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Correction: Enhanced wave overtopping simulation at vertical breakwaters using machine learning algorithms
The auxin phenylacetic acid induces NIN expression in the actinorhizal plant Datisca glomerata, whereas cytokinin acts antagonistically
All nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbioses of angiosperms–legume and actinorhizal symbioses–possess a common ancestor. Molecular processes for the induction of root nodules are modulated by phytohormones, as is the case of the first nodulation-related transcription factor NODULE INCEPTION (NIN), whose expression can be induced by exogenous cytokinin in legumes. The process of actinorhizal nodule organogenesis is less well understood. To study the changes exerted by phytohormones on the expression of the orthologs of CYCLOPS, NIN, and NF-YA1 in the actinorhizal host Datisca glomerata, an axenic hydroponic system was established and used to examine the transcriptional responses (RT-qPCR) in roots treated with the synthetic cytokinin 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), the natural auxin Phenylacetic acid (PAA), and the synthetic auxin 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The model legume Lotus japonicus was used as positive control. Molecular readouts for auxins and cytokinin were established: DgSAUR1 for PAA, DgGH3.1. for NAA, and DgARR9 for BAP. L. japonicus NIN was induced by BAP, PAA, and NAA in a dosage- and time-dependent manner. While expression of D. glomerata NIN2 could not be induced in roots, D. glomerata NIN1 was induced by PAA; this induction was abolished in the presence of exogenous BAP. Furthermore, the induction of DgNIN1 expression by PAA required ethylene and gibberellic acid. This study suggests that while cytokinin signaling is central for cortex-induced nodules of L. japonicus, it acts antagonistically to the induction of nodule primordia of D. glomerata by PAA in the root pericycle.
Visceral obesity augments prescription use: An analysis of the cross-sectional study of NHANES 2011–2018
Background Visceral obesity (VATob) increases the risk for many diseases. Central obesity has been associated with an augmented prescription use; however, there is a paucity of research focused on VATob. Here, the aim was to evaluate the association between VATob and prescription use. Methods Data was collected from the NHANES dataset (2011–2018). Visceral adipose tissue was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry, and VATob was defined as ≥100 cm2. Prescription use was collected from the RXQ_RX files and classified according to Vademecum. Association between VATob and prescription use was determined with logistic regression and reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results 10,952 participants (weighted: 121,090,702) were included, in which 41.8% were VATob and 52.0% of them had ≥1 prescription. Overall, VATob demonstrated an augmented rate of prescription use when compared to non-VATob (52.0% versus 36.7%, p<0.001), specifically with metabolic (4.5-fold increase), cardiovascular (3.9-fold increase), gastrointestinal (2.5-fold increase), and hematopoietic agents (2.3-fold increase). This was associated with increased the risk for overall prescription use (ORoverall = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.7–2.1, p<0.001). Similar results were observed with metabolic and cardiovascular agents. However, when stratified by BMI, normal weight participants (ORmetabolic = 10.4; 95%CI: 6.5–16.6 & ORcardiovascular = 7.0; 95%CI: 4.4–11.1, p<0.001) had a greater risk than the overweight (ORmetabolic = 4.1; 95%CI: 3.0–5.6 & ORcardiovascular = 3.4; 95%CI: 2.5–4.7, p<0.001) or obese participants (ORmetabolic = 3.5; 95%CI: 2.3–5.3 & ORcardiovascular = 3.5; 95%CI: 2.5–4.9, p<0.001). Conclusion VATob is associated with augmented prescription use, particularly with cardiovascular and metabolic agents. This association was higher for normal weight participants.
