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Correction: The performance of a lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay and semi-autonomous SARS-CoV-2 antisense and sense RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in a prospective cohort pilot study within a Dutch military population
Enhancing structural integrity of magnesium with hydroxyapatite and tantalum reinforcement
Deep learning-based prediction of atrial fibrillation from polar transformed time-frequency electrocardiogram
Portable and wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) devices are increasingly utilized in healthcare for monitoring heart rhythms and detecting cardiac arrhythmias or other heart conditions. The integration of ECG signal visualization with AI-based abnormality detection empowers users to independently and confidently assess their physiological signals. In this study, we investigated a novel method for visualizing ECG signals using polar transformations of short-time Fourier transform (STFT) spectrograms and evaluated the performance of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in predicting atrial fibrillation from these polar transformed spectrograms. The ECG data, which are available from the PhysioNet/CinC Challenge 2017, were categorized into four classes: normal sinus rhythm, atrial fibrillation, other rhythms, and noise. Preprocessing steps included ECG signal filtering, STFT-based spectrogram generation, and reverse polar transformation to generate final polar spectrogram images. These images were used as inputs for deep CNN models, where three pre-trained deep CNNs were used for comparisons. The results demonstrated that deep learning-based predictions using polar transformed spectrograms were comparable to existing methods. Furthermore, the polar transformed images offer a compact and intuitive representation of rhythm characteristics in ECG recordings, highlighting their potential for wearable applications.
A study on the causes of viewers’ non-continuous following intention in tourism live streaming
The Influence of Political Trust on Attitude towards Public Participation in China
This study aims to examine the impact of political trust on non-institutionalized public participation in China. Using comprehensive survey data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study presents two key research findings. First, this study finds a non-linear relationship between political trust and attitude towards non-institutionalized public participation. Generally, political trust has a negative effect on attitude towards non-institutionalized public participation. However, political trust exerts a positive impact on attitude towards non-institutionalized public participation under notably high political trust circumstances. Second, this study identifies the moderating role of social injustice experience in the relationship between political trust and the attitude towards non-institutionalized public participation. When high expectations associated with high trust are broken by a social injustice experience, this high political trust circumstance is more likely to result in dissatisfaction and positive attitude towards non-institutionalized public participation. This study contributes to deepening the understanding of the pattern of how political trust influences non-institutionalized public participation attitude in China. Valuable implications are also presented.
Training healthcare professionals in hypnosis-derived communication to mitigate procedural pain in children
Podocyte specific knockout of the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor is podocyte protective in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Natriuretic peptides (NPs) bind to glomerular podocytes and attenuate glomerular injury. The beneficial effects of NPs are negatively regulated by the NP clearance receptor (NPRC), which is highly expressed in podocytes. To determine if inhibiting NPRC is podocyte protective, we examined the effects of deleting NPRC in both cultured podocytes and in vivo. We found that: 1.Both atrial NP and C-type NP inhibit podocyte apoptosis in cultured podocytes, but these podocyte protective effects are significantly attenuated in cells expressing NPRC, and 2. Atrial NP was significantly more effective than CNP at inhibiting the apoptotic response. Consistent with the protective actions of NPs, podocyte specific knockout of NPRC reduced albuminuria, glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial inflammation in a mouse model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. These beneficial actions were associated with: 1. Decreased expression of the myofibroblast marker alpha-smooth muscle actin, 2. Reduced expression of the extracellular matrix proteins collagen 4-alpha-1 and fibronectin, and 3. Preserved expression of the podocyte proteins nephrin and podocin. Inhibiting NP clearance may be a useful therapeutic approach to treat glomerular diseases.
