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Harvester perceptions of pesticide impacts on snail collection along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast

The coastal regions of Cameroon comprising South-West, Littoral, and South are major agricultural hubs and important zones for harvesting African giant land snails ( Achatinidae ). Snail collection provides both a vital protein source for local consumers and a source of income for harvesters. Agricultural intensification has increased pesticide use in these areas, raising concerns about potential impacts on snail populations and human health. This study assessed harvesters’ perceptions of how pesticides influence the quantity and size of snails collected. A total of 211 harvesters from six localities (Kribi, Buea, Limbe, Mbanga, Njombe-Penja, and Dibamba) were surveyed through interviews and participant observations. Descriptive statistics and regression models were applied to explore socio-demographic influences on perceptions. Results showed that while 58% of harvesters believed pesticides reduce snail size, 61% did not perceive an effect on snail quantity. Snail collection was reported to be most successful during nocturnal periods and in October, aligning with ecological seasonality. Regression analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant association between perceptions of pesticide impacts and reported harvesting quantities ( R² = 0.065 ), with perceived effects on snail quantity emerging as the only significant predictor. Despite awareness of pesticide risks, 63% of respondents expressed no interest in snail farming, citing preference for wild harvesting. This study highlights local knowledge on pesticide risks but also reveals a gap between awareness and adaptive practices. Findings are framed as perceptions, not direct ecological measurements, and they underline the need for awareness campaigns, sustainable harvesting practices, and supportive policies for alternative snail production systems.

Chromoblastomycosis

Overweight/obesity clustering and wealth differentials among indigenous households in Eastern India

Nonlinear regression modeling of ruminal fermentation dynamics in buffered diets using in vitro gas production

Understanding ruminal fermentation dynamics is essential for improving feed efficiency in ruminant nutrition. This study evaluated several nonlinear regression models to describe in vitro gas production kinetics in diets with different forage-to-concentrate ratios and buffer inclusion. Fermentation experiments were conducted using total mixed rations containing various concentrate levels, both with and without dietary buffers. Cumulative gas production data were fitted to exponential, logistic, Gompertz, and Michaelis–Menten models. Model performance was assessed using statistical goodness-of-fit criteria and the biological relevance of the estimated parameters. The results showed that buffer supplementation enhanced fermentation kinetics by stabilizing pH, increasing total gas production, and modifying volatile fatty acid profiles. Although no single model consistently outperformed others, model suitability depended on the specific diet–buffer combination. Sigmoidal models generally provided better fits for buffered diets, whereas exponential models were more accurate under high-concentrate, unbuffered conditions. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting context-specific models for analyzing ruminal fermentation data. The integration of in vitro gas production and nonlinear modeling offers a reliable approach to evaluate dietary strategies that improve nutrient utilization and feed efficiency in ruminant systems.

“In One Year, I Want You Alive”

Developmental coupling between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and psychotic-like experiences in youth: a four-wave longitudinal study

A deep learning-based automated Solar-Powered Fish Monitoring System

Green fish farming represents an integrated aquaculture approach that rears aquatic organisms in controlled environments to improve production efficiency and environmental sustainability. Although significant, current green fish farming practices are labour-intensive and expensive due to grid energy dependency resulting in operational inefficiencies and elevated fish mortality. To address these key challenges, we propose a multidisciplinary approach that involves the development of a cost-effective, solar-powered automation system that integrates computer vision and deep learning techniques for real-time monitoring of fish behaviour, water quality, feeding, and waste management. First, we design the system architecture that enables automation and ensures accurate system performance under varying conditions. Second, following the architecture, we build a complete and cost-effective smart system that works along with an intelligent software framework that leverages computer vision and deep learning techniques. Utilizing custom datasets from video frames and environmental sensors, this system utilizes convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for fish behavior analysis, real-time disease detection via camera feeds, and precise feeding control through actuators. The design also incorporates a renewable energy subsystem, employing advanced photovoltaic panels and efficient battery storage to guarantee reliable power. The major contribution lies in the seamless integration of these multidisciplinary components. Furthermore, the system architecture is modular and scalable, making it suitable for both smallholder and commercial fish farms. Cost optimization with low-cost sensors and open-source software enables economic viability for resource-constrained farmers. Extensive simulation studies confirmed significant improvements in monitoring accuracy, reduced manual intervention, and enhanced operational sustainability.