Research on the relationship between key risk factors of university emergencies based on ISM-MICMAC
In order to accurately analyze the interaction among the risk factors of university emergencies, firstly, based on the key performance indicator (KPI) concept, by initially extracting risk factors, identifying initial risk factors, and correcting initial risk factors, and the risk factors of emergencies in universities were divided into three categories: human factors, environmental factors, and management factors, and 18 key risk factors of emergencies in universities, including psychological problems, weak legal awareness and lack of safety awareness, were subdivided and determined. Secondly, the interpretive structure model (ISM) was used to construct a multi-layer hierarchical model of the relationship between university emergencies risk factors, clarified the hierarchical affiliation between the risk factors of university emergencies, divided the risk factors of university emergencies into surface direct factors, middle indirect factors and deep fundamental factors, and analyzed the coupling effect of various risk factors on university emergencies. Thirdly, combined with the matrix impacts cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC), the driving force and dependence force of each risk factor of university emergencies were obtained, and the risk factors of university emergencies were divided into spontaneous factors, independent factors, dependent factors, linkage factors, etc. 4 categories, and targeted governance and prevention measures were proposed for different types of risk factors. Finally, the research results will help universities to accurately identify, warn and manage the key risks of emergencies, and provide a reference for the management of emergencies in universities.
Tone or tissue? A comparison of trends and risk factors of severe postpartum hemorrhage according to uterine atony or retained tissue in a hospital setting
Objective To compare trends, outcomes and risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony and retained tissue separately. Study design This retrospective hospital-based study of severe PPH included deliveries from a 10-year cohort (2008–2017) and a four-year case-control group (2008–2011). Severe PPH was defined as an estimated blood loss of ≥1500 ml or a blood transfusion. Poisson regression was used to estimate the temporal trend in the 10-year cohort. Risk factors were investigated in the case-control group. We performed multinomial regression analysis to investigate associations between pregnancy characteristics and severe PPH caused by uterine atony and by retained tissue compared to controls without severe PPH. Results During the 10-year study period, 2.7% of all deliveries were complicated by severe PPH. Uterine atony without concurring retained tissue was the cause in 55.4%, while retained tissue was listed as a cause in 32.2% of the cases. Among women who received ≥ four units of blood products, retained tissue caused 42.6% of cases, and severe PPH resulting in a hysterectomy was caused by retained tissue in 61.2% of cases. The rate of severe PPH caused by uterine atony significantly increased during the study period with an estimated annual percentage change of 8.6%, while the increase in severe PPH due to retained tissue was non-significant. Risk factors associated only with uterine atony were multiple pregnancy, macrosomia, Asian ethnicity and operative delivery, while induction of labor, augmentation of labor, use of anticoagulants and assisted reproduction were associated with both uterine atony and retained tissue. Conclusion The observed increased rate of PPH in the study period was mainly driven by an increase in atonic PPH, while the rate of severe PPH caused by retained tissue remained stable. The proportion caused by retained tissue was highest among the most severe cases of PPH. The reason for the increase in severe PPH due to uterine atony, but not retained tissue was not clear, but we speculate that it may be a combination of increasing risk factors with increased awareness of PPH.
Peer effects among friends on students’ cognitive abilities: An analysis based on emotional distance
In contemporary society, students’ cognitive abilities are crucial for the accumulation of human capital. Consequently, significant concern has been expressed regarding the impact of peer effects among friends on students’ cognitive abilities. Based on the "China Education Tracking Survey" data, we discuss peer effects among friends on students’ cognitive abilities from the perspective of Emotional Distance Analysis. Our study shows that: (1) Students’ average scores could be actively affected by the increase in the number of friends with good grades. (2) Peer effects among friends are in accord with different students. Such effects are more easily exerted among female students and those with better average grades or local household registration. (3) The mechanism study found that the conduction effect of peer effects among friends mainly relies on two paths. One is manifested as the “compliance effect”. In other words, to align with their friends, students increase their study time, raise their educational aspirations, and minimize instances of skipping classes and absenteeism. The other channel is the “anchoring effect,” which involves raising parents’ reference standards, leading them to devote more time and energy to their children’s learning. Therefore, the rational use of social interaction with friends is a vital approach to enhancing students’ cognitive abilities.
