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Inkjet-printed electronics for rapid and low-cost prototyping of digital microfluidic devices using an off-the-shelf printer

Correction: A value-based model of job performance

Mitigating effects of Jiawei Chaihu Shugan decoction on necroptosis and inflammation of hippocampal neurons in epileptic mice

Abstract Jiawei Chaihu Shugan decoction (JWCHSGD) is a traditional Chinese medicine well-known for its beneficial effects in treating epilepsy (Xianzheng in ancient Chinese), but the molecular mechanism of its action remains unclear. To investigate the molecular mechanism of JWCHSGD’s prevention of epilepsy-mediated neuron from necroptosis and inflammation via the circRNA-Csnk1g3/Csnk1g3-85aa/ CK1γ3/TNF-α signal pathway. In vitro, murine neuronal HT22 cells were treated in six groups: control, model, carbamazepine, and three JWCHSGD doses (high, medium, low). Viability and apoptosis were assessed via CCK-8 and flow cytometry. In vivo, 60 C57BL/6J mice were divided into six groups: control, model, carbamazepine, JWCHSGD, JWCHSGD + Sh Circ_Csnk1g3, and JWCHSGD + Sh NC. An epilepsy model was induced, and treatments were administered for two weeks. Outcomes included EEG, hippocampal histopathology, apoptosis (TUNEL), and mRNA/protein expression of key pathway markers. In HT22 cells, the model group showed reduced viability, increased apoptosis, and elevated mRNA/protein levels of Csnk1g3-85aa, RIP1, RIP3, MLKL, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD and carbamazepine increased viability and decreased apoptosis, reversing these molecular changes (P < 0.05). In mice, the model group had heightened epileptic discharges, neuronal damage, and apoptosis, along with increased expression of the same markers (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD and carbamazepine mitigated these effects (P < 0.05). JWCHSGD reduces epileptic events by regulating the circRNA-Csnk1g3/Csnk1g3-85aa/CK1γ3/TNF-α signaling pathway, impacting necroptosis and inflammation in hippocampal neurons and HT22 cells.

SET ESG ratings and firm value: The new sustainability performance assessment tool in Thailand

This study investigates the influence of SET ESG ratings on firm value of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), emphasizing the multifaceted relationships between ESG performance, third-party evaluations, and market reactions following SET ESG ratings announcements. The findings reveal that firms with higher SET ESG ratings experience significant enhancements in firm value due to their superior management of environmental and social risks, which reduces regulatory and reputational threats. Furthermore, the research uncovers the nuanced role of third-party ESG evaluations, indicating that while endorsements from reputable sources can amplify the positive effects of SET ESG ratings, more or conflicting assessments can lead to diminished firm value. Specifically, a single strong endorsement markedly enhances firm value, whereas evaluations from two to three third parties may introduce confusion, leading to increased information asymmetry. This finding challenges the assumption that multiple endorsements always translate to greater value, emphasizing the need for firms to strategically select their evaluators to optimize market perceptions. Moreover, the study illustrates that announcements of SET ESG ratings result in immediate and sustained increases in firm value, highlighting ESG performance as a critical determinant of long-term viability in the eyes of investors. These results provide actionable guidance for investors and policymakers, advocating for the integration of robust ESG practices to enhance market confidence and drive long-term value creation. This research contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the intricate dynamics between SET ESG ratings, third-party evaluations, and firm value, thereby offering valuable perspectives for firms navigating a sustainability-focused landscape.

Incidence and pathological features of IgA nephropathy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Composition, determinants, and risk factors of low birth weight in Sri Lanka

