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Predicting quality of life and self-care behaviors in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy based on psychological factors

Off the charts: A comparative analysis of data visualisations in online science news from South Africa and the USA

Terms like ‘big data’, ‘data science’, and ‘data visualisation’ have become buzzwords in recent years and are increasingly intertwined with journalism. Data visualisation may further blur the lines between science communication and graphic design. Our study is situated in these overlaps to compare the design of data visualisations in science news stories across four online news media platforms in South Africa and the United States. Our study contributes to an understanding of how well-considered data visualisations are tools for effective storytelling, and offers practical recommendations for using data visualisation in science communication efforts.

Impact of COVID-19 infection on Kawasaki disease and immune status in children

Correction: Determinants of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy spectrum

Dynamic changes in cortical neurotrophic factor-positive interneurons during sleep

Design of a clinical balance tool for fall risk assessments: A development and usability study

Background Falls are a significant source of early morbidity and mortality in the aging population, yet clinical changes that lead to increased fall risks often escape early identification and intervention. A device to measure postural control would facilitate evidence-based fall risk assessment. Objectives Our objectives were to iteratively develop a prototype quantitative posture instrument (QuPI) to replace the weight scale and to assess barriers and facilitators of its implementation in a clinical setting. Methods We undertook an iterative formative evaluation and usability study of QuPI prototypes in primary care, medical oncology, sports medicine, cardiology, and endocrinology outpatient clinics. Clinicians evaluated an initial QuPI prototype and completed a semi-structured interview to determine critical functionality, inform design, and assess usability. The QuPI was then modified according to the results, and a new prototype was tested and evaluated. Results Eighteen clinicians participated in both rounds of interviews. Clinicians who participated (referred to as participants) reported willingness to use the QuPI with all patients during the first round of interviews and stated they would replace their current weight scale with the modified QuPI during the second round of interviews. Participants identified design elements that were both facilitators and barriers to use. Usability scores for both prototypes were excellent. Despite several national guidelines for fall risk assessments, lack of consistent use of guidelines by care teams was found to be a barrier to effective fall risk assessments. Conclusion The QuPI provides a new method for quantifying fall risks with good user acceptance, usability, and clinical feasibility without disrupting workflow. The QuPI supplemented and facilitated the use of standard algorithms for fall risk assessment. Greater education of the entire care team regarding evidence-based fall risk assessment will promote adherence to guidelines and fall prevention.

Framework for investigating structure cracking using real engineering data combined with physics constraints

Durability analysis of rotary direct drive electro-hydraulic pressure servo valve based on failure physics principle

The rotary direct drive electro-hydraulic servo valve (RDDPV) is extensively employed in hydraulic systems across aerospace, automotive, and various industrial sectors owing to its remarkable precision and rapid response characteristics. The investigation of the durability life of such devices, constituting intricate amalgamations of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic components, has perennially posed a formidable challenge. To address this challenge, our study proposes a methodology grounded in failure mechanisms to systematically quantify the durability life of RDDPV. In conjunction with finite element analysis, this study delves into the fatigue durability of the transmission mechanism and the wear durability of the slide valve—two components recognized as vulnerabilities within the RDDPV. Initially, a novel approach is proposed that integrates probability theory and fuzzy theory with the traditional Miner theory, enhancing the accuracy of fatigue life predictions for transmission mechanisms. Subsequently, a meticulous examination of the wear mechanism of the slide valve ensued, wherein we quantitatively characterized the radial wear between the valve core and sleeve using the degree of line wear. Ultimately, employing durability index calculations, the total operational life of the valve is ascertained at about 435,000 hours, thereby aligning with national standards. This research methodology not only contributes significantly to the field but also holds substantial reference value for the precise quantification of the durability life of analogous electro-hydraulic pressure servo valves.