Vector borne disease control interventions in agricultural and irrigation areas in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Irrigation farming has raised concerns about the steady transmission and introduction of new vector-borne infectious diseases (VBD) in the areas involved. This systematic review aimed to determine interventions that are effective for the management and control of VBDs in irrigation areas in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We searched the literature on VBD interventions in SSA from published and grey literature without specifying the publication year. A search strategy identified 7768 records from various databases, and after screening, 16 were included in the final analysis. Results showed various VBD control interventions were effective, including indoor residue spray (IRS), insect-treated nets (ITN), larva source management (LSM), mass drug administration (MDA), integrated vector management (IVM), and mollusciciding. IVM was commonly practiced, and its success was because of the complementarity of the various interventions involved. Successful VBD control interventions led to improved health amongst irrigation communities and consequently improved agricultural productivity. However, some challenges to these interventions were identified, which include seasonal changes and climate variability, insecticide and drug resistance, and farmers’ attitudes toward accepting the interventions. Regardless, results showed that VBD control and management can be integrated into irrigation farming before or after the establishment of the irrigation scheme.
A machine learning driven computationally efficient horse shoe shaped antenna design for internet of medical things
With bio-medical wearables becoming an essential part of Internet of Medical things (IoMT) for monitoring the health of workers, patients and others in different environments, antenna play a pivotal role in such wearables. In this communication, a novel Horse shoe shaped antenna (HSPA) meant for such wearables is presented. The vitals of the workers, patients etc. are collected and sent to the IoMT platform for ensuring their safety and monitoring their physical wellbeing. In this article, regression-based Machine learning (ML) techniques are used to facilitate the design of Horse shoe shaped patch antenna to predict the frequency of operation, radiation efficiency and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values to accelerate its design process for on-body applications. The HSPA designed resonates at 2.45 GHz in the frequency band of 1.75–2.98 GHz with SAR of 1.89 W/kg for an input power of 16.98 dBm, peak gain of 1.91 dBi and radiation efficiency of 62.07% when mounted on the human body. 1080 samples of data comprising of three EM parameters have been generated using a conventional EM tool by varying the physical and electrical parameters of the design. A detailed comparison of the five regression-based ML algorithms is presented, and it is observed that the ML models help in efficient use of resources while designing an antenna for bio-medical applications.
Exploring burn first aid knowledge and water lavage practices in Uganda: A cross-sectional study
Background Low- and middle-income countries experience higher burn-related morbidity and mortality compared to high-income countries. Prehospital Burn First Aid (BFA) improves outcomes. We assessed BFA knowledge and water lavage practices and their associated factors among burn victims, caregivers, and visitors at a tertiary health facility in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Burns Unit of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala between 1 st April 2022 and 30 th November 2022. Participants included burn patients, caregivers, and hospital visitors. Data on BFA knowledge and practices were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. BFA knowledge was evaluated using 13 questions, with a ≥80% score considered adequate. Logistic regression was used to assess for associations. Results We enrolled 404 participants, comprising 68 (16.8%) burn victims, 161(39.9%) primary caregivers, and 175 (43.3%) hospital visitors. Overall, 339 (83.9%) participants had never received BFA information, and 392 (97.0%) had no first aid training. The mean BFA knowledge score was 56±13.9%, with only 5.4% of the participants demonstrating adequate knowledge. Only 26 (27.7%) of current and former burn victims used water lavage as BFA. No statistically significant associations were found between BFA knowledge, water lavage usage, and demographic variables at univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Conclusion We highlight inadequate BFA knowledge and practices among victims of burns, their caregivers, and the general population. Addressing these deficiencies through community-based initiatives is crucial to improving burn care in Uganda.
