancreatic acinar development using single-cell transcriptome analysis on a human iPSC differentiation model
More than a feeling: A global economic valuation of subjective wellbeing damages resulting from rising temperatures
When estimating economic and welfare effects from climate change, impact models must make broad assumptions because of a lack of data and the complexity of damage mechanisms. In this paper, we apply a novel approach to try and address this issue. We use an experienced utility approach to measure how extreme heat affects subjective wellbeing. The data comes from a life evaluation question collected on nationally representative surveys covering 160 countries, conducted annually for 13 years. We take advantage of 40 years of variation in daily land surface temperature data, finding that one additional exceptionally hot day significantly lowers wellbeing, by roughly 0.5% on average. This is equivalent to the wellbeing loss resulting from GDP decreasing by several percentage points. The effect size varies substantially between, and within, countries, highlighting the importance of having local data. Further, we analyze the source of wellbeing damages, by looking at income and non-income pathways. Suprisingly, we find that income pathways accounts for only a small proportion of wellbeing damages caused by extreme temperatures. This indicates current models that focus on income pathways are likely missing sources of climate-caused damages.
A data-driven cluster analysis to explore cognitive reserve and modifiable risk factors in early phases of cognitive decline
Does the social credit system construction reduce enterprises’ overinvestment? quasi-natural experimental evidence from China
As an important part of improving the socialist market economic system, the social credit system focuses on the market’s micro behavior, which emphasizes the credit self-discipline of enterprises in financial management and checks the orientation for enterprises’ investment decisions. This study selected Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies for 2012–2023 as samples and used the pilot reform of China’s social credit system as a quasi-natural experiment to test the impact and mechanisms of the construction of the social credit system on enterprises’ overinvestment. The main findings show that the social credit system construction alleviates enterprises’ overinvestment behaviors, realized by the inhibiting effect of internal controls, the reverse effect of risk monitoring, and the guiding effect of business environment optimization. Heterogeneity analyses illustrate that the social credit system construction has a more obvious inhibitory effect on overinvestment for enterprises that are less subject to financing constraints, have higher internet penetration, have better financial development levels, are eastern, non-manufacturing, and large-scale. The conclusions provide new perspectives and references for the government and enterprises to re-examine the economic effects of the social credit system construction, which can promote capital usage efficiency and guide enterprises toward rational management.
Factors influencing the determination of dosing weight in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Midwifery care in The Gambia: A focus group study with clinical midwives, midwifery students, educators and leaders on how barriers and facilitators impact quality midwifery care
Objective The aim of this study is to explore the impact of barriers and facilitators on the quality of midwifery care in The Gambia, from the perspectives of clinical midwives, midwifery students, educators, and leaders. Methods A qualitative study based on focus group discussions with 29 clinical midwives, midwifery students, educators and leaders analysed with content analysis. The study was conducted in The Gambia. Results The analyses led to three main categories outlining barriers and facilitators for the quality of midwifery care: 1) the gap between theory and practice, 2) working in a harsh environment and 3) facilitating factors that can pave ways forward. The results are described in generic categories: 1a) national plans and facility-based guidelines, 1b) midwifery education, 1c) becoming a skilled midwife, 2a) scarcity of resources, 2b) encountering community barriers, 2c) midwives - a passionate but demotivated profession, 3a) positive assets for quality midwifery care, 3b) women in leadership as a tool for a motivated midwifery workforce and 3c) teamwork. Conclusions Addressing the gaps between theory and practice, and strengthening the incentives for midwives to remain in their profession are central for improved quality of midwifery care in The Gambia. Guaranteed employment after completing education, equal opportunities for men and women to become midwives and the significance of passion are assets which need to be carefully maintained within the health care system.
Usage of magnetic activated carbon as a potential adsorbent for aniline adsorption from wastewater
The tetracycline resistome is shaped by selection for specific resistance mechanisms by each antibiotic generation
Abstract The history of clinical resistance to tetracycline antibiotics is characterized by cycles whereby the deployment of a new generation of drug molecules is quickly followed by the discovery of a new mechanism of resistance. This suggests mechanism-specific selection by each tetracycline generation; however, the evolutionary dynamics of this remain unclear. Here, we evaluate 24 recombinant Escherichia coli strains expressing tetracycline resistance genes from each mechanism (efflux pumps, ribosomal protection proteins, and enzymatic inactivation) in the context of each tetracycline generation. We employ a high-throughput barcode sequencing protocol that can discriminate between strains in mixed culture and quantify their relative abundances. We find that each mechanism is preferentially selected for by specific antibiotic generations, leading to their expansion. Remarkably, the minimum inhibitory concentration associated with individual genes is secondary to resistance mechanism for inter-mechanism relative fitness, but it does explain intra-mechanism relative fitness. These patterns match the history of clinical deployment of tetracycline drugs and resistance discovery in pathogens.
Investigation into the sero-molecular prevalence of Brucella melitensis in small ruminants in districts Mohmand and Charsadda Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Globally, ruminants contribute largely to the livelihood and supply of quality food for human consumption. However, small ruminants face numerous problems, including infectious diseases, in lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Brucellosis is one of the important zoonotic diseases affecting the range of animals caused by Brucella species, including Brucella abortus and Brucella mellitensis. Although brucellosis caused by B. mellitensis in small ruminants has never been reported in the study areas, its zoonotic importance can never be underestimated. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of B. mellitensis in small ruminants in districts Mohmand and Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 200 from each species) and analyzed by Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The findings of the study indicated 13.5% and 7% of sheep while 12.5% and 12.5% of goat’s samples by RBPT and (i-ELISA) respectively. The species-specific PCR confirmed B. abortus in 70% of sheep samples and 37.5% of goat’s samples and B. mellitensis in 25% of sheep and 62.5% of goat’s samples by targeting IS711. The findings of the study concluded that B. abortus and B. melitensis were circulating in sheep and goats with a higher prevalence in the study areas. This study detected the presence of B. mellitensis for the first time in small ruminants in the study areas.
Multiscale correlations between joint and tissue-specific biomechanics and anatomy in postmortem ovine stifles
Abstract Joint stability depends on various properties that include the bone anatomy, joint capsule geometry and stiffness, and soft tissues within. The multiscale biomechanical relationships between the whole joint and individual tissues are useful in estimating the physiological condition of the knee. To better understand these relationships, we evaluated multiple structural and mechanical parameters in healthy ovine stifles, specifically joint laxity, joint morphology, individual tissue T 2 * relaxation and mechanical properties of ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), patellar tendon, menisci, and cartilage. By combining mechanical testing at two length scales and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, we quantify the strength of correlation coefficients between measured metrics, among joint size, whole joint and individual tissue properties. We observe positive correlations between joint laxity forces and the inter-epicondylar distance. Further, the viscoelastic properties of the tendons and ligaments correlate positively with joint laxity forces; however, no such correlations were observed for the cartilage and menisci. We also found weak inverse correlation between tissue viscoelasticity and T 2 * for MCL; and positive correlations for cartilage and menisci, LCL and PCL respectively. These results provide useful insights into the role of individual tissues that are crucial in measuring whole joint responses as key indicators of knee health.
FusOn-pLM: a fusion oncoprotein-specific language model via adjusted rate masking
Nonlinear connectedness of conventional crypto-assets and sustainable crypto-assets with climate change: A complex systems modelling approach
Earlier studies used classical time series models to forecast the nonlinear connectedness of conventional crypto-assets with CO2 emissions. For the first time, this study aims to provide a data-driven Nonlinear System Identification technique to study the nonlinear connectedness of crypto-assets with CO2 emissions. Using daily data from January 2, 2019, to March 31, 2023, we investigate the nonlinear connectedness among conventional crypto-assets, sustainable crypto-assets, and CO2 emissions based on our proposed model, Multiple Inputs Single Output (MISO) Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Inputs (NARX). Intriguingly, the forecasting accuracy of the proposed model improves with the inclusion of exogenous input variables (conventional and sustainable crypto-assets). Overall, our results reveal that conventional crypto-assets exhibit slightly stronger connectedness with CO2 emissions compared to sustainable crypto-assets. These findings suggest that, to some extent, sustainable crypto-assets provide a solution to the environmental issues related to CO2 emissions. However, further improvements in sustainable crypto-assets through technological advances are required to develop more energy-efficient decentralised finance consensus algorithms, with the aim of reshaping the cryptocurrency ecosystem into an environmentally sustainable market.
A flexible way to study composites in ecology using structural equation modeling
Abstract Composites, which refer to weighted linear combinations of variables, are receiving increasing attention in the field of ecology. In practice, however, researchers relying on the common approaches to study composites encounter limitations in flexibly specifying composites with structural equation modeling (SEM). To enrich the researchers’ statistical toolbox and to flexibly model composites in structural equation models, we introduce the Henseler–Ogasawara (H–O) specification to the field of ecology. As we show in this paper, this approach can not only mimic the common approaches such as the one-step and two-step approaches, but also offers improvements. Compared to the two-step approach, the H–O specification explicitly models composites, i.e., it takes into account the formation of the composites and it allows modeling composites with free weights and with fixed weights, i.e., unknown-weight and fixed weight composites. Consequently, this specification allows for a more in-depth model assessment. Compared to the one-step approach, the H–O specification offers more modeling flexibility. For example, it allows researchers to specify the effects of other variables on a composite. Consequently, conceptual models can be more adequately represented by the statistical model using this specification. To demonstrate these advantages, we provide an ecological illustrative example including the R code to reproduce our results. Specifically, we present different H–O specifications and compare them statistically. Our analysis also shows that the specified model, closest to the conceptual model of the illustrative example does not adequately describe the data. Instead, a model that does not assume that all covariances between the components of the composites are accounted for by the composites fits the data well.
D-2-hydroxyglutarate impairs DNA repair through epigenetic reprogramming
Abstract Cancer-associated mutations in IDH are associated with multiple types of human malignancies, which exhibit distinctive metabolic reprogramming, production of oncometabolite D-2-HG, and shifted epigenetic landscape. IDH mutated malignancies are signatured with “BRCAness”, highlighted with the sensitivity to DNA repair inhibitors and genotoxic agents, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, we demonstrate that D-2-HG impacts the chromatin conformation adjustments, which are associated with DNA repair process. Mechanistically, D-2-HG diminishes the chromatin interactions in the DNA damage regions via revoking CTCF binding. The hypermethylation of cytosine, resulting from the suppression of TET1 and TET2 activities by D-2-HG, contributes to the dissociation of CTCF from DNA damage regions. CTCF depletion leads to the disruption of chromatin organization around the DNA damage sites, which abolishes the recruitment of essential DNA damage repair proteins BRCA2 and RAD51, as well as impairs homologous repair in the IDH mutant cancer cells. These findings provide evidence that CTCF-mediated chromatin interactions play a key role in DNA damage repair proceedings. Oncometabolites jeopardize genome stability and DNA repair by affecting high-order chromatin structure.
Force analysis of slope reinforced by Frame-Anchor-Support-Structure based on improved horizontal slice method
As a flexible support structure commonly used in slope stabilization and management, the Frame-Anchor-Support-Structure (FASS) is of great significance in studying the actual stress situation to ensure the safety of slopes. In this paper, based on the traditional horizontal slice method, utilizing the principle that the vertical slice method and the horizontal slice method share the same sliding surface, the inter-strip force between soil slices, the effect of the FASS, the effect of the slope-top uniform load, and the relationship between the vertical slice method and the horizontal slice method of the force conversion is considered at the same time. The improved horizontal slice method for the slope reinforced by the FASS is also proposed, and the force calculation formula for the slope reinforced by FASS is derived. By comparing and analyzing with the overall sliding wedge method, the reasonableness and accuracy of the calculation method of this paper are verified, and the variety rule of force on the slope reinforced by FASS under different loads is obtained. The results show that the combined force of lateral earth pressures on slopes calculated in this paper is smaller than that of the overall sliding wedge method, but the difference between the two is not significant (within 9% difference). The earth pressure strength of the slope, the shear stress of FASS on the sliding soil, and the vertical force strength and the shear stress of the stabilized soil on the sliding soil all show a distribution trend of small at both ends and large in the middle (about 1/3 of the position from the bottom of the slope). Moreover, the trend of the above forces does not vary with the slope-top uniform loads. The study results are informative for calculating and analyzing the forces on the slope reinforced by FASS.
Relationship between Schlemm’s canal incision length and the results of ab interno gonioscopy-assisted transluminal suture trabeculotomy
A non-electrical pneumatic hybrid oscillator for high-frequency multimodal robotic locomotion
From tradition to progressiveness: Analyzing Thailand’s image on youtube amid post-cannabis legalization
This research examines the depiction of Thailand on YouTube subsequent to the nation’s decision to legalize recreational marijuana in June 2022. By analyzing 57 video clips recorded between March and September 2022, we investigate the evolution of Thailand’s digital image after the legalization of cannabis in the country. The outcomes of our study demonstrate a predominantly favorable account, highlighting the incorporation of marijuana into Thai society, its therapeutic capabilities, and its potential as a lucrative economic commodity. In intimate connection to elements of the social, physical, and cultural components, the emotional dimension developed as a prevailing theme. Thai residents and government officials were the main influencers in shaping the discussion, representing the prevailing public opinion in support of the choice to legalize marijuana. The prevailing media narratives, which included tourism, celebration, and policy, further emphasized the positive perspective on the advantages of legalizing marijuana. This research emphasizes the profound impact of substantial policy changes on a nation’s international reputation, with Thailand depicted as providing a distinctive combination of cultural heritage and contemporary elements.