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Curcumin administration alleviates seminal vesicle damage in type 1 diabetic rats by promoting AQP8 expression through AR activation

Imaging reveals how plants cope with salt

The involvement of non-governmental organisations in achieving health system goals based on the WHO six building blocks: A scoping review on global evidence

Background Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have the potential to make a significant contribution to improving health system goals through the provision of resources, health services and community participation. Therefore, this paper examines the role of NGOs in achieving health system goals, based on the six building blocks of a health system framework, and identifies strategies to enhance NGO involvement in achieving health system goals. Methods A scoping systematic review methodology was used to map and synthesise the existing literature on the topic, following the latest JBI six-stage framework. Four databases and one search engine including PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to January 2024. The results were synthesised using a directed content analysis approach, and the findings were categorised according to the dimensions of the six building blocks. Results NGO involvement in health system goals can effectively address gaps in service delivery, strengthen the health workforce, improve health information systems, increase access to essential medicines, mobilise resources and promote good governance. In addition, six key strategies were identified, including joint planning, policy development, capacity building, resource allocation, developing collaboration, and improving the quality of health care, to enhance NGO participation in achieving health system goals. Conclusion NGOs can play a critical role in achieving health system goals, alongside government and other key health stakeholders. Governments need to use evidence-based policies and interventions to support NGOs to realise their potential in achieving health system goals.

Publisher Correction: Bioinformatics analysis and identification of underlying biomarkers potentially linking allergic rhinitis and autophagy

Aquaporin-2 in the early stages of the adenine-induced chronic kidney disease model

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading health problems in the world. It is silent in the early stages and gradually progresses, inducing renal physiological and structural alterations. Moreover, CKD is associated with impaired life quality, increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, and reduced life expectancy. Different CKD animal models differ in underlying etiology, time of onset, and associated diseases. The 0.25% adenine diet induces progressive kidney damage, constituting an adequate model mimicking human CKD. Vasopressin (VP) was postulated as a mediator of CKD, mainly acting through its V2 receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this condition and its progression still are not entirely understood. This study aimed to evaluate if AQP2 expression is altered in an adenine-induced model of CKD in rats at early stages of development (two weeks) and to assess a potential beneficial effect of Tolvaptan (a V2 receptor antagonist) treatment. We showed an increased renal medullary AQP2 expression at two weeks of adenine administration. This increase was mainly cytoplasmic, explaining the increased urinary volume of CKD rats and suggesting a possible non-canonical role for AQP2. In addition, Tolvaptan effectively inhibited the V2 receptor in both control and CKD rats, decreasing AQP2 expression and increasing diuresis. Moreover, Tolvaptan slightly reduced BUN and plasma creatinine. On the other hand, the renal alterations induced by adenine in CKD rats were not prevented by Tolvaptan.

Socioeconomic disparities in multimorbidity of chronic diseases in the RaNCD cohort study

The physical activity and sedentary behavior among pregnant women in Macao: A cross-sectional study

Objective The current investigation sought to elucidate the prevalence and contributing factors of sedentary behavior among pregnant women in Macao, a densely populated region characterized by a distinctive fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and a thriving global economy. Methods Through a cross-sectional study design, a total of 306 expectant mothers were recruited via various social media platforms and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire alongside the Chinese version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results The findings revealed that sedentary activities accounted for a relatively small proportion (7.8%) of the participants’ total activity energy expenditure. Interestingly, employment status emerged as a significant determinant, with employed pregnant women exhibiting a 57.9% lower risk of being sedentary compared to their unemployed counterparts. Moreover, multiparous women (those with two or more children) were approximately 9 times more likely to meet moderate-intensity activity standards than nulliparous women. Conclusion These insights highlight the importance of tailoring physical activity interventions to address the specific needs and challenges faced by primiparous women and those who are unemployed during pregnancy, with a view to enhancing education on the potential hazards associated with sedentary habits and promoting active lifestyles within this unique sociocultural context.