Righting response and electrocardiographic evaluation of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Cuvier, 1818) exposed to immersion baths with different concentrations of bushy lippia essential oil (Lippia alba)
In recent years, the use of natural products as alternatives to synthetic anesthetic agents has gained notoriety in aquaculture. Among the essential oils studied, Lippia alba has attracted attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including sedative and anesthetic effects. This study aims to evaluate the anesthetic activity of Lippia alba essential oil (LAEO) to propose a therapeutic window for its use in tambaqui (C. macropomum). In this research, juvenile tambaqui (10.9 ± 5.9g, n = 90) were submitted to anesthetic baths with LAEO at concentrations of 80–140 μL.L-1 for behavioral assessment and electrophysiological recordings. The findings showed that all concentrations were effective in inducing the loss of posture reflex and its subsequent reversible return. However, electrocardiographic recordings at concentrations of 120 and 140 μL.L-1 revealed alterations in the graph elements, indicating more intense bradycardia and atrioventricular block during anesthetic induction. Nevertheless, during the anesthetic recovery period, cardiac normality was restored at all tested concentrations, although more slowly at the highest concentration (140 μL.L-1). Thus, we conclude that this oil is safe for providing short-term anesthesia at concentrations between 80 and 100 μL.L-1 in C. macropomum specimens.
Temporal associations between microclimate, adult Aedes mosquito indices, and dengue cases at the residence level in Malaysia: Implications for targeted interventions
Introduction Dengue continues to be a major public health concern in Malaysia, as evidenced by the significant surge in cumulative dengue case numbers and deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year. While previous studies have explored the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors of mosquito density and dengue cases on a local scale in Malaysia, there is a notable gap in the research focusing on adult Aedes mosquito populations. Aims This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating the association and time lags (TLs) between daily microclimate (DM), mosquito indices (MIs), and dengue cases at the residence level. Methods In this longitudinal study, field data were collected over 26 weeks using data loggers, gravid oviposit sticky (GOS) traps, and non-structural 1 (NS1) test kits in both non-dengue hotspot (NDH) and dengue hotspots (DH). The collected data encompassed DM variables, vegetation cover (VC), MIs, and number of dengue cases. An autocorrelation analysis was conducted to determine the TLs between MIs and their preceding values, while a cross-correlation analysis revealed the TLs between MIs and DM variables. Results The study indicated there are positive correlations between the adult index (AI) of Ae. albopictus, their preceding values and rainfall at an NDH. Conversely, the AIs of total Aedes at the DH exhibited positive correlations with their preceding values, temperature, rainfall, and maximum relative humidity (RH), but negative correlations with the mean and maximum RH. The dengue-positive trap index (DPTI) of total Aedes at DHs demonstrated positive associations with their preceding values, mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum RH, and rainfall, with negative correlations observed for the maximum temperature, mean RH, and minimum RH. Similar trends were identified for the Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus at DHs. The association between dengue cases, DM, and MIs was inconclusive due to underreported cases. Conclusions This study highlighted the DM and TLs of dengue virus-infected and non-infected adult female Aedes mosquitoes using onsite data collection. Furthermore, this study presents a replicable methodology that can be adopted by researchers worldwide for investigating the dynamics of dengue transmission in similar settings. The findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers, providing them with evidence-based information to implement targeted interventions and strategies aimed at controlling Aedes mosquito populations and mitigating the spread of dengue virus infections.