Introduction Low birth weight continues to pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Despite substantial improvement in various public health indicators, many developing countries have failed to achieve a significant reduction in low birth weight rates. One major obstacle is the sparsity of data on the determinants of low birth weight. Here, we aim to determine the composition and risk factors for low birth weight in Sri Lanka, a prototype developing nation. Methodology We conducted a countrywide multicentre cross-sectional study in August and September 2023 in 13 purposively selected hospitals representing all nine provinces and different tiers of specialist hospitals in Sri Lanka. All live-born neonates were recruited prospectively, and their mothers were interviewed by trained data collectors to gather information on socio-demographic background, medical and obstetric history, and delivery details. Birth weight was measured immediately after the birth by trained healthcare personnel attending the delivery. Results A total of 9130 live-born neonates were recruited, of which 52% were males. The mean birth weight was 2827g (95%CI 2817-2838g), and 1865 (20.4%) newborns were low birth weight. The prevalence of prematurity was 10.9% (n = 998), and 1819 (20.0%) neonates were born small for gestational age. Of the low birth weight neonates, 64% were small for gestational age, and 37% were preterm; 11% were both small for gestational age and preterm. Teenage pregnancy (p = 0.022), low maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (p<0.001), inadequate weight gain during pregnancy (p<0.001), maternal anaemia at delivery (p = 0.020), chronic lung disease (p = 0.019), and pregnancy induced hypertension (p = 0.019) were significant modifiable risk factors for small for gestational age. Conclusion This study presents the results of one of the most extensive country-wide studies evaluating the composition and determinants of low birth weight. The study highlights the importance of considering small for gestational age and prematurity as separate categories of low birth weight. Small for gestational age contributes to approximately two-thirds of the low birth weight burden. Therefore, targeting modifiable risk factors for small for gestational age while mitigating the burden of prematurity is the most feasible approach to reduce the prevalence of low birth weight in developing countries, including Sri Lanka.

Laboratory and field efficacy of natural products against the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys and side effects on the biocontrol agent Trissolcus japonicus

Racial and ethnic disparities in longitudinal trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors in U.S. middle-aged and older adults

Background Racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are well-documented. However, racial and ethnic differences in the longitudinal changes among multiple CVD risk factors are unknown. Methods We used prospective cohort data of U.S. adults aged ≥50 in the 2006–2016 Health and Retirement Study. Group-based multi-trajectory models characterized age-related trajectories of systolic blood pressure ([BP] mmHg), non-HDL cholesterol (mg/dL), diabetes mellitus (DM), and smoking. Racial and ethnic differences in the multi-trajectory profiles were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Karlson-Holm-Breen methods were used to assess factors contributing to these associations. Results Among 10,292 participants (median age: 61), approximately 32% had an overall favorable profile of CVD risk factors. Compared with non-Hispanic White adults, non-Hispanic Black adults were more likely to exhibit elevated systolic BP with high risks of DM (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 3.36; 95% CI, 2.69–4.21; P < .001) and with low risks of DM (RRR = 3.23; 95% CI, 2.38–4.38; P < .001). Non-Hispanic Black adults were also more likely to exhibit high rates of smoking with and without other co-occurring risk factors. Hispanic adults were most likely to exhibit high risks of DM with elevated systolic BP (RRR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.28–2.38; P < .001) and without elevated systolic BP (RRR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.50–2.40; P < .001). Education, income, and country-of-origin were significantly associated with the excess CVD risks observed among racial and ethnic minority groups. Conclusions Significant racial and ethnic disparities were observed in trajectories of CVD risk factors in U.S. adults. Social determinants largely contributed to these associations in non-Hispanic Black adults and Hispanic adults.

Impact of Ag2O on physical and electrical properties of Li2O-MgO-Bi2O3-SiO2 glass system as promising solid state electrolytes

Abstract The intrinsic aim of this work is to understand the influence of composition change on the physical-electrical parameters of glasses with the composition (20-Y) Li2O-YAg2O–20MgO–10Bi2O3-50SiO2 (Y = 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mol%). The results of the physical parameters indicate a growth in the strength of the glass structure with the increase replacement of Li2O by Ag2O. However, the decrease in loss factor ε″, and AC conductivity σ ac of glasses may be attributed to the decrease in the space charge polarization (scp). AC conductivities exhibit simple power law variation. The s values essentially lie in the range of 0.67–0.92, which is typical of conductors in Jonscher regime. Dielectric properties (constant ε′, loss ε″ and ac conductivity σac, over a range of frequency 100–100 kHz and temperature RT (Room Temperature)–200 °C and frequency exponent s) of these glasses have been studied The results indicate a great potential of the prepared glasses as promising materials that can be used for solid state electrolytes.