Improved lung nodule segmentation with a squeeze excitation dilated attention based residual UNet

In vitro cytotoxicity (irritant potency) of toothpaste ingredients

Purpose This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity (irritant potency) of toothpaste ingredients, of which some had known to have sensitizing properties. Materials From the wide variety of toothpaste ingredients, Xylitol, Propylene glycol (PEG), Sodium metaphosphate (SMP), Lemon, Peppermint, Fluoride, Cinnamon, and Triclosan and Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) have been selected for evaluation of their cytotoxic properties. Methods Reconstructed human gingiva (RHG) were topically exposed to toothpaste ingredients at different concentrations. The compound concentration resulting in 50% cell death (EC50) and 10% cell death (EC10) was determined by the MTT assay. Detrimental effects in tissue histology were observed by hematoxylin & eosin staining of tissue sections followed by microscopy. Results While Xylitol, PEG, and SMP did not appear to affect cell viability or tissue histology, the concentrations of Lemon, Peppermint, Cinnamon and SDS present in toothpastes exceeded the EC50 value and resulted in clear detrimental effects in tissue histology, indicating that they could harm the oral mucosa. Triclosan and Fluoride concentrations in the tested toothpastes exceeded the EC10 value but remained below the EC50 value with no clear detrimental effects in tissue histology. Clinical significance Manufacturers are encouraged to comply with higher standards of quality and safety for toothpaste.

An optimized ensemble grey wolf-based pipeline for monkeypox diagnosis

Net buffer load during regional citrate anticoagulated continuous renal replacement therapy

Background Regionally anticoagulated continuous renal replacement therapy with citrate is the first choice for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. If citrate that reaches the patient exceeds the metabolic capacity, metabolic alkalosis will follow. Bicarbonate from the treatment fluids will also reach the patient and add to the bicarbonate load. Net buffer load is a parameter calculated by the dialysis machine software from the treatment fluid contents, the fluid flows and the filter properties. Each time the treatment settings are altered the net buffer load will be re-calculated. This parameter is integrated as a static safety parameter in the Prismax version 3 software, and will guide the operator on a possible development of metabolic alkalosis with the current settings. Methods Algorithms for estimating the net buffer load were developed. Hourly clinical data from electronic medical records from 60 patients’ continuous renal replacement treatments at the Adult Intensive Care Unit, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden was used to simulate net buffer load. The relation between net buffer load and acid base status at steady state was evaluated. Net buffer load was also calculated from three previous studies for comparison to our present cohort. Results The mean net buffer load was +0.09 ±0.04 mmol/h/kg in the present cohort, and comparable to historic cohorts from literature. We could not establish a correlation to steady state arterial bicarbonate. The pre blood pump citrate containing replacement fluid flow rate was affecting net buffer load most of all parts of the dialysis circuit, with a r2 Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.65 (p<0.001). Conclusion The net buffer load parameter can alert the operator on the expected impact of the dialysis circuit on patient’s acid base status. It was possible to calculate realistic net buffer load values during 60 CRRT treatments.

Data-driven modeling of background radiation structure utilizing matrix profile in nuclear security

Expression of Concern: Dynamic Localization of Glucokinase and Its Regulatory Protein in Hypothalamic Tanycytes

Renal dysfunction contributes to deteriorated survival outcomes in patients with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: insights from a cohort study of 1160 cases