“Betaone” barley water extract suppresses ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in vivo and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro

Betaone is a variety of barley developed by the Korea Rural Development Administration. This study investigated the anti-osteoporosis effects of Betaone barley water extract (B1W) on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in mice. To elucidate its mechanism, the effect of B1W on osteoclasts was assessed by measuring the protein expression of nuclear factor-activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), the expression of genes involved in osteoclast differentiation, and bone pit assays. B1W (300 mg/kg/day) significantly increased bone mineral density and bone volume fraction, but decreased trabecular separation compared to the OVX group. B1W also showed a trend towards decreasing serum C-telopeptide of collagen type 1 levels in OVX mice. Additionally, B1W reduced the expression of NFATc1 and downregulated the mRNA expression levels of various marker genes such as c-Fos, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K (CTSK), dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), and osteoclast-associated Ig-like receptor (OSCAR). B1W reduced the osteoclast activity in the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-treated osteoclasts by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Based on the results, B1W can be considered a useful candidate for a therapeutic agent for treating conditions of bone loss and could also be used as an ingredient in health supplements.

Bile acids as biomarkers in carbonized archaeological sediment: Insights from dung burning experiments

Bile acids are increasingly used as fecal biomarkers for studying archeology, environmental pollution, paleoeconomy, and human-animal interactions. Exclusively synthesized by vertebrates, bile acids are more resistant to diagenetic degradation than other steroidal biomarkers. Although bile acids have been detected and analyzed in archaeological sediments, particularly in contexts where dung may have been used as fuel, their preservation after burning is poorly understood. In this study, we conducted controlled experiments on modern cattle dung to investigate the tolerance of bile acid to high temperatures (125°C, 233°C, 341°C, and 449°C). Bile acids were quantified before and after burning via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-EI-MS). Our results indicate that elevated temperatures destabilize most bile acids to varying degrees. Primary and secondary bile acids showed moderate heat tolerance, persisting at reduced concentrations after exposure to the maximum furnace and open-air temperatures. In contrast, oxo-bile acids exhibited lower thermal stability and disappeared at exposure above 233°C. Open-air fires led to more significant overall bile acid loss than the furnace conditions, likely due to the higher temperatures. However, incompletely burned dung fragments from the cooler periphery of the fire pits, retained higher bile acid concentrations than fully combusted ashes. Our findings suggest that high temperatures complicate the use of bile acid profiles to distinguish species of origin. These persistent bile acids can, in archaeological contexts, provide valuable insights into past resource utilization, seasonal fuel use, mobility patterns, and environmental reconstruction.

Comparison of ultrasound and dynamic MRI for the measurement of diaphragmatic excursion: A prospective single-center study

Objectives Ultrasound (US) measurements of diaphragmatic excursion (DE) are widely used to provide a non-invasive assessment of the diaphragmatic function at the bedside, especially in intensive care. However, this measurement has never been validated against a less operator-dependent technique such as MRI. Dynamic MRI is the only imaging modality that creates a four-dimensional reconstruction of the diaphragm. The primary objective of this study was to assess the agreement between DE obtained using dynamic MRI with those obtained using ultrasound. The secondary objectives were to define DE thresholds for the diagnosis of DD using MRI and to compare the performance of US and MRI to diagnose DD. Methods Prospective single-center study in which consecutive outpatients referred for a dynamic thoracic MRI were included. This study was conducted at a university hospital in Paris, where there was daily access to ultrasound (US) and extensive expertise in diaphragmatic MRI The DE of each hemi-diaphragm was measured sequentially using ultrasound and MRI in random order, during spontaneous breathing (SB) and forced inspiration (FI) by independent observers blinded to each other. We analyzed the agreement between DE obtained using US and MRI for each hemi-diaphragm. Results We enrolled forty-five patients, aged 58 ± 36 years, of which twenty-eight (68%) had a confirmed DD. During SB, the mean bias for DE measurement was −3.8 mm, 95% CI [−7.1; −0.6] for the left hemi-diaphragm, and 1.0 mm, 95% CI [−3.5; 5.5] for the right hemi-diaphragm. Limits of agreement (millimeters) were [−25; 17] on the left side, and [−28; 30] on the right side. MRI threshold values for DE defining dysfunction were 11 mm for quiet SB, and 38 mm for FI. These thresholds had a sensitivity of 77.7% and a specificity of 77.4% during SB, with an AUC of 0.86. Conclusion US and MRI provide different values for DE, probably because the measurements were not obtained exactly at the same localization. Nevertheless, diagnostic performances of MRI and US to recognize DD appeared comparable.

