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Eutrophication triggered changes in network structure and fluxes of the Comacchio Lagoon (Italy)
Coastal lagoons, which cover about 13% of coastline, are among the most productive ecosystems worldwide. However, they are subject to significant stressors, both natural and anthropogenic, which can alter ecosystem services and functioning and food web structure. In the Comacchio Lagoon (Northern Italy), eutrophication, among other minor factors, transformed the ecosystem in the early 1980s. Here, we compiled available data for the lagoon into trophic networks (pre- and post-transformation), analyzed the ecosystem using local and global network analysis, and computed trophic fluxes of the two periods. For comparability, the networks of two periods (i.e., pre- and post- transformation) were aggregated into food webs with 23 nodes. We found differences in the trophic networks before and after eutrophication, resulting in some decrease in complexity, increase of flow diversity, and an overall shortening of the food chain. A crucial aspect of this change is the disappearance of submerged vegetation in the lagoon and the increased importance of cyanobacteria in the post-eutrophication period. We provide an approach to better understand ecosystem changes after severe disturbances which can be extended to biodiversity conservation and for the management of coastal resources in general.
Empirical research of foreign direct investments efficiency in the European Union on the edge of pandemic outbreak
The study focuses on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and foreign direct investments in the European Union countries. Using data envelopment analysis constant and variable returns to scale models, and the Malmquist productivity index, we measured the efficiency of economic resource utilization concerning foreign direct investments and gross domestic product. These efficiencies were assessed in 2019, before the full outbreak of COVID-19, and in 2020, when uncertainty and the consequences of the pandemic were most pronounced. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the European Union displayed economic resilience in the first year, with no significant reduction in foreign direct investment efficiency. Lower-income European Union countries saw an increase in foreign direct investment efficiency, attributing this to positive changes in managerial efficiency. This suggests that decisions made by authorities positively impacted foreign direct investment flows in economically less developed European Union regions despite restrictive measures and market uncertainties.
Risk factors for human infection with mpox among the Mexican population with social security
Background The 2022 mpox outbreak marked a significant shift in the epidemiology of this zoonotic disease, traditionally confined to Central and West Africa. With over 80 countries reporting cases, this outbreak was characterized by a rapid spread in non-endemic regions, leading to more than 70,000 confirmed cases globally. Objective To quantify the cumulative incidence of mpox and identify associated factors of mpox among the Mexican population affiliated by the Mexican Social Security Institute during the 2022–2023 outbreak. Material and methods A retrospective observational study using a cross-sectional survey to assess the cumulative incidence and factors associated with mpox. The cumulative incidence of laboratory confirmed mpox cases was calculated by dividing the number of confirmed cases by the insured population in the Mexican Social Security Institute as of mid-2022, per 100,000 individuals, this was analyzed by sex, age group, sexual orientation and people living with HIV. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with mpox infection. Results A total of 2,956 probable cases were reported, with 1,744 (59%) laboratory-confirmed mpox cases. Most confirmed cases were male, with a median age of 32 years. The overall cumulative incidence was 4.05 per 100,000 persons, significantly higher in men and men who have sex with men. Logistic regression revealed that male sex was significantly associated with higher odds of laboratory-confirmed mpox. Age groups 30–34, 35–39, and 40–44 had an elevated risk of infection. Men who have sex with men showed a substantially increased likelihood of mpox, while individuals living with HIV were at higher risk compared to those without HIV. Key clinical predictors included fever, arm rash, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Conclusion The 2022 mpox outbreak revealed significant disparities in infection risk, particularly among men, men who have sex with men, and individuals living with HIV.