Metabolome profiling dissects the oat (Avena sativa L.) innate immune response to Pseudomonas syringae pathovars
One of the most important characteristics of successful plant defence is the ability to rapidly identify potential threats in the surrounding environment. Plants rely on the perception of microbe-derived molecular pattern chemicals for this recognition, which initiates a number of induced defence reactions that ultimately increase plant resistance. The metabolome acts as a metabolic fingerprint of the biochemical activities of a biological system under particular conditions, and therefore provides a functional readout of the cellular mechanisms involved. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to decipher the biochemical processes related to defence responses of oat plants inoculated with pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae (pathogenic and non-pathogenic on oat) and thereby identify signatory markers that are involved in host or nonhost defence responses. The strains were P. syringae pv. coronafaciens (Ps-c), P. syringae pv. tabaci, P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and the hrcC mutant of DC3000. At the seedling growth stage, metabolic alterations in the Dunnart oat cultivar (tolerant to Ps-c) in response to inoculation with the respective P. syringae pathovars were examined following perception and response assays. Following inoculation, plants were monitored for symptom development and harvested at 2-, 4- and 6 d.p.i. Methanolic leaf extracts were analysed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) connected to high-definition mass spectrometry. Chemometric modelling and multivariate statistical analysis indicated time-related metabolic reconfigurations that point to host and nonhost interactions in response to bacterial inoculation/infection. Metabolic profiles derived from further multivariate data analyses revealed a range of metabolite classes involved in the respective defence responses, including fatty acids, amino acids, phenolic acids and phenolic amides, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. The findings in this study allowed the elucidation of metabolic changes involved in oat defence responses to a range of pathovars of P. syringae and ultimately contribute to a more comprehensive view of the oat plant metabolism under biotic stress during host vs nonhost interactions.
Seasonal spatial-temporal trends of vegetation recovery in burned areas across Africa
Africa is entering a new fire paradigm, with climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressure shifting the patterns of frequency and severity. Thus, it is crucial to use available information and technologies to understand vegetation dynamics during the post-fire recovery processes. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal spatio-temporal trends of vegetation recovery in response to fires across Africa, from 2001 to 2020. Non-parametric tests were used to analyze MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) products comparing the following three-month seasonal periods: December-February (DJF), March-May (MAM), June-August (JJA), and September-November (SON). We evaluated the seasonal spatial trends of NDVI in burned areas by hemisphere, territory, or country, and by land cover types, and fire recurrences, with a focus on forested areas. The relationships between the seasonal spatial trend and three climatic variables (i.e. maximum air temperature, precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit) were then analyzed. For the 8.7 million km2 burned in Africa over the past 22 years, we observed several seasonal spatial trends of NDVI. The highest proportions of areas with increasing trend (p < 0.05) was recorded in MAM for both hemispheres, with 22.0% in the Northern Hemisphere and 17.4% in the Southern Hemisphere. In contrast, areas with decreasing trends (p < 0.05), showed 4.8–5.5% of burned area in the Northern Hemisphere, peaking in JJA, while the Southern Hemisphere showed a range of 7.1 to 10.9% with the highest proportion also in JJA. Regarding land cover types, 48.0% of fires occurred in forests, 24.1% in shrublands, 16.6% in agricultural fields, and 8.9% in grasslands/savannas. Consistent with the overall trend, the area exhibiting an increasing trend in NDVI values (p < 0.05) within forested regions had the highest proportion in MAM, with 19.9% in the Northern Hemisphere and 20.6% in the Southern Hemisphere. Conversely, the largest decreasing trend (p < 0.05) was observed in DJF in the Northern Hemisphere (2.7–2.9%) and in JJA in the Southern Hemisphere (7.2–10.4%). Seasonally, we found a high variability of regeneration trends of forested areas based on fire recurrences. In addition, we found that of the three climatic variables, increasing vapor pressure deficit values were more related to decreasing NDVI levels. These results indicate a strong component of seasonality with respect to fires, trends of vegetation increase or decrease in the different vegetation covers of the African continent, and they contribute to the understanding of climatic conditions that contribute to vegetation recovery. This information is helpful for researchers and decision makers to act on specific sites during restoration processes.