Stenting for Post-Thrombotic Syndrome — A Step Forward

Erratum: Jing and Wu et al., “Neddylation E1 Obligatory Subunit Nae1 Is Critical to Neuromuscular Junction Development and Maintenance”

Erratum: “Behavioral and Neural Mechanisms of Face-Specific Attention during Goal-Directed Visual Search”

The Social Contract of Bundibugyo Ebola Isolation

Hypervalent Iodine-Mediated Stereotactic Amidation Enables COF-to-COF Transformation for Supercapacitors

Pyridoxine requirement of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) fed soybean meal based diet

This study aimed to determine the dietary pyridoxine requirement of Pacific white shrimp ( Penaeus vannamei ) fed a soybean meal–based diet. Seven experimental diets were prepared with graded pyridoxine supplementation at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 mg/kg diet (Con, P25, P50, P75, P100, P125, and P150, respectively). An additional negative control diet (Con − ) was formulated by adding 0.4% tetracycline hydrochloride to verify microbial synthesis of pyridoxine. Juvenile shrimp (initial weight: 0.38 g) were randomly assigned to eight diets with quadruplicate tanks and fed the diets for 45 days. Growth performance and feed utilization were increased with dietary pyridoxine supplementation up to P75, whereas higher supplementation levels resulted in reduced responses ( P  < 0.001). Hepatopancreas pyridoxine concentration was gradually increased with increment in dietary pyridoxine levels ( P <  0.001), reaching a plateau from P75 to P150, and remained lower in Con − group than in Con group. Non-specific immune response, including lysozyme, anti-protease and nitroblue tetrazolium activities and antioxidant capacities including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased by dietary pyridoxine supplementation ( P <  0.05). Digestive enzyme activities, intestinal morphological indices, and hepatopancreatic F- and B-cell prevalence were also positively influenced by dietary pyridoxine supplementation ( P <  0.05). Gene expression analysis showed increased transcription of cystathionine-γ-lyase, cystathionine-β-synthase, pyridoxal kinase, crustin, and penaeidine in response to pyridoxine supplementation. Based on a broken-line regression analysis of weight gain, the dietary pyridoxine requirement was estimated to be 69.0 mg/kg diet.

Beyond Passive Substituents: Tosyl-Directed Self-Templation Enables Selective Pillar[4 + 1]arene Formation and Topology Switching

Evaluating the knowledge of stroke management among the non-neurological healthcare professionals in an underdeveloped county in Southwestern China

Objective This study aims to investigate the knowledge of stroke management among non-neurological healthcare professionals (HCPs) in an underdeveloped county in western China. Methods The study proceeded in two phases. First, the Acute Stroke Management Questionnaire (ASMaQ) underwent a systematic intercultural adaptation into Chinese, followed by an evaluation of its psychometric properties. Second, a cross‑sectional survey using the adapted Chinese ASMaQ was administered to non‑neurological HCPs working in an underdeveloped county in southwestern China. A convenience sampling method was used in the recruitment. Demographic information, including age, gender, years of service, job position (doctor/nurse), department, professional level, medical facility level (comprehensive hospital/noncomprehensive medical facility), and whether the participant had a neurologist partner or not during routine practice, was collected. The internal consistency was then measured with Cronbach’s α. Further statistical analyses were conducted to identify potential influencing factors of the ASMaQ score. Results After a standardized intercultural adaptation and evaluation process, a reliable localized Chinese version of ASMaQ was obtained, with an overall Cronbach’s α value of 0.77. A total of 252 HCPs completed the questionnaires, and 225 qualified questionnaires were included in the statistical analysis. The results revealed that the rate of good performance of overall ASMaQ among non-neurological HCPs was 69.4%. For the three subscales of ASMaQ, the rates of good performance for general stroke knowledge (GSK), hyperacute stroke management (HSM), and advanced stroke management (ASM) were 73.3%, 64.7%, and 70.1%, respectively. Furthermore, we found that the factors influencing the overall ASMaQ score were primarily gender, job position, medical facility level, and with/without neurologist partners. Specifically, females performed worse than males did (106.7 ± 7.7 vs. 110 ± 8.1; P = 0.003), nurses performed worse than doctors did (106.3 ± 7.6 vs. 110.0 ± 7.9; P < 0.001), the HCPs in noncomprehensive medical facilities performed worse than those in comprehensive hospitals did (105.2 ± 9.3 vs. 108.5 ± 7.3; P = 0.02), and the HCPs without neurologist partner in the routine clinical practise performed worse than those with (106.1 ± 8.1 vs 109 ± 7.5, P = 0.005). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the job position and the level of medical facility were the independent influencing factors for the total ASMaQ score (P < 0.001). Conclusion The Chinese version of ASMaQ comprehensively assesses the understanding of stroke management knowledge among HCPs. This study reflected the lack of stroke management knowledge among non-neurological HCPs in underdeveloped western regions of China for the first time and revealed that nurses and HCPs in noncomprehensive medical facilities were more likely to have insufficient knowledge of stroke management. Strengthening their training will significantly help improve stroke treatment rates, thereby reducing the burden of stroke-related morbidity and mortality.

Factors influencing perceived importance of haemodialysis adherence among end stage kidney failure patients in tertiary care centres in Nepal

Background Chronic Kidney Failure is a significant global public health concern requiring kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis. Perception of the importance of adhering to dialysis helps to determine how patients interpret and interact with the influencing attitude, thoughts and behaviours towards adhering to dialysis. This study aimed to assess the perception of the importance of adherence to haemodialysis and its associated factors among end-stage Kidney failure patients in tertiary care centres in Nepal. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May to August 2025 in two tertiary care centres in Nepal that included patients undergoing hemodialysis aged 18 years and above. The outcome variable was perception of the importance of adherence to dialysis and was measured using The End Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). The independent variables were socio-demographics, dialysis-related characteristics and accessibility factors. Results Among 283 hemodialysis patients in the study, their mean age was 50.6 years with higher prevalence of good perception (91%) among single [APR (adjusted prevalence ratio):1.12; 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.03–1.21)] and parents accompanying patients (APR:1.14; 95% CI:1.01–1.28) compared to married, and non-parent accompanying patients respectively. Conclusion The study showed good perception of hemodialysis adherence, especially among singles and those accompanied by their parents.

A risk assessment indicator system for common diseases in children and adolescents

Background Adolescence is a critical stage for healthy development. Currently, common diseases such as myopia, obesity, dental caries, and spinal curvature abnormalities are highly prevalent among children and adolescents, with an obvious trend of younger onset. These diseases are caused by the complex interaction of multi-dimensional factors. However, existing interventions are mostly limited to individual diseases, lacking systematic prevention and control tools. Therefore, there is an urgent need to construct a scientific evaluation index system for health-influencing factors. Objective Targeting the four key common diseases emphasized in China’s national health policies – myopia, obesity, dental caries, and spinal curvature abnormalities – among children and adolescents aged 7–19 years, this study constructed a multi-dimensional risk assessment indicator system to support evidence-based prevention and policy-making for this population. Methods Guided by the National Program of Action for Children’s Development in China (2021–2030) and the “Healthy China 2030” Planning Outline, a three-level indicator framework was initially formulated through literature research and expert meetings. The Delphi expert consultation method was adopted for two rounds of screening and optimization of indicators. Experts scored each indicator on a scale of 1–5 in terms of importance, feasibility, and sensitivity, with indicators excluded if their mean score was < 3.5 and coefficient of variation >0.3. Results The effective return rate of the two-round Delphi is 100.0%, the mean expert familiarity coefficient (Cs) was 0.83, and the mean judgment coefficient (Ca) was 0.93, and the expert authoritative coefficient (Cr) value is 0.88. In the second round of consultation, the importance coordination coefficient is 0.284, the feasibility coordination coefficient is 0.185, and the sensitivity coordination coefficient is 0.314, all of which are statistically significant ( P  < 0.001). This indicator system consists of a total of 55 three-level indicators. Conclusion Validated through two rounds of expert deliberation, the indicator system demonstrates sound scientific rigor. The preliminary development of a risk assessment indicator system for common diseases in children and adolescents can be used for the measurement of the level of factors affecting the health of common diseases in children and adolescents after its reliability and validity are verified in practical applications.

Use of naloxone by EMS for opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and associated patient-centered outcomes: A systematic review

Objective As opioid-related fatalities continue to climb, it is imperative to advance our understanding of the management of life-threatening opioid emergencies, including cardiac arrest. Emergency medical services (EMS) administered naloxone reverses critical respiratory depression within minutes; however, the role of naloxone in cases of opioid-associated cardiac arrest (OA-OHCA) is unknown. This systematic review sought to summarize patient outcomes following EMS-administered naloxone in OA-OHCA cases. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in OVID Medline, Embase, and Cochrane from database inception to December 2024. Original, peer-reviewed studies examining patients with OA-OHCA who were given naloxone by EMS were included. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and full-texts in Covidence based on predetermined inclusion criteria. Relevant data points were extracted, and a risk of bias assessment was conducted for included studies. No meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity across the included studies. Results The literature search yielded 4814 articles, of which 8 studies met eligibility and were included. Seven of the included studies were retrospective cohort studies conducted in the United States. The eighth included study was a prospective cohort study conducted in Denmark. The total sample size for drug-related OHCA patients was 1294 (range 16–471) from all the included studies. Risk of bias was assessed to be low to moderate in seven studies and serious in one study. A minority of patients achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), with ROSC ranging from 4.3% to 50%. Survival to hospital admission ranged from 11.1% to 55%, while survival to hospital discharge ranged from 0% to 20.4%. Conclusions There are a limited number of studies assessing the use of naloxone in patients who present in opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OA-OHCA). Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of naloxone in this patient population.

Addressing abortion through individual and community-level determinants: Evidence from Southern Ethiopia

Background Abortion remains a significant public health concern in Ethiopia, contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. Understanding the individual- and community-level determinants of abortion is essential to inform targeted interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and multilevel determinants of abortion among women of reproductive age in Hawela Lida District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to March 2025 among 3,526 women of reproductive age who experienced a pregnancy within the 12 months preceding the survey. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire and analyzed with Stata v18. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to identify individual- and community-level determinants, adjusting for potential confounders. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results The overall prevalence of abortion was 18.5% (95% CI: 15.8–24.8). At the individual level, women without formal education were more likely to experience abortion than those with formal education (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.36–4.54). Women with unplanned pregnancies (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.62–4.68) and those who were non-autonomous in decision-making (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.51–5.02) also had higher odds of abortion. At the community level, rural residence (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.65–4.23), greater distance to the nearest health facility (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.21–5.01), and low mass media exposure (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.23–4.12) were significantly associated with abortion. Conclusion Abortion in Hawela Lida District was associated with both individual and community factors, including women’s education, pregnancy planning, autonomy, place of residence, mass media exposure, and health facility accessibility. Integrated interventions that strengthen family planning, promote women’s empowerment, improve service accessibility, and provide accurate reproductive health information are urgently needed to reduce abortion prevalence and improve maternal health outcomes in Ethiopia.

Thalamic Activity Regulates Interneuron Density in the Developing Visual Thalamus

Neural activity is a fundamental driver of early circuit assembly, yet how it shapes the distribution of inhibitory neurons across sensory networks remains poorly understood. Establishing an appropriate balance between excitation and inhibition is essential for effective sensory processing, but the contribution of activity-dependent mechanisms to interneuron allocation across subcortical and cortical stations is unclear. Here, we use region-specific transgenic mouse models of either sex to selectively manipulate activity at distinct loci and developmental stages of the visual pathway. We show that intrinsic thalamic activity is a key regulator of interneuron density in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus during early postnatal development. Disruption of thalamic activity leads to persistent increases in interneuron proportion, independent of retinal axon targeting. Moreover, altered thalamic activity propagates to the cortex, producing layer-specific changes in parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneuron populations in primary visual cortex. Together, our findings identify intrinsic thalamic activity as a central organizer of inhibitory circuit assembly across the visual system, coordinating interneuron integration in both thalamus and cortex during critical developmental windows.