Understanding uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination among the homeless: A mixed methods evaluation
Background Ensuring effective access to vaccinations for people experiencing homelessness is crucial to protecting the health of a vulnerable, yet often overlooked population. Reaching this goal takes more than a one size fits all approach. This study evaluates how a dedicated health team collaborated with multiple agencies to register and deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to people experiencing homelessness. Methods This is a mixed methods study co-designed with the Adult Homeless Integrated Team, a multi-disciplinary team who work with local agencies to provide care to people experiencing homelessness in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city. Quantitative data collected at the point of vaccine registration described socio-demographics of the population. To explain the quantitative findings, eleven agencies involved in provision of homeless services were invited to participate in interviews. A manager in each of the agencies acted as a gatekeeper to clients. Interviews explored experiences with the pandemic and the delivery (staff) or receipt (clients) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, transcriptions were thematically analysed. Results There were 728 vaccine doses administered to people experiencing homelessness during the first roll-out of vaccines; 401 first doses and 325 second doses. Of those who received a vaccine, the majority were male (76%), and more than half were Irish (55%). Ten semi-structured interviews, seven staff members and three clients, were conducted. There were three themes that provided further insights into the quantitative findings: Adapting to unprecedented times, Misinformation causing vaccine hesitancy and The importance of building relationships. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into how a multidisciplinary approach resulted in a successful well received vaccination programme among a traditionally hard to reach group.
Barriers and facilitators to conducting human subjects research at a safety net institution from the perspective of researchers
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic revealed glaring problems with clinical research enterprise. Faced with crisis, several trials opened rapidly but enrolled homogenous populations with few Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Inclusive trial enrollment is important to inspire trust and confidence in BIPOC populations that have been historically excluded or harmed from research and to improve the generalizability of research findings. Safety-net hospitals and institutions often care for BIPOC populations, and thus it is essential to improve equitable participation in research at these institutions. In this study, we sought to understand barriers and facilitators to research participation at safety net institutions. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews among principal investigators, research assistants, research coordinators, and research nurses who conducted human subjects research at an urban, safety-net hospital from October, 2022 to December, 2022. We used inductive qualitative methods to identify themes associated with barriers and facilitators to clinical research participation. Results We completed 28 interviews and identified five themes: (1) compared to non-safety net systems, safety-net systems were perceived to require additional resources and funding to achieve comparable research recruitment and retention; (2) language barriers and translational processes are burdensome for researchers; (3) interactions between research staff and patients impact trust; (4) social determinants of health specific to safety-net populations are a barrier to participation; (5) competing priorities between clinical staff and researchers exist. Conclusion Safety net institutions face several barriers to conducting human subjects research. However, identified facilitators may help inform future efforts to reduce inequities in research participation.
The return of raptors to Scotland’s skies: Investigating the diets of reintroduced red kites and white-tailed eagles using stable isotopes
Species reintroductions are increasingly seen as important methods of biodiversity restoration. Reintroductions of red kites Milvus milvus and white-tailed eagles Halieaeetus albicilla to Britain, which were extirpated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represent major conservation successes. Here, we measured stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in feather keratin and bone collagen of museum specimens of red kites and white-tailed eagles, which were collected from across Scotland between the 1800s and 2010s. Our objectives were to investigate dietary differences between species and between the pre- and post- reintroduction periods. Among reintroduced birds, δ13C values were significantly less negative and δ15N values higher in feather keratin and bone collagen of white-tailed eagles compared to red kites, likely reflecting a greater reliance on marine resources by the former. Our stable isotope data showed a wide range, confirming the dietary diversity observed in conventional diet studies of both taxa, with white-tailed eagles, in particular, having wide dietary niches and a considerable degree of inter-individual variability. Isotopic data from pre-introduction red kites mostly fell within the range of post-reintroduction birds, suggesting they had similar diets to the pre-reintroduction birds, or the prey base for modern birds is isotopically indistinguishable from that of their historic counterparts. For white-tailed eagles, several pre-reintroduction birds were isotopically distinct from the post-reintroduction population. These differences may indicate a changing prey base, although these conclusions are complicated by shifting distributions and small population samples. Overall, our study demonstrates the utility of natural history collections in examining changes in diet, environment, and interactions with humans in reintroduced species compared with pre-extirpation indigenous populations.
Nonlinear dynamic wave properties of travelling wave solutions in in (3+1)-dimensional mKdV−ZK model
The (3+1)-dimensional mKdV−ZK model is an important framework for studying the dynamic behavior of waves in mathematical physics. The goal of this study is to look into more generic travelling wave solutions (TWSs) for the generalized ion-acoustic scenario in three dimensions. These solutions exhibit a combination of rational, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and exponential solutions that are concurrently generated by the new auxiliary equation and the unified techniques. We created numerous soliton solutions, including kink-shaped soliton solutions, anti-kink-shaped solutions, bell-shaped soliton solutions, periodic solutions, and solitary soliton solutions, for various values of the free parameters in the produced solutions. The attained solutions are displayed geometrically in the surface plot (3-D), contour, and combined two-dimensional (2-D) figures. The combined 2-D figure would make it easier to understand the impact of the speed of the wave. Based on time, the influence of the nonlinear parameter β on wave type is comprehensively investigated using various figures, demonstrating the significant impact of nonlinearity. These graphical representations are based on specific parameter settings, which help to grasp the model’s intricate general behavior. However, the results of this research are compared with the outcomes obtained in published literature executed by other scholars. The results indicate the approach’s effectiveness and reliability, making it suitable for widespread use in a range of sophisticated nonlinear models. These techniques successfully generate inventive soliton solutions for various nonlinear models, which are crucial in mathematical physics.
Coping strategies of COVID-19 recovered patients at the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre
Background The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a disease with diverse effects on multiple organ systems, leading to varying presentations and severe complications. As the pandemic progresses, the challenges faced by those who recovered from the disease evolved as various coping strategies were adopted post recovery. Aim This study investigated the coping strategies used by individuals recovering from COVID-19 to manage the physical, psychological, and social impacts of the disease. It further explored the factors influencing these strategies and their correlation with post-recovery quality of life. Methods This cross-sectional quantitative study involved 150 participants who attended the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre’s post-COVID-19 review clinic between January and June 2021. Coping mechanisms were evaluated using the Brief-COPE questionnaire, which covers 28 strategies across three styles: Problem-focused coping, emotional-focused coping, and avoidant coping. Participants rated their coping strategies on a 4-point Likert scale. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences in use of coping strategies. Quality of life was assessed with the EuroQol Group Association five-domain, five-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) and the EQ-VAS scale. Spearman correlation analyzed the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life. Results Majority of the study participants used problem-focused (2.71 ± 0.64 SD) type of coping strategy, followed by emotional-focused coping (2.32 ± 0.43 SD). The least strategy used was avoidant coping (1.57 ± 0.39 SD). Older participants, non-healthcare workers, and those with complications or persistent symptoms exhibited higher scores in avoidant and problem-focused coping. Those with persistent symptoms had higher emotional-focused coping scores. Better quality of life was associated with less reliance on all types of coping strategies. Conclusion Patients recovering from COVID-19 at the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre used positive coping mechanisms effectively. Key predictors of coping strategies included age, persistent symptoms, and complications. Improved quality of life is correlated with reduced use of coping strategies.
Inadequate soft tissue coverage and bone loss/comminution are the typical risk factors of surgical site infection in open fractures of the hand: A nomogram prediction model
Background Different from other parts of long bone fractures, surgical site infections (SSI) often occurs in open fractures of the hand (OFH) due to the anatomical characteristics and injury mechanisms. Our aim of the study is to investigate the particular risk factors of SSI after emergency surgery in OFH and develop a prediction nomogram model. Methods In our traumatic center, patients with OFH not less than 18 years old were retrieved between October 2020 and April 2024. We excluded patients with other fractures, non-traumatic fractures or surgery before admission. The data of these patients were processed by univariate and multivariate analysis using SPSS (24.0) in order to identify the independent risk factors for SSI. Based on the predictors, the nomogram was constructed and validated by R software (R 4.1.0). Results The incidence of SSI was 6.96% (43/618). Body mass index (BMI), albumin (ALB), neutrophils (NEU), inadequate soft tissue coverage, and bone loss/comminution were identified as the independent risk factors of post-operative SSI in OFH and enrolled in the prediction nomogram model. The nomogram exhibited a high level of discrimination, with an area under the curve of 0.856 (95%CI 0.790–0.921) in the training group and 0.931 (95%CI 0.848–1.000) in the test group. Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test revealed optimal consistency between the probability of prediction model and the actual probability (training group: X2 = 5.706, P = 0.680; test group: X2 = 3.886, P = 0.867). The calibration curve of both groups demonstrated excellent consistency. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed favorable applicability of the prediction model. Conclusions Inadequate soft tissue coverage, serum ALB level, NEU level, bone loss/comminution and BMI were the independent risk factors for post-operative SSI in OFH. The nomogram of this predictors can be used as an effective tool to predict SSI risk in OFH.
Creativity research in medicine and nursing: A scoping review
Background Creativity fuels societal progress and innovation, particularly in the field of medicine. The scientific study of creativity in medicine is critical to understanding how creativity contributes to medical practice, processes, and outcomes. An appraisal of the current scientific literature on the topic, and its gaps, will expand our understanding of how creativity and medicine interact, and guide future research. Objectives We aimed to assess the quantity, trends, distribution, and methodological features of the peer-reviewed on creativity in medicine. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed primary research publications on creativity in medicine. Screening, full-text review, and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate by pairs of reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. We performed descriptive analyses, graphically displaying the data using charts and maps where appropriate. Results Eighty-one studies were eligible for review, enrolling a total of 18,221 physicians, nurses and midwifes across all studies. Most research on creativity in medicine was published in the last decade, predominately in the field of nursing (75%). Researchers from Taiwan (22%) and the United States (21%) produced the most eligible publications, and the majority research was cross-sectional in nature (54%). There was substantial variability in the definitions of creativity adopted, and most studies failed to specify a definition of creativity. Forty-five different measurement tools were used to assess creativity, the most popular being divergent thinking tests such as the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (24%) and Guilford Creativity Tests (16%). Conclusions Peer-reviewed scientific research on creativity in medicine, mostly conducted in the nursing profession, is sparse and performed on variable methodological grounds. Further scientific research on the topic, as well as the development of medicine-specific definitions and measurement tools, is required to uncover the utility of creativity in the medical domain.
Detection and recognition of foreign objects in Pu-erh Sun-dried green tea using an improved YOLOv8 based on deep learning
The quality and safety of tea food production is of paramount importance. In traditional processing techniques, there is a risk of small foreign objects being mixed into Pu-erh sun-dried green tea, which directly affects the quality and safety of the food. To rapidly detect and accurately identify these small foreign objects in Pu-erh sun-dried green tea, this study proposes an improved YOLOv8 network model for foreign object detection. The method employs an MPDIoU optimized loss function to enhance target detection performance, thereby increasing the model’s precision in targeting. It incorporates the EfficientDet high-efficiency target detection network architecture module, which utilizes compound scale-centered anchor boxes and an adaptive feature pyramid to achieve efficient detection of targets of various sizes. The BiFormer bidirectional attention mechanism is introduced, allowing the model to consider both forward and backward dependencies in sequence data, significantly enhancing the model’s understanding of the context of targets in images. The model is further integrated with sliced auxiliary super-inference technology and YOLOv8, which subdivides the image and conducts in-depth analysis of local features, significantly improving the model’s recognition accuracy and robustness for small targets and multi-scale objects. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the original YOLOv8 model, the improved model has seen increases of 4.50% in Precision, 5.30% in Recall, 3.63% in mAP, and 4.9% in F1 score. When compared with the YOLOv7, YOLOv5, Faster-RCNN, and SSD network models, its accuracy has improved by 3.92%, 7.26%, 14.03%, and 11.30%, respectively. This research provides new technological means for the intelligent transformation of automated color sorters, foreign object detection equipment, and intelligent sorting systems in the high-quality production of Yunnan Pu-erh sun-dried green tea. It also provides strong technical support for the automation and intelligent development of the tea industry.
