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Influence of pyridinic nitrogen on tautomeric shifts and charge transport in single molecule keto enol equilibria

Realist evaluation of the AKU-SONAM mentorship program

Background & objectives The context, mechanism, and outcome (CMO) framework is meant to identify specific contextual factors (C) related to organizational and program structure that trigger certain mechanisms (M) involving the unique characteristics of a program, leading to specific outcomes (O). The purpose of this study was to explore the contextual underpinnings, operational processes, and resultant effects of the faculty mentorship program at AKU-SONAM. This exploration involved the context in terms of organizational culture, mechanisms examining processes such as communication between mentors and mentees, quality of relationships, the challenges encountered, and the program’s adaptability to cope up while, outcomes encompassed improvements in interpersonal relationships, career advancement, and skill development. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted at AKU-SONAM, involving in-depth interviews (IDIs) with program leadership and administrators, as well as focus group discussions (FGDs) with mentors and mentees. A semi-structured interview guide, comprising open-ended, introductory, probing, and concluding questions, was developed, validated, and reviewed by experts to ensure its effectiveness and relevance. The process included transcription of interviews, verification through member checks, and thematic analysis where codes and categories were identified and themes, were developed guided by the CMO (Context-Mechanism-Outcome) configuration framework. Results Three IDIs were conducted with administrators and leadership while two FGD were conducted independently with mentors and mentees. Themes for context, mechanism, and outcome were identified. The theme “Navigating Mentorship Challenges in the Professional Landscape” described the Context with subthemes: “Existence of mentorship culture”, Origins and Evolution of Mentoring” “Mentor’s pool, Availability of resources and Mentorship to Seniors. ‘Synergies in Professional Development: From Interdepartmental Collaboration to Mentor-Mentee Connections’ was the theme for mechanisms with subthemes; ‘Fostering Interdepartmental Collaboration’ ‘Building Connections’, ‘sharing of thoughts’, Work Driven Model, Mentor mentee pairing and Selection of mentor. Theme: ‘Cultivating Excellence in the Orchard for Outcome’ emerged from ‘Exchange of Insights in the Orchard of Mentorship’ and ‘Skills Development” constituted the Outcome theme. Conclusions The mentorship program at AKU-SONAM facilitated mentors and mentees to establish connections and exchange ideas. While the mentor-mentee pairing process was clearly outlined, participants emphasized the need to address the challenges encountered by mentees. Although the outcomes were not explicitly clarified, the program contributed to the advancement of the professional development of mentees at AKU-SONAM.

Evaluating the effect of biochar rate and combination with fertilizer on the dynamics of soil nitrogen supply in tea plantation

Comparative readability of information on different treatment options for breast cancer, based on WeChat public accounts

Objective To evaluate and compare the readability of information on different treatment options for breast cancer from WeChat public accounts, propose targeted improvement strategies based on the evaluation of the results of the various treatment options, and provide a reference for producers of WeChat public accounts from which to write highly readable information regarding breast cancer treatment options. Methods With “breast cancer” as keywords in April 2021, searches were implemented on Sogou WeChat website (https://weixin.sogou.com/) and WeChat mobile app. The selected WPAs were aimed to provided breast cancer health information, and the four latest articles of each WPA were included in the evaluation. Two independent observers assessed the readability of the articles through the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) tool, and compared the readability of information on different treatment options, i.e., surgical treatment, medical treatment, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and comprehensive treatment. Results A total of 136 articles on different types of breast cancer treatments from 37 WeChat public accounts were included in the present study. The median SAM score was 50 (IQR, 41–60). In terms of treatment options, the readability of articles in the CAM category scored higher in the content 75 (IQR, 63–81), learning stimulation and motivation 75 (IQR, 50–83) and cultural appropriateness 75 (IQR, 75–75) categories than in the medical and surgical treatment categories (P < 0.05). Additionally, the readability of articles in the CAM category scored higher in the cultural appropriateness 75 (IQR, 75–75) category than those for comprehensive and medical treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusions The overall readability of information on breast cancer treatment options in WeChat public accounts was in the lower portion of the “adequate” level. The readability of articles on medical treatment options is poor, especially on clinical trial articles, which could be improved in terms of content, graphics, learning stimulation, and motivation to make them more suitable for public reading.