Use and impact of digital technology in supporting health providers deliver care in low- and low-middle-income countries: A systematic review protocol

Background Healthcare providers are critical to the successful, sustainable and impactful implementation of digital health. Despite the growing interest, Digital Health Innovations (DHIs) are often implemented without sufficient evidence, leading to numerous short-lived projects and a limited understanding of their impact on health systems and outcomes. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced a new Classification of Digital Health Interventions, identifying four core DHI user groups. This review aims to synthesise evidence on the impact of DHIs designed for one of these user groups—healthcare providers—on delivering health services in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). Methods We will conduct an umbrella review, analysing systematic reviews on DHIs for healthcare providers. Data will be extracted using deductive coding before being thematically analysed according to the 11 DHIs for service providers outlined in the WHO’s 2023 Classification. Discussion This umbrella review will explore, synthesise, and evaluate the quality of evidence on how healthcare providers in LLMICs utilise DHIs to address service delivery challenges and their effectiveness. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive synthesis of evidence focused on DHIs designed for use by healthcare providers in LLMICs. It is also the first review to align with WHO’s taxonomy for DHIs, as outlined in the WHO Classification of Digital Interventions, Services and Applications in Health. Systematic review registration The protocol is being registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024586285).

Voices of surgical wards nurses on barriers hindering acute post-operative pain management at Tshwane municipality, South Africa

Introduction and background Acute pain is expected following a surgery, but it is often inadequately managed by health care providers. However, little is known about the barriers that hinder acute post-operative pain management among surgical wards nurses. Objective Uncovering barriers that hinder the surgical wards nurses to manage acute post-operative pain at the selected public hospital in Tshwane municipality, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Methods This study utilized a qualitative explorative, descriptive, and contextual research design. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from a purposive sampling of 13 professional nurses. Data collected were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim by the first author. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis, which led to the emergence of themes and sub-themes. An independent co-coder assisted with data analysis. Findings The barriers described by the participants include: 1) Organisational/ management related barriers; 2) Personnel related barriers, which were discussed as shortage of nurses, inadequate skill competency to manage acute post-operative pain, and interprofessional communication; and 3) Patient related barriers. Conclusion This paper comes to the conclusion that, due to a number of stated barriers or obstacles, the nurses employed in the surgical wards of the selected hospital in South Africa are not adequately managing the acute post-operative pain. As a result, hospital management must devise practical solutions to the stated obstacles.

Challenges and realities of early childhood development centers in Malawi: A critical examination

The study on Early Childhood Development (ECD) practices in T/A Zilakoma, Nkhata Bay South Constituency, Malawi, employs the Ecological Systems Theory to explore recruitment, role definitions, and support systems. This theoretical construct enables an intricate examination of interactions within various environmental systems, emphasizing micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono systems. Specifically, it illuminates the dynamics within immediate settings, interconnections among diverse systems, broader indirect influences, cultural ideologies, societal values, and temporal dimensions, offering a comprehensive lens for understanding educational contexts. The descriptive qualitative research was conducted within a case study framework to explore the practical experiences of stakeholders within ECD using semi-structured interview guides. Ethical standards were upheld, ensuring voluntary participation and confidentiality. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from diverse and knowledgeable participants involved in ECD domains, providing comprehensive insights aligned with the study’s objectives. Thematic analysis and sentiment mining were performed using Atlas 23 software. The results revealed themes such as recruitment practices relying on community-driven approaches, role ambiguity due to undefined responsibilities, informal evaluation processes, inconsistent training opportunities, and a dependency on community and volunteerism. These themes highlight the absence of formal structures and standardized processes in various aspects of ECD programs. Additionally, sentiment analysis illustrated diverse perspectives among stakeholders, reflecting their distinct experiences and challenges within the ECD landscape. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at addressing these systemic challenges.

