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Quantile granger causality between clean energy and tourism stock indices: Evidence from regional markets

As two pillars of the green transition, clean energy and tourism have gained growing strategic prominence in the landscape of sustainable finance, warranting a deeper investigation into their financial interdependencies. However, empirical research exploring their interaction in financial markets, particularly from a regional perspective, remains relatively limited. This study contributes to that objective by examining the predictive relationships between the WILDERHILL Clean Energy Index and tourism indices from the United States, Europe, China, and Australia. Using monthly data from 2010 to 2023, the analysis applies quantile Granger causality and wavelet coherence methods to capture asymmetric and time-varying dynamics. Additionally, a structural VAR model is used to assess region-specific responses to clean energy shocks. While conventional Granger tests do not indicate significant linkages, quantile-based approaches uncover heterogeneous connections that emerge under extreme market conditions. The findings reveal increasing co-movement between clean energy and tourism sectors and emphasize the importance of distribution-sensitive and regionally contextualized approaches in guiding investment and policy-making strategies.

Between support and scepticism: Health professionals’ perceptions of a nutrition education program promoting low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets in under-resourced South African communities

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continues to rise, emphasizing the need for effective dietary interventions. Programs such as Eat Better South Africa (EBSA) advocate for low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) dietary choices, especially in disadvantaged communities. However, the adoption of such approaches among healthcare professionals remains contentious. This qualitative study explores healthcare professionals’ perspectives on nutrition and the EBSA program, drawing on 16 in-depth individual interviews with physicians, nurses, and dietitians from False Bay Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital, and a primary health clinic in Hout Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four main findings. Healthcare professionals lacked confidence in their nutritional knowledge, and while many were familiar with the LCHF diet, opinions varied regarding its sustainability and health implications. Concerns were raised about the high fat content and affordability of LCHF foods. Professionals acknowledged the value of group support in behaviour change, as promoted by EBSA, but expressed reservations about its strong emphasis on LCHF diets. Key challenges identified for patients included poverty, cultural beliefs, limited education, and access to nutritious foods. The findings highlight a reliance on traditional dietary advice, with uncertainties about the feasibility and affordability of LCHF diets. These findings offer novel insights into the complexities of implementing community-based dietary interventions in South Africa, with implications for policy and practice.

Estimating the relative rates of lipopolysaccharide synthesis in Escherichia coli K-12 by click chemistry-mediated labeling

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a critical glycolipid component of Gram-negative bacteria, plays a central role in bacterial membrane integrity and host immune interactions. Despite extensive studies on the regulation of LPS synthesis, methods to quantify its synthesis rate remain limited. Here, we present a novel approach to measure in vivo LPS synthesis rates in the E. coli K-12 strain MG1655 using click chemistry. This method involves the incorporation of an exogenous Kdo analog, 8-azido-3,8-dideoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo-N3), into newly synthesized LPS, followed by a copper-free click reaction with a fluorescent alkyne. The labeled LPS is separated by SDS-PAGE and visualized via in-gel fluorescence. We compared two fluorescent dyes and found that AZDye 488 DBCO exhibited stronger sensitivity for labeling LPS during the log phase of bacterial growth. Our results further demonstrated that the amount of newly synthesized LPS correlates linearly with the pulse labeling time of Kdo-N3, validating this approach as a reliable method for estimating relative LPS synthesis rates during the exponential phase of E. coli MG1655 growth. This method offers a reliable, non-radioactive approach for measuring LPS synthesis in vivo, providing a powerful tool to investigate bacterial physiology and the regulation of LPS biogenesis.

Feasibility and importance of universal suicide screening in a pediatric emergency department

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In 2018, the Joint Commission recommended screening patients for suicide risk in healthcare settings. Universal screening may increase the safety of at-risk youth, but is challenging for many pediatric emergency departments. We examined the feasibility and outcomes associated with universal suicide risk screening using a combination of two screening tools in a pediatric emergency department. This retrospective cohort study examined 10–18 year old patients presenting to a large, urban pediatric emergency department between September 2019 and August 2021. Key variables included patient demographic information, suicide risk screening results, and subsequent suicide attempts. There were 30,328 encounters in the pediatric emergency department over this two-year period. Screening was completed 84.8% of the time. Of the 17,332 unique patients screened, 83.9% were at minimal suicide risk, 7.0% low risk, 2.1% moderate risk, and 7.0% high risk. In the 6 months following screening, low-risk patients returning to the emergency department were 7.1 times likely to have a suicide attempt than minimal-risk patients, moderate-risk patients were 9.8 times likely, and high-risk patients were 15.5 times likely. Universal screening in a pediatric emergency department is feasible and informative. The combined screening tool protocol appeared to enhance efficiency while maintaining clinical accuracy. Universal screening identified a substantial proportion of pediatric emergency department patients at risk of subsequent suicide attempts, with the likelihood of a subsequent attempt strongly linked to increasing risk levels identified by screening.

Home settings are associated with less functional decline among older adults compared to community-care foster homes and skilled nursing facilities in Hawaii

Medicaid-funded home and community-based services (HCBS) allow older adults with disabilities to avoid long-term institutionalization in nursing homes or hospitals. Past research has shown mixed results on the positive impacts of HCBS. These inconsistent results may stem from studies combining varied HCBS settings, obscuring their differential impacts on older adults’ health and well-being. In Hawaii, HCBS settings primarily include private residences and community care foster homes. There is very little research on adult foster homes, and it remains unclear whether adult foster homes are associated with differential rates of functional decline over time compared to private homes or nursing homes. This research contributes to these literature gaps by comparing functional decline (measured using Hawaii Medicaid level-of-care assessments) across three settings: private homes, adult foster homes, and nursing homes from 2014 to 2021. Among 5,315 dual eligible Medicaid recipients, we found distinct characteristics in initial placement. Individuals placed at home were younger and had lower functional impairment scores compared to individuals in foster homes or nursing homes. To increase comparability despite these differences, we matched older adults (n = 852) on baseline functional status, age, sex, marital status, and race/ethnicity using propensity score matching and performed sensitivity analyses on cognitive status. After matching, linear mixed-effects modeling revealed a notably slower rate of functional decline at home compared to nursing homes or foster homes. Individuals at home had fairly stable functional status (low deterioration) over the eight years. Nursing home residents had the fastest rate of decline, followed closely by individuals in foster homes. These findings of the varying functional outcomes across care settings can inform policymakers, families, and caregivers in selecting effective care options.

International experience of a direct supervisor–does it matter for self-initiated expatriates’ adjustment?

Due to increasing global mobility flows, self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) in both employee and managerial roles are now commonplace. However, the influence of direct supervisors’ international experience on the adjustment of SIEs remains underexplored. This study, grounded in signaling and similarity-attraction theories, addresses this gap through a qualitative examination of supervisors with international experience and at least one SIE under their supervision. The findings indicate that both foreign-born and locally born supervisors perceive their international experience as valuable in managing their international teams. Foreign-born supervisors, more frequently than their locally born counterparts, interpreted the uncertainty signals from their SIE employees as a reflection of empathy and open-mindedness, attributes shaped by their international backgrounds and cultural insights. Furthermore, the results suggest that all direct supervisors focus their support and actions primarily on facilitating SIEs’ adjustment in the work environment, rather than in the non-work environment. This research offers theoretical and practical insights for international human resource management, highlighting the positive impact of supervisors with international experience on the onboarding and adjustment processes of new SIEs, thereby enhancing the management of international teams.

Long-term benefit of vasodilating beta-blockers in acute myocardial infarction patients with mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Beta-blockers have been considered the cornerstone of treatment for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, long-term benefits of vasodilating beta-blockers remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the long-term clinical benefits of vasodilating beta-blockers compared to conventional beta-blockers in AMI patients with mildly reduced ejection fraction (mrEF). Among 13,624 patients who enrolled in the nationwide AMI database of South Korea, the KAMIR-NIH Registry, 2,662 AMI patients with mrEF, who were prescribed beta-blockers at discharge were selected for this study. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiac death, recurrent MI, or hospitalization for heart failure (HF) during 3-year follow up period. In the entire cohort, the use of vasodilating beta-blockers at discharge was associated with lower incidence of primary outcome at 3-year (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62–0.98; P = 0.039) compared to the use of conventional beta-blockers at discharge. In the propensity score–matched (PSM) cohort, the use of vasodilating beta-blockers at discharge was also associated with a significantly lower incidence of primary outcome (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50–0.88; P = 0.004) compared to the use of conventional beta-blockers at discharge. Furthermore, in the PSM cohort, the use of vasodilating beta-blockers was associated with lower incidences of the cardiac death (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39–0.92; P = 0.020), hospitalization for HF (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.46–0.98; P = 0.042), and all-cause death (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48–0.93; P = 0.017) compared to the use of conventional beta-blockers. However, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the incidences of recurrent MI (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.34–1.14; P = 0.122), any revascularization (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.76–1.42; P = 0.821), stroke (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.44–1.60; P = 0.589), stent thrombosis (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.40–3.11; P = 0.833). In AMI patients with mrEF, the use of vasodilating beta-blockers at discharge was associated with better long-term clinical outcomes compared to the use of conventional beta-blockers.

Clinical impact of low bone mineral density in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis undergoing hepatectomy

Background This study aimed to elucidate the clinical impact of osteopenia on the recurrence of colon cancer liver metastases. Methods Patients with colon cancer liver metastases (N = 186) undergoing hepatectomy at Jichi Medical University Hospital between March 2006 and March 2020 were examined retrospectively. Computed tomography (CT) scans on the 11th vertebra within 3 months of surgery assessed bone mineral density (BMD). Age-adjusted BMD determined osteopenia presence. Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test estimated survival. Factors associated with survival were assessed using Cox’s proportional hazards model after adjustment for confounders. Results Patients with osteopenia had shorter overall (p = 0.0001; 5-year overall survival, 51.8% vs 81.8%) and recurrence-free survival (p = 0.0008, 5-year recurrence-free survival: 26.3% vs 51.5%) than BMD-normal patients. In multivariable analysis, the risk factor for overall survival was osteopenia (Hazard ratio (HR) 3.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.09–6.87, p = 0.001). Risk factors for recurrence were chemotherapy (HR 1.92, 95%CI 1.12–3.30, p = 0.002), tumor number (HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.02–2.27, p = 0.04), and osteopenia (HR 2.18, 95%CI 1.46–3.24 p = 0.001). Patients with osteopenia are more likely to develop lung metastases, and BMD-value reduction associated with KRAS mutation. Conclusion Osteopenia may have prognostic significance in patients with liver metastases colorectal cancer.

Association of stress with nutrition literacy, eating behavior, and physical activity: A cross-sectional study of university students in Bangladesh

Background Increased levels of stress among university students have an effect on their physical and mental well-being and may lower their learning outcomes and overall satisfaction. While lifestyle factors like nutrition literacy, eating behavior, and physical activity are known to influence stress, their combined association has not been explored among university students in Bangladesh. Objectives This study intended to identify the level of perceived stress among university students in Bangladesh and explore its relationship with their nutrition literacy, healthy eating behavior, and physical activity. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024 among 450 students of Noakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, perceived stress (perceived stress scale [PSS]), nutrition literacy (nutrition literacy scale [NLS]), healthy eating behavior (healthy eating behavior scale [HEBS]) and physical activity (international physical activity questionnaire – short form [IPAQ-SF]). Results Results indicated a moderate level of perceived stress among students, having a mean PSS score of 19.88 ± 4.67 out of 40 points. About half of the students had low nutrition literacy (57.3%) and poor healthy eating behavior (47.6%); however, almost all did sufficient physical activity (97.3%). Adjusted linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative association of perceived stress with nutrition literacy (β = –0.130, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.186, –0.092; P = 0.006) and healthy eating behavior (β = –0.139, 95% CI: –0.232, –0.028; P = 0.003) among university students. However, physical activity was not significantly associated with their perceived stress level (β = –0.039, 95% CI: –0.088, 0.010; P = 0.395). Conclusion The present findings suggested that nutrition literacy and healthy eating behavior significantly impact perceived stress among university students, highlighting an urgent need for holistic health intervention in academic settings.

Infected connections: Unraveling the impact of a bacterial symbiont on ant-aphid partnership

The multitrophic plant-aphid-ant system is a model widely studied in ecology and evolutionary biology. Within this system, bacterial symbionts can circulate and may modify the relationships between partners. A common symbiont of aphids, Serratia symbiotica, shows a wide variety of strains with different lifestyles, one of them being associated with the aphid gut and found in the digestive tract of aphid-tending ants. This free-living S. symbiotica strain induces fitness costs on its aphid host which can be offset by a lower selective pressure exerted by parasitoids. In this paper, we investigated whether this aphid gut-associated bacterium may alter the mutualistic relationships between Aphis fabae aphids and Lasius niger ants. Aphids infected with S. symbiotica showed a reduced population growth, this negative effect being attenuated in the presence of aphid-tending ants. This bacterium also reduced the ant interest in honeydew-producing aphids: they were less likely to visit plants bearing S. symbiotica-infected aphids, they ingested fewer honeydew droplets and they took a longer time before deciding to feed on released honeydew. The bacterium thus makes honeydew less palatable for ant foragers, most probably by altering its composition. This suggests that the free-living S. symbiotica strain may promote a gradual abandonment of infected aphids by ants and ultimately jeopardize the ant-aphid mutualistic relationship. We speculate about bacteria-induced consequences of reduced ant protection against aphid natural enemies and increased host plant defense as due to a potential redirection of ant foraging towards extrafloral nectaries as an alternative sugar resource.

Correction: Predicting the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among adults living with HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A hospital-based study

Effect of autoclaving process on trueness and qualitative marginal fit of intraoral scan body manufactured from two materials: An in vitro study

Statement of the problem It is not clear the effect of multiple autoclaving processes on the accuracy of scan bodies. Autoclaving dental disposables enables reuse, reducing the environmental impact of raw materials and waste. Purpose This in vitro laboratory study evaluated the effect of the autoclaving process on the intraoral scan body (SB) manufactured from different materials (Titanium and PEEK), positioned at the implant and abutment levels. Methods Two models, each with 10 implants, were created to evaluate scan body trueness made of two materials (Titanium and PEEK), and implant junction positioned at two levels (implant and abutment levels). Analyses were conducted at five distinct time points: T0 (control group with new SB), T1 (after one autoclaving cycle), T2 (10 cycles), T3 (50 cycles), and T4 (100 cycles). Forty SBs were divided into four groups (n = 10), fixed on the models according to the initial positioning, using the recommended torque, and scanned 10 times using an intraoral Sccaner (InEOS X5 scanner, Dentsply Sirona). The surface deviation was evaluated by .STL mesh overlay using an image software (Geomagic Control X software). Microscopic analyses of marginal adaptation were performed simultaneously with the digital analysis using an optical microscope (Mitutoyo™-500 Optical Microscope) with 40x magnification at four places (mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual). Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software (SPSS 29.0 software), with α = 0,05. Data were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. To assess spatial variation after the cycles, Repeated Measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used. For microscopic qualitative analysis, percentile was used to check the prevalence of clinically adapted and misfitting faces. Results Statistically significant differences in mesh deformation were detected, with PEEK SB showing greater deformation compared to Titanium, especially at the abutment level, after 100 cycles (P < 0.01). Microscopic analysis revealed that 100% of the faces were classified as “Clinically Adapted” by the three calibrated evaluators (KAPPA > 0.08). Conclusions Titanium scan bodies showed less surface deviation than PEEK but both remained below 50 µm. Internal-junction scan bodies were more affected than abutment-level ones. All scan bodies stayed within acceptable limits and viable after 100 autoclaving cycles.

Effect of altered gluteus maximus strength on the magnitude and direction of hip joint contact forces during simulations of gait

Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS), a common and painful hip condition that affects active young adults, is associated with muscle weakness and altered movement patterns during common daily activities. FAIS is believed to be a precursor to osteoarthritis through disrupted loading patterns; thus, understanding how weakness affects joint loading may provide insights into the pathogenesis from FAIS to osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of gluteus maximus strength on hip joint contact forces during gait using musculoskeletal modeling. Twelve individuals with FAIS and 13 healthy controls were included in the study and five conditions of gluteus maximus strength (50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, and 150% of the model’s default strength) were examined. Differences in the magnitude of the resultant joint contact force and directional components of the joint contact force between groups (FAIS vs controls) and between strength conditions were assessed with statistical nonparametric mapping. Joint contact forces were also used to determine the direction of hip loading in the sagittal and frontal planes and the center of the loading area was compared between groups and between strength conditions using independent t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance, respectively. Joint contact force magnitude and direction did not differ between FAIS and control groups, aside from a brief period of larger medial force in the FAIS group. With both groups combined for remaining analyses, magnitude and direction of the joint contact force changed with the varied strength conditions; specifically, the 50 and 75% strength conditions demonstrated a lower magnitude joint contact force with a more anterior and medial direction. Importantly, these changes were small and of questionable clinical value. Future investigations should model movement changes alongside strength changes and use magnetic resonance imaging to examine a mechanistic link between load and intraarticular joint health.

Attributing non-specific symptoms to cancer in general practice: A scoping review

Background Non-specific cancer symptoms are challenging to interpret in general practice. They can be attributed to a wide range of other conditions and delay the cancer diagnosis, increasing the risk of poor outcomes. Aim To summarise existing knowledge on the attribution of non-specific symptoms to potential cancer in general practice and identify gaps in the literature. Method We conducted a scoping review, following Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidance and reported according to the PRISMA for scoping reviews checklist. Non-specific symptoms were defined based on NICE guidelines for suspected cancer. We systematically searched six databases and search engines for original papers, systematic reviews and doctoral theses. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, full-texts and reference lists. Included articles were then uploaded to the AI-based tool ResearchRabbit to identify further papers. Findings were synthesised using the Refined Andersen Model of Total Patient Delay. Results Eight studies were included. These addressed fatigue, recurrent infection, pallor, weight loss, and deep vein thrombosis, with general practitioners (GPs) defining the latter two as cancer-specific. Factors influencing attribution to cancer included pre-existing conditions, the number, type and combination of symptoms as well as GPs’ gut feeling and knowledge, patients’ concern, and the frequency of medical visits. Conclusion This scoping review identified a limited number of studies on the attribution of non-specific symptoms to potential cancer in general practice, with symptoms such as pruritus and new-onset diabetes not addressed. It highlights the need for further research into GPs diagnostic reasoning related to non-specific cancer symptoms, especially on under-researched symptoms.

