Browse Articles

Case-control study of maternal and fetal outcomes in beta thalassaemia trait during pregnancy

Individuals with beta thalassaemia trait are not expected to have clinically significant morbidities besides mild anaemia. Pregnancy would exaggerate the anaemia in beta thalassaemia traits, but how this could affect maternal and fetal outcomes is unclear. Previous studies on maternal and fetal outcomes in beta thalassaemia trait have been inconsistent and even contradictory. Thus, we aimed to study the outcomes of pregnancy in pregnant women with beta-thalassemia trait. The prospective case-control study included 120 pregnant women with beta thalassaemia trait and 120 normal pregnant women. Participants in the case and control groups were matched according to maternal age, gestational age and number of previous pregnancies. All participants were followed up at similar intervals for the duration of the pregnancy for haemoglobin variations, transfusion requirements and maternal/fetal problems without interfering with the management. We identified that beta thalassaemia traits did not experience noteworthy symptoms in any of the three trimesters: except for headache. Haemoglobin level, and red cell indices in all three trimesters were significantly lower among cases than controls. In both groups hemoglobin levels dipped in the 2nd trimester, only to rise in the 3rd trimester, to reach values similar to those in the 1st trimester. Individuals with beta thalassaemia trait were transfused more blood during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters based on lower Hb levels of the mother a decision not prompted by any notable maternal or fetal complications. No statistically significant differences were observed for pregnancy complications, perinatal or neonatal outcomes. During labor, the rate of caesarean deliveries was significantly higher among cases with no definite indications for such in most cases.

Absence of sex differences in serotonergic control of orbitofrontal cortex neuronal activity

Abstract The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a brain region involved in cognitive processing, especially in tasks that require flexibility in decision-making. Serotonin (5-HT) plays a critical role in mediating OFC-dependent behavior, primarily through its actions at both 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors. Through these receptors, 5-HT acts both pre- and postsynaptically at pyramidal (PyN) neurons and parvalbumin-containing interneurons (OFCPV) to regulate their activity. In a previous study, we reported that the non-selective 5-HT2 antagonist ketanserin inhibited 5-HT-induced membrane currents in OFCPV neurons from female and not male rats, suggesting the possibility that this results from sex-dependent differential 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptor expression. Here, we test this hypothesis using subtype-selective antagonists, and we find that 5-HT-mediated depolarization of OFCPV neurons occurs via activation of 5-HT2A, and not 5-HT2C receptors. Additionally, 5-HT2A receptor antagonism was equally effective in OFCPV neurons from males and females, as was the 5-HT2 agonist 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI). These pharmacological data suggest that the sex-dependent effects of ketanserin do not result from differential expression of 5-HT2 receptor subtypes in OFCPV neurons. In addition, 5-HT effects on OFC PyNs are similar in males and females. In light of recent reports of sex-dependent differences in prefrontal cortical function, our results are presented to inform and clarify actions of 5-HT on OFC circuitry.

Embracing AI in academia: A mixed methods study of nursing students’ and educators’ perspectives on using ChatGPT

Background The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT is reshaping academic practice, particularly in nursing education. Understanding how nursing students and educators perceive and interact with ChatGPT is essential for its responsible and effective use in both academic and clinical contexts. This study aimed to explore knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and concerns related to ChatGPT among nursing students and educators and to identify potential factors associated with its use in academia. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was conducted at a Saudi nursing college. Quantitative data were collected from a convenience sample of 240 students and 40 nurse educators using validated self-reported questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 students and 15 educators and analyzed thematically. Results Participants demonstrated moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes and perceptions toward ChatGPT. Educators expressed stronger ethical concerns, particularly regarding plagiarism, over-reliance, and data accuracy. Regression analysis demonstrated that knowledge significantly predicted perceptions and attitudes, with strong predictive power (p < 0.001). Also, ChatGPT experience, academic level, and years of experience as significant predictors of knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes (p ≤ 0.05), with ChatGPT experience showing the strongest predictive power. Thematic analysis yielded four main themes and 22 subthemes: uses of ChatGPT, benefits, concerns, and suggestions for improvement. Conclusion ChatGPT holds promising potential in nursing education, supporting academic productivity and digital competence. However, concerns about ethical use, content accuracy, and discipline alignment remain. Integrating AI literacy training, ethical guidelines, and discipline-specific adaptations is essential to maximize ChatGPT’s benefits and support its safe and effective use in nursing academia.

Comparative impacts of climate change and human activities on spatiotemporal changes of bare land in the Turpan-Hami Basin (1985–2020)

Deciphering the genetic landscape of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus: Dynamic and region-specific diversity revealed by comprehensive sequence analyses

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), a swiftly spreading bipartite begomovirus infecting ~43 plant species across Asia, Africa, and Europe, poses a major agricultural threat. This study comprehensively investigated the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of ToLCNDV using a large dataset of sequences from diverse geographic regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA-A (TA) and DNA-B (TB) components revealed seven major clades for each component, demonstrating regional but not host-specific clustering. Notably, TA and TB exhibited distinct geographic segregation and genetic diversity, with cognate segments often clustering separately. Extensive recombination events were detected (44 in TA and 45 in TB), involving both intra- and interspecies events. While TA displayed higher overall genetic diversity indices, TB exhibited greater nucleotide diversity (π = 0.11%) compared to TA (π = 0.057%) and a slightly faster evolutionary rate (8.15 × 10‒04 substitutions/site/year vs. 7.25 × 10‒04 for TA). Demographic analysis indicated strong negative selection on both components (TA and TB) and their coding regions, albeit with varying intensity. India and Pakistan, known ToLCNDV hotspots, harbored the highest viral diversity and isolate numbers. This study highlights the complex interplay of genetic diversity, recombination, and selection in shaping ToLCNDV evolution, revealing distinct evolutionary trajectories for its genomic components and in different countries. These findings enhance understanding of ToLCNDV evolution and support informed control strategies.

Effect of halogen substitution on the electronic and optical behavior of C₁₆H₁₀X₂O₂(X = F, cl, Br and I) organic semiconductors

Risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives To systematically evaluate the risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery globally; and to provide information on how to prevent complications and, should they occur, how to intervene. Methods This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; No. CRD42024555506). We searched the following databases: PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science Core Collection, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang. Data on risk factors for hypothermia during laparoscopic surgery were systematically collected through June 1, 2024. After evaluating references that met Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) inclusion criteria, we performed a meta-analysis of the extracted data using RevMan version 5.4. Results We included 11 studies with a cumulative sample size of 3550 cases and extracted 14 risk factors. Meta-analysis results showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.03; P = 0.04), total amount of intraoperative CO2 injected into the abdominal cavity > 200 L (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.30–1.81; P < 0.001), duration of operation > 120 min (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.03–2.65; P < 0.001), duration of anesthesia > 150 min (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.26–1.92; P < 0.001), intravenous (IV)–fluid volume>1500 mL (OR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.48–2.12; P < 0.001), and intraoperative blood loss ≥ 150 mL (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.27–2.17; P < 0.001) were risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia. Conclusions We found that age, total amount of CO2 injected into the abdominal cavity during the operation, operation duration, anesthesia duration, IV-fluid volume, and intraoperative blood loss to be risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Given the limitations of the available literature’s quantity and quality, our conclusions should be verified by higher-quality studies.

Optimal energy management of multi-carrier energy system considering uncertainty in renewable generation

Abstract This paper presents a structured approach for the efficient operation of multi-carrier energy systems under the uncertainty of renewable energy sources. As the penetration of wind and solar energy increases, managing the resulting variability becomes critical to maintaining both economic efficiency and operational flexibility. To address this, a two-stage multi objective optimization framework is proposed. In the first stage, the objective is to minimize daily operational costs while incorporating the uncertain behavior of renewables using a scenario-based stochastic approach. The second stage focuses on simultaneously enhancing system flexibility by maximizing the available capacities for both electrical and thermal energy generation and improving green house emissions. To evaluate system adaptability, two performance indicators are introduced: the Average Energy Generation Flexibility Index (AEGFI) and the Average Thermal Generation Flexibility Index (ATGFI). The optimization model is solved using the Modified Water Evaporation algorithm. Sensitivity analyses are also conducted to explore the effects of fluctuations in gas and electricity prices on system performance. The proposed model is applied to a generalized multi-carrier energy system. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in flexibility, with AEGFI and ATGFI increasing by 27.43% and 39.91%, respectively. Overall, the framework offers a comprehensive solution to balance cost-effectiveness and flexibility in energy systems with high shares of renewables.

Assessing transfusion need in patients with type A aortic dissection with multiplate aggregometry

Background Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) represents a life-threatening surgical emergency. Use of antiplatelet drugs and platelet dysfunction exacerbate the already high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between preoperative platelet function evaluated through Multiplate® aggregometry and transfusion requirement. Methods This observational retrospective study included 180 patients who underwent emergency surgical repair of ATAAD over a two-year period (2019–2021). Platelet function was evaluated preoperatively using Multiplate® analyzer with three activators: adenosine diphosphate (ADP test), arachidonic acid (ASPI test) and thrombin receptor-activating peptide-6 (TRAP test). Primary outcome was the number of blood products transfused. In addition, the need for surgical re-exploration, length of hospital stay and 30-day mortality were compared. Results Abnormal aggregation responses were observed in 89 (49.2%) patients using ASPI test, in 47 (26%) patients using ADP test, and in 113 (63.5%) patients using the TRAP test. Thirty-six (20%) patients exhibited an abnormal response to all three tests. Preoperative use of aspirin was documented in 35 (19.3%) patients, while clopidogrel use was documented in 7 (3.9%) patients. Patients with anormal ADP responses required more intraoperative red cell concentrates (3.4 ± 3.9 versus 2.1 ± 3.2, p = 0.039), intraoperative platelet concentrates (4.2 ± 2.9 versus 3.1 ± 2.4, p = 0.015) and total platelet concentrates (8.1 ± 7.8 versus 6.2 ± 8.1, p = 0.008). There were no significant differences in the need for surgical re-exploration, the total length of hospital stay, or 30-day mortality. Conclusions Multiplate® aggregometry can be a useful tool for evaluating platelet dysfunction and assessing transfusion need in ATAAD patients, thereby aiding in the optimization of treatment strategies.

Green spectrofluorimetric method for quantification of sodium oxybate in pharmaceutical and plasma samples

Retraction: Cyclic AMP-response element regulated cell cycle arrests in cancer cells

Temperature affects the torque–velocity relationship of the ankle plantar flexor muscles

Global terrestrial nitrogen fixation and its modification by agriculture

Ferrocene thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives cause DNA damage and interfere with DNA repair in triple-negative breast cancer cells

In this study, ferrocene-containing thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives were screened against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, which represent an aggressive subtype of the disease predominant in women of African descent. The lack of key receptors in TNBC poses a therapeutic challenge as there are limited targeted treatment options available for this subtype. The ferrocene thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives displayed toxicity against HCC70 TNBC cells in the low-moderate micromolar range (5–46 μM) and two compounds were selected for further study, with IC50 values of 7.54 ± 1.07 μM (OY25) and 5.59 ± 1.24 μM (OY29). Additionally, compounds OY25 and OY29 were screened against other cancer and non-tumourigenic cell lines and found to be less toxic against non-cancerous breast epithelial cell line MCF-12A (SI = 2.2188 and 4.4359, respectively) compared to the HCC70 TNBC cell line. Compounds OY25 and OY29 show a dual mode of action involving increased reactive oxygen species generation and induction of DNA damage. In silico docking analysis and competitive DNA binding fluorescence-based assays revealed that the compounds disrupt key DNA damage phosphoprotein levels through binding to the minor groove of DNA. In a combination assay, the compounds acted synergistically and antagonistically with DNA damage-inducing drugs, camptothecin and etoposide, respectively. Meanwhile, in combination with PARP-1 inhibitor, OY25 and OY29 acted synergistically and antagonistically, respectively. Furthermore, in silico results, using the SwissADME web tool, showed that the compounds OY25 and OY29 display desirable ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) profile with parameters within acceptable range.

Epidemiology and risk factors of glaucoma in a comprehensive health screening baseline report from the Gangnam Eye Cohort Study

Family caregiver role in care recipient preparedness for hospital discharge: A parallel mediation model

Background Family members or friends (caregivers) play a substantial role in supporting health needs of older adults or persons with chronic conditions and accompanying them in acute-care settings. Scarce evidence on the impacts of caregiver engagement in ensuring and explaining medical care during hospitalization calls for further exploration of the role of caregivers along the peri-hospitalization trajectory in supporting hospitalization outcomes. This study aimed to examine the association between pre-admission caregiver support and care recipients’ preparedness for discharge and whether caregiver engagement during hospitalization and upon discharge mediates this association. Methods Secondary analysis of a cohort study of 443 internal medicine patients who were accompanied by caregivers. Pre-admission caregiver support, engagement in ensuring and explaining medical care during hospitalization, and covariates like health literacy, demographics and health status were reported by patients during hospitalization. Caregiver involvement in the discharge briefing and care-transition preparedness was reported a week after discharge. Results Multivariate mediation analysis showed significant direct effect (B(unstandardized)=1.55; CI = 0.09–2.99; P = 0.036) of pre-admission caregiver support on care-transition preparedness. The effect was mediated by high caregiver engagement in ensuring and explaining medical care during current hospitalization (Mediated effect (ME)=2.84; CI = 1.78–4.00) and involvement in the discharge briefing (ME = 0.71; CI = 0.20–1.29), controlling for patient and caregiver health and functional status, health literacy, and demographics (Total effect: B(unstandardized)=5.10; CI = 3.21 to 7.01). Of the covariates, only high health literacy levels of the patients (B(unstandardized)=4.56; P < .001) and of the caregivers (B(unstandardized)=6.67; P < .001) were positively associated with preparedness for discharge. Conclusions This study highlights the critical role of caregiver engagement during the hospitalization process as a pathway linking pre-admission support to discharge preparedness. The findings support early identification of caregiving status and health literacy at admission, enabling healthcare providers to tailor communication and better engage caregivers in the discharge process, to ultimately promote smooth care transitions.

Toward automatic and reliable evaluation of human gastric motility using magnetically controlled capsule endoscope and deep learning

Association between depression and health care expenditure in middle-aged and older patients with heart disease

Objective Patients with heart disease frequently experience a heightened incidence of depression, thereby affecting their overall medical expenditures. Nevertheless, earlier investigations have focused on the healthcare costs incurred by individual patients with heart disease or those with depression. The present study assessed the correlation between depression and the medical expenditures of patients with heart disease, highlighting the importance of mental health care for patients with with heart disease. Method Using data from Charles, we identified 2445 middle-aged and older patients with heart disease based on their completed medical expenditure-related questionnaires. The study further calculated the questionnaire data and used multiple linear regression analysis to control for demographic variables to evaluate the relationship between depressive symptoms and medical expenses. Results In our sample, the presence or absence of depressive symptoms exhibited statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the medical expenditures of patients. Approximately 50.27% of heart disease patients had depressive symptoms. Depression level, gender, education level, type of health insurance, consumption level, and number of other chronic diseases were significantly associated with higher medical expenditures. A positive correlation was found between depressive symptoms and medical expenses. Conclusion Heart disease patients exhibiting depressive symptoms incurred higher medical expenditures compared to their counterparts without depression. The findings of this study imply the need to augment mental health care services for older individuals with heart disease and to enhance collaborative care interventions within the context of heart disease.

Predicting product information diffusion for sustainable quality management in industry 4.0: an improved Bass model approach

Abstract In the era of Industry 4.0, accurately predicting the popularity of product information is vital for optimizing marketing strategies and supporting sustainable business growth. Although the classical Bass model has been widely used in diffusion research, it overlooks two critical aspects of modern digital environments: the heterogeneity in user decision-making and the temporal decay of user interest. To address these limitations, we propose an enhanced Bass model that integrates a two-phase diffusion framework. This model accounts for user conversion across heterogeneous information sources and incorporates an interest decay mechanism by relaxing the assumption of constant influence coefficients. We validate the model using movie trailer data from the Weibo platform. The results show that our model significantly outperforms the classical Bass model as well as its power-function and exponential-function variants in predicting information popularity. Further analysis reveals that both internal and external influences decay over time, with internal diffusion also shaped by social pressure. These findings offer valuable insights for improving data-driven diffusion models and enhancing digital marketing effectiveness. Future research may explore model applicability across different product categories and social media platforms.

Broadband transient full-Stokes luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract Materials emitting circularly polarized light (CPL) are highly sought after for applications ranging from efficient displays to quantum information technologies1–7. However, established methods for time-resolved CPL (TRCPL) characterization have notable limitations8–17, generally requiring a compromise between sensitivity, accessible timescales and spectral information. This has limited the acquisition of in-depth photophysical insight necessary for materials development. Here we demonstrate a high-sensitivity (noise level of the order of 10−4), broadband (about 400–900 nm), transient (nanosecond resolution, millisecond range) full-Stokes (CPL and linear polarizations) spectroscopy setup. The achieved combination of high-sensitivity, broad wavelength response and flexible time ranges represents a substantial advancement over previous TRCPL approaches. As a result, TRCPL measurements are shown to be applicable to hitherto inaccessible material systems and photophysical processes, including systems with low (10−3) dissymmetry factors and luminescence pathways spanning nanosecond to millisecond time ranges. Finally, full-Stokes measurements allow tracking the temporal evolution of linear polarization components, of interest by themselves, but especially relevant in the context of controlling for associated CPL artefacts18,19 in the time domain.