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And growth on form? How tissue expansion generates novel shapes, colours and enhance biological functions of Turing colour patterns of Eukaryotes

Evidenced in zebrafishes skin and Mimulus petal, Turing-like mechanisms are probably responsible for many periodic color patterns of Eukaryotes. They are characterized by the mathematical relationships linking their cellular or molecular actors, the periodicity and the geometrical range of the patterns they produce: spots, stripes or mazes. Nevertheless, some periodic patterns such as leopard iconic rosettes required additional ingredients to explain their formation. Growth being the main candidate, we extensively explore its multiple facets, at the Eukaryotes scale. We show that far beyond the particular feline coat pattern, putative-growth Turing color patterns are present in many diverse lineages of plants and animals and seem absent in Fungi and unicellular lineages. Using models, we show the many ways growth can induce new shapes and colors, and that putative-growth pattern locations correlates with tissue hot spots of growth, suggesting the latter as the underlying mechanism. By reverse reasoning, we show that growth effects could reveal crucial information about pattern formation. We show how putative growth patterns can contribute to influence organisms visibility, thereby improving camouflage or aposematism. Our results demonstrate the range of morphogenetic roles that tissue expansion can take, by interacting with a scale-sensitive mechanism, here Turing-like patterning. Considering this extensive overview of its biological importance, both qualitatively and quantitatively, links between growth and form might more than ever needed to be explored.

Association of adenylate cyclase activity in vasopressor-type neurally mediated syncope based on the α2b-AR gene

Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) arises from a neural reflex; however, its underlying cause remains unknown. Previous research has shown that variations in the Gi-α signal transduction rate led to changes in adenylate cyclase (AC) activity levels. Thus, we hypothesized that these fluctuations in AC activity could contribute to NMS. This study aimed to investigate the receptor genes associated with glutamate (Glu) repeat polymorphism sites Glu12 and Glu9 in the α2B-AR gene. A total of 50 patients with vasodepressor-type (VT)-NMS and 20 healthy volunteers were included in this study. We assessed AC activity levels and blood pressure responses during the head-up tilt (HUT) test and conducted a Glu repeat polymorphism analysis to explore its potential association with NMS. Our findings showed significantly higher AC activity in patients with the Glu12/12 homotype than healthy volunteers across all four HUT test points. Conversely, patients with the Glu9/12 heterotype exhibited a significant difference only 10 min after the test initiation, suggesting a pronounced activation effect of the β2-AR Gs-α subunit in these individuals. Both genotypes displayed the greatest blood pressure fluctuations under 70° tilt stress, with patients with Glu12/12 showing consistent cardiac load and higher values than those with Glu9/12 at two points. Notably, the frequency of NMS onset within 20 min during the tilt test varied, with one Glu12/12 patient and seven Glu9/12 patients experiencing syncope. Additionally, patients with the Glu9/12 heterotype were found to have a higher risk of syncope after prolonged standing compared to those with the Glu12/12 homotype. These results suggest that patients with the Glu12/12 homotype exhibit elevated AC activity levels, which may help increase blood pressure to prevent syncope. This study underscores that variations in AC activity among different gene types could influence the frequency of NMS onset during standing.

Shedding light on development: Leveraging the new nightlights data to measure economic progress

Nightlights (NTL) have been widely used as a proxy for economic activity, despite known limitations in accuracy and comparability, particularly with outdated Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) data. The emergence of newer and more precise Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data offers potential, yet challenges persist due to temporal and spatial disparities between the two datasets. Addressing this, we employ a novel harmonized NTL dataset (VIIRS + DMSP), which provides the longest and most consistent database available to date. We evaluate the association between newly available harmonized NTL data and various indicators of economic activity at the subnational level across 34 countries in sub-Saharan Africa from 2004 to 2019. Specifically, we analyze the accuracy of the new NTL data in predicting socio-economic outcomes obtained from two sources: 1) nationally representative surveys, i.e., the household Wealth Index published by Demographic and Health Surveys, and 2) indicators derived from administrative records such as the gridded Human Development Index and Gross Domestic Product per capita. Our findings suggest that even after controlling for population density, the harmonized NTL remain a strong predictor of the wealth index. However, while urban areas show a notable association between harmonized NTL and the wealth index, this relationship is less pronounced in rural areas. Furthermore, we observe that NTL can also significantly explain variations in both GDP per capita and HDI at subnational levels.

Prevalence of communicable, non-communicable diseases, disabilities and related risk factors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan: Findings from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Population and Health Survey (2016–17)

Introduction Pakistan is facing a triple burden of diseases: communicable diseases (CDs), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and disabilities. There is limited evidence on the patterns of these diseases in Pakistan, specifically Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally there remains limited study on the impact of sex-, age and setting-stratified morbidities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Objectives The objective of this study was to present the demographic characteristics and the burden of locally-specific CDs (hepatitis B and C, TB, AIDS), NCDs (diabetes, renal diseases, asthma, epilepsy, coronary heart diseases, cancer, hypertension, cholesterol, thalassemia), and disabilities (congenital, post-disease, post-injury, paralysis) stratified by sex, age and setting in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Material and methods The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Population and Health Survey (KP-IPHS) was conducted in 2016–17 to gather comprehensive information about the demographic characteristics and locale-specific health-related issues of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 24 districts across all 7 divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on population ageing ≥18 years. A total of 20704 respondents were taken from primary (n = 1061) and secondary sampling units (n = 15724), designed with considerations for urban/rural and socio-economic status. Each primary unit included 250–300 households. The sample selection utilised a multi-staged stratified systematic cluster sampling technique, involving the inclusion of every 16th household in rural areas and every 12th household in urban areas. Observations were recorded on demographics, quality of life, physical activity, BMI, disabilities, CDs and NCDs. Results Among all NCDs, hypertension has the highest prevalence (29.2%), showing a significant difference between females (32.7%) and males (25.0%). The proportion of males and females with diabetes is 7.4% and 5.2%, respectively, with a more substantial percentage (11.2%) observed in the ≥50 years’ age group compared to 2.5% in the 18–29 years’ age group and 5.0% in the 30–49 years’ age group. Among the included CDs, hepatitis B and C (0.5% and 0.8%, respectively) are most prevalent. Hepatitis B is more common in females (0.8%) and in rural settings (0.6%) compared to males (0.3%) and urban settings (0.2%), respectively. The prevalence of congenital disabilities is the highest of all disabilities, with a significantly high prevalence in females (5.3%) and rural settings (3.5%) compared to males (0.9%) and urban settings (0.6%) respectively. Furthermore, post-injury, post-disease disabilities, and paralysis significantly increase with age (P < 0.001). Conclusions Our findings show that the prevalence of CDs, NCDs and disabilities varies across sex, age and settings, with a notable prevalence in females and the old-age population (≥50 years). The results emphasise the necessity of public health efforts, such as screening, prevention, and treatment, to tackle the triple burden of CDs, NCDs, and disabilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Correction: Can network attention effectively stimulate corporate ESG practices?—Evidence from China

Intelligent manufacturing policy, ESG performance, and total factor productivity: Evidence from China

Under the global wave of intelligence, intelligent manufacturing has become a crucial means of transforming and upgrading China’s manufacturing industry. Accurate evaluation of the implementation effects of intelligent manufacturing industry policies is an urgent issue. This study uses the introduction of the “Made in China 2025” policy as a quasi-natural experiment and employs the difference-in-differences method to investigate the impact of intelligent manufacturing policies on firms’ total factor productivity (TFP) and its mechanisms. These results indicate that implementing intelligent manufacturing policies significantly enhances firms’ TFP. Mechanism analysis reveals that intelligent manufacturing policies can improve firms’ ESG performance by enhancing green technology innovation capabilities, increasing capital market attention, and reducing internal control costs, thereby enhancing firms’ TFP. Heterogeneity analysis finds that intelligent manufacturing policies have a more pronounced effect on promoting TFP in large-scale enterprises, labor-intensive enterprises, firms with higher technical employee levels, companies in highly competitive industries, and enterprises in regions with higher levels of digital infrastructure development and lower economic development as compared to their counterparts. This study provides evidence of how intelligent manufacturing policies drive the high-quality and sustainable development of enterprises and offers insights for future policy formulation and implementation.

Adaptive wavelet base selection for deep learning-based ECG diagnosis: A reinforcement learning approach

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are crucial in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While wavelet-based feature extraction has demonstrated effectiveness in deep learning (DL)-based ECG diagnosis, selecting the optimal wavelet base poses a significant challenge, as it directly influences feature quality and diagnostic accuracy. Traditional methods typically rely on fixed wavelet bases chosen heuristically or through trial-and-error, which can fail to cover the distinct characteristics of individual ECG signals, leading to suboptimal performance. To address this limitation, we propose a reinforcement learning-based wavelet base selection (RLWBS) framework that dynamically customizes the wavelet base for each ECG signal. In this framework, a reinforcement learning (RL) agent iteratively optimizes its wavelet base selection (WBS) strategy based on successive feedback of classification performance, aiming to achieve progressively optimized feature extraction. Experiments conducted on the clinically collected PTB-XL dataset for ECG abnormality classification show that the proposed RLWBS framework could obtain more detailed time-frequency representation of ECG signals, yielding enhanced diagnostic performance compared to traditional WBS approaches.

Disorders in brassinosteroids signal transduction triggers the profound molecular alterations in the crown tissue of barley under drought

The advanced molecular tools provide critical inputs in uncovering the regulatory mechanisms underlying plants’ adaptation to abiotic stress. Presented holistic studies were done on the barley crown tissue being essential for plant performance under various environmental stimuli. To investigate the effect of brassinosteroids (BRs), the known players in stress management, on molecular response of this tissue to drought, the genotypes with different BRs signal transduction efficiency were employed. Large-scale transcriptomic and proteomic profiling confirmed the specific re-modeling of behavior of the BRs-insensitive barley uzu1.a mutant under drought. On the other hand, a set of genes expressed independently of the genotype was identified, including dehydrin encoding genes. This study also uncovered the candidate genes to be linkers of phytohormones crosstalk. Importantly, we detected the converging upregulation of several proteins and encoding genes under drought, including late embryogenesis abundant proteins and chaperones; they represent a promising target for cereals’ improvement. Moreover, the greatest variation between genotypes in accumulation of BRs in the crown tissue exposed to drought was observed for castasterone. Presented multi-omics, high-throughput results enhanced the understanding of molecular response to drought in crown tissue. The new insight was provided into the relationships between gene expression, protein and phytohormone content in barley plants of different BRs signaling.

Translation, content validity and internal structure of the Brazilian version of the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (B-ARQ)

Resilience refers to one’s ability to face life’s challenges and achieve positive outcomes, and has drawn increasing interest from researchers and policymakers. The Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire (ARQ) is a measure that assesses resilience in adolescents according to a multidimensional perspective, encompassing its several different domains. This cross-sectional study aimed to translate and evaluate the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the ARQ (B-ARQ) for use with Brazilian adolescents. Two native speakers in Brazilian Portuguese language who were also fluent in English language translated the ARQ from English into Portuguese. A committee of experts in validation studies compared the translated versions. A summarized version was produced and back-translated by a translator native of the English language and fluent in Portuguese. The B-ARQ was pre-tested in a sample of 21 adolescents. An expert committee considered the suggestions and defined the final version of the instrument, which was tested in a sample of 210 adolescent students from public and private schools in the city of Dom Pedrito, Brazil. All students filled out the 88-item instrument as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics of all variables (frequency distribution, floor, ceiling effects), internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the version with 88 items and the shortened version with 49 items. The short version with 49 items was validated in a cross-sectional study in an adolescent population of high school students using exploratory factor analysis in the Unites States. The 88-item ARQ had poor structural validity with unsatisfactory model fit indices. Therefore, the investigation focused on the short 49-item version of the ARQ (B-ARQ-SV). The final model presented satisfactory RMSEA = 0.042 (p = 0.994, 90% CI: 0.037–0.047) and SRMR of 0.076, despite the low CFI (0.878). The internal consistency was estimated with McDonald’s Omega for each factor: Confidence (ω = 0.480), Negative Cognition (ω = 0.588), Empathy/tolerance (ω = 0.295), Emotional insight (ω = 0.425), Social Skill (ω = 0.235), Family Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.785), Family Domain Availability (ω = 0.847), Peers Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.719), Peers Domain Availability (ω = 0.402), School Domain Supportive environment (ω = 0.677), School Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.013), Community Domain Connectedness (ω = 0.791). One scale showed a ceiling effect (frequency higher than 15.0%), but we identified no critical floor effect. The B-ARQ-SV is a valid (in terms of content and structural validity) and reliable (in terms of internal consistency) measurement instrument to assess resilience in Brazilian adolescents.

Correction: Enhanced wave overtopping simulation at vertical breakwaters using machine learning algorithms

The auxin phenylacetic acid induces NIN expression in the actinorhizal plant Datisca glomerata, whereas cytokinin acts antagonistically

All nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbioses of angiosperms–legume and actinorhizal symbioses–possess a common ancestor. Molecular processes for the induction of root nodules are modulated by phytohormones, as is the case of the first nodulation-related transcription factor NODULE INCEPTION (NIN), whose expression can be induced by exogenous cytokinin in legumes. The process of actinorhizal nodule organogenesis is less well understood. To study the changes exerted by phytohormones on the expression of the orthologs of CYCLOPS, NIN, and NF-YA1 in the actinorhizal host Datisca glomerata, an axenic hydroponic system was established and used to examine the transcriptional responses (RT-qPCR) in roots treated with the synthetic cytokinin 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), the natural auxin Phenylacetic acid (PAA), and the synthetic auxin 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The model legume Lotus japonicus was used as positive control. Molecular readouts for auxins and cytokinin were established: DgSAUR1 for PAA, DgGH3.1. for NAA, and DgARR9 for BAP. L. japonicus NIN was induced by BAP, PAA, and NAA in a dosage- and time-dependent manner. While expression of D. glomerata NIN2 could not be induced in roots, D. glomerata NIN1 was induced by PAA; this induction was abolished in the presence of exogenous BAP. Furthermore, the induction of DgNIN1 expression by PAA required ethylene and gibberellic acid. This study suggests that while cytokinin signaling is central for cortex-induced nodules of L. japonicus, it acts antagonistically to the induction of nodule primordia of D. glomerata by PAA in the root pericycle.

Visceral obesity augments prescription use: An analysis of the cross-sectional study of NHANES 2011–2018

Background Visceral obesity (VATob) increases the risk for many diseases. Central obesity has been associated with an augmented prescription use; however, there is a paucity of research focused on VATob. Here, the aim was to evaluate the association between VATob and prescription use. Methods Data was collected from the NHANES dataset (2011–2018). Visceral adipose tissue was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry, and VATob was defined as ≥100 cm2. Prescription use was collected from the RXQ_RX files and classified according to Vademecum. Association between VATob and prescription use was determined with logistic regression and reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results 10,952 participants (weighted: 121,090,702) were included, in which 41.8% were VATob and 52.0% of them had ≥1 prescription. Overall, VATob demonstrated an augmented rate of prescription use when compared to non-VATob (52.0% versus 36.7%, p<0.001), specifically with metabolic (4.5-fold increase), cardiovascular (3.9-fold increase), gastrointestinal (2.5-fold increase), and hematopoietic agents (2.3-fold increase). This was associated with increased the risk for overall prescription use (ORoverall = 1.9, 95%CI: 1.7–2.1, p<0.001). Similar results were observed with metabolic and cardiovascular agents. However, when stratified by BMI, normal weight participants (ORmetabolic = 10.4; 95%CI: 6.5–16.6 & ORcardiovascular = 7.0; 95%CI: 4.4–11.1, p<0.001) had a greater risk than the overweight (ORmetabolic = 4.1; 95%CI: 3.0–5.6 & ORcardiovascular = 3.4; 95%CI: 2.5–4.7, p<0.001) or obese participants (ORmetabolic = 3.5; 95%CI: 2.3–5.3 & ORcardiovascular = 3.5; 95%CI: 2.5–4.9, p<0.001). Conclusion VATob is associated with augmented prescription use, particularly with cardiovascular and metabolic agents. This association was higher for normal weight participants.

Research on the relationship between key risk factors of university emergencies based on ISM-MICMAC

In order to accurately analyze the interaction among the risk factors of university emergencies, firstly, based on the key performance indicator (KPI) concept, by initially extracting risk factors, identifying initial risk factors, and correcting initial risk factors, and the risk factors of emergencies in universities were divided into three categories: human factors, environmental factors, and management factors, and 18 key risk factors of emergencies in universities, including psychological problems, weak legal awareness and lack of safety awareness, were subdivided and determined. Secondly, the interpretive structure model (ISM) was used to construct a multi-layer hierarchical model of the relationship between university emergencies risk factors, clarified the hierarchical affiliation between the risk factors of university emergencies, divided the risk factors of university emergencies into surface direct factors, middle indirect factors and deep fundamental factors, and analyzed the coupling effect of various risk factors on university emergencies. Thirdly, combined with the matrix impacts cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC), the driving force and dependence force of each risk factor of university emergencies were obtained, and the risk factors of university emergencies were divided into spontaneous factors, independent factors, dependent factors, linkage factors, etc. 4 categories, and targeted governance and prevention measures were proposed for different types of risk factors. Finally, the research results will help universities to accurately identify, warn and manage the key risks of emergencies, and provide a reference for the management of emergencies in universities.

Tone or tissue? A comparison of trends and risk factors of severe postpartum hemorrhage according to uterine atony or retained tissue in a hospital setting

Objective To compare trends, outcomes and risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony and retained tissue separately. Study design This retrospective hospital-based study of severe PPH included deliveries from a 10-year cohort (2008–2017) and a four-year case-control group (2008–2011). Severe PPH was defined as an estimated blood loss of ≥1500 ml or a blood transfusion. Poisson regression was used to estimate the temporal trend in the 10-year cohort. Risk factors were investigated in the case-control group. We performed multinomial regression analysis to investigate associations between pregnancy characteristics and severe PPH caused by uterine atony and by retained tissue compared to controls without severe PPH. Results During the 10-year study period, 2.7% of all deliveries were complicated by severe PPH. Uterine atony without concurring retained tissue was the cause in 55.4%, while retained tissue was listed as a cause in 32.2% of the cases. Among women who received ≥ four units of blood products, retained tissue caused 42.6% of cases, and severe PPH resulting in a hysterectomy was caused by retained tissue in 61.2% of cases. The rate of severe PPH caused by uterine atony significantly increased during the study period with an estimated annual percentage change of 8.6%, while the increase in severe PPH due to retained tissue was non-significant. Risk factors associated only with uterine atony were multiple pregnancy, macrosomia, Asian ethnicity and operative delivery, while induction of labor, augmentation of labor, use of anticoagulants and assisted reproduction were associated with both uterine atony and retained tissue. Conclusion The observed increased rate of PPH in the study period was mainly driven by an increase in atonic PPH, while the rate of severe PPH caused by retained tissue remained stable. The proportion caused by retained tissue was highest among the most severe cases of PPH. The reason for the increase in severe PPH due to uterine atony, but not retained tissue was not clear, but we speculate that it may be a combination of increasing risk factors with increased awareness of PPH.

