Browse Articles

Substantial improvement of mechanical properties of Zn–Mg alloys to orthopedic implants via rotary swaging

General framework of nonlinear factor interactions using bayesian networks for risk analysis applied to road safety and public health

Abstract In complex systems, understanding the nonlinear interactions among risk factors is essential for accurate risk analysis. However, traditional linear models often fail to capture these complex interdependencies, leading to significant gaps in risk prediction. The aim of this study is to present a novel approach for risk analysis of nonlinear risk interactions using Bayesian networks (BNs), thereby providing a broadly applicable method for risk management and mitigation. Specifically, this study applies a BN-based framework that integrates conditional dependencies and nonlinear effects to illustrate how multifactor risk interactions operate synergistically. Using a step-by-step approach, the interactions among multiple risk factors are first mathematically formalized, and then this framework is applied to a case study of road safety using crash report data. Additionally, a second validation case in public health (type 2 diabetes risk) is included in supplementary materials to illustrate the broader applicability of the framework. The findings demonstrate through BNs and a mathematical framework, how to analyse complex interactions more accurately than traditional methods can, revealing the amplifying or mitigating effects of individual risk factors on outcomes. This approach offers more accurate risk representations and is applicable not only to road safety but also to complex environments, such as healthcare and environmental risk analysis.

High sensitivity in spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage detection from emergency head CT scans using ensemble-learning approach

The aggregate index of systemic inflammation is positively correlated with the risk of all-cause mortality in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury

Abstract Sepsis is a major health problem worldwide, and sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) patients usually experience severe conditions, high mortality, and long length of stay. The predictive value of aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) in the prognosis of several diseases has been documented. This study intends to investigate the association between AISI and mortality in SA-AKI. Data of patients with SA-AKI first admitted to the intensive care unit in 2008–2019 were acquired from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV). The impact of AISI on 30-/90-/180-d and 1-year mortality in SA-AKI was investigated by Cox proportional hazard regression models, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses. Moreover, subgroup analyses, stratified by gender, comorbidity, and intervention, were conducted. Totally 9714 SA-AKI patients were included, and they were assigned into a Low AISI Group (AISI < 735.405 × 1018/L) and a High AISI Group (AISI ≥ 735.405 × 1018/L) based on the median of AISI. As revealed by the regression model, 30-/90-/180-d and 1-year mortality in SA-AKI was higher in the High AISI Group than in the Low AISI Group (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analyses confirmed higher 30-/90-/180-d and 1-year survival rates in the Low AISI Group (Plog−rank<0.0001). Using RCS curves, we also found a nonlinear relation between AISI and 30-/90-/180-d, and 1-year mortality in SA-AKI (Pnonlinear<0.001). Subgroup analyses suggested no interaction of AISI with the stratified variables (Pinteraction>0.05), and the association of AISI with 30-d mortality was consistent across subgroups. In Conclusion, AISI has an association with mortality in SA-AKI. Quantitative stratification of AISI at admission may contribute to early detection and treatment of SA-AKI with a poor prognosis.

Assessment of Chlorella vulgaris as a biological control agent against tortoise tick Hyalomma aegyptium (Acari: Ixodidae) in Egypt

Abstract Hyalomma aegyptium is a three-host tick species parasitizing mainly tortoises in Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. It serves as a carrier for various pathogenic bacteria and protozoa that pose threats to humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. Ticks control using chemical acaricides has negative effects to the environment and animal and human health, residues in animal products and leading to resistant ticks. So safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective methods must be alternatively used. The green microalga Chlorella vulgaris is rich in proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and vitamins. It is used in biofuel production, wastewater treatment, and as a biofertilizer. It is used in pharmaceutical drugs with many beneficial characteristics. Examination of collected specimens in the present study ensured that they were identified as H. aegyptium nymphs. Using the powdering method, nymphs were treated with Chlorella and observed for 18 days. The results showed that the effect began 4 days after treatment, the mortality percentage reached 80%, and delayed molting period with only 20% molted into males. Morphological observations using light and scanning electron microscopes revealed a stiffened nymph body after treatment with a highly damaged capitulum, integument, and legs. Integument semithin sections showed thin, disorganized cuticle with damaged layers and destructed epidermal cells after treatment. No signs of new cuticle formation were noticed. The effect of Chlorella was either mechanical through powder particles or physiological through its effect on organs. This study may provide valuable information to help in the development of new methods to control ticks and/or improve the existing ones, allowing the creation of methods which do not induce resistance in ticks, and that are less toxic to the environment and non-target organisms.