Behind the mask: Random and selective masking in transformer models applied to specialized social science texts

Transformer models such as BERT and RoBERTa are increasingly popular in the social sciences to generate data through supervised text classification. These models can be further trained through Masked Language Modeling (MLM) to increase performance in specialized applications. MLM uses a default masking rate of 15 percent, and few works have investigated how different masking rates may affect performance. Importantly, there are no systematic tests on whether selectively masking certain words improves classifier accuracy. In this article, we further train a set of models to classify fake news around the coronavirus pandemic using 15, 25, 40, 60 and 80 percent random and selective masking. We find that a masking rate of 40 percent, both random and selective, improves within-category performance but has little impact on overall performance. This finding has important implications for scholars looking to build BERT and RoBERTa classifiers, especially those where one specific category is more relevant to their research.

Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage against clinical isolates of AmpC beta lactamase–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from hospital wastewater

Background The increasing incidence of AmpC β-lactamase producing by K. pneumoniae has raised global alarm. Consequently, there is a crucial need for effective methods to inactivate pathogenic bacteria and mitigate the associated risks. Bacteriophage therapy has been demonstrated to be an effective and alternative approach for targeting and inactivating K. pneumoniae that produces AmpC. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the Klebsiella pneumoniae AmpC-specific phages from hospital wastewater. Methods The hospital wastewater samples were collected from the sewage water effluent of a tertiary hospital at Universiti Sains Malaysia, located on the east coast of Malaysia. These samples underwent serial filtration and centrifugation processes for phage recovery. The phage solutions were undergoing a screening test by spot assay using clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae AmpC strain as amplification hosts. The isolated AmpC-phages were further studied and characterised to determine the phage’s host range, temperature, pH, and chloroform stabilities. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) was performed to determine the phage type. Results Thirty HWW samples were analyzed using four K. pneumoniae AmpC strains resulting in a total of 120 screening plates. The AmpC—Klebsiella pneumoniae (AmpC-KP) phages were detected in 31.70% (38/120) of the plates. The AmpC-KP phages had lytic diameters ranging from 1–3 mm, and a phage titer ranged from4×103–3.2×107 PFU/ml. The phages had a narrow–host range stable at a temperature range from -20–50˚C. The phages were also stable at pH ranging from 4 to 9 and at different concentrations of chloroform (5%,10%). Based on HRTEM, Siphoviridea was identified. Conclusions The AmpC-phages were abundant in hospital wastewater, and HWW was a good source for AmpC-KP phages. The isolated AmpC phages had a high effectivity and specificity for AmpC-KP with a narrow host range and could survive under harsh conditions such as (temperature, pH, and chloroform).

Factors associated with phosphate homeostasis in children with beta-thalassemia major: An analytical cross sectional study from Pakistan

Introduction Children with beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) commonly experience metabolic bone diseases. Understanding fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) levels in these children can shed light on phosphate dysregulation. This study aimed to assess changes in phosphate homeostasis and associated factors, including FGF-23 and explore relationships between iron overload, FGF23 levels, and phosphorus regulation for clinical management of phosphate disorders, in children with β-TM. Methods 143 β-TM patients (57.3% male, median age 12 years) were recruited from Fatimid Foundation Karachi, a blood transfusion facility from January to October 2022. Clinical and biochemical evaluations were conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, including serum ferritin, calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), vitamin D levels, and FGF-23. Descriptive and inferential statistics including multivariable analysis were applied. Results This study enrolled 143 patients, with 57.3% males. The median age was 12 years, with 53% underweight. Blood transfusion rates varied, with 66.4% receiving 2/month. Bone/joint pain was reported by 76.2%, with 60.8% requiring analgesics. Median serum ferritin was 2768.3 ng/mL. Hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia were observed in 5.6% and 3.5% of participants, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency affected 92.3%. Plasma c-FGF23 was elevated in 60.8%, while i-FGF23 was high in 14%. A low TMP-GFR (glomerular filtration rate) was associated with high c-FGF23 and low i-FGF23. Multivariable regression revealed c-FGF23, TMP:GFR, Corrected Ca, iPTH, and an interaction term between corrected Ca and iPTH as predictors of serum P variability (~75%). Conclusion The study identified contributors to the variations observed in serum P levels in individuals with β-TM and recommends multidisciplinary care and prospective future studies to form targeted interventions for this population.