Peer effects among friends on students’ cognitive abilities: An analysis based on emotional distance

In contemporary society, students’ cognitive abilities are crucial for the accumulation of human capital. Consequently, significant concern has been expressed regarding the impact of peer effects among friends on students’ cognitive abilities. Based on the "China Education Tracking Survey" data, we discuss peer effects among friends on students’ cognitive abilities from the perspective of Emotional Distance Analysis. Our study shows that: (1) Students’ average scores could be actively affected by the increase in the number of friends with good grades. (2) Peer effects among friends are in accord with different students. Such effects are more easily exerted among female students and those with better average grades or local household registration. (3) The mechanism study found that the conduction effect of peer effects among friends mainly relies on two paths. One is manifested as the “compliance effect”. In other words, to align with their friends, students increase their study time, raise their educational aspirations, and minimize instances of skipping classes and absenteeism. The other channel is the “anchoring effect,” which involves raising parents’ reference standards, leading them to devote more time and energy to their children’s learning. Therefore, the rational use of social interaction with friends is a vital approach to enhancing students’ cognitive abilities.

Vector borne disease control interventions in agricultural and irrigation areas in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Irrigation farming has raised concerns about the steady transmission and introduction of new vector-borne infectious diseases (VBD) in the areas involved. This systematic review aimed to determine interventions that are effective for the management and control of VBDs in irrigation areas in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We searched the literature on VBD interventions in SSA from published and grey literature without specifying the publication year. A search strategy identified 7768 records from various databases, and after screening, 16 were included in the final analysis. Results showed various VBD control interventions were effective, including indoor residue spray (IRS), insect-treated nets (ITN), larva source management (LSM), mass drug administration (MDA), integrated vector management (IVM), and mollusciciding. IVM was commonly practiced, and its success was because of the complementarity of the various interventions involved. Successful VBD control interventions led to improved health amongst irrigation communities and consequently improved agricultural productivity. However, some challenges to these interventions were identified, which include seasonal changes and climate variability, insecticide and drug resistance, and farmers’ attitudes toward accepting the interventions. Regardless, results showed that VBD control and management can be integrated into irrigation farming before or after the establishment of the irrigation scheme.

A machine learning driven computationally efficient horse shoe shaped antenna design for internet of medical things

With bio-medical wearables becoming an essential part of Internet of Medical things (IoMT) for monitoring the health of workers, patients and others in different environments, antenna play a pivotal role in such wearables. In this communication, a novel Horse shoe shaped antenna (HSPA) meant for such wearables is presented. The vitals of the workers, patients etc. are collected and sent to the IoMT platform for ensuring their safety and monitoring their physical wellbeing. In this article, regression-based Machine learning (ML) techniques are used to facilitate the design of Horse shoe shaped patch antenna to predict the frequency of operation, radiation efficiency and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values to accelerate its design process for on-body applications. The HSPA designed resonates at 2.45 GHz in the frequency band of 1.75–2.98 GHz with SAR of 1.89 W/kg for an input power of 16.98 dBm, peak gain of 1.91 dBi and radiation efficiency of 62.07% when mounted on the human body. 1080 samples of data comprising of three EM parameters have been generated using a conventional EM tool by varying the physical and electrical parameters of the design. A detailed comparison of the five regression-based ML algorithms is presented, and it is observed that the ML models help in efficient use of resources while designing an antenna for bio-medical applications.

Exploring burn first aid knowledge and water lavage practices in Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Background Low- and middle-income countries experience higher burn-related morbidity and mortality compared to high-income countries. Prehospital Burn First Aid (BFA) improves outcomes. We assessed BFA knowledge and water lavage practices and their associated factors among burn victims, caregivers, and visitors at a tertiary health facility in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Burns Unit of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala between 1 st April 2022 and 30 th November 2022. Participants included burn patients, caregivers, and hospital visitors. Data on BFA knowledge and practices were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. BFA knowledge was evaluated using 13 questions, with a ≥80