Abstract Both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are risk factors for many outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). These are associated with higher mortality, longer hospitalisation, and greater need for transfusion in case of overt GIB. Our study aimed to further evaluate the role of kidney function in several clinical outcomes of GIB patients. The Hungarian Gastrointestinal Bleeding Registry collected data on all-cause GIB between 2019 and 2022. A multi-level data-validation system provided high-quality data, which was retrospectively analysed. Numerous primary (in-hospital mortality, discharge, need for endoscopic intervention, in-hospital rebleeding, length of hospitalisation, need for emergency surgery, need for endoscopic examination and need for intensive care unit) and secondary (detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), recognition of cancer as the source of bleeding, need for any kind of transfusion or clotting factor, anticoagulation therapy) outcomes were observed. Descriptive statistical tools were used to summarize our data. Among others, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (ml/min/1.73 m2) was used as continuous variable, mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range and minimum/maximum values were calculated. Reduced kidney function was associated with in-hospital mortality (eGFR: 42.63 ± 28.78 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 57.08 ± 26.62 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001), need for red blood cells (RBC) transfusion (eGFR: 51.98 ± 27.90 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 60.11 ± 25.06 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001) and clotting factor supplementation (eGFR: 47.40 ± 27.41 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 56.68 ± 27.02 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001). Better eGFR values at admission were associated with discharge home after proper treatment, compared to any other outcome of the admission (eGFR: 58.12 ± 25.56 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 50.23 ± 29.69 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001), H. pylori positivity (eGFR: 59.63 ± 25.24 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 52.76 ± 25.44 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.021) and the need for endoscopic intervention (eGFR: 58.65 ± 26.61 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 54.31 ± 27.64 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.008). At admission, patients with better eGFR than 36.64 ml/min/1.73 m2 were discharged to their homes, mortality was higher with eGFR worse than 25.96 ml/min/1.73 m2, more RBC transfusion was needed if eGFR was lower than 49.61 ml/min/1.73 m2. Regulation of anticoagulation was examined extensively. Impaired kidney function at admission results higher in-hospital mortality in overt all-cause GIB and increases the need of RBC transfusion.

Limited research investigating the value of MRI in predicting future cognitive morbidity in survivors of paediatric brain tumours: A systematic-review and call to action for clinical neuroimaging researchers

Survivors of pediatric brain tumours are at a high risk of cognitive morbidity. Reliable individual-level predictions regarding the likelihood, degree, and affected domains of cognitive impairment would be clinically beneficial. While established risk factors exist, quantitative MRI analysis may enhance predictive value, above and beyond current clinical risk models. This systematic review addresses the question: “Do MRI markers predict future cognitive functioning in pediatric brain tumour survivors?” We conducted a comprehensive search for studies published up to March 2024 that assessed MRI variables as predictors of later neuropsychological outcomes in pediatric brain tumour patients. Only studies that acquired MRI scans at an earlier timepoint to predict subsequent cognitive test performance were included. Surprisingly, few studies met these criteria, with identified research focusing primarily on MRI measures of cerebellar and white matter damage as features in predicting cognitive outcomes. Ultimately, this review reveals a limited literature, characterized by small sample sizes and poor-quality studies, placing findings at high risk of bias. Consequently, the quality and conclusions drawn from the existing research are constrained, especially in the context of prediction studies. Given the significant implications for this clinical population, this review highlights the urgent need for further investigation and a ‘call to action’ for medical imaging researchers in pediatric neuro-oncology.

Optimizing multiprocessor performance in real-time systems using an innovative genetic algorithm approach

Abstract Due to its enormous influence on system functionality, researchers are presently looking into the issue of task scheduling on multiprocessors. Establishing the most advantageous schedules is often regarded as a difficult-to-compute issue. Genetic Algorithm is a recent tool employed by researchers to optimize scheduling tasks and boost performance, although this field of research is yet mostly unexplored. In this article, a novel approach for generating task schedules for real-time systems utilizing a Genetic Algorithm is proposed. The approach seeks to design task schedules for multiprocessor systems with optimal or suboptimal lengths, with the ultimate goal of achieving high performance. This research project focuses on non-preemptive independent tasks in a multiprocessor environment. All processors are assumed to be identical. We conducted a thorough analysis of the proposed approach and pitted it against three frequently utilized scheduling methodologies: the “Evolutionary Fuzzy Based Scheduling Algorithm”, the “Least Laxity First Algorithm”, and the “Earliest Deadline First Algorithm”. The Proposed Algorithm demonstrated superior efficiency and reliability compared to Earliest Deadline First, Least Laxity First, and Evolutionary Fuzzy-based Scheduling Algorithm. It consistently achieved zero missed deadlines and the lowest average response and turnaround times across all scenarios, maintaining optimal performance even under high load conditions.