Impact of health education on knowledge retention among caregivers of hypertensive patients: A prospective cross-sectional study in rural Malawi
Hypertension is a widespread and life-threatening condition affecting one-third of adults globally. In low- and middle-income countries, like Malawi, the burden of hypertension is escalating due to inadequate healthcare resources and lifestyle changes. Family members often become primary caregivers, playing a crucial role in managing hypertension through support and adherence to treatment. This study examined caregivers’ knowledge retention by evaluating their pre- and post-health education knowledge levels. This was a prospective cross-sectional study in Neno, Malawi, a rural setting. 422 caregivers were enrolled from the Integrated Chronic Care Clinic (IC3). A structured questionnaire was used to collect baseline, post-health education, and week six data. Using SPSS V 22.0, comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) scores, correlation between KAP and between KAP and social demographic characteristics were done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Pearson correlation, and independent t-test respectively. Among the 422 caregivers who participated in the study, 267 (63.2%) were females and mean age was 44.94 years. The baseline mean knowledge level score was 9.5 (38.0%) and rose to 21.08 (84.3%) p = 0.000 immediate post-health education and a 2.1% decrease 20.54 (82.2%) p<0.001 at week six from the immediate post health education score. Attitude improved from 16.76 (93.1%) at baseline to 17.74 (98.6%) at the six-week mark. Similarly, the mean practice score rose from 25.24 (78.9%) at baseline to 27.42 (85.7%) at week six. There was a positive correlation between KAP while age had a negative correlation with knowledge (r = -0.146; p = 0.003). There was a significant difference between different education levels on knowledge retention p = 0.009. There was a positive and good knowledge retention among caregivers of hypertensive patients after health education at the week six mark. With improved knowledge and the ability to retain it resulting in improved attitude and practices, caregivers are a cornerstone for continued and improved hypertension care for the patients.
Physiotherapy under pressure: A cross-sectional study on the interplay between perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout
Background Given the escalating challenges for UK-based physiotherapists in workload pressures, budget constraints, staff shortages and patient wait times, the profession (of 65,000 registered physiotherapists) necessitates immediate attention to the health and well-being of the therapists. This pioneering study aims to examine perfectionism, moral injury, and burnout among UK-based physiotherapists across the NHS, private practice, sports, and academia. Method This cross-sectional study utilised an online survey and implementation of Structure Equation Modelling (SEM) to assess the interplay of perfectionism (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Short Form), moral injury (Moral Injury Symptoms Scale-Healthcare Professionals), and burnout (Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire). Our sample size calculation represents the UK physiotherapy profession, utilising a 95% confidence interval with a 5% margin of error. Findings Our analysis conducted on (n = 402) UK-based physiotherapists reveals significant burnout levels, with 96% of participants presenting with moderate to high burnout scores. SEM revealed perfectionism and moral injury collectively accounted for a substantial 62% of burnout variability, highlighting their sequential impact on burnout manifestation. Interpretation With such high levels of burnout, urgent intervention is paramount. Elevated burnout presents challenges for the physiotherapy profession as staff retention, accurate and effective patient care, and overall health are severely impacted due to burnout. Recognising and addressing perfectionism and moral injury, such as through amendment or development of policy, becomes pivotal to mitigate its impact on individual and collective health.
Simulation research on dynamic characteristics of scroll compressor with flexible clearance
The scroll compressor is a rotating machinery with high-speed and high-precision characteristics. In this paper, a vector model of the kinematic pair was constructed based on two-state clearance. To confirm the adverse effects of tiny clearance (0<r≤0.1mm) on the scroll compressor, a dynamics simulation of the spindle was performed under flexible contact conditions with different clearances. The study indicates that simulation results for flexible and rigid bodies are vastly different, and the former is closer to reality. Compared with the case in an ideal state (0mm), clearance at 0.01mm and 0.04mm can cause an enormous impact on the critical bearing components of the spindle, such as the orbiting scroll, cross-slip ring, and support bearing, which results in unexpected vibration and noise. However, when the clearance increases to 0.07mm and 0.1mm, the collision amplitude and friction resistance inside the needle bearing are relatively small, which avoids violent impacts on the machine. This paper considers the effect of spindle flexibility and transmission clearance simultaneously, which helps to explore the running mechanism of a scroll compressor with clearance.