Assessing the impacts of climate change and human activities on distribution of Lophatherum gracile in China using the maxent model

MALDI-TOF MS technique as a new approach for simultaneous detection and differentiation of potato virus Y strains

Severe turbulence from deep convective clouds during flight SQ321 on 21 May 2024

Long-term exposure to air pollution and liver fibrosis in the elderly with MASLD

Regional hyperconnectivity in the medial temporal lobes as a maladaptive mechanism for colorectal cancer-related cognitive decline

The impact of plasma-activated water and selenium nanoparticle solution on the shelf life of Mandarin cv. Orlando Tangelo in storage

Virtual exposure to natural versus urban environments: a pilot study on impacts on self-compassion, self-protection, and self-criticism

Effects of open-label placebos across populations and outcomes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract This work synthesizes and updates findings from previous systematic-reviews and meta-analyses on open-label placebos (OLPs). For the first time, it directly tests whether OLPs differ in effects between clinical and non-clinical samples, and between self-report and objective outcomes. We searched eight databases up to November 9, 2023, and included 60 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), compromising 63 separate comparisons. OLPs yielded a small positive effect across various health-related outcomes (k = 63, n = 4554, SMD = 0.35, CI 95% = 0.26; 0.44, p < 0.0001, I2 = 53%). The effect differed between clinical (k = 24, n = 1383, SMD = 0.47) and non-clinical samples (k = 39, n = 3171, SMD = 0.29; Q = 4.25, p < 0.05), as well as between self-reported (k = 55, n = 3919, SMD = 0.39) and objective outcomes (k = 17, n = 1250, SMD = 0.09; Q = 7.24, p < 0.01). Neithter the level of suggestiveness nor the type of control moderated the effect. These findings confirm that OLPs are effective for both clinical and non-clinical samples—particularly when effects are assessed via self-reports.

Watch a human embryo implant itself — with brute force

Controversial climate report from Trump team galvanizes scientists into action

A clear prompt

Daily briefing: Mental password prevents brain implant from speaking people’s private thoughts out loud

Impact of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene variant in pediatric nephrotic syndrome: a meta-analysis

Abstract This study aims to explore the risk associated with the Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNFα)-308 G/A (rs1800629) gene polymorphism in relation to Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). The primary goal of the meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between Nephrotic Syndrome and the TNFα 308 G/A [rs1800629] polymorphism of the cytokine gene. We conducted a systematic search across electronic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar to collect data from five distinct case-control studies focused on the TNFα 308 G/A gene variant, covering the period from 2010 to 2022. By aggregating allele and genotype frequencies from these studies, we computed the 95% confidence interval of odds ratio [OR] to assess the strength of the association. To evaluate heterogeneity and potential publication bias in the selected studies, Stats Direct software was employed. The sample size encompassed 1,560 individuals, including 628 cases and 932 controls from five separate case-control studies. The TNFα allele-A displayed significant heterogeneity [I²=80%, 95% CI] when compared to the G allele, and a statistically significant pooled OR of 2.32 [P = 0.0056*] was observed. In the overall analysis, no significance association was found in the dominant model [P = 0.068], but a significant association was detected in the recessive model [P = 0.0096*]. Consistent findings were observed in the co-dominant model, where both AA vs. GG [P = 0.0075*] and GA vs. GG [P = 0.0219*] showed significant associations. These results suggest a potential increase in the risk of the disease associated with the polymorphism of TNFα 308 G/A. The small number of studies, high heterogeneity (I² = 80%), and limited ethnic diversity may affect the robustness and generalizability of findings. Additionally, language bias and lack of confounder adjustment limit interpretability. The TNFα 308 G/A polymorphism was identified as being associated with the risk of developing childhood NS. Registration: Registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD420251083425.

Use AI in the classroom to bring problems to life

Pathways and factors in calcium uptake through the skins of strawberry fruit

Abstract High levels of fruit calcium (Ca) in strawberry are associated with low levels of surface disorders, including water soaking. Because of the dysfunctional xylem in developing strawberry, fruit Ca can only be increased by spray application. The objectives were to quantify 45Ca uptake through the fruit surface from drying spray droplets. Uptake of 45CaCl2 was initially rapid but slowed down after droplet drying. There was no difference in Ca uptake through the rim between achene depressions and that through the achene depressions. The uptake of 45CaCl2 increased with fruit development and with increasing spray concentration. Uptake was highest for CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2, but was lower for organic salts. The surfactants Glucopon (0.01%) and Triton X-100 (0.1%) increased Ca uptake. Increased temperature and increased relative humidity increased Ca uptake. Incubating ripe strawberries for 1 h in deionized water increased microcracking. Despite the increased microcracking 45CaCl2 uptake did not increase. Spray applications of 30 mM in the greenhouse increased fruit Ca content and decreased susceptibility to water soaking. Our study establishes that strawberry fruit take up Ca very readily from surface sprays of either CaCl2 or Ca(NO3)2. Increases in fruit Ca decrease susceptibility to water soaking.