Role of CXCL10 released from osteocytes in response to TNF-α stimulation on osteoclasts

Weight trajectories in aging humanized APOE mice with translational validity to human Alzheimer’s risk population: A retrospective analysis

Translational validity of mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is variable. Because change in weight is a well-documented precursor of AD, we investigated whether diversity of human AD risk weight phenotypes was evident in a longitudinally characterized cohort of 1,196 female and male humanized APOE (hAPOE) mice, monitored up to 28 months of age which is equivalent to 81 human years. Autoregressive Hidden Markov Model (AHMM) incorporating age, sex, and APOE genotype was employed to identify emergent weight trajectories and phenotypes. In the hAPOE-AD mouse cohort, five distinct weight trajectories emerged: three trajectories were associated with a weight loss phenotype (36% of mice, n = 426), one with weight gain (13% of mice, n = 152), and one trajectory of no change in weight (34% of mice, n = 403). The AHMM model findings were validated with post-hoc survival analyses, revealing differences in survival rates across the five identified phenotypes. Further validation was performed using body composition and plasma β-amyloid data from mice within the identified gain, loss and stable weight trajectories. Weight gain trajectory was associated with elevated plasma β-amyloid levels, higher body fat composition, lower survival rates and a greater proportion of APOE4/4 carriers. In contrast, weight loss was associated with greater proportion of hAPOE3/4 carriers, better survival rates and was predominantly male. The association between weight change and AD risk observed in humans was mirrored in the hAPOE-AD mouse model. Weight trajectories of APOE3/3 mice were equally distributed across weight gain, loss and stability. Surprisingly, despite genetic uniformity, comparable housing, diet and handling, distinct weight trajectories and divergence points emerged for subpopulations. These data are consistent with the heterogeneity observed in the human population for change in body weight during aging and highlight the importance of longitudinal phenotypic characterization of mouse aging to advance the translational validity of preclinical AD mouse models.

Knockdown of zebrafish tmem242 enhances the production of ROS that signals to increase f9a expression resulting in DIC-like condition

Correction: The Video Manipulation Effect (VME): A quantification of the possible impact that the ordering of YouTube videos might have on opinions and voting preferences

A machine learning based algorithm accurately stages liver disease by quantification of arteries

Association of chronic kidney disease with acute clinical outcomes and hospitalization costs of cancer resection

Purpose Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have been noted to face increased cancer incidence. Yet, the impact of concomitant renal dysfunction on acute outcomes following elective surgery for cancer remains to be elucidated. Methods All adult hospitalizations entailing elective resection for lung, esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, or colon cancer were identified in the 2016–2020 National Inpatient Sample. Based on stage of renal dysfunction, CKD patients were sub-classified as CKD1-3, CKD4-5, or ESRD (others: Non-CKD). Multivariable regression models were developed to assess the association of comorbid CKD/ESRD with in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and resource utilization. Results Of ~515,145 patients, 32,195 (6.2%) had CKD (5.1% CKD1-3, 0.7% CKD4-5, 0.5% ESRD). The incidence of CKD among patients undergoing cancer resection increased from 5.3% in 2016 to 7.3% in 2020 (P<0.001). Following risk adjustment, CKD1-3 and CKD4-5 remained linked with similar likelihood of mortality and hospitalization costs, but greater need for blood transfusion (CKD1-3 AOR 1.21, CI 1.09–1.35; CKD4-5 AOR 1.73 CI 1.38–2.18). CKD4-5 was also associated with greater odds of infection (AOR 1.88, CI 1.34–2.62) and respiratory sequelae (AOR 1.36, CI 1.05–1.77). Further, ESRD was linked with greater odds of in-hospital mortality (AOR 2.74, CI 1.69–4.45), infection (AOR 2.31, CI 1.62–3.30) and respiratory complications (AOR 1.72, CI 1.31–2.26), as well as greater resource utilization, relative to Non-CKD. Conclusion Comorbid renal dysfunction was linked with inferior clinical and financial outcomes following elective cancer resection. Future work is needed to develop optimal management strategies and recovery pathways for this complex cohort.