Complex regulation of Cav2.2 N-type Ca2+ channels by Ca2+ and G-proteins

G-protein coupled receptors inhibit Cav2.2 N-type Ca2+ channels by a fast, voltage-dependent pathway mediated by Gαi/Gβγ and a slow, voltage-independent pathway mediated by Gαq-dependent reductions in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) or increases in arachidonic acid. Studies of these forms of regulation generally employ Ba2+ as the permeant ion, despite that Ca2+ -dependent pathways may impinge upon G-protein modulation. To address this possibility, we compared tonic G-protein inhibition of currents carried by Ba2+ (IBa) and Ca2+ (ICa) in HEK293T cells transfected with Cav2.2. Both IBa and ICa exhibited voltage-dependent facilitation (VDF), consistent with Gβγ unbinding from the channel. Compared to that for IBa, VDF of ICa was less sensitive to an inhibitor of Gα proteins (GDP-β-S) and an inhibitor of Gβγ (C-terminal construct of G-protein coupled receptor kinase 2). While insensitive to high intracellular Ca2+ buffering, VDF of ICa that remained in GDP-β-S was blunted by reductions in PIP2. We propose that when G-proteins are inhibited, Ca2+ influx through Cav2.2 promotes a form of VDF that involves PIP2. Our results highlight the complexity whereby Cav2.2 channels integrate G-protein signaling pathways, which may enrich the information encoding potential of chemical synapses in the nervous system.

Protection of stainless steel surfaces in desalination units against corrosion during acid cleaning under dynamic conditions by using lavender angustifolia extract as a green inhibitor

Colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and its associated factors in cancer patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background Cancer patients are predisposed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization. However, the prevalence of these pathogens among cancer cases in Northwestern Ethiopia remains underreported. Objective To determine the prevalence of colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and associated factors among cancer patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwestern Ethiopia. Method A cross-sectional study enrolled 288 confirmed cancer participants through stratified systematic random sampling, gathering socio-demographic and clinical data via pretested structured questionnaires from May 1 to July 30, 2023. Each participant provided two specimens: a nasal swab and a fecal sample. Nasal swabs were collected using sterile swabs, inserted at least 1 cm into each nostril, and rotated against the nasal membrane for 10 to 15 seconds, which were then placed in Amies transport medium. Fecal specimens were collected in leak-proof plastic containers, swabbed, and transferred to Cary Blair transport medium. Nasal swabs and fecal specimens were cultured on Mannitol salt agar at 37°C for Staphylococcus aureus identification, which was confirmed by coagulase testing and Gram staining. Enterococci were cultured on Bile esculin agar at 43°C and identified at the genus level by cultural characteristics, with confirmation through Gram reaction and catalase tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with minimum inhibitory concentrations for vancomycin determined via E-test strips. To detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a cefoxitin disk was used. Inducible clindamycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus was determined by the D test. Epi-info version 7 and SPSS version 27 were used for data entry and data analysis, respectively. The Pearson Chi-Square test was initially used to evaluate the association between factors and outcomes as the preliminary analysis, with a significance threshold of p <  0.05. Variables meeting this criterion underwent bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, using p-value cutoffs of <  0.2 for bivariable and <  0.05 for multivariable analyses. Result The study involved 288 participants, with 51.0% being men and a mean age of 45.6 years. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was 11.1% (95% CI: 7.5–14.7%), while vancomycin-resistant Enterococci had a prevalence of 2.8% (95% CI: 0.9–4.7%). Inducible clindamycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus comprised 13.5% of the isolates. The multidrug-resistant proportion of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci were 56.2% and 55.2%, respectively. Both organisms exhibited the highest resistance to the antibiotic classes of penicillin and tetracycline. Significant associations were identified between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and low absolute neutrophil count (AOR =  13.050, 95% CI: 1.362-125.00, P =  0.026), and between vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization and having undergone an invasive procedure (AOR =  8.648, 95% CI: 1.870-39.992, P =  0.006). Conclusion The study reveals a significant prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization among cancer patients, raising public health concerns. High antibiotic resistance rates complicate treatment and may impact patient outcomes. Notably, the high inducible clindamycin resistance report, highlights the need for D-testing. Screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is recommended as an important antibiotic stewardship measure, while early detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci colonization is crucial to reduce complications.