Social ecology of artisanal sand mining in the Niger River around Bamako, Mali

Sand, shaping both natural waterways and urban infrastructure, has recently seen a major surge in extraction, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions like West Africa. To assess the organization, quantification, and socio-ecological implications of sand mining around Mali’s capital Bamako, we employed a mixed methods approach including structured and unstructured interviews, truck counts, turbidity analyses, and river depth measurements. Our study identified five artisanal systems for mining sand and gravel from the Niger River, using tied-up pirogues, single pirogues, carts, tractors, and trucks. Recent increases in extracted quantities, workforce size, and sand prices were observed, resulting in an estimated annual extraction of 4.86 million m3 in 2022, mainly sourced from upstream of Bamako. With extraction rates surpassing natural replenishment, the riverbed in the study communities of Gouni and Usine Toch has reportedly lowered by 1.4 m and 1.8 m during the last 50 years. Mining activities are highly informal, characterized by self-organization, low and irregular salaries, and unsafe working conditions, particularly for women. Economically, sand mining activities have created symbiotic relationships rather than conflicts with local farming, fishing and other livelihoods. Sand mining operations did not significantly affect the Niger River’s water turbidity, which varied primarily with seasonal rainfall fluctuations. Recent developments suggest that mining activities are accelerating, with mechanized practices likely to replace current artisanal methods and underlying social structures.

Forecasting of virtual power plant generating and energy arbitrage economics in the electricity market using machine learning approach

First-line glaucoma monotherapy medication patterns in Finland during 1995–2019 based on a population-based study

Background The long-term patterns in first-line glaucoma medication are not well established. Exploring these in longitudinal and population-based settings would provide information for the healthcare systems to plan glaucoma care accordingly. Objective To evaluate patterns in first-line glaucoma monotherapy in Finland during 1995–2019 based on nationwide survey and register data. Methods A population-based cohort study with 25 years of total follow-up. The cohort (n = 9288) is a random sample drawn from the nationwide health examination survey FinHealth 2017 which represents the Finnish population aged 30 years or older in 2017. Glaucoma patients were selected from the survey participants based on linked register data that included prescriptions and special reimbursements for glaucoma medication. The patterns, length of use, age at initiation, and persistence of first-line glaucoma drug monotherapies were observed during 1995–2019. Results A total of 141 glaucoma patients with glaucoma drug monotherapy as a first-line glaucoma therapy were identified from the sample. The proportion of patients continuing with their first-line monotherapy was 64% after 1 year, 37% after 3 years, and 21% after 5 years of follow-up. During the 25 years there was a shift from beta-blockers to prostaglandin analogues as the prominent first-line glaucoma drug class. The length of use was longer for prostaglandin analogues compared with beta-blockers among patients continuing with their first-line monotherapy after 5 years of follow-up. The non-persistence rate was 38% of all patients during their first-line monotherapy. Timolol fixed-combinations were the most common second-line glaucoma therapy with a share of 39% after 5 years of follow-up. Conclusions During the 25-year follow-up a shift from beta-blockers to prostaglandin analogues had occurred and long initial therapies of over 5 years had become more common. However, the decline in the continuation of the initial therapy still occurred early with 1 out of 3 patients continuing after 3 years. This decline together with the consistent problem of non-persistence remain clinical challenges in topical drug therapy of glaucoma.

Optimized PID controller and model order reduction of reheated turbine for load frequency control using teaching learning-based optimization

Abstract Load frequency control (LFC) systems in power grids face challenges in maintaining stability while managing computational complexity. This research presents an optimized approach combining model order reduction techniques with Teaching Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) for PID controller tuning in single-area LFC systems. Three reduction methods—Routh Approximation, Balanced Truncation, and Hankel Norm Approximation—were implemented to reduce system order from 4th to 2nd order, achieving a 47.3% reduction in computational time. The TLBO-optimized PID controller was compared with conventional tuning methods (Ziegler-Nichols, AMIGO, S-IMC, and CHR), demonstrating superior performance with a 38.2% decrease in settling time and 42.7% reduction in peak overshoot. The Routh Approximation method exhibited optimal performance with minimum settling time (2.8s) and peak overshoot (8.4%). Sensitivity analysis revealed stable system behavior with phase margin maintained at 84.25 degrees across parameter variations. The proposed approach achieved a 56.8% reduction in Integral Square Error compared to conventional methods, establishing its effectiveness for modern power grid applications. This research provides a robust framework for implementing efficient load frequency control in power systems while maintaining system stability and performance.