Noninvasive diagnosis model for predicting significant liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B in the immune-tolerant phase

Abstract The presence of significant liver inflammation is an important indication for antiviral therapy in immune-tolerant (IT)phase with chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients. This study aims to establish a non-invasive model to assess significant liver inflammation in the IT-phase of CHB patients. This multicenter retrospective study included a total of 535 IT-phase CHB patients who underwent liver biopsy, and were randomly divided into a training and a validation set. In the training cohort, the relevant indices were initially screened using univariate analysis. Then the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify the significant independent risk factors and establish a predictive model. A diagnostic nomogram was constructed. Calibration curves, decision curve analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. In this study, 37.0% of the patients exhibited significant liver inflammation. Baseline characteristics revealed a median age of 35.0 years, with males accounting for 51.7% of the cohort. Age, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Prothrombin (PT), Albumin (ALB) and Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) were identified as independent predictors of significant liver inflammation in the immune-tolerant phase, and a nomogram was constructed based on these indicators. The predictive model demonstrated good calibration and discrimination in both the training set and the validation set (aera under the curve (AUC) of 0.741 and 0.740, respectively). The nomogram can accurately identify significant liver inflammation in immune-tolerant phase CHB patients and facilitate the early initiation of antiviral therapy, thereby reducing the need for clinical liver biopsies.

Analysis of the effect of joint roughness on the failure mechanism of jointed rock mass under direct shear loading

The mechanical properties of jointed rock bodies are important in guiding engineering design and construction. Using the particle flow software PFC2D, we conducted direct shear test simulations on joints with various inclinations and five different roughness levels to examine the models’ crack extension penetration paths, damage modes, and strength characteristics. The findings indicate that the direction of the joint influences the pattern of the rock crack and its penetration route. Under forward shear, the rock bridge creates a notched through surface, whereas under reverse shear it creates two adjacent through surfaces, categorised into four types of crack consolidation between joints with different inclinations: ‘end to end’, ‘the end is connected to the middle’, ‘end connection’, ‘first outward expansion and then rock bridge destruction’. Variations in joint inclination and roughness can alter the mechanical properties and damage patterns of joint specimens. The ‘climbing’ and ‘gnawing’ effects determine the peak shear strength of the rock body at the joint section. It is vital to consider these factors when assessing the joint’s characteristics. The damage effect is determined by the joint inclination and joint roughness. When the main damage effect changes from ‘creeping’ slip to ‘gnawing’ damage, increasing joint roughness enhances the shear strength. Nevertheless, under the same ‘gnawing’ damage effect, augmenting joint roughness weakens the mechanical properties of the rock bridge, and as roughness increases, the shear strength decreases. For example, at a joint inclination of 30°, the shear strength increases by 20.1% as the JRC (Joint Roughness Coefficient) increases from 0 to 5. At a joint inclination of 60°, the shear strength decreases by 10.7% as the JRC increases from 0 to 10.

Consequences of COVID-19 for geriatric patients during a pandemic

Abstract To investigate the outcomes of geriatric COVID-19 patients in a German academic setting during the pandemic. This study included 468 consecutive geriatric patients (≥ 70 years) who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were treated at the University of Duisburg-Essen from 2/2020 to 3/2021. 74 patients were transferred to a geriatric hospital and a 12-month follow-up (prospective study) was performed in 51 patients. Clinical assessments evaluated depression (GDS), apathy (AES), cognitive status (MMST), mobility (TUG), health status (EQ-5D-5 L), and daily living activities (Barthel Index). Demographic and clinical data were also analyzed. Results showed that the mortality in this vulnerable group was 52% (n = 209). Long-term survival was higher in patients who received comprehensive geriatric treatment (74.3% vs. 51.8%). The duration of inpatient stay at the primary hospital was 13.3 ± 3.6 days, with 28.8% (n = 135) requiring intensive care. At the 12-month mark more patients with geriatric treatment lived in nursing homes. Barthel-Index/Timed-Up-and-Go-Test/MMST/AES/GDS, and EQ-5D-5 L indicated worse outcomes in the group who received geriatric treatment. Specialized geriatric care may improve survival in geriatric COVID-19 patients despite decreased long-term outcomes. Further research, including international studies like NAPKON, are encouraged to confirm these findings and explore potential interventions for improved outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Factors influencing the adoption of e-government by female university students