Exposure to perchlorate via drinking water from eight major water basins in China and its health risks across different age groups

The information gain of explicitly provided over self-generated contextual knowledge for behavioral control

In time-pressured decisions, humans exploit contextual knowledge to reduce uncertainty about the unfolding situation and to improve behavioral control. However, in complex real-world settings, it remains unclear whether the explicit provision of contextual information is beneficial or not. We thus examined the information gain of explicitly provided information as a function of expertise, information uncertainty and acquisition phase. To this end, we measured the positioning of female handball players (N = 36 experts + 36 near-experts) in a virtual-reality defensive task as a function of their teammates’ defensive-strength patterns, which was either explicitly instructed or had to be self-generated. Furthermore, the certainty of provided information was experimentally varied (67% vs. 83% consistent information). All eight groups–expertise (2) x acquisition condition (2) x information certainty (2)–improved performance in terms of the positional difference in their defense movements, meaning that they either moved more sideways to support their neighboring teammate or remained more often in their position when no support was required. However, an explicit-knowledge test showed no differences regarding pattern detection between the acquisition conditions, implying that the performance enhancement of the self-generated groups was not due to explicit-knowledge accumulation. Most notably, experts generally benefitted from explicit instructions whereas for near-experts, an information gain could only be revealed for comparably certain information. This interaction implies that future research on explicit provision vs. self-generation of contextual knowledge should pursue a more differential approach, thereby also considering gender and age as well as personality factors.

Hospital frailty risk score predicts graft failure severe infection and mortality in hospitalized kidney transplant recipients from 2010 to 2018 US data

Orthogonally polarized dual-wavelength Nd:GdVO4/Nd:YVO4 laser at 1341 and 1342 nm with adjustable power ratio

A continuous-wave (CW) orthogonally polarized dual-wavelength (OPDW) Nd:GdVO4/Nd:YVO4 laser at 1341 and 1342 nm on the 4F3/2 →4I13/2 transition was realized using in-band laser diode (LD) pumping with tunable wavelength from 909.40 to 915.02 nm for the first time. The operating temperature of the LD and the position of the pump beam waist were optimized to achieve high efficiency and balanced output powers of the OPDW laser. The OPDW laser at 1341 and 1342 nm was obtained with the highest total output power of 6.15 W and the power ratio of 1:1. The highest total slope efficiency and total optical-to-optical conversion efficiency with respect to the absorbed pump power at 913.61 nm were 34.9% and 32.0%, respectively. The OPDW laser at 1341 and 1342 nm have important application prospects in the fields of laser medicine, scientific research and terahertz radiation.

A bivariate multifractal analysis approach to understanding socio-spatial segregation dynamics

Abstract Although the study of multifractal properties is now an established approach for the statistical analysis of urban data, the joint multifractal analysis of several spatial signals remains largely unexplored. The latter is crucial for understanding complex multiscale relationships in cities, such as socio-spatial segregation processes, where the evolution of behavior across geographical scales traditionally plays a central role. In this context, the proposed approach, which uses wavelet leaders for multifractal analysis of irregular point processes, estimates self-similarity and intermittency exponents as well as self-similar and multifractal cross-correlation by combining classical multifractal and geographic analysis methods. Results show that a local bivariate multifractal analysis can not only be related to classical two-group segregation indices but also extends them to provide a robust analytical framework that (1) is less susceptible to the modifiable areal unit problem and normalization methods and that (2) can reveal more pronounced evolution across spatial scales. In addition, multifractal analysis (3) can also delineate more “perturbed” areas in which the dominance of one group is occasionally interrupted by local concentrations of the other group, referred to here as intermittent segregation.

