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A study of association between maternal tetanus toxoid immunization and neonatal mortality in the context of Bangladesh
Background Maternal tetanus toxoid (MTT) vaccination during pregnancy remains an important factor for reducing infant mortality globally, especially in developing nations, including Bangladesh. Despite commendable progress in reducing child mortality through widespread MTT vaccination during pregnancy, the issue still exists. This analysis explores the impact of MTT vaccination on neonatal mortality in Bangladesh and identifies associated factors. Methods This research utilizes data from the 2019 Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). The dataset consists of 23,402 cases; among them, 587 cases resulted in infant death. The outcome variable was infant mortality, which was binary. The independent variables identified as potential contributors to the cause of death included tetanus toxoid vaccination status, mode of delivery (cesarean section or not), and mother’s education level, among others. The Poisson model was employed to analyze the data. Results The analyses showed that the neonatal mortality rate was 2.51%. Notably, 45.90% of mothers received the MTT vaccination during pregnancy. Among them, 23.07% received a single dose, and 22.82% took adequate doses (receiving more than two doses) and adhered to WHO guidelines. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 1.36, which indicates that there was a 36% higher risk of neonatal mortality for those children whose mothers did not take TT (IRR = 1.36, p = 0.081). We also found that women from middle-class households (IRR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.98, 2.54) and women with higher parity (IRR = 1.96, 95% CI = 0.95, 4.03) also had a higher risk of newborn fatalities. A comparable trend has been observed regarding the correlation between the number of tetanus doses administered and neonatal mortality, where it also emphasizes the importance of receiving adequate doses (a minimum of 2 doses of tetanus vaccine) to mitigate neonatal mortality (adjusted IRR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.29, 1.01) in comparison to no doses received. Conclusion Administering a minimum of one maternal tetanus dose significantly lowers the risk of neonatal mortality. Other than Maternal Tetanus Toxoid vaccination, the analyses underscore various contributors to neonatal mortality, encompassing maternal healthcare, delivery procedures, socio-economic status, and education. Targeted interventions addressing these factors have the potential to efficiently decrease neonatal mortality rates and improve overall maternal and child health.
Kidney and gallbladder stones and the risk of prostate cancer: Results from the EPICAP study
Background Prostate cancer remains the most frequent cancer among men, representing a significant health burden. Despite its high morbidity and mortality rates, the etiology of prostate cancer remains relatively unknown, with only non-modifiable established risk factors. Chronic inflammation has emerged as a potential factor in prostate carcinogenesis. We investigated the role of kidney and gallbladder stones and the risk of prostate cancer. Methods We used data from EPICAP, a population-based case-control study. A total of 819 diagnosed prostate cancer cases and 879 controls were face-to-face interviewed using a standardized questionnaire that collected information on personal medical history, including history of kidney and gallbladder stones. Odds Ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression. Results Our study revealed intriguing patterns regarding kidney and gallbladder stones in relation to prostate cancer risk. The analysis indicated significant potential associations between kidney stones and the risk of prostate cancer (OR: 1.46 95% CI: 1.13–1.90), particularly in men with a history of kidney infection. Additionally, our data suggested a possible relationship between gallbladder stones and prostate cancer when considering triglyceride (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 0.99–5.28), although further research is needed for a conclusive understanding. Conclusions Our results suggest an association between calculi and the risk of prostate cancer. Findings from this study underscore the need for a more comprehensive investigation to understand the role of chronic inflammation or metabolism and delineate the mechanisms underlying these potential associations in order to guide the development of targeted preventive strategies for aggressive prostate cancer.
Used economy market insight: Sailboat industry pricing mechanism and regional effects
With the popularity of circular economy around the world, transactions in the second-hand sailboat market are extremely active. Determining pricing strategies and exploring their regional effects is a blank area of existing research and has important practical and statistical significance. Therefore, this article uses the random forest model and XGBoost algorithm to identify core price indicators, and uses an innovative rolling NAR dynamic neural network model to simulate and predict second-hand sailboat price data. On this basis, we also constructed a regional effect multi-level model (RE-MLM) from three levels: geography, economy and country to clarify the impact of geographical areas on sailboat prices. The research results show that, first of all, the price of second-hand sailboats fluctuates greatly, and the predicted value better reflects the overall average price level. Secondly, there are significant regional differences in price levels across regions, economies and ethnic groups. Therefore, the price of second-hand sailboats is affected by many factors and has obvious regional effects. In addition, the model evaluation results show that the model constructed in this study has good accuracy, validity, portability and versatility, and can be extended to price simulation and regional analysis of different markets in different regions.
Metal-organic cage crosslinked nanocomposites with enhanced high-temperature capacitive energy storage performance
Inverse association of oxidative balance score with depression and specific depressive symptoms among cancer population: Insights from the NHANES (2005–2020)
Background The rising prevalence of depression among cancer patients is alarming. This study examines the relationship between the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS)—a composite measure of dietary and lifestyle factors—and depression, including specific depressive symptoms in this population. Methods Data were analyzed from 3,280 adult cancer patients collected in NHANES from 2005–2020. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), where a score of 10 or above indicated depression. Symptoms experienced frequently were classified as specific depressive symptoms. Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to explore the correlation between OBS and depression, along with distinctive depressive symptoms. Results There was a negative correlation between OBS and depression. The highest quartile of OBS (OR 0.313, 95% CI: 0.161–0.609), along with dietary OBS (OR 0.429, 95% CI: 0.234–0.786) and the third quartile of lifestyle OBS (OR 0.404, 95% CI: 0.226–0.722), was associated with reduced depression risk. OBS was correlated with lower risks of all four somatic depressive symptoms and one cognitive symptom. Dietary OBS was associated with fewer risks of three somatic symptoms and one cognitive symptom. Lifestyle OBS showed a negative correlation with two somatic symptoms. Stratified analyses indicated that the inverse relationship between OBS and depression risk was consistent across subgroups, including females and individuals under 65. a nonlinear association was observed between OBS (p = 0.024), dietary OBS (p<0.001), lifestyle OBS (p = 0.021), and depression. Conclusions OBS is inversely related to depression and specific depressive symptoms in cancer patients. Encouraging a diet and lifestyle rich in antioxidants may help reduce the risk of depression in this group.
RIF1 integrates DNA repair and transcriptional requirements during the establishment of humoral immune responses
Abstract The establishment of protective immune responses relies on the ability of terminally differentiated B cells to secrete a broad variety of antigen-specific antibodies with different effector functions. RIF1 is a multifunctional protein that promotes antibody isotype diversification via its DNA end protection activity during class switch recombination. In this study, we showed that RIF1 ablation resulted in increased plasmablast formation ex vivo and enhanced terminal differentiation into plasma cells upon immunization. Mechanistically, this phenotype is independent from RIF1’s role in DNA repair and class switch recombination, and reflects its ability to modulate the transcriptional status of a subset of BLIMP1 target genes. Therefore, here we show that, in addition to promoting antibody diversification, RIF1 fine-tunes the kinetics of late B cell differentiation, thus providing an additional layer of control in the establishment of humoral immunity.
Does financial asset allocation term structure affect audit fees? Evidence from China
The financialization of real enterprises presents a dilemma for China’s economic development. This study examines the impact of the financial asset allocation term structure on audit fees using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2019. It also investigates the mediating role of financial risk and the moderating role of independent director characteristics. The results indicate that higher long-term financial assets is associated with higher audit fees, while short-term financial assets show no significant relationship with audit fees. These findings remain robust after several tests. Financial risk mediates the relationship between long-term financial assets and audit fees. Furthermore, among the characteristics of independent directors, the proportion of female independent directors and those with a financial background negatively moderate the relationship between long-term financial assets and audit fees, while independent directors with an overseas background and academic credentials positively moderate this relationship. Additional analysis reveals that firm size and financing constraints exhibit heterogeneity in their effects. This study contributes to the literature by enhancing our understanding of the factors influencing firms’ financial asset allocation and audit fees, and by expanding the literature on the financial risk and characteristics of independent directors.
Lipidic folding pathway of α-Synuclein via a toxic oligomer
Abstract Aggregation intermediates play a pivotal role in the assembly of amyloid fibrils, which are central to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The structures of filamentous intermediates and mature fibrils are now efficiently determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. By contrast, smaller pre-fibrillar α-Synuclein (αS) oligomers, crucial for initiating amyloidogenesis, remain largely uncharacterized. We report an atomic-resolution structural characterization of a toxic pre-fibrillar aggregation intermediate (I1) on pathway to the formation of lipidic fibrils, which incorporate lipid molecules on protofilament surfaces during fibril growth on membranes. Super-resolution microscopy reveals a tetrameric state, providing insights into the early oligomeric assembly. Time resolved nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements uncover a structural reorganization essential for the transition of I1 to mature lipidic L2 fibrils. The reorganization involves the transformation of anti-parallel β-strands during the pre-fibrillar I1 state into a β-arc characteristic of amyloid fibrils. This structural reconfiguration occurs in a conserved structural kernel shared by a vast number of αS-fibril polymorphs including extracted fibrils from Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia patients. Consistent with reports of anti-parallel β-strands being a defining feature of toxic αS pre-fibrillar intermediates, I1 impacts viability of neuroblasts and disrupts cell membranes, resulting in an increased calcium influx. Our results integrate the occurrence of anti-parallel β-strands as salient features of toxic oligomers with their significant role in the amyloid fibril assembly pathway. These structural insights have implications for the development of therapies and biomarkers.
Home intravenous diuretic administration for heart failure management: A scoping review
Background Heart failure (HF) significantly impacts healthcare systems due to high rates of hospital bed utilization and readmission rates. Chronic HF often leads to frequent hospitalizations due to recurrent exacerbations and a decline in patient health status. Intravenous (IV) diuretic administration is essential for treating worsening HF. Emerging strategies include home-based IV diuretic therapy administration; however, limited practical implementation guidance is available. This scoping review aims to summarize the literature on home IV diuretic administration for HF patients, focusing on the interventions’ characteristics, and facilitators and barriers to its implementation. Methods This review followed the scoping review framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and PRIMSA-ScR. A comprehensive search was conducted across six databases (CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and Scopus) and grey literature to identify English studies from inception to April 13, 2024. Two independent reviewers screened articles and resources for inclusion and data was extracted using a form created by the authors in Covidence. Results The search yielded 2,049 results, with nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies varied in design, including feasibility, pilot, observational, and pre/post-intervention evaluations. The majority were conducted in European countries, with sample sizes ranging from 12 to 96 patients receiving home IV diuretics for HF. Key implementation challenges include appropriate patient selection, IV cannulation competency of healthcare providers, and multi-disciplinary and multi-agency collaboration. Conclusions Evidence on home IV diuretic administration practices for HF management remains limited. However, this scoping review suggests that commonalities across studies could form the basis for developing standard protocols in outpatient settings. Despite the lack of formal evidence-based guidelines, the findings also suggest that tailored, community-specific approaches and safe infusion guidance documents could enhance the efficacy and scalability of home IV diuretic therapy. Future research should focus on refining these strategies and exploring diuretic escalation methods beyond traditional acute care administration to optimize patient outcomes.
Understanding designers’ switching intention to AI painting tools using the PPM framework
Dynamic hydrogen-bonding enables high-performance and mechanically robust organic solar cells processed with non-halogenated solvent
Abstract Developing active-layer systems with both high performance and mechanical robustness is a crucial step towards achieving future commercialization of flexible and stretchable organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we design and synthesize a series of acceptors BTA-C6, BTA-E3, BTA-E6, and BTA-E9, featuring the side chains of hexyl, and 3, 6, and 9 carbon-chain with ethyl ester end groups respectively. Benefiting from suitable phase separation and vertical phase distribution, the PM6:BTA-E3-based OSCs processed by o-xylene exhibit lower energy loss and improved charge transport characteristic and achieve a power conversion efficiency of 19.92% (certified 19.57%), which stands as the highest recorded value in binary OSCs processed by green solvents. Moreover, due to the additional hydrogen-bonding provided by ethyl ester side chain, the PM6:BTA-E3-based active-layer systems achieve enhanced stretchability and thermal stability. Our work reveals the significance of dynamic hydrogen-bonding in improving the photovoltaic performance, mechanical robustness, and morphological stability of OSCs.
Safety and effectiveness of an herbal decoction (modified Saengmaeksan) in hypertensive patients: Protocol for a real-world prospective observational study
Objective Hypertension, a common chronic disease, often leads to serious complications. While conventional management relies on antihypertensive drugs, which can cause side effects and adherence issues, alternative treatments like herbal medicine are gaining attention. This study examines the efficacy and safety of modified Saengmaeksan, an East Asian herbal remedy, in treating hypertension. Methods This single-arm, prospective, observational study will be conducted at Kyunghee Bichedam Korean Medicine Clinic from October 23, 2023 to August 30, 2024, enrolling 30 hypertensive patients. Over 12 weeks, participants will undergo 4 visits, receiving modified Saengmaeksan twice daily for 8 weeks, with a subsequent 4-week follow-up. Primary outcome is the change in systolic blood pressure from the baseline to week 8. Secondary outcomes include diastolic blood pressure changes, radial artery tonometry, and quality of life evaluations. Safety assessments will include monitoring hematologic parameters and adverse events. Data will be analyzed using an ANCOVA model for adjusting confounders. Discussion Modified Saengmaeksan has shown potential for lowering blood pressure in clinical settings, supported by animal and cell studies. However, human studies are scarce. This research will employ radial artery tonometry to analyze blood pressure comprehensively, exploring Saengmaeksan’s hemodynamic effects. The study’s goal is to support the approval of modified Saengmaeksan as a hypertension treatment by the South Korean Food and Drug Administration and to promote the industrialization of traditional herbal medicine in managing hypertension. The findings will provide essential data for future clinical research, aiding in feasibility assessments and sample size determinations for randomized controlled trials.
Exploring the mechanisms influencing psychological adaptation in athletes in high-risk sports: a moderated mediation model
Insights into excitonic behavior in single-atom covalent organic frameworks for efficient photo-Fenton-like pollutant degradation
Retraction: An Indole Alkaloid from a Tribal Folklore Inhibits Immediate Early Event in HSV-2 Infected Cells with Therapeutic Efficacy in Vaginally Infected Mice
Evolutionary game and simulation analysis of tripartite subjects in public health emergencies under government reward and punishment mechanisms
Neutralizing antibody immune correlates in COVAIL trial recipients of an mRNA second COVID-19 vaccine boost
Abstract Neutralizing antibody titer has been a surrogate endpoint for guiding COVID-19 vaccine approval and use, although the pandemic’s evolution and the introduction of variant-adapted vaccine boosters raise questions as to this surrogate’s contemporary performance. For 985 recipients of an mRNA second bivalent or monovalent booster containing various Spike inserts [Prototype (Ancestral), Beta, Delta, and/or Omicron BA.1 or BA.4/5] in the COVAIL trial (NCT05289037), titers against 5 strains were assessed as correlates of risk of symptomatic COVID-19 (“COVID-19”) and as correlates of relative (Pfizer-BioNTech Omicron vs. Prototype) booster protection against COVID-19 over 6 months of follow-up during the BA.2-BA.5 Omicron-dominant period. Consistently across the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine platforms and across all variant Spike inserts assessed, both peak and exposure-proximal (“predicted-at-exposure”) titers correlated with lower Omicron COVID-19 risk in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, albeit significantly less so in naïve individuals [e.g., exposure-proximal hazard ratio per 10-fold increase in BA.1 titer 0.74 (95% CI 0.59, 0.94) for naïve vs. 0.41 (95% CI 0.23, 0.64) for non-naïve; interaction p = 0.013]. Neutralizing antibody titer was a strong inverse correlate of Omicron COVID-19 in non-naïve individuals and a weaker correlate in naïve individuals, posing questions about how prior infection alters the neutralization correlate.
Convolutional neural network (CNN) configuration using a learning automaton model for neonatal brain image segmentation
CNN is considered an efficient tool in brain image segmentation. However, neonatal brain images require specific methods due to their nature and structural differences from adult brain images. Hence, it is necessary to determine the optimal structure and parameters for these models to achieve the desired results. In this article, an adaptive method for CNN automatic configuration for neonatal brain image segmentation is presented based on the encoder-decoder structure, in which the hyperparameters of this network, i.e., size, length, and width of the filter in each layer along with the type of pooling functions with a reinforcement learning approach and an LA model are determined. These LA models determine the optimal configuration for the CNN model by using DICE and ASD segmentation quality evaluation criteria, so that the segmentation quality can be maximized based on the goal criteria. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been evaluated using a database of infant MRI images and the results have been compared with previous methods. The results show that by using the proposed method, it is possible to segment NBI with higher quality and accuracy.