An efficient Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system for Cuscuta campestris

Parasitism has evolved independently in various plant families, with Cuscuta campestris (field dodder) being an economically significant example. Despite advances in genomics and transcriptomics, functional studies in C. campestris are limited by the lack of an efficient genetic transformation system. This study introduces a highly effective Rhizobium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system for C. campestris using a pBIN plasmid harboring a Yellow Fluorescence Protein reporter gene. We optimized transformation and regeneration by assessing explant type, media composition, and plant growth regulators. Notably, host plant contact was essential for transgenic shoot regeneration. Over 70% transformation efficiency was achieved using cuttings co-incubated with modified Murashige and Skoog medium and 5 mg/L Benzylaminopurine, followed by transfer to tomato hosts. Additionally, we developed a complete in-vivo protocol over 30% regeneration efficiency. Transgenic shoots were confirmed for rol gene expression and haustoria formation, advancing functional studies in C. campestris.

Characterization of fillets and skins from two varieties of genetically improved farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) is a strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) developed for improved production and commercial parameters. Skin color, one of the characteristics distinguishing tilapia varieties, is an important phenotypic trait associated with qualitative and productive performance. This study aimed to assess fillet and skin characteristics in GIFT Nile tilapia with black and red skin phenotypes. For this, 24 GIFT Nile tilapia from the same spawning stock were divided into two groups based on skin color, namely a black variety (dark skin) and a red variety (reddish skin). There were no significant differences in biometric parameters between varieties. Fish of the red variety had higher 2 h post-slaughter pH and muscle antioxidant capacity and lower yellow-blue axis value (b*), luminosity (L*), thawing loss, cooking loss, and conjugated diene content (P < 0.05). The skin of black tilapia exhibited higher force in the progressive tear test tear, and higher strength, tensile strength, deformation, and elongation in the traction and stretching test than that of red tilapia. Black tilapia skin had higher collagen and hydroxyproline contents. The skin of the red variety exhibited higher expression levels of alpha 1, 2, and 3 type I collagen genes, lower expression levels of the vimentin gene, and higher antioxidant capacity. The results suggest that skin color phenotype may be linked to important metabolic pathways influencing fish fillet and skin traits. These findings can support future research aimed at identifying optimal varieties of Nile tilapia for specific purposes and optimizing the utilization of filleting waste.

An analytical delay model for multi-class and lane-free traffic condition

This study emphasises the criticality of delay as a performance metric for signalized intersections and the challenges associated with its estimation, particularly in the context of Multi-class and Lane-free (MCLF) traffic conditions. Traditional delay models are often inadequate for such conditions, necessitating the development of a tailored approach. A novel delay equation is proposed, integrating insights from queuing theory principles with consideration of multi-class of vehicles and lane-free movement. Key features include assumption of random arrival and departure pattern as well as distribution, incorporation of Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) and virtual lane concepts to account for the diverse vehicle classes and lane-free movement prevalent in Indian traffic. The model’s efficacy is demonstrated through comparison with conventional in practice delay models, showing its superior performance. This tailored approach enhances the accuracy of delay estimation and also highlights the importance of accounting for specific traffic characteristics in optimising signal design for intersections under MCLF traffic conditions.