Browse Articles

Diabetes duration, glycemic control, and risk of stroke and stroke subtypes: a nationwide prospective cohort study

Unlocking cinnamon export success: Key determinants from the world’s top five producers

The purpose of this research study is to identify the factors affecting cinnamon export income (CEI) in the main five cinnamon export countries, namely China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Madagascar and Vietnam for the period from 1992–2022. Secondary data was sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Bank. Based on the past literature, it has been found out that production volume (PV), domestic consumption (DC), exchange rate (ER) and cultivated land area (CLA) significantly impact on CEI. Simple Linear Regression models were applied to analyse the impact of the identified factors affecting CEI in the present study. The findings revealed, PV negatively impacts the export income of cinnamon in China, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, while having a positive impact on Indonesia and Madagascar. Moreover, while DC appears to have a positive impact in Sri Lanka, it has a negative impact in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Madagascar for the same. Accordingly, ER is positive for countries Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam while adverse for Indonesia and China. In addition, the study proved that CLA positively influences CEI of China, Vietnam, and Madagascar but negatively for Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Consequently, the findings from this study greatly assist policymakers, exporters, and the industry professionals in executing strategies to enhance the export income & thereof export practices of cinnamon. Finally, this research addresses several gaps in cinnamon export studies, supporting sustainable growth and competitiveness in the sector.

Vegetative and reproductive stage lighting interactions on flower yield, water use efficiency, terpenes, and cannabinoids of Cannabis sativa

“I think it is our responsibility, but not solely our responsibility”: A qualitative study exploring teachers’ perspectives on promoting mental health in Northwest London primary schools

In England, 1 in 5 children and young people (CYP; aged 8–25 years) has a probable mental disorder with higher rates among those living in poverty, and among white children compared with other ethnic groups. However, in the UK, research shows that the prevalence of mental health conditions and associated service use differs among some ethnic minority groups (e.g., Asians) suggesting potential unmet mental health need. Early interventions have been shown to improve life outcomes, and UK government policies encourage the promotion of mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges, but poor mental health continues to rise. Despite evidence showing that mental health problems occur as early as age 5 years, limited research focusses on primary schools (children aged 5–10 years). Northwest London (NWL), UK, is a diverse region in London, is in the top 20% most deprived, and has a high demand for CYP mental health services. The aim of our study was to explore teachers’ perspectives of promoting positive mental health in NWL primary schools. We created a semi-structured interview based on policy guidance. Nine teachers were recruited and interviewed during June and July 2024. Thematic analysis identified six overarching themes: (1) mental health needs; (2) responsibility; (3). factors contributing to poor mental health; (4). barriers and (5) facilitators to providing support; and (6) collaboration. Subthemes included lack of skills to address the broad spectrum of mental health needs, funding, resources, and lack of support systems to ensure all children receive the right support at the right time. Our study highlights implementation gaps for promoting mental health policy in diverse real-world settings, and suggests that whilst schools play an important role for early mental health intervention, wider complexities limit sufficient support provision. Our findings have potential implications for mental health promotion policies in school settings.

What would an AI university look like and how might it change education?

The p.L218P variant in WDR83 disrupts neuronal development, leading to neurodevelopmental disorder

Comprehensive and deep learning classification for analyses of the biological complexity of growth and biofilms of Cobetia marina under different temperature growths

Background: Biological complexity represents a fundamental challenge in understanding microbial behavior, particularly when analyzing heterogeneous data from bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Traditional models often reduce data dispersion at the cost of losing biological interpretation, limiting their applicability to real-world scenarios. Methods: We investigated biological complexity using Cobetia marina as a model organism, conducting comprehensive studies on growth kinetics and biofilm formation across a wide temperature range (8 ∘ C to 41 ∘ C). Mutant strains were generated using pUTmini-Tn5-Km transposons to study phenotypic variations independent of environmental variables. High-throughput screening was performed using 96-well microplates to ensure adequate experimental replication. Data analysis employed advanced mathematical techniques, including semi-automatic bi- and tri-classifiers, a novel fractional derivative method for growth classification, and SPOCU (Scaled Polynomial Constant Unit) for biofilm formation. Results: We successfully developed classification systems to distinguish growth kinetics at minimum, optimal, and maximum temperatures. A neural network incorporating the SPOCU (Scaled Polynomial Constant Unit) transfer function demonstrated superior performance compared to conventional classifiers (SELU and RELU) in predicting biofilm production. The fractional derivative method proved effective in addressing key challenges in bi- and tri- classifier systems for temperature-dependent growth analysis. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced computational approaches in analyzing biological complexity. The integration of deep learning methods with comprehensive experimental design provides a robust framework for understanding microbial behavior under varying environmental conditions, with potential applications in biotechnology and environmental monitoring.

Early detection could improve pancreatic cancer’s poor survival rates

Standing CT-based finite element models efficiently identify regions of high mechanical strain in equine metacarpal subchondral bone

Limb swelling consistent with posttraumatic lymphedema after closed upper and lower extremity fractures: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction Secondary lymphedema is a very common clinical issue with millions of patients suffering from pain, recurrent skin infections, and the constant need for a decongestive therapy. Well- established because of oncologic procedures, secondary lymphedema is also a well-known phenomenon after trauma. However, precise epidemiological data of posttraumatic lymphedema upon severe extremity injuries are rare. Methods In the present study, we analyzed a patient cohort of 223 individuals who suffered closed fractures of the upper and lower extremity between 2016 and 2020. All of them simultaneously had a soft tissue injury, of 2nd and 3rd grade according to Tscherne classification. Typical symptoms of lymphedema were recorded in a retrospective cohort analysis through patient anamnesis and compared with documented clinical examination findings. Previous illnesses and trauma-specific characteristics were determined from patient files. Results Of all patients, 36% showed symptoms of secondary lymphedema and 8,5% reported recurrent skin infections, indicating severe lymphedema. Furthermore, comparing patients with and without lymphedema, additional trauma-associated parameters, such as total number of surgeries, degree of soft tissue damage, localization of the fracture in lower extremity, related to lymphedema progress could be identified. Conclusion According to these data, posttraumatic secondary lymphedema has even in closed fractures, especially of the lower extremity, a highly underestimated clinical prevalence. Further prospective studies are required to validate these findings, identify high-risk groups, and guide early prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.

Association of reduced DTI-ALPS index and increased free water with glymphatic system alterations in noise-induced hearing loss: a neuroimaging study

Abstract To investigate diffusion changes suggestive of possible glymphatic alterations in patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and to evaluate their relationships with free water (FW) and clinical characteristics. DTI scans were acquired from 48 NIHL patients and 40 healthy controls (HCs). The diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular spaces (DTI-ALPS) technique and FW diffusion model were used to calculate DTI-ALPS and FW values. Between-group differences were assessed using ANCOVA. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted between DTI-ALPS, FW, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and better-ear monaural threshold weighted value (MTWV). Compared with HCs, NIHL patients exhibited significantly reduced DTI-ALPS indices (mean: β = – 0.073, p  = 0.008; left: β = – 0.081, p  = 0.006; right: β = – 0.068, p  = 0.026) and increased FW ( β  = 0.017, p  = 0.019). Within the NIHL group, the left DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower than the right DTI-ALPS index ( p  < 0.001). Significant negative correlations were observed: mean DTI-ALPS with HAMA ( r = – 0.406, p  = 0.004) and FW ( r = – 0.510, p  < 0.001); left DTI-ALPS with HAMA ( r = – 0.463, p  < 0.001) and FW ( r = – 0.459, p  = 0.001); and right DTI-ALPS with FW ( r = – 0.488, p  < 0.001). All above results remained significant after FDR correction. Correlations of DTI-ALPS with MTWV (mean: r = – 0.311, p  = 0.031; left: r = – 0.295, p  = 0.042; right: r = – 0.287, p  = 0.048) and right DTI-ALPS with HAMA ( r = -0.308, p  = 0.033) did not survive FDR correction. Patients with NIHL exhibited altered diffusion patterns suggestive of possible glymphatic alterations. These cross-sectional, correlational findings do not permit causal inferences. Longitudinal studies in larger and more diverse cohorts are needed for validation.

Circular economy transition barriers in the construction and demolition sector

This study evaluates the readiness of Egypt’s construction sector to integrate Circular Economy (CE) principles by identifying and analyzing the main barriers to effective Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) management. A comprehensive survey-based methodology (n = 384) was employed to gather data from industry stakeholders, demonstrating excellent sampling adequacy (KMO = 0.961). Initially, 41 potential barriers were identified via literature review and expert consultation. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) subsequently refined these to 10 critical barriers, whose interrelationships were validated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), exhibiting a strong model fit (RMSEA = 0.065; CFI = 0.974). The analysis revealed persistent economic, technological, and social barriers impeding CE adoption. Notable challenges include high implementation costs, inadequate technical expertise, low stakeholder awareness, and weak policy enforcement. Based on these findings, prioritized, time-phased recommendations are proposed to provide an evidence-based framework for policy and practice. This research contributes an early empirical assessment of CE adoption in Egypt’s construction sector, offering a robust roadmap for a more sustainable, resource-efficient industry aligned with national environmental and economic objectives.

Glimmers of hope for a deadly disease

1,24,25(OH)3D3 is a fully active catabolite of vitamin D in keratinocytes

Seagrass and oyster interactions under a warming climate scenario: A mesocosm experiment

Seagrass and oyster beds are biogenic habitats of global importance in shallow coastal waters as they provide critical ecosystem functions. These habitats may be adversely affected by warming trends. Short-term effects and interactions of oysters (presence, absence) and water temperature (ambient or warmed +2 °C) on eelgrass, macroalgae, chlorophyll a concentration, and water quality were simulated in mesocosms. Eelgrass ( Zostera marina ) biomass and chlorophyll a concentrations were significantly reduced under elevated water temperature. There were no short-term (9-weeks) effects of oyster ( Crassostrea virginica ) presence on eelgrass biomass, chlorophyll a concentration, nutrients, dissolved inorganic carbon, or dissolved organic carbon. Hourly records of water temperature and light showed an apparent oyster effect with significantly lowered temperatures in the warmed mesocosms and increased light transmittance in warmed and ambient mesocosms for some parts of the day. Surface-only macroalgae were significantly greater in the oyster mesocosms under both warmed and ambient conditions at the end of the experiment than in the eelgrass only mesocosms. In addition, macroalgal coverage (3-dimensional estimate) throughout the mesocosm showed a greater presence in the mesocosms with both oysters and elevated temperatures. A possible outcome of this finding was attenuation of warming, possibly by shading, in the warmed mesocosms. By extension, interactions of oysters and macroalgae may play a role in mitigating warming water temperature in some shallow coastal habitats, highlighting the importance of considering the interactive effects of seagrass and oysters, and other biotic components such as macroalgae, when investigating climate impacts on coastal ecosystems.

The association of multiple metabolic disorders with the severity of fasting blood glucose and hepatic steatosis in a Chinese population with MAFLD: a cross-sectional study of over 3000 participants

Predictors of early newborn deaths at Dar es Salaam public regional referral hospitals: A prospective observational hospital-based study

Introduction Newborn deaths are still a concern to global health systems. Increased rates of documented hospital-based births are incongruent to newborn survival chances worldwide. Factors for that rather paradoxical observation are largely unknown. We aimed to assess predictors of early newborn deaths at representative metropolitan referral health facilities in Africa. Materials & methods We designed a prospective, analytical, hospital-based study in neonatal units at Dar es Salaam public regional referral hospitals, Tanzania. Neonates who died within the first 7 days of life were the target population. A pre-designed Case Report Form was the main tool for data collection. Multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted to account for predictors of early newborn deaths after appropriate linear model validation. Proportion of early newborn deaths was the outcome variable. Results We recruited and analysed 2212 neonate-days of follow-up. Prevalence of early newborn deaths was 28.1%. Birth asphyxia (χ 2  = 20.4, df = 1), preterm delivery (χ 2  = 5.36, df = 1) and respiratory distress syndrome (χ 2  = 30.94, df = 1) were associated with early neonatal outcomes. Predictors of early newborn deaths were neonatal respiratory rate (Tachypnoea – A.O.R.: 2.28 (95% CI.: 1.44–5.79); Bradypnoea – A.O.R.: 1.9 (95% C.I.: 1.02–12.3) and gestational age (Preterm delivery – A.O.R.: 1.48, 95% CI.: 1.11–2.09 and Post-term delivery – A.O.R.: 5.05, 95% C.I.: 4.49–32.0). Conclusions Early newborn deaths rate was relatively high in this study population. Newborns’ respiratory rates and gestational age at delivery were significant clinical factors associated with early newborn deaths in this study.

Don’t overlook the value of co-supervision in PhD training

Horizontal gene transfer of the Pytheas sequence from Cuscuta to Orobanche via a host-mediated pathway

Abstract Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a phenomenon of DNA transfer between organisms that does not involve a parent-offspring relationship. HGT is believed to play an important role in all groups of organisms, including plants, and especially in parasites. Here we describe a chain of transfers from Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) to Orobanche rigens (Orobanchaceae)—both parasitic plants—via a host belonging to tribe Genisteae (Fabaceae). During its “journey” between genomes, the transferred sequence, which we named Pytheas , was altered by deletions, additions of new segments from the current genome, substitutions, and rearrangements. This is the first robustly documented case of a multi-step transfer pathway—involving one IGT and two HGTs—connecting three plant species. Specifically, this system involves a host plant mediated gene flow between two distinct parasites without involvement of transposable elements, the cox1 intron, or other vectors. This case also demonstrates how host-parasite interactions can facilitate the spread of genetic material between evolutionarily distant lineages.

Can SMEs synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization promote enterprise risk-taking?

The synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization has become an important direction in China’s economic development. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have the characteristics of small scale and high growth and have become the key force of synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization. Synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization helps to promote the coordination and unification of SMEs’ operating efficiency and environmental protection, resulting in the effect of 1 + 1 > 2, which has become an important factor in promoting enterprise risk-taking. Using the sample of enterprises listed on the SME board from 2012 to 2022, this paper adopts the Haken model to measure SMEs’ synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization and analyzes its impact on enterprise risk-taking, drawing the following conclusions: (1) SMEs’ synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization significantly promotes enterprise risk-taking. (2) The impact mechanism analysis finds that SMEs’ synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization improves enterprise risk-taking by reducing cash holdings and Research and Development (R&D) investment. (3) Further research finds that compared with state-owned SMEs, the synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization of non-state-owned SMEs has a more significant impact on enterprise risk-taking. Compared with high-tech SMEs, the synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization of non-high-tech SMEs has a more significant impact on enterprise risk-taking. These conclusions have practical significance for promoting SMEs’ synergistic transformation of digitization and greenization and improving enterprise risk-taking.