The primary purpose of electronic government (e-government) is to promote transparency, facilitate access to government services, and strengthen the accountability of public institutions in the digital transformation age. However, few studies have explored the factors that affect women’s adoption of e-government, especially in emerging economies. Consequently, this study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of e-government services by young women in Medellín, Colombia. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 223 women, focusing on the factors proposed in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The results were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings confirmed the validity of both the measurement and structural models, providing evidence for their predictive power. In addition, seven out of the eight hypotheses were confirmed, particularly highlighting the positive influence of ease of use on perceived usefulness, as well as the positive relationship between intention to use and actual use of the system. The results underscore the importance of reaching a more equitable and empowering participation of women in the digital government sphere. Moreover, they provide valuable insights for formulating policies and strategies that promote the effective adoption of e-government services by the demographic group under study.

Inversion of interlayer scale using dynamic data of production wells in bottom water reservoirs: Sangtamu Oilfield, Tarim basin

Abstract The target reservoir is a typical blocky bottom water reservoir. There are several interlayers of varying scales inside it, which impact the characteristics of the oil production and water breakthrough curves of the wells in the water flooding development oilfield, resulting in strong heterogeneity within the reservoir. The Sangtamu Oilfield has an average well spacing of approximately 600 m, causing a challenge in accurately identifying the range of small-scale interlayer spreading. This, in addition, challenges the subsequent 3D geological modeling process. This paper proposes a method to accurately characterize the size of various interlayers in a reservoir by using production dynamics data from bottom water reservoirs to invert the interlayer scale. By classifying the water breakthrough curve styles derived from theoretical testing, the range of reservoir internal interlayer scales is compared and inverted based on the actual water breakthrough styles of wells in the Sangtamu oil field. In the process, many interlayer scales derived from various types of geologic data acquisition were combined to form a quantitative geologic knowledge database of interlayers that synthesizes both dynamic and static data. This method has been applied in the Tarim Basin’s Sangtamu Oilfield, where the reservoir numerical simulation history was used to fit the model. This resulted in an overall fitting coincidence rate of 96% in the Sangtamu Oilfield and a single-well fitting coincidence rate of over 90% in well LN14. This method offers a new viewpoint on characterizing the interlayer’s scale in the area of the non-dense well network.

Exploring entrepreneurial intention among European Union youth by education and employment status

The relatively high vulnerability of young Europeans in the labour market compared to other age groups has led many to seek alternative employment solutions, such as entrepreneurship. While not a comprehensive solution, entrepreneurial initiatives among youth can offer a valuable opportunity for their integration into stable and decent work. This research uses Flash Eurobarometer 513—Social Entrepreneurship and Youth to explore entrepreneurial intentions among European Union youth. The study’s novelty consists of the division of the target population into four distinct categories based on educational and employment status. The results indicate that EU youth are not a homogeneous group. While the motivation to create their own jobs—is a common feature of all young individuals with entrepreneurial intentions, suggesting a necessity-driven entrepreneurial intention, significant differences emerge among sub-groups. Young people who are only studying exhibit an interest in exploiting business opportunities, highlighting the role of education in fostering opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, while NEETs and employed youth are primarily motivated by better income prospects in the intention to start a business. Additionally, youth engaged in education and those integrated into the labour market are better informed about financing and training opportunities Perceived barriers include a lack of education for NEETs and financial risks for others. Funding preferences also differ: NEETs would rely on personal savings, while those balancing study and work would explore diverse sources, including venture capital and incubator support for starting businesses. Our study enhances the understanding of entrepreneurial intentions among EU young people, offering insights that can guide more effective support strategies for fostering entrepreneurial success.

