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The optimal mix proportion design method of similar transparent materials in soft soil foundation

Adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation and its associated factors among pregnant women in Kenya: A multilevel data analysis of the 2022 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey

Background Iron and folic acid deficiency is a global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Adherence to iron-folic acid supplementation (IFAS) remains low in Kenya. Despite several studies on IFAS adherence in Kenya, they do not assess the national scope and clustering effects using advanced analytical models. Therefore, we aimed to assess IFAS adherence and its associated factors among pregnant women in Kenya using data from the 2022 Kenyan Demographic and Health Survey. Methods A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, which was obtained from the official Demographic and Health Survey program database. Weighted samples of 8,460 participants were used in the analysis. The study employed a multivariable multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Variables from the bi-variable model that had p < 0.25 were considered in the multivariable analysis. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariable model, and the adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with its 95% CI was reported. Results The prevalence of IFAS among pregnant women in Kenya was 61.72% (95% CI: 60.68, 62.75). Women aged 20–39 years were 1.3 to 1.7 times more likely to adhere to IFAS during pregnancy, with the likelihood increasing steadily by age group. Moreover, primigravida [aOR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.41)], with a family size of ≥ 10 [aOR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.59, 0.90)], antenatal care visits ≥ 4 [aOR = 3.96 (95% CI: 1.91, 8.23)], first start of antenatal care at the third trimester of pregnancy [aOR = 0.30 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.62)], and with a higher level of education [aOR = 1.6 (95% CI: 1.35, 1.90)] were statistically significant factors associated with adherence to IFAS. Conclusion and recommendation Nearly two in five pregnant women didn’t receive IFAS for the recommended periods. Factors such as maternal age, parity, antenatal visits, and education enhanced IFAS adherence, whereas large family size and starting antenatal care in the third trimester of pregnancy reduced adherence. Therefore, the community, government, and non-governmental organizations should enhance adherence by implementing customized interventions on the factors identified as positive and negative associations.

Sex-specific associations of blood lead and cadmium levels with sarcopenia in US adults

The inverse relationship between dietary anthocyanidins consumption and frailty: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective This study investigates the association between dietary anthocyanidins consumption and the risk of frailty in the general adult population using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data was conducted, examining the relationship between dietary anthocyanidins intake and frailty risk. Dose-response relationships and subgroup analyses were performed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the associations. Results The results indicate a significant inverse relationship between the consumption of specific anthocyanidin types, including malvidin and delphinidin, as well as total anthocyanidins, and the odds of frailty. Particularly, individuals aged 41–60 years and males exhibited a notable protective effect of anthocyanidins against frailty. Dose-response analyses revealed a U-shaped relationship between total anthocyanidins intake and frailty risk, with an optimal consumption level of 33.322 mg per day. Conclusion This pioneering study emphasizes the potential protective role of dietary anthocyanidins in mitigating frailty, especially among middle-aged individuals and males.

Non-ureolytic EICP as a novel enzymatic pathway for sustainable soil stabilization

Abstract In order to address the challenges of the modern era, such as population growth and greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable soil improvement techniques have been in high demand. In a quest to find more sustainable ground improvement methods, microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) have attracted researchers worldwide. For the first time, this study investigates a non-ureolytic enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation method using formate dehydrogenase (FDH) as a sustainable approach for soil stabilization. Unlike traditional EICP and MICP methods, this technique avoids ammonium by-products, providing an environmentally friendly alternative. FDH activity was optimized at pH 7.6 and 37 °C. Its thermal stability was found to be reasonably suitable for biogeotechnical applications, maintaining over 90% efficiency up to 50 °C and achieving over 50% efficiency at 60 °C. The compressive strength of non-ureolytic EICP-treated soil samples and calcium carbonate content were investigated across various treatment cycles on poorly graded sand (SP). The optimal enzyme concentration was 75 mg/L with 50 g/L of calcium formate. Soil treated with this method exhibited a 31-fold increase in strength after five treatment cycles, with 1.89% calcium carbonate precipitation. Microstructural analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM) and calcium carbonate content measurements using the Bernard calcimeter confirmed the formation of carbonate crystals between soil grains, contributing to this strength enhancement.

Defining household exposure to the food environment: A comparison of measures based on residential area and activity space

The food environment’s impact on food behaviors is widely recognized, yet there is no consensus on how to measure individual exposure, potentially leading to inconsistent results. This study aimed to assess how the relationship between food environment exposure and household characteristics differs based on whether exposure is measured solely via buffers around the home or extended to cover activity spaces. Data from the Mont’Panier cross-sectional study, comprising 699 households in Montpellier city-region, France, were analyzed. We used multivariate multinomial regression models and multiple logistic regression models to explore the associations between household characteristics and five indicators of households’ food environment exposure: number of food stores, number of restaurants, diversity of food stores, relative density of stores selling fruits and vegetables, and relative density of fast-food restaurants. Exposure was measured using two methods: (i) 500m network-buffers around household’s home; and (ii) activity spaces delimited using the daily path area method. Our findings confirm that social disparities in food environment exposure can vary based on the defined exposure area. Variables such as ‘employment status’ and ‘education’, not associated with indicators of food environment exposure around the home, show associations in the activity space. Conversely, ‘age’ and ‘car ownership’ are associated with various indicators of food environment exposure around the home but not in the activity space. Additionally, our analysis reveals that the abundance and diversity of food outlets tend to decrease as household’s distance from the city center increases. Combining measures of food exposure (residential area, activity space) presents a promising approach to understanding food environment dynamics. Future research should investigate whether and how the choice of exposure measures affects food behaviors relative to households’ socioeconomic characteristics. Lastly, we propose two avenues for reflection concerning public policy.

Detection of vital signs based on millimeter wave radar

Postoperative improvement in the index finger center of pressure trajectory during precision grip in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy

Objective The aim of this study was to kinetically evaluate the changes in precision grip in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy before and after decompressive surgery. Methods Twenty-nine patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy participated in the study. Participants performed a grip-and-lift task by pulp pinch using their thumb and index finger before and after surgery. We monitored individual finger grip force (GF) and center of pressure (COP) trajectory in total five seconds and during the first second while lifting and holding an object. Correlations between the pre-operative COP trajectory and other hand clinical outcomes were analyzed. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify the predictive value of the pre-operative COP trajectory to the severity of sensorimotor dysfunction. Results There was a significant improvement in the 1-second COP trajectory in the index finger after surgery, but not the GF. Moreover, pre-operative COP trajectory was associated with the post-operative severity of clinical symptoms. The multiple regression analysis concerning the severity of upper extremity symptoms indicated that the model incorporating pre-operative COP trajectory exhibited the highest adjusted R2 compared to GF or conventional clinical tests. Conclusion These results suggested that patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy could improve their COP trajectory in the index finger after surgery, and the finger kinetic measure could provide an important index for predicting neurological improvement.

Investigation of high temperature rheological properties for attapulgite suspensions

Automated vehicles and sustainability when considering rebound effects

While automated vehicles are expected to lower energy consumption, improve traffic flow and enhance road safety, their deployment may increase traffic volume, leading to a rebound effect. Addressing this issue, we develop a framework to assess the environmental, social and time costs of private and of shared automated vehicle usage in urban and rural areas in Germany. When comparing the status quo and automated vehicle usage, we show that 34–47% of additional traffic volume could emerge without deteriorating current conditions, depending on the area and usage concept. Shared automated vehicles in rural areas constitute the most distinct case, as they are the most beneficial for the environment and society but are the least attractive with respect to the time costs of passengers. Policymakers and system providers should strive to mitigate this dichotomy.

Pharmacokinetic variability of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides Rb1, rd, and compound K from Korean red ginseng in experimental rodents

Association of FGF Receptor-2rs2981578 SNP with breast cancer in women at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia

Introduction Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 single nucleotide polymorphisms are implicated in breast cancer development. However, there are inconsistencies and contradictions in the reports. The current study aimed to determine the association between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 rs2981578 single nucleotide polymorphism and breast cancer among female breast cancer patients. Methods A case-control study was conducted between August 2023 and April 2024 at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, and Northwest Ethiopia. Semi-structured was adapted to collect socio-demographic character and anthropometric measurement and 5 ml of blood were drawn from each randomly selected participant for molecular analysis. The data was entered into Epi-Data-7.2 and exported to SPSS-25. Binary logistic regression model was used to look into the association between various factors. Statistical significance was regarded as a p-value of < 0.05. Results The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs2981578 AA genotype and A allele were more frequent in breast cancer patients than in controls (37% vs. 17% and 58% vs 42%; the chi-square p = 0.025 and p = 0.009, respectively). Individuals with the AA genotype and A allele were more prone to breast cancer (OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.293–8.538, and OR =1.88; 95% CI: 1.173, 3.029, respectively) than those with the wild type GG genotype. The risk allele correlated with the late TNM stage (COR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.07–10.88). Conclusion The AA genotype and the A allele of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs2981578 gene are more prevalent among women with breast cancer. They are correlated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer and a worsening of its stage.

High prevalence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria in faecal samples from UK passerine birds

Abstract Wild birds are a near ubiquitous sight in gardens, offering pleasure to many people through supplementary feeding, song, or other interactions. However, they are also potential carriers of many bacteria, including  Campylobacter spp.,  Salmonella spp. , Enterococcus spp., and  E. coli ; some of these may be resistant to commonly used drugs. This study collected faecal samples from multiple species of UK passerine birds, isolating bacterial pathogens to assess carriage and drug resistances associated with those bacteria. 75% of birds were carrying at least one bacterial species which was multi drug resistant (MDR; resistant to three or more classes of antimicrobial), with 11.6% of birds carrying Salmonella spp., 18.9% carrying  Campylobacter  spp., 78% carrying  Enterococcus  spp., and all carrying E. coli  strains. Many of these strains were shown to be MDR with 70%, 88%, 32% and 59% respectively. Intercontinental migration was shown to be a risk factor for carriage of many of the pathogens, as was an associated with human habitation. Age was also a risk factor with younger birds twice as likely to carry  Campylobacter  spp. than adults, and house sparrows ( Passer domesticus ) and blackbirds ( Turdus merula ) being particularly high-level carriers compared to other species. The high-level carriage and shedding of MDR  E. coli  and other zoonotic pathogens within the faecal samples of multiple species of passerine birds offers a timely reminder of the risks which these bacteria, and their drug resistance profiles may pose to human and animal health in the UK and worldwide. It also shows a level of high environmental contamination, which birds may continue to contribute towards, until our use of antimicrobials, and level of drug-resistant bacteria is decreased. Developing mechanisms for reducing levels of carriage of MDR bacteria in wild bird populations through, for example, increased hygiene around bird feeding practices, may be key in reducing environmental contamination.

Navigating life when a loved one’s (euthanasia) death is near: A narrative interview study from the Netherlands

In this article, we describe our empirical research that started out as an exploration of “family involvement” in the Dutch practice of euthanasia, in the broader context of end-of-life decision-making and care under guidance of GPs in the home-setting. Informed by care-ethical insights and narrative approaches to qualitative research, we performed an in-depth interview study with 18 close relatives of people with incurable metastasized cancer (9 prospective, 9 retrospective). We came to understand how relatives’ involvement—not only in euthanasia but in any mode of dying—cannot be separated from relatives’ efforts to navigate through many dimensions of life when the death of loved one is near. Relatives have to navigate different spaces, decision-dynamics and the unfolding of professional care, strong emotional experiences, and intimate relationships (“the I-you-we”). This study brought to the fore that relatives and patients first and foremost accompany each other on this journey. The role of the GP can be valuable but vulnerable, and relatives’ broader social network and other professionals can be of enormous importance. The results of this study invited us to shift our perspective: it is not family members who get involved in euthanasia as a primarily medical affair. Instead, medical professionals are taking part in the profoundly social-relational experience of death and dying within families, whether that entails euthanasia or not. With this shift of perspective, specific practical and ethical questions start to receive more attention, for example questions about the available support for both patients and relatives regardless of the mode of dying.

GLP-1-based therapies for diabetes, obesity and beyond

Prevalence and associated factors of vitreoretinal interface disorders using multicolour OCT among Chinese population in Fujian eye study

Global burden of major chronic respiratory diseases among older adults aged 55 and above from 1990 to 2021: Changes, challenges, and predictions amid the pandemic

Objective To characterize sex- and age-specific changes in the comprehensive burden of major chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) and their attributable risk factors among adults aged ≥55 years globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2021 using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Methods Utilizing the GBD 2021 database, we performed in-depth analyses and preliminary projections of global, regional, and national burden trends for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and interstitial lung disease & pulmonary sarcoidosis (ILD&PS) through multi-model approaches including but not limited to Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models, Joinpoint regression, and Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) modeling. Results The overall global CRD burden among adults ≥55 years declined from 1990 to 2021. However, the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic differentially altered asthma and COPD prevalence and incidence trends globally: low Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions experienced an accelerated increase in prevalence, while high SDI regions showed a steeper rise in incidence. High mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates remained concentrated in low-middle SDI regions, notably Asia and North America. Consequently, prevalent CRD cases in this age group reached 223 million (95% UI 206.5–241.5) in 2021—accounting for half of all-age cases—with 18.47 million incident cases (95% UI 16.97–20.11), causing 4.15 million deaths (95% UI 3.76–4.58) and 83.67 million DALYs (95% UI 77.49–90.36). Air pollution, smoking, obesity, and chronic cold exposure persistently influenced COPD and asthma prevalence across regions and sexes. Conclusion The pandemic shifted global CRD burden trends, particularly for asthma followed by COPD. Concurrent with global aging, burden trajectories across SDI levels raise concerns. As COVID-19 becomes endemic, older adults will experience impacts from recurrent viral infections, increasingly manifesting in coming years.

Endovascular structures of the basilar artery as forms of the basilar nonfusion spectrum

Design and numerical simulation of a semi-cast-in-situ synthetic material sports surface on shock absorption performance optimization

The persistent issue of moisture-induced “heave” in synthetic sports surfaces can affect athlete safety and surface performance. The objective of the study was to design an innovative synthetic material athletic track structure that mitigates adhesive failure between the synthetic layer and the cement base due to underground moisture. The new structure ensures field safety and meets biomechanical requirements for performance and shock absorption. Numerical simulation methods are employed to analyze the shock absorption performance of the synthetic material track and field facility, incorporating the new structure, and subsequently to propose optimization strategies for the structural design. The optimal structure adopted a circular casting hole design, with a cast-in-situ surface layer thickness of 12 mm, a prefabricated surface layer thickness of 6 mm, a hole diameter of 45 mm, and a hole spacing of 80 mm arranged in a square pattern. The results indicated that the proposed structure not only met the required standards for shock absorption, but also offered a promising solution to the issue of moisture-induced “heave” prevalent in traditional sports surfaces. The study provided important theoretical support and practical guidance for the scientific and efficient construction of athletic tracks.

Structurally optimized SiC CMOS FinFET for high-temperature and low-power SoC logic integration