Appraising histone H4 lysine 5 lactylation as a novel biomarker in breast cancer
Genome-wide association analysis of Septoria tritici blotch for adult plant resistance in elite bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) genotypes
Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is a predominant foliar disease of wheat, caused by the pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. This disease can lead to substantial yield losses warranting control by using expensive fungicides. One effective method of STB control is the utilization of resistant wheat varieties. In this particular study, a panel comprising of 186 bread wheat genotypes was assessed for their adult plant resistance (APR) to STB. Field trials were conducted across five environments in Ethiopia during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons under natural infestation conditions. The association panel was genotyped using 20K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. To determine the relationship between genetic markers and STB resistance, a mixed linear model (MLM) analysis was performed using the statgen GWAS R software package. Heritability estimates for STB resistance ranged from 0.39 to 0.95, underscoring the genetic variability and the potential for selection. The study identified 52 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for STB resistance at maturity (SDSM) and 62 MTAs at heading (SDSH). Chromosome 5A contains a high concentration of MTAs that confer resistance to STB, hosting multiple significant MTAs, including four consistently associated markers (‘Kukri_c10033_724’, ‘RAC875_rep_c116420_103’, ‘TG0019’, and ‘RAC875_c30566_230’). Additionally, chromosomes 1B, 2B, 5B, and 7A were found to harbor important MTAs, contributing to resistance across various environments. Notably, two QTLs, qtSTB23 (5A) and qtSTB38 (7B), exhibited stability across multiple environments, making them robust candidates for breeding programs. Furthermore, novel resistance loci on chromosome 2A were discovered, offering new opportunities for enhancing resistance. Therefore, these findings provide an opportunity for improving STB resistance through gene stacking using marker-assisted selection (MAS).
3D volumetric tomography of clouds using machine learning for climate analysis
Abstract The prediction of climate has been a long-standing problem in contemporary science. One of the reasons stems from a gap in the ability to obtain 3D mapping of clouds, especially shallow scattered clouds. These clouds are strongly affected by mixing processes with their surroundings, rendering their internal volumetric structure highly heterogeneous. These heterogeneous clouds modulate the incoming solar energy and the outgoing long-wave radiation, thereby having a crucial role in the climate system. However, their 3D internal mapping is a major challenge. Here, we combine machine learning and space engineering to enable, for the first time, 3D mapping of scatterers in clouds. We employ ten nano-satellites in formation to simultaneously view the same clouds per scene from different angles and recover the 3D internal structure of shallow scattered clouds, from which we derive statistics, including uncertainty. We demonstrate this on real-world data. The results provide key features for predicting precipitation and renewable energy.
Global approaches to older abuse research in institutional care settings: A systematic review
Background Over the last two decades, abuse of older adults in institutional settings has been underestimated due to challenges in defining and responding to the issue. This systematic review aims to analyze empirical studies on measuring abuse of older people residing in a long-term care facility, specifically staff-to-resident abuse. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched 10 databases from January 2005 till June 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed World Health Organization-defined abuse types (physical, psychological, financial, sexual and neglect, intentional or unintentional), reported by staff, residents, family, or public registries, with methodological critical assessment. Findings In the last 18 years, 22 studies from eight counties examined of staff-to-resident abuse, with significant heterogeneity in definitions, reporting sources, and measurement tools. Quality of studies varied, lacking consistency. Relatives and staff typically report highest abuse rates, while residents report fewer incidents, even with fewer incidents of observed abuse. Registries tend to capture extreme cases, resulting in lower reported prevalence rates, particularly of physical or sexual abuse and neglect. Physical abuse was the most reported, with 81 different descriptors identified and varying recall periods. Staff witnessing abuse ranged from 44% over four weeks to as low as 1.4% over 12 months, posing challenges for data interpretation. Conclusion These variations in study methodologies impacted the ability to synthesise the findings making it difficult to estimate a global prevalence rate of aged care abuse. From the analysis, we develop an Aged Care Abuse Research Checklist (ACARC) as a first step towards achieving a global standardized, evidence-based methodology for this field. Doing so will normalize processes within organizations and the community, allowing early interventions to change practices, reduce the risk of recurrence and improve resident quality of care and workplace cultures. Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42018055484 .
The role of Gln269Leu mutation on the thermostability and structure of uricase from Aspergillus flavus
Perception of distance during self-motion depends on the brain’s internal model of the terrain
The body’s geometrical relationship with the terrain is important for depth perception of human and non-human terrestrial animals. Static human observers in the dark employ the brain’s internal model of the terrain, the intrinsic bias, to represent the ground as an allocentric reference frame for coding distance. However, it is unknown if the same ground-based coding process operates when observers walk in a cue-impoverished environment with visible ground surface. We explored this by measuring human observers’ perceived locations of dimly-lit targets after a short walk in the dark from the home-base location. We found the intrinsic bias was kept at the home-base location and not the destination-location after walking, causing distance underestimation, fitting its allocentric nature. We then measured perceived distance of dimly-lit targets from the destination-location when there were visual depth cues on the floor. We found judged locations of targets on the floor transcribed a slanted surface shifted towards the home-base location, indicating distance underestimation. This suggests, in dynamically translating observers, the brain integrates the allocentric intrinsic bias with visual depth cues to construct an allocentric ground reference frame. More broadly, our findings underscore the dynamic interaction between the internal model of the ground and external depth cues.
