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Public education during epidemics of infectious diseases: A national mixed-method study with parallel convergent design in a low and middle-income country

Introduction Proper and effective public education during epidemics of infectious diseases can have a key effect in controlling epidemics and reducing their complications. Therefore, the present study aims to assess public education methods during infectious disease epidemics from the perspectives of both the public and experts in Iran. Method The present study is a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) with a parallel convergent design conducted in 2024 in Iran. The public’s views on the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of each method used for educating people during epidemics, with a focus on the COVID-19 epidemic, were collected through a self-development valid and reliable questionnaire (with closed and open-ended questions). Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS:16 software. In the qualitative section, data were collected by semi-structured interviews and manually analyzed using content analysis methods. Results Television (79.9%), social networks (78.8%), and websites (78.5%) were introduced as sources that have performed best, provided various information and education, had a high impact on the audience, and successfully gained people’s trust during epidemics of infectious diseases. In the qualitative section, the majority of participants identified in-person training as the most effective method of educating people. Utilizing the capacities of mass media and providing accurate information to the public were strengths, while dissemination of false and unscientific information and lack of trust in relevant institutions were identified as weaknesses in educating people during epidemics of infectious diseases. Conclusion In this study, an attempt was made to provide comprehensive and sufficient information for decision-making and effective planning for public education in the next epidemics of infectious diseases.

The number of immune defence and counter-defence systems sustained in the arms race between prokaryotes and viruses

Exposure to maternal nicotine in utero and/or via lactation alters craniofacial development in mice

The Center for Disease Control’s National Birth Defects Prevention Study data suggests that maternal nicotine use may increase the incidence of craniofacial birth defects and growth anomalies like craniosynostosis, cleft palate, and/or lip in offspring. Craniofacial growth proceeds by expansion at fibrous sutures and synchondroses. In the cranial base, synchondroses, which are cartilaginous joints, play a major role in craniofacial development including neurocranial expansion and facial outgrowth. Our previous data showed alterations in craniofacial structures with intrauterine exposure to nicotine. As the use of nicotine is increasing among youths, especially through use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, there is a great need to investigate the critical periods of nicotine exposure during pregnancy and postnatal development. Alterations in craniofacial growth that occur in response to maternal nicotine use must be understood in order to prevent debilitating conditions. For this investigation, we utilized cephalometric and histomorphometric analyses to investigate how nicotine exposure alters craniofacial development in offspring modeling maternal nicotine exposure either during pregnancy and lactation or post-partum lactation only compared with unexposed controls. Our results in mice showed significant changes in craniofacial dimensions and some specificity for effects in the synchondroses across the three experimental groups including significant changes in the cellular and the extracellular collagen matrix components of these growth centers. The most dramatic effects segregated to the lactation only exposed group, which is a major target from a prevention point of view as there is a common misconception among the public that nicotine cessation during pregnancy is sufficient for prevention of ill effects in the offspring.

The landscape for radioligand therapies in oncology

Combination chemotherapy and hormone therapy in patients with hormone receptor positive and HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer

Machine learning combining external validation to explore the immunopathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcer and predict therapeutic drugs

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication of diabetes, often leading to amputation due to poor wound healing and infection. The immune-related pathogenesis of DFU remains unclear, and therapeutic drugs are limited. This study aimed to explore the immune mechanisms of DFU and identify potential therapeutic drugs using machine learning and single-cell approaches. Through differential expression analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, we identified 287 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were significantly enriched in IL-17 signaling and neutrophil chemotaxis pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further pinpointed disease-associated modules containing 1,693 regulatory genes. Machine learning algorithms prioritized seven core genes—CCL20, CXCL13, FGFR2, FGFR3, PI3, PLA2G2A, and S100A8—with validation in an external dataset GSE147890 and single-cell sequencing revealing their predominant expression in neutrophils and keratinocytes. Immune infiltration analysis demonstrated significant dysregulation in DFU patients, characterized by elevated proportions of memory B cells, M0 macrophages, activated mast cells, and neutrophils. Potential therapeutic compounds were identified using the Connectivity Map database and tested through molecular docking and dynamics simulations. The study pinpointed selegiline, L-BSO, flunisolide, PP-30, and fluocinolone as promising therapeutic agents, offering new insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and potential therapeutic strategies.

Wafer-scale uniformity improvement of Dolan-bridge Josephson junction by shadow evaporation bias correction

Correction: Fluorescent reporter plasmids for single-cell and bulk-level composition assays in E. faecalis

Comparative metagenomics on community structure and diversity of rhizomicrobiome associated with monoculture and soybean precedent carrot

Monitoring, surveillance, antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity analysis of non-typhoidal Salmonella in South Africa from 1960–2023 from animal and animal products

Salmonellosis remains one of the most frequently reported foodborne diseases globally, with the highest burden in low-resource areas. The millions of deaths caused by Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections emphasize the urgent need for timely, detailed, and evidence-based interventions to effectively manage and monitor NTS burdens. This study retrospectively analyzed 1,028 NTS isolates from animals, the environment, and food products in South Africa, collected between 1960 and 2023. Among the 102 serotypes identified, S. Heidelberg, isolated only between 2000−2009 and 2020−2023, accounted for 94.3% of isolations during the latter period, suggesting a recent shift in Salmonella epidemiology in the region. The highest resistance rates were observed for cefoxitin (65.7%), cephalothin (62.8%), and tetracycline (59.8%), with a significant increase in resistance to several antibiotics, including ceftriaxone and aztreonam, from 2010−2023. Genetic analysis revealed that S. Gallinarium had the highest prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes, such as tetA (71.4%), qnrA (64.3%), cat1 (64.3%), blaPSE (57.1%), and both blaCMY-2 and qnrB at 50%. The blaPSE and blaSHV genes were strongly associated with ceftriaxone resistance in S. Dublin isolates, while blaPSE and qnrS were linked to chloramphenicol resistance in S. Enteritidis and S. Dublin isolates. Additionally, 87% of the virulence genes screened were present in over 50% of the serotypes, indicating increased adaptability and potential shifts in disease dynamics. The rise in antimicrobial resistance, driven by antimicrobial misuse, horizontal gene transfer, and biofilm formation, could alter serotype dynamics and changing disease epidemiology. This trend underscores the urgent need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance to combat the spread of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella populations.

Determinants and spatial patterns of solid fuel use in East Africa based on demographic and health survey data from 2012 to 2023

Static load test and bearing capacity analysis of broken line pretensioned prestressed concrete I-beam

The construction technology of broken line pretensioned method, which is suitable for long-span bridges, can greatly improve the flexural strength of concrete members. To study the mechanical performance and failure mode of broken line pretensioned prestressed concrete I-beam, an I-beam with a span of 30 m was taken as the research object and on-site static load tests were carried out. Based on the ABAQUS finite element software, the numerical simulation was carried out to analyze the mechanical properties and failure behavior of the I-beam under the concentrated load, and the ultimate flexural capacity of the I-beam was studied in combination with the theoretical analysis. In addition, the optimized arrangement of prestressed tendons was analyzed. The results show that in the on-site static load tests, the strain values at the mid-span section and 1/4-span basically show a linear growth trend, and the I-beam is always in the elastic stage during the tests. The numerical simulation results are in general agreement with the test data with regard to strain, displacement, and neutral axis position. When the concentrated load reaches 1910 kN, the prestressed tendons at the bottom of the I-beam enter the yield state. The prestressed tendons play a controlling role in the ultimate bearing capacity of the I-beam. The numerical simulation result of the ultimate bending moment in the mid-span section is 3.55% larger than the theoretical analysis result, and the theoretical calculation formulas tend to be conservative. When the prestressed tendons are arranged by the four-fold point method, the I-beam has higher stiffness and bearing capacity after concrete cracking. The research results can provide a reference for the design and construction of broken line pretensioned prestressed concrete I-beam.

Evaluation and optimisation of regular RC frame structures of varying heights with graphene oxide

Prevalence and diagnostic reliability of BRAF, RAS mutations, and RET/PTC rearrangements in a Latin American public health service population with thyroid nodular disease

Despite their high prevalence and generally benign nature in most cases, the investigation of thyroid nodules still presents potential diagnostic pitfalls, especially in cases with indeterminate cytology results. The performance of molecular markers of thyroid cancer may vary across centers and populations. This study aimed to verify the prevalence of mutations in the BRAF, and RAS genes, and RET/PTC rearrangements in patients undergoing fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for thyroid nodule evaluation in a real-world public health service population. Point mutations and rearrangements were detected by Sanger DNA sequencing. A total of 231 thyroid nodules in 220 patients were evaluated, being 86.8% females and a mean age of 55.6 ± 13.9 years. For molecular analysis, high-quality DNA and RNA were obtained from 200 samples. Mutations or rearrangements in target genes were identified in 14% of the 200 samples evaluated. The frequency of the BRAF-like mutations was 5.5%, detected in 9 out of 17 malignant nodules (52.9%) and one in a benign nodule (0.7%). Fourteen RAS-like mutations were identified in benign nodules (57.1% HRAS, 21.5% NRAS and 21.5% KRAS) and only one was present in a malignant nodule (5.9%). Considering only nodules with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda III and IV, n = 53), 9 mutations were detected, 6 in benign histology (all RAS-like), 1 in malignant histology (BRAF-like), and 2 still unoperated, therefore without a histopathological diagnosis. This research concludes that the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation could be useful in supporting the diagnosis of thyroid cancer, due to its high positive predictive value, since 89% of nodules with BRAF V600E mutation were malignant. Additionally, clinical criteria should be established to determine which nodules with RAS-like mutations require closer follow-up, particularly those with indeterminate cytology.

Observer based resilient security control for networked nondeterministic Markovian jump systems with cyber attacks and its applications

Association between serum anion gap and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with diabetic kidney disease: Analysis of the MIMIC-IV database

Background Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common diabetic complications and is closely related to metabolic acidosis. The serum anion gap (AG), an important index of acid-base balance, may reflect disturbed metabolism and be correlated with increased mortality risk. However, the role of AG in all-cause mortality risk in individuals suffering from severe DKD is not yet clear. Methods In this study, patients identified with a diagnosis of severe DKD utilizing MIMIC-IV database were determined. They were subsequently divided into four quartiles based on their serum AG levels. The findings consisted of in-hospital deaths and ICU deaths. The relationship between serum AG levels of severe DKD patients and clinical outcomes was elucidated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and RCS analysis. Results In total, 1,716 patients (66.43% male) received treatment, with in-hospital and ICU mortality rates reaching 16.43% and 13.17%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that elevated serum AG levels were remarkably linked to all-cause mortalities. When adjusted for confounders, elevated serum AG levels correlated notably with in-hospital mortality [HR = 1.09(95%CI:1.07,1.11)P < 0.0001] and ICU mortality [HR = 1.10(95%CI:1.07,1.12)P < 0.0001]. RCS analysis showed that serum AG levels were positively correlated in a linear fashion with all-cause death risk. Conclusion Serum AG shows a significant positive correlation with all-cause mortalities in hospitals and ICU settings among patients with severe DKD. This suggests that serum AG could serve as a potential indication for recognizing DKD individuals with an increased overall risk of all-cause death.

An efficient approach for mathematical modeling and parameter estimation of PEM fuel based on Young’s double-slit experiment algorithm

Evolutionary origins and life-history correlates of coloniality in the epiphytic fern genus Platycerium (Polypodiaceae)

Many animals live in cooperative groups comprised of morphologically differentiated individuals that subdivide labour to help the group persist in harsh, unpredictable environments. Recently it has been shown that a colonial fern from Australasia, Platycerium bifurcatum (Polypodiaceae), sub-divides labour similarly, with individuals producing morphologically different fronds depending on their vertical position within the colony. The genus contains approximately 18 taxa, which range from solitary to colonial. Whether other Platycerium species exhibit similar morphological differentiation remains poorly understood, and the evolutionary origins of coloniality along with its life-history correlates across the genus remain unknown. Here, we use ancestral state reconstruction to explore the evolution of coloniality and morphologically differentiated division of labour in the genus Platycerium. We found coloniality to be likely ancestral in Platycerium, with the condition being lost twice across the phylogeny. Eight Platycerium species exhibited colonies with morphologically differentiated individuals. This condition is derived and likely evolved twice within the genus. Coloniality was also negatively correlated with nest frond length and width but was unrelated to strap frond length. Overall, results reveal the evolutionary origins and life-history correlates of coloniality across the genus Platycerium, and support a scenario in which a colonial species with morphologically variable colony members evolved gradually from a solitary species.

Decontaminant activity of volume dielectric barrier discharge against Fusarium spp. on barley seeds

A comparative analysis of syntactic complexity in argumentative essays from rhetorical perspective: ChatGPT vs. English native speakers

This study investigates the syntactic complexity of argumentative essays generated by ChatGPT in comparison to those written by native speakers. By examining cross-rhetorical-stage variation in syntactic complexity, we explore how ChatGPT’s writing aligns with or diverges from human argumentative writing. The results reveal that ChatGPT and native speakers exhibit similar patterns in mean length of sentence in the thesis stage, mean length of T-unit and complex nominals per T-unit in the conclusion stage. However, ChatGPT showed a preference for coordination structures across all stages, relying more on parallel constructions, and native speakers used subordination structure and verb phrases more frequently across all stages. Additionally, ChatGPT’s syntactic complexity was characterized by lower variability across multiple measures, indicating a more uniform and formulaic output. These findings underscore the differences between ChatGPT and native speakers in syntactic complexity and rhetorical functions in argumentative essays, therefore contributing to our understanding of ChatGPT’s argumentative writing performance and providing valuable insights for ChatGPT integration into writing instruction.