Effectiveness evaluation of connected and automated vehicles’ driving loop: Node weights and driving reliability

As an emerging development trend in the automotive industry, the construction of the network model and the effectiveness evaluation of the driving loop for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) are of significant importance. The objective of this paper is to construct a network model of the driving loop for CAVs and evaluate the effectiveness of the model, thereby optimizing system performance and enhancing driving safety and reliability. In this study, by integrating the driving process of CAVs and introducing the concept of the Observation, Orientation, Decision, and Action (OODA) loop, a network model of the driving loop for CAVs was established, enabling effective modeling of the complex driving process. For effectiveness evaluation, a method is proposed. This method measures the importance of nodes using the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and complex network theory, considers driving reliability through the fuzzy evaluation method, and comprehensively determines the node weights of the network model. Subsequently, by utilizing the node weights to enhance the information entropy model, a scientific evaluation of the CAVs’ driving loop effectiveness is achieved. Through comparisons and validations across several scenarios, it has been demonstrated that this method can be effectively applied to the planning, modeling, evaluation, and optimization of CAVs network models.

Experiences of recently diagnosed urban COVID-19 outpatients: A survey on patient worries, provider-patient interactions, and neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment

Background COVID-19 patients have experienced worry, altered provider-patient interactions, and options to use novel treatments, initially with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Limited research has been performed on these aspects of the COVID-19 outpatient experience. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of outpatients recently diagnosed with COVID-19, who were eligible for use of mAbs, during the diagnosis and treatment process based on sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods This was a self-reported cohort study performed via telephone surveys. Participants included COVID-19 outpatients who met at least one emergency use criterion for mAbs during the first 120 days after a SARS-CoV-2 positive test. We analyzed survey results using multivariable logistic regression for non-scale outcomes and adjusted proportional odds logistic regression for scaled outcomes. Results Greater worry about their COVID-19 diagnosis was reported by younger, female, and Hispanic patients and those with Medicaid insurance, two or more comorbid conditions, BMI > 25, and at least 2 COVID-19 vaccinations. Greater provider trust was reported by patients with ≥ 2 years of college education, one or more comorbid conditions, and one or more COVID-19 vaccinations; whereas less provider trust was reported by patients ages 45–64 years, with usual place of care in a walk-in clinic, and those without Commercial, Medicare, or Medicaid insurance. In patients who did not receive mAbs, patients with Medicaid and those without Commercial/Medicare insurance were among the factors that were less likely be offered mAbs by a provider. Discussion This report describes factors associated with multiple aspects of outpatients’ experience of COVID-19. This study demonstrated that there are important differences in the experience of outpatient COVID-19 patients based on sociodemographic factors and clinical factors, as well as where additional strategies are needed to improve this experience and associated outcomes.

Empowering EFL teachers’ perceptions of generative AI-mediated self-professionalism

This study intends to empower English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ perceptions of generative artificial intelligence (AI)-mediated self-professionalism in engagement, attitudes, constraints, and solutions. Employing the mixed methods research design, the researchers collected data from male and female teachers (N = 278) of eight public universities, utilizing convenience sampling and a set of instruments: a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The data analysis combined quantitative and qualitative methods, using SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis (Pearson correlation, Cronbach’s alpha, means, standard deviations), and thematic analysis for qualitative data, with data triangulation employed to compare questionnaire and interview responses for a comprehensive understanding of EFL teachers’ engagement with generative AI. The results revealed that the study sample engaged in self-professionalism at a medium level, yet they hold high attitudes toward generative AI-mediated self-professionalism. In addition, the content analysis exhibited several constraints, including technological competence and AI literacy, AI-generated content reliability and accuracy, ethical issues, and encroachment on professional autonomy. Moreover, the respondents proposed solutions such as offering AI-driven training programs, establishing clear ethical guidelines and protocols, emphasizing AI as a supplementary tool rather than a substitute, and implementing impartial access mechanisms for AI content to strengthen EFL teachers’ self-professionalism mediated by generative AI. Studies in the context of generative AI-driven self-professionalism appear limited, particularly in the context of Arab higher education institutions. This dearth of research presents an opportunity for the current study to make significant improvements in contributing innovative insights to the EFL teachers’ self-professionalism landscape.

Multi-locus GWAS analysis identifies genomic regions associated with resistance to ergot (Claviceps africana) in sorghum

Deployment of resistant genotypes is one of the major components of ergot disease management in sorghum. Identification of genomic regions and candidate genes associated with resistance to ergot is a key step to facilitate sorghum breeding for resistance to ergot. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with resistance to ergot in sorghum. A total of 330 lines from the global sorghum association panel (SAP) population genotyped with 114920 genome wide SNP markers were used in this study. The SAP was evaluated for resistance to ergot in two field trials conducted at MUARIK during the first and second seasons of 2020 and 2021, respectively. Six multi-locus genome wide association studies (ML – GWAS) methods were used to identify significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs). ML – GWAS analysis using SAP population detected thirty-eight significant QTNs. Further analysis identified 19 QTNs with relatively higher phenotypic effects ranging from 5–12.7%. Additionally, 47 candidate genes linked with the significant QTNs were detected. Most of the identified genes were involved in several biological processes including DNA and RNA binding, metal ion binding, regulation of transcription and translation and transduction signaling related to defense response against pathogen infections. This study contributes to the identification of significant QTNs and candidate genes associated with resistance to ergot in sorghum.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients had lower total vitamin K levels and increased sensitivity to direct anticoagulants

The abnormalities in blood coagulation in patients with diabetes can lead to a prothrombotic state and requirement for the administration of direct anticoagulants. However, no comparative studies have been conducted on the effects of different direct anticoagulants. A head-to-head investigation of the impact of anticoagulants in 50 patients of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DMT1) was performed, and the data were compared to 50 generally healthy individuals. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were measured in plasma treated with vehicle, heparin, or four direct anticoagulants at 1 μM. In addition to common biochemical parameters, novel inflammatory markers (neopterin, kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) and major vitamin K forms were measured. Heparin and dabigatran treatments resulted in prolonged coagulation in DMT1 patients compared to healthy individuals in both tests (both p < 0.001). The same phenomenon was observed for rivaroxaban and apixaban-treated samples in PT (p < 0.001). Interestingly, healthy volunteers had higher total vitamin K levels than DMT1. Further analysis suggested that observed coagulation differences were not caused by differences in glycemia but were rather associated with an unexpected, better lipid profile of our DMT1 group. There were also correlations between prolongation of coagulation brought about by the most active anticoagulants and inflammatory markers, and hence inflammatory state probably also contributed to the differences, as well as the mentioned differences in vitamin K levels. Conclusively, this paper suggests the suitability for controlling the effects of direct anticoagulants in DMT1 patients.

An in vitro evaluation of biofilm removal from simulated root canals using sodium hypochlorite irrigation solution at various temperature settings

Background Using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation solution at various temperatures is common for removing biofilms in root canals and the isthmus. Numerous studies have examined the impact of temperature on biofilm removal in extracted teeth. However, this study aimed to assess the effect of needle irrigation using NaOCl solution heated to different temperatures on the structure of E. faecalis biofilm in artificial teeth produced by 3D printing technology. Materials and methods The isthmus in the mesial canals of 55 artificial tooth samples, which were produced from the 3D model obtained by micro-CT of the mandibular first molars, was evaluated. The standard strain E. faecalis ATCC 19433 was used to infect artificial tooth specimens. The samples were divided into a control group and four experimental groups receiving sodium hypochlorite solutions at 21°C, 45°C, 60°C, and 150°C. Following irrigation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging was conducted at varying magnifications to visualize the remaining biofilm areas in the root canals and the isthmus. The ImageJ program quantified biofilm areas in the isthmus region. Statistical analyses, including Shapiro-Wilks, Kruskal Wallis H, and t-tests, were conducted on the measurements. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusions The results did not differ between the control and 21 °C groups (p > 0.05). However, removal areas were larger in the 45°C, 60°C, and 150°C groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). No difference was observed in the biofilm removal efficiency in different isthmus regions (p > 0.05). The findings revealed that an increase in temperature enlarged the removal areas.