Perivascular space imaging during therapy for medulloblastoma

Perivascular spaces (PVS) are fluid filled compartments surrounding the small blood vessels in the brain. The impact of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on PVS remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate treatment effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at four time points (TPs) in pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) patients. We examined 778 scans from 241 MB patients at baseline (0M), after 12 weeks (about 3 months) of radiotherapy and rest (3M), after chemotherapy completion (12M), and a follow-up (FollowUp) at 18- or 21-months post-baseline. PVS was segmented by applying Frangi filter on the white matter regions on T1 weighted images acquired at 3T Siemens MRI scanner using MPRAGE. PVS volume and ratio, defined as the ratio of PVS volume to the white matter volume, were measured at the four TPs. The data was first statistically analyzed using a full model where all data were included, then a paired model, which included only patients who completed consecutive measurements under the same anesthesia and shunt conditions. Both the full model and paired model showed that PVS (including ratio and volume) increased at 3M post-radiotherapy compared to baseline. During chemotherapy, PVS decreased significantly from 3M to 12M. Subsequently, from 12M to FollowUp, PVS increased again. MRI exams under anesthesia exhibited significantly lower PVS than those without anesthesia. Patients who had undergone a shunt procedure exhibited a significantly reduced PVS compared to those who had not undergone the procedure. We concluded that craniospinal irradiation led to an elevated PVS. Conversely, chemotherapy or time post-irradiation decreased PVS. Anesthesia and shunt procedures can also influence perivascular space ratio or volume.

Associations between nonrestorative sleep and suicidal ideation: a Japanese general population survey

Abstract Insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration are known to be associated with suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between nonrestorative sleep (NRS), a subjective experience of feeling unrefreshed after waking up, and suicidal ideation in the general population. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of 2559 randomly sampled adults living in Japan. The participants were asked about insomnia symptoms (difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, and early morning awakening), NRS, sleep duration, and the presence of suicidal ideation. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the associations among short sleep duration (< 6 h), insomnia symptoms, NRS, and suicidal ideation. Possible confounding factors were adjusted using propensity scores. In the multivariate analysis adjusting for the confounding effects of other sleep-related factors, in addition to psychiatric, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors, only NRS showed a positive association with suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.266). These findings suggest the importance of focusing on NRS for suicide prevention in the general population.

Perceived barriers to physical activity and their predictors among adults in the Central Region in Saudi Arabia: Gender differences and cultural aspects

Objective To assess the perceived barriers hindering physical activity among adult residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to identify associated sociodemographic and health-related factors, focusing on gender differences and cultural aspects. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from the 9th of January 2022 to the 2nd of February 2023, involving 7,903 physically inactive participants aged 18 to 80. Participants were recruited using a two-stage cluster sampling method from the Central Region of Saudi Arabia. In the first stage, subregions based on the administrative distribution by the Medical Service Department were selected. In the second stage, private and public entities within these subregions were identified from governmental agency lists. Participants were then conveniently approached within these entities. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, the Perceived Barriers to Being Active Questionnaire (PBAQ), assessing sociodemographic characteristics, health history, dietary habits, and perceived internal and external barriers to physical activity. Results Of the participants, 67.2% were male, with a mean age of 36.45 ± 13.69 years. Approximately one-third (35%) reported experiencing at least one internal barrier to physical activity, while 64.3% reported 1–2 internal barriers. For external barriers, 76.5% faced 1–2 barriers. The most common internal barriers were laziness (40.2%) and lack of self-motivation (27.5%); the most prevalent external barriers were lack of facilities (20.2%) and long working hours (19.6%). Females were significantly more likely than males to report cultural reasons (odds ratio [OR] = 4.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.06–5.76; p < 0.001) and religious reasons (OR = 3.31; 95% CI: 2.59–4.23; p < 0.001) as internal barriers. Multivariate analysis revealed that females were 14% more likely than males to report external barriers to physical activity (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.04–1.25; p = 0.018), suggesting gender plays a role in perceived external obstacles. Additionally, older age, higher body mass index, higher education level, marriage, certain employment statuses, and chronic diseases were significantly associated with increased reported internal and external barriers. These findings highlight the complex interplay of demographic and health-related factors influencing physical activity participation. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of both internal and external barriers to physical activity among Saudi adults, with notable gender differences influenced by cultural factors. Females were more likely to report cultural and religious reasons as barriers. Tailored policies and interventions are urgently needed to address these barriers, such as promoting gender-specific physical activity programs, integrating physical activity into workplaces, enhancing public facilities, and conducting culturally sensitive educational campaigns. Addressing both internal motivations and external obstacles is essential to increase physical activity levels and combat the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia.