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Abuse and its associated factors among elderly population of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli District, Nepal

Background The global rise in the elderly population brings attention to the pressing issue of elder abuse, categorized into physical, psychological, neglect, financial and sexual abuse. According to the World Health Organization (2022), one in six individuals aged 60 and older has experienced some form of abuse in community setting necessitating increase in awareness and support for older people. This study aimed to assess abuse and its associated factors among elderly population of Kamalamai Municipality of Sindhuli District, Nepal. Methodology We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods. We collected data from June 15 to September 15, 2023. The study involved 398 elderly participants (≥60 years). Stratified sampling techniques was used to select participants. For the qualitative study we utilized purposive sampling technique which included two key informant interviews, one in-depth interview and two focus group discussions. We analyzed quantitative data using IBM SPSS version 20 applying bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis at a 95% confidence interval. For qualitative data, thematic analysis was done. Results The mean ± SD age of the elderly participants was (70.8± 8.08) years. Among the total of 398 study participants, (64.1%) participants reported experiencing different forms of abuse. The study found that neglect (46.0%), psychological abuse (42.5%), and financial abuse (24.4%) were the most common while physical abuse (4.8%) and sexual abuse (2.8%) were less common. Living in a nuclear family (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.67–4.51) and lower socio-economic status (AOR: 5.42, 95% CI: 2.28–12.92) were significantly associated with increase risk of elder abuse. Qualitative findings revealed mistreatment, vulnerability, negligence, economic factors, family dynamics, loneliness, financial exploitation, food withholding, physical abuse, and emotional attachment as key aspects of elder abuse. Conclusion This study highlights neglect and psychological abuse were the most common forms of elder abuse. These findings emphasize the urgency of implementing programs at the municipal level such as financial support system for elderly individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and education programs for both elderly individuals and their families and caregivers. These initiatives aim to control and reduce the incidence of elder abuse and ensure comprehensive well-being of elderly population.

Mechanistic insights into epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer

Chemical catalyst manipulating cancer epigenome and transcription

Moderating role of age in the relationship between ingroup range and intention to help during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explored the relationship between the ingroup range of individuals and their willingness to assist various social groups during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether or not age moderates this relationship. A total of 291 South Koreans (Mage = 31.91 years, SD = 11.99) participated in an online survey and provided data on ingroup range, intention to provide help, and age. The results demonstrated that individuals with a broader ingroup range displayed a stronger willingness to distribute quarantine supplies for COVID-19 across diverse social groups (β = .12, p < .05). This finding aligned with the ingroup bias phenomenon, in which individuals tend to favor one’s group. Importantly, age moderated the association between ingroup range and willingness to help (B = −.19, p < .05). Specifically, the intention of younger individuals (θX → Y|(M = −11.985) = 4.40, CI = 1.79–7.01) and middle-aged individuals (θX → Y|(M = .000) = 2.14, CI = .31–3.98) to assist diverse social groups significantly varied according to their ingroup range, whereas no such relationship existed among older individuals (θX → Y|(M = 11.985) = −.11, CI = −2.64–2.42). We provided an in-depth discussion into the potential reasons that underlie the stronger willingness of older individuals to extend aid beyond their ingroup range during the pandemic compared with those of younger individuals. We then suggested strategies for encouraging acts of prosociality during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which particularly emphasize the pattern observed in younger participants with a narrow ingroup range.

Correlation analysis between epicardial adipose tissue and acute coronary syndrome

Silver single atoms and nanoparticles on floatable monolithic photocatalysts for synergistic solar water disinfection

Trends and ethnic disparity in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa (1999–2018): A population-based Age-period-cohort and Join point regression analyses

Background Endometrial cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer among females and about 97,000 global deaths of endometrial cancer. The changes in the trends of obesity, fertility rates and other risk factors in South Africa (SA) may impact the endometrial cancer trends. The aim of this study was to utilise the age period cohort and join point regression modelling to evaluate the national and ethnic trends in endometrial cancer mortality in South Africa over a 20year period (1999–2018). Methods Data from Statistics South Africa was obtained to calculate the annual number of deaths, and annual crude and age standardised mortality rates (ASMR) of endometrial cancer from 1999–2018. The overall and ethnic trends of endometrial cancer mortality was assessed using the Join point regression model, while Age-period-cohort (APC) regression modelling was conducted to estimate the effect of age, calendar period and birth cohort. Results During the period 1999–2018, 4,877 deaths were due to endometrial cancer which constituted about 3.6% of breast and gynecological cancer deaths (3.62%, 95% CI: 3.52%–3.72%) in South Africa. The ASMR of endometrial cancer doubled from 0.76 deaths per 100,000 women in 1999 to 1.5 deaths per 100,000 women in 2018, with an average annual rise of 3.6% per annum. (Average Annual Percentage change (AAPC): 3.6%, 95%CI:2.7–4.4, P-value < 0.001). In 2018, the overall mean age at death for endometrial cancer was was 67.40 ± 11.04 years and, the ASMR of endometrial cancer among Indian/Asians (1.69 per 100,000 women), Blacks (1.63 per 100,000 women) and Coloreds (1.39 per 100,000 women) was more than doubled the rates among Whites (0.66 deaths per 100,000 women). Indian/Asians had stable rates while other ethnic groups had increased rates. The Cohort mortality risk ratio (RR) of endometrial cancer increased with successive birth cohort from 1924 to 1963 (RR increased from 0.2 to 1.00), and subsequently declined among successive cohorts from 1963 to 1998 (1.00 to 0.09). There was strong age and cohort but not period effect among the South African women. Ethnic disparity showed that there was age effect among all the ethnic groups; Cohort effect among Blacks and Coloureds only, while Period effect occurred only among Blacks. Conclusions The mortality rates of endometrial cancer doubled over a twenty-year period in South Africa from 1999–2018. There was strong ethnic disparity, with age and cohort effect on endometrial cancer trends. Thus, targeted efforts geared towards prevention and prompt treatment of endometrial cancer among the high-risk groups should be pursued by stake holders.

Green approach to synthesis polymer composites based on chitosan with desired linear and non-linear optical characteristics

Life cycle comparison of industrial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling and mining supply chains

Abstract Recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can supplement critical materials and improve the environmental sustainability of LIB supply chains. In this work, environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, energy consumption) of industrial-scale production of battery-grade cathode materials from end-of-life LIBs are compared to those of conventional mining supply chains. Converting mixed-stream LIBs into battery-grade materials reduces environmental impacts by at least 58%. Recycling batteries to mixed metal products instead of discrete salts further reduces environmental impacts. Electricity consumption is identified as the principal contributor to all LIB recycling environmental impacts, and different electricity sources can change greenhouse gas emissions up to five times. Supply chain steps that precede refinement (material extraction and transport) contribute marginally to the environmental impacts of circular LIB supply chains (<4%), but are more significant in conventional supply chains (30%). This analysis provides insights for advancing sustainable LIB supply chains, and informs optimization of industrial-scale environmental impacts for emerging battery recycling efforts.

Investigating the functional and structural effect of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 gene: An in-silico study

The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) is essential in controlling T cell activity within the immune system. Thus, uncovering the molecular dynamics of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CTLA4 gene is critical. We identified the non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs), examined their impact on protein stability, and identified the protein sequences associated with them in the human CTLA4 gene. There were 3134 SNPs (rsIDs) in our study. Out of these, 186 missense variants (5.93%), 1491 intron variants (47.57%), and 91 synonymous variants (2.90%), while the remaining SNPs were unspecified. We utilized SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, and SNAP for identifying deleterious nsSNPs, and SNPs&GO, PhD SNP, and PANTHER for verifying risk nsSNPs in the CTLA4 gene. Following SIFT analysis, six nsSNPs were identified as deleterious and reporting second and third nsSNPs as probably damaging and one as benign, respectively. From upstream analysis, rs138279736, rs201778935, rs369567630, and rs376038796 were found to be deleterious, probably damaging, and disease associated. ConSurf predicted conservation scores for four nsSNPs, and Project Hope suggested that all mutations could disrupt protein interactions. Furthermore, mCSM and DynaMut2 analyses indicated a decrease in ΔΔG stability for the mutants. GeneMANIA and STRING networks highlighted correlations with CD86 and CD80 genes. Finally, MD simulation revealed consistent fluctuation in RMSD and RMSF, consequently Rg, hydrogen bonds, and PCA in the mutant proteins compared with wild-type, which might alter the functional and structural stability of CTLA4 protein. The current comprehensive study shows how various nsSNPs in the CTLA4 gene can modify the structural and functional characteristics of the protein, potentially influencing the pathogenesis of diseases in humans. Further, experimental studies are needed to analyze the effect of these nsSNPs on the susceptibility of pathological phenotype populations.

A knowledge embedded multimodal pseudo-siamese model for atrial fibrillation detection

Microenvironment engineering by targeted delivery of Ag nanoparticles for boosting electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction

A systematic review on malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine challenges in sub-Saharan African clinical trials

Objective For more than a century, developing novel and effective vaccines against malaria and Tuberculosis (TB) infections has been a challenge. This review sought to investigate the reasons for the slow progress of malaria and TB vaccine candidates in sub-Saharan African clinical trials. Methods The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO on July 26, 2023 (CRD42023445166). The research articles related to the immunogenicity, efficacy, or safety of malaria or TB vaccines that were published between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2023, were searched on three databases: Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Results A total of 2342 articles were obtained, 50 of which met the inclusion criteria. 28 (56%) articles reported on malaria vaccine attributes, while 22 (44%) articles reported on TB vaccines. In both cases, the major challenges in sub-Saharan African clinical trials were immunogenicity and efficacy, rather than safety. Conclusion Factors such as population characteristics, pathogen genetic diversity, vaccine nature, strategy, and formulation were associated with slow progress of the malaria and TB vaccine candidates in sub-Saharan African clinical trials.

Tradeoffs in automated financial regulation of decentralized finance due to limits on mutable turing machines

Abstract We examine which decentralized finance architectures enable meaningful regulation by combining financial and computational theory. We show via deduction that a decentralized and permissionless Turing-complete system cannot provably comply with regulations concerning anti-money laundering, know-your-client obligations, some securities restrictions and forms of exchange control. Any system that claims to follow regulations must choose either a form of permission or a less-than-Turing-complete update facility. Compliant decentralized systems can be constructed only by compromising on the richness of permissible changes. Regulatory authorities must accept new tradeoffs that limit their enforcement powers if they want to approve permissionless platforms formally. Our analysis demonstrates that the fundamental constraints of computation theory have direct implications for financial regulation. By mapping regulatory requirements onto computational models, we characterize which types of automated compliance are achievable and which are provably impossible. This framework allows us to move beyond traditional debates about regulatory effectiveness to establish concrete boundaries for automated enforcement.

COFcap2, a recyclable tandem catalysis reactor for nitrogen fixation and conversion to chiral amines

Associations between dialysis modality and adherence to immunosuppression after kidney transplantation—A single-center study

Background Patients with end-stage kidney disease often prefer home-based dialysis due to higher self-efficacy, which relates to improved medical treatment adherence. Kidney transplantation (KT) success depends on adhering to immunosuppressive medication post-transplant. Objectives To investigate whether adherence post-kidney transplantation (KT) and patients’ attitudes toward immunosuppression were influenced by their prior dialysis type modality. Additionally, the study examined if adherence and patient’s attitudes towards immunosuppression are associated with kidney graft survival. Methods This cross-sectional single-center study included 201 KT patients. Adherence was assessed using BAASIS and the coefficient of variation of calcineurin inhibitors (COV-CNI). Patient attitudes towards medication were evaluated using the Q-method. Pill burden, comorbidity score and HRQoL and medication complexity, were scored. Cox regression was applied to determine KT survival outcomes over a 14-year follow-up period (until Dec 2021). Results Prior dialysis modality was not associated with adherence to immunosuppression post-KT evaluated by BAASIS on average 4.7 years post-KT. Previous in-center hemodialysis patients had a higher CNI-COV (p = 0.011). The Q-sort analysis identified fully adherent patients linked to profile 1 (organized, resilient) whereas profile 2 patients were more careless. Patients linked to profile 3 (challenging, nervous) had higher education, a higher pill burden, and experienced more immunosuppression side effects. Death-censored graft loss increased by 7.6% with each additional pill, quadrupled if one dose of immunosuppression was missed, and increased by 2.9% for each point of COV-CNI rise. Conclusions Adherence to immunosuppression post-KT using BAASIS was not associated with prior dialysis type, despite in-center hemodialysis patients showing the highest COV-CNI. Taking COV-CNI into account, managing missed doses of immunosuppressants, and exploring patient attitudes could potentially enhance adherence and consequently improve KT survival.

Thermoelectric properties of a quantum dot attached to normal metal and topological superconductor

Abstract The thermoelectric properties of hybrid systems based on a single-level quantum dot coupled to a normal-metal/half-metallic lead and attached to a topological superconductor wire are investigated. The topological superconductor wire is modeled by a spinless p-wave superconductor which hosts both a Majorana bound state at its extremity and above gap quasiparticle excitations. The main interest of our investigation is to study the interplay of sub-gap and single-particle tunneling processes and their contributions to the thermoelectric response of the considered system. The above gap tunneling driven by a temperature gradient is responsible for relatively large thermopower, whereas sub-gap processes only indirectly influence the thermoelectric response. The thermoelectric coefficients, including electric conductance, Seebeck coefficient (thermopower), heat conductance, and figure of merit, are calculated by means of the non-equilibrium Green’s function technique and the temperature dependence of the superconducting gap is considered within the BCS theory. We also consider the system out of equilibrium working as a heat engine. The output power and the corresponding efficiency are presented. Interestingly, under certain conditions, it is possible to extract more power in the superconducting phase than in the normal phase, with comparable efficiency.

In-situ probing of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction on Co single crystal surfaces up to 1 bar

Abstract The surface chemistry of the Fischer-Tropsch catalytic reaction over Co has still several unknows. Here, we report an in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of Co $$\left(0001\right)$$ 0001 and Co( $$10\bar{1}4$$ 10 1 ¯ 4 ), and in-situ high energy surface X-ray diffraction of Co $$\left(0001\right),$$ 0001 , during the Fischer-Tropsch reaction at 0.15 bar - 1 bar and 406 K - 548 K in a H 2 /CO gas mixture. We find that these Co surfaces remain metallic under all conditions and that the coverage of chemisorbed species ranges from 0.4–1.7 monolayers depending on pressure and temperature. The adsorbates include CO on-top, C/-C x H y and various longer hydrocarbon molecules, indicating a rate-limiting direct CO dissociation pathway and that only hydrocarbon species participate in the chain growth. The accumulation of hydrocarbon species points to the termination step being rate-limiting also. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the intermediate surface species are highly dynamic, appearing and disappearing with time delays after rapid changes in the reactants’ composition.

Carbon stock quantification and climate mitigation potential of a tropical moist forest in Ethiopia

The significance of forests in absorbing and storing carbon plays a crucial role in international greenhouse gas policies outlined by the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCC). This study was conducted in a typical tropical moist forest of Ethiopia to assess its carbon stock, a critical issue in climate policy. The study domain was divided into six strata using elevation criteria. Ninety sample plots were used to gather relevant data from all carbon pools (above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass, litter, herbs, lying dead woods, and soils) following the standard operating procedure. ANOVA, post hoc analysis and correlation tests were used to analyze the collected data. The finding revealed that carbon stock in Sele-Nono forest varies not only within its carbon pools but also across environmental factors. Moreover, the study indicated that soil, above-ground biomass, and lying dead woods store the majority of the carbon. The forest stored 284.81±107.81 tons of carbon per hectare, which is equivalent to absorbing 157.12 Megatons of CO2 from the atmosphere. This highlights the critical role of the forest in mitigating climate change on a global scale. The finding from this study encourages policymakers to rigorously focus on forest conservation as a strategy for sustainable climate mitigation. Moreover, conserving forests through strengthening UN initiatives like REDD+ is imperative to prevent potential emissions from land use changes, such as deforestation or degradation.

Exploring the impact of deleterious missense nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the DRD4 gene using computational approaches