Natural repeated backcrosses lead to triploidy and tetraploidy in parthenogenetic butterfly lizards (Leiolepis: Agamidae)

Assessing a bundle of peer counseling, mobile phone messages, and mama kits in promoting timely initiation of and exclusive breastfeeding in Uganda: A cluster randomized controlled study

Background Timely initiation of and exclusive breastfeeding have been recommended as key interventions to enable countries to attain the sustainable development target of reducing neonatal mortality to no more than 12 deaths per 1000 live births and to reduce mortality of children under 5 years to no more than 25 deaths per 1000 live births. Methods We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial with the main objective to assess the effect of an integrated package consisting of: peer counseling, mobile phone messages, and mama kits on promoting health facility births between January 2018 and February 2019, in Lira district, Northern Uganda. In this article, we assessed the effect of the intervention on our two secondary objectives: timely initiation of and exclusivity of breastfeeding. We used a generalized estimation equation of the Poisson family, with a log or identity link, taking clustering into account to estimate prevalence ratios and prevalence differences. Results A total of 64% (594/926) of participants in the intervention arm initiated breastfeeding within the first hour after birth compared to 60% (493/829) in the control arm. The proportion of participants in the intervention arm that initiated breastfeeding within the first hour of life did not significantly differ from that in the control arm [Prevalence Ratio (PR) 1.08 (0.97 to 1.21)] and [Prevalence Difference (PD) 0.05 (-0.02 to 0.12)]. When we restricted the analysis to only mothers who decided on when to breastfeed, there was some evidence of intervention effectiveness [PR 1.20, 95% CI (0.99–1.5)]. In the intervention arm, 89% (804/904) of participants exclusively breastfed their infants in the first month of life compared to 81% (656/813) in the control arm. Participants in the intervention arm were 10% more likely to have exclusively breastfed in the preceding 24 hours compared to mothers in the control arm [PR 1.10 (1.04 to 1.17)] and [PD 0.08 (0.04 to 0.13)], and 16% more likely to have exclusively breastfed since birth compared to mothers in the control arm [PR 1.16 (1.03 to 1.30)] and [PD 0.12 (0.03 to 0.20]. Conclusion The intervention improved the proportion of mothers who practiced exclusive breastfeeding in the first month of life, but did not increase the proportion of mothers who initiated breastfeeding in the first hour of life. Future breastfeeding promotion interventions should consider including a health facility component and improving maternal autonomy to promote timely initiation of breastfeeding.

A data driven machine learning approach for predicting and optimizing sulfur compound adsorption on metal organic frameworks

Assessment of the bypass of obturation materials beyond fractured instruments after using different obturation techniques in simulated curved canals (An in-vitro study)

This study evaluated the extent to which obturation materials bypass fractured endodontic instruments positioned in the middle and apical thirds of severely curved simulated root canals using different obturation techniques. Sixty resin blocks with simulated root canals were used, each with a 50° curvature, a 6.5 mm radius of curvature, and a length of 16.5 mm, prepared to an ISO #15 diameter and taper. Canals were shaped using ProTaper Universal files (Dentsply Maillefer) attached to an X-smart Plus endo motor (Dentsply), set at 3.5 Ncm torque and 250 rpm, up to size S2 at working length. To simulate fractures, F2 and F3 files were weakened 3 mm from the tip, then twisted to break in the apical and middle sections of the canal, respectively. All samples were sealed with GuttaFlow 2 and divided into three groups (n = 20/group) according to obturation technique: A) single cone, B) lateral condensation with a rotary spreader, and C) softcore obturators. Each group was then divided into two subgroups (n = 10) based on the instrument fracture location (1 = apical, 2 = middle). The linear intrusion of obturation materials through the fractured instruments was measured using ImageJ software and analyzed statistically with ANOVA, Tukey tests, and independent t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Material bypass in group B1 (3.27 ± 0.63 mm) was significantly greater than in group A1 (2.39 ± 0.44 mm) and group C1 (2.91 ± 0.77 mm). In group C2, bypass (5.76 ± 0.64 mm) was significantly higher than in group A2 (3.82 ± 0.2 mm) and group B2 (2.27 ± 0.96 mm). Additionally, bypass in group A2 was greater than in group B2, and group B1 had more bypass than B2, while group C2 exceeded C1. The lateral condensation technique with a rotary spreader and softcore obturators increased the bypass of obturation materials through fractured instruments in simulated curved canals. These techniques may thus enhance material flow in endodontic procedures involving instrument fractures.