Intermuscular adipose tissue affected muscle density more than intramuscular adipose tissue content with opportunistic screening at abdominal CT
More direct attacks increase likelihood of goals in 2018- and 2022-Men’s World Cup Soccer Finals
In soccer, attacking tactics can vary between elaborate, high passing play and play that involves very direct, straight-line action towards the towards the opponent’s goal. It is of considerable interest to individuals involved which type of play is more effective in scoring given that goals are a rare event. We propose a geometric measure of directness (DIR) using the ratio between the straight-line distance from the point where possession begins to the centre of goal, and the total distance covered by the ball during that possession. Using 128 matches from the 2018- and 2022-Men’s World Cup, we analyzed the influence of directness (DIR), speed of the ball traveling towards the goal (SPG) and the starting position of the possession (XPOS) on the likelihoods of shots and goals. A mixed-effect multivariate logistic regression model was used for both analyses. Following model simplification (AIC = 14579.7, R2 = 0.279), the log odds of a shot resulting from a possession was significantly increased by XPOS (β = 0.019, p < 0.0001), SPG (β = 0.322, p < 0.0001) and a three-way interaction between DIR, XPOS and SPG (β = 0.007, p < 0.0001). The likelihood of a shot was decreased by interactions between DIR and XPOS (β = −0.024, p < 0.0001), DIR and SPG (β = −0.587, p < 0.0001) and XPOS and SPG (β = −0.003, p < 0.0001. The model for the likelihood of a goal (AIC = 1736.9, R2 = 0.020) was simple with DIR being the only significant factor (β = 1.009, p < 0.0001). The results suggest that to increase the likelihood of scoring goals, attacking tactics must be more direct.
Transformer fault diagnose intelligent system based on DGA methods
Designing tuberculosis elimination framework through participatory processes in Ethiopia: Results from stakeholders’ discussions
Background Tuberculosis elimination requires implementation of multi-pronged, complex interventions, but there is limited understanding of frameworks for guiding implementation. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of applying multipronged package of TB elimination interventions guided using the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. Methods This study is a component of a larger quasi-experimental study aimed at demonstrating what TB elimination interventions would entail under routine TB program conditions titled Demonstrating Multipronged and Optimized Novel Strategies to Reinforce Actions Targeted at Eliminating Tuberculosis. During its preparatory phase in February 2023, we employed a participatory action research design which involved gathering feedback and insights from TB program managers, healthcare workers and community representatives about the study interventions. The study participants were selected from three districts of Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regions of Ethiopia. Two senior researchers took detailed notes during the meetings using topic guided questions. Each topic guided question was thoroughly explored until no new issues emerged. Thematic analysis was conducted to summarize the reflections of the study participants from the three sessions conducted in the three regions. Results 108 participants attended the preparatory phase discussions which were summarized under five sub-themes under the main theme of “Looking for local evidence compulsory for TB elimination.” These included; (1) the importance of community engagement which describes the need to include health extension workers, health development army, and other community structures to support the study, (2) government interest toward local evidence, which describes how local evidence is essential to support the TB program and address challenges, (3) homogeneity of officials’ commitment across the regions which is reflected in their immense support to undertake the study and suggested working together for the study follow-up,(4) cross-cutting issues or multiple factors such as nutrition, sociocultural factors, livelihood, and housing, were considered, and (5) the importance of establishing TB treatment supporter, which describes the critical role that TB treatment supporters play in ensuring successful treatment outcomes. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of MRC tailored protocol development and feasibility in effective implementation. Key lessons include the need for early stakeholder engagement, streamlined communication, and proactive risk management. Strong community engagement, government commitment, and addressing social determinants were critical to TB elimination. These findings emphasize the value of a collaborative, multi-pronged approach during the adoption and implementation of the TB elimination framework.