Next-generation diabetes diagnosis and personalized diet-activity management: A hybrid ensemble paradigm
Diabetes, a chronic metabolic condition characterised by persistently high blood sugar levels, necessitates early detection to mitigate its risks. Inadequate dietary choices can contribute to various health complications, emphasising the importance of personalised nutrition interventions. However, real-time selection of diets tailored to individual nutritional needs is challenging because of the intricate nature of foods and the abundance of dietary sources. Because diabetes is a chronic condition, patients with this illness must choose a healthy diet. Patients with diabetes frequently need to visit their doctor and rely on expensive medications to manage their condition. It is challenging to purchase medication for chronic illnesses on a regular basis in underdeveloped nations. Motivated by this concept, we suggest a hybrid model that, rather than depending solely on medication to evade a visit to the doctor, can first anticipate diabetes and then suggest a diet and exercise regimen. This research proposes an optimized approach by harnessing machine learning classifiers, including Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and XGBoost, to develop a robust framework for accurate diabetes prediction. The study addresses the difficulties in predicting diabetes precisely from limited labeled data and outliers in diabetes datasets. Furthermore, a thorough food and exercise recommender system is unveiled, offering individualized and health-conscious nutrition recommendations based on user preferences and medical information. Leveraging efficient learning and inference techniques, the study achieves a meager error rate of less than 30% using an extensive dataset comprising over 100 million user-rated foods. This research underscores the significance of integrating machine learning classifiers with personalized nutritional recommendations to enhance diabetes prediction and management. The proposed framework has substantial potential to facilitate early detection, provide tailored dietary guidance, and alleviate the economic burden associated with diabetes-related healthcare expenses.
Opening the digital doorway to sexual healthcare: Recommendations from a behaviour change wheel analysis of barriers and facilitators to seeking online sexual health information and support among underserved populations
Background The ability to access and navigate online sexual health information and support is increasingly needed in order to engage with wider sexual healthcare. However, people from underserved populations may struggle to pass though this “digital doorway”. Therefore, using a behavioural science approach, we first aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to i) seeking online sexual health information and ii) seeking online sexual health support. Subsequently, we aimed to generate theory-informed recommendations to improve these access points. Methods The PROGRESSPlus framework guided purposive recruitment (15.10.21–18.03.22) of 35 UK participants from diverse backgrounds, including 51% from the most deprived areas and 26% from minoritised ethnic groups. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, we identified barriers and facilitators to seeking online sexual health information and support. A Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) analysis then identified recommendations to better meet the needs of underserved populations. Results We found diverse barriers and facilitators. Barriers included low awareness of and familiarity with online information and support; perceptions that online information and support were unlikely to meet the needs of underserved populations; overwhelming volume of information sources; lack of personal relevancy; chatbots/automated responses; and response wait times. Facilitators included clarity about credibility and quality; inclusive content; and in-person assistance. Recommendations included: Education and Persuasion e.g., online and offline promotion and endorsement by healthcare professionals and peers; Training and Modelling e.g., accessible training to enhance searching skills and credibility appraisal; and Environmental Restructuring and Enablement e.g., modifications to ensure online information and support are simple and easy to use, including video/audio options for content. Conclusions Given that access to many sexual health services is now digital, our analyses produced recommendations pivotal to increasing access to wider sexual healthcare among underserved populations. Implementing these recommendations could reduce inequalities associated with accessing and using online sexual health service.
Digital measurement of ocular microtremor in Parkinson’s disease: Protocol for a pilot study to assess reliability and clinical validation
Ocular microtremor (OMT) is a fixational eye movement that cannot be seen with the naked eye but is always present, even when the eye appears motionless/still. The link between OMT and brain function provides a strong rationale for investigation as there lies potential for its use as a biomarker in populations with neurological impairments. OMT frequency is typically 70-80Hz in healthy adults and research suggests that this will be reduced in those with neurological disease such as Parkinson’s Disease (PD). This study aims to examine OMT in people with PD compared to healthy older adults. This is an exploratory, observational study that will use a novel handheld device–The iTremor ONE, which has been developed to rapidly, non-invasively assess and evaluate OMT frequency. This device uses incident laser technology directed at the sclera. People with PD who meet the inclusion criteria will participate in a home-based assessment involving cognitive, motor (using the UPDRS-III) and OMT measures. With OMT as the primary outcome, assessment with the iTremor is quick, taking just three seconds to obtain a reading. People with PD will be invited into the laboratory to perform extensive cognitive assessments along with an assessment of balance, gait, and turning using wearable sensors. People with PD will be assessed both off, and on, their anti-parkinsonian medication following a 12 hour washout period. We will recruit 30 People with PD, 30 people with suspected PD and 30 age-matched healthy control participants for assessment of OMT. 20 People with PD will complete a test-retest reliability assessment at the same approximate time, exactly one week after their initial visit under the same conditions to explore consistency. This will be the first study of its kind to non-invasively investigate OMT frequency as a marker/monitor for PD with advanced technology that could be used within the clinic, laboratory, or home. Identifying OMT as a PD biomarker could better support clinical assessment, enabling improved provision of care to patients with advanced disease monitoring. Clinical trial registration: This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06051877; September 2023).
Hydrogen decreases susceptibility to AngII-induced atrial fibrillation and atrial fibrosis via the NOX4/ROS/NLRP3 and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways
Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the commonly occurring cardiac arrhythmia and the main factor leading to stroke and heart failure. Hydrogen (H2) is a gaseous signaling molecule that has the effects of anti-inflammation and antioxidation. Our study provides evidence that hydrogen decreases susceptibility to AngII-mediated AF together with atrial fibrosis. Following continuous AngII administration for a 28-day period, AngII+H2 treated rats showed decreased susceptibility to AF, a decrease in atrial fibrosis, a decrease in ROS in atrial myocytes, an inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, an improvement in electrical remodeling, and an inhibition of proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts. We further found that hydrogen regulates the activation of inflammasome and thus improves Ca2+ handling and IKAch and IKur by inhibiting the activity of NOX4 in vivo. In addition, hydrogen was involved in AngII-mediated atrial fibrosis through inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway through suppressing TGF-β1 activation and secretion in vivo. Our findings suggest that hydrogen is important for preventing and treating AngII-mediated AF and atrial fibrosis, suggesting that hydrogen could be used as the candidate way to prevent and treat AF.
Effect of music therapy on behavioral and physiological neonatal outcomes: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Background Previous studies have documented the effectiveness of music therapy in improving adverse neonatal outcomes in premature infants. However, this review aims to address the question of how long listening to music can enhance these neonatal outcomes. Methods To conduct this dose-response meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The inclusion criteria comprised randomized clinical trials that investigated the effects of music therapy on improving adverse neonatal outcomes. Preterm infants were defined as those born between 27 and 37 weeks of gestation, as fetuses are known to respond to auditory stimuli starting at the 27th week of pregnancy. The initial search was performed on January 28, 2024, and there were no restrictions on the time frame for the search. Ultimately, we employed a two-stage random effects model using the “drmeta” package in Stata software to perform this dose-response meta-analysis. Results In total, 30 articles (1855 participants) were identified for inclusion in our meta-analysis. According to pooled analysis with each minute increase in music therapy, the means of respiratory rate, pain score, SBP, DBP, behavioral score, and body temperature decrease by 35.3 beats per minutes, 15.3 VAS, 30.7 mmHg, 8.9 mmHg, 2.7, and 0.27°C. On the other hand, with each minute increase in listening to the music, the mean of O2 saturation, heart rate and sleep duration increase 1.7%, 89.2 beats per minutes and 5.081 minutes per day, respectively. Conclusion Music therapy improves the neonatal outcomes of O2 saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep duration, body temperature and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Therefore, the existence of a dose-response relationship can indicate a causal relationship between music therapy and the improvement of neonatal outcomes.
Study on the path of clustering construction of rural primary schools’ aesthetic education programs from the perspective of resource integration
Aesthetic education is an important part of the overall development of students. This study analyzes the number of rural schools and enrollment, number of classes, and number of full-time teachers in those schools from 2013 to 2022, and clarifies the current challenges in aesthetic education in rural elementary schools and the path of quality improvement. It then constructs a curriculum cluster model that shares resources, teachers, management, instructional design, and practical activities, etc. The results find that (1) the number of rural primary schools in 2013–2022 shows a decreasing trend, and in 2022 there was a 45.77% decrease relative to 2013. The number of rural elementary schools in 2022 shows a decreasing trend, and the relative decrease in 2022 compared with 2013 is 45.77%. From 2013 to 2022, the number of elementary schools in rural areas was more than 50% of the total number of elementary schools. Rural elementary schools in China are scattered, the distribution rate of aesthetic education resources is low, and it is difficult to popularize high-quality aesthetic education resources. (2) The number of classes in China’s rural elementary schools decreased 30.28% from 1.139 million in 2013 to 788,000 in 2022. The small size of rural schools, small number of teaching classes, and small number of students lead to less investment in resources for schools to offer aesthetic education, and the integration of collective public art courses cannot be realized. (3) Using the model of a “two-dimensional aesthetic education curriculum cluster,” we can improve the high-quality development of aesthetic education in rural schools. (4) The design path of the aesthetic education curriculum clusters focuses on the implementation and implantation of teaching objectives, teaching design and teaching process by grade, and links interest activities, nature and social observation activities, etc. Organically with aesthetic education. This study can thereby an effective path for the improvement of the quality of aesthetic education in rural elementary schools and the high-quality development of aesthetic education in rural schools.
Temporal trends in aerobic physical activity guideline adherence among nationally representative samples of U.S adults between 2011 and 2019: Cross-sectional findings from a sample of over 2 million adults
Background Physical inactivity is a significant public health concern associated with numerous adverse health outcomes and substantial economic costs. This study describes the prevalence, trends and correlates for adherence to moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines among a large sample of U.S. adults. Methods Data from the 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys were analyzed. Self-reported MVPA was assessed by the same item across each survey. Population-weighted prevalence was calculated for meeting MVPA guidelines (150+ mins/wk). Adjusted prevalence ratios for reporting sufficient MVPA across sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables were calculated by multivariate Poisson regression. Results Data was available for 2,052,288 respondents (≥ 18 years). Across the surveys, the prevalence of sufficient MVPA fluctuated but remained between 49.5% and 51.1%. Among those aged 18 to 24, the prevalence of sufficient MVPA declined between surveys, from 56.5% in 2011 to 49.7% in 2019. Notable correlates of adhering to guidelines included male sex, higher education, former and never smokers, normal body mass index and increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusion From 2011 to 2019, approximately half of US adults reported sufficient MVPA, with a steady decline observed among young adults. While many identified correlates of adhering to PA guidelines were observed, this study has provided further evidence for correlates that had previously provided inconsistent or inconclusive results. These findings emphasize the complexity of addressing physical inactivity and the importance of multifaceted public health strategies tailored to diverse populations.
Endonuclease G promotes hepatic mitochondrial respiration by selectively increasing mitochondrial tRNA <sup>Thr</sup> production
Mitochondrial endonuclease G (EndoG) contributes to chromosomal degradation when it is released from mitochondria during apoptosis. It is presumed to also have a mitochondrial function because EndoG deficiency causes mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which EndoG regulates mitochondrial function is not known. Fat accumulation in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is more common in men, is caused in part by mitochondrial dysfunction. EndoG expression is reduced in MASLD liver, and EndoG deficiency causes MASLD in an obesity-independent manner but only in males. EndoG promotes mitochondrial respiration by resolving mitochondrial tRNA/DNA hybrids formed during mtDNA transcription by recruiting RNA helicase DHX30 to unwind them. EndoG also cleaves off the 3′-end of the H-strand transcript that can prevent mt-tRNA Thr precursor cloverleaf-folding, and processing, which increases mt-tRNA Thr production and mitochondrial translation. Using fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy technology to visualize oxygen consumption at the individual mitochondrion level, we found that EndoG deficiency leads to the selective loss of a mitochondrial subpopulation with high-oxygen consumption. This defect was reversed with mt-tRNA Thr supplementation. Thus, EndoG promotes mitochondrial respiration by selectively regulating the production of mt-tRNA Thr in male mice.
Association of metformin use with risk and survival outcome of esophageal cancer in patients with diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between the utilization of metformin and the occurrence and survival rate of esophageal cancer (EC) in individuals with diabetes. Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed. Related literature was searched from databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, covering the period from the inception of these databases until July 2023. Results: A total of 16 studies were eligible, including twelve reporting incidences of EC and four reporting OS of EC patients. The combined findings revealed a significant association between the use of metformin and a lower risk of EC (OR, 0.87, P = 0.04). Furthermore, metformin could significantly prolong the OS time (HR, 0.87, P = 0.002). In analyses stratified by treatment modalities, metformin combined with surgery and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy presented the strongest protective effect on EC patients with diabetes (HR, 0.38, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicated that the use of metformin might reduce the EC incidence and improve the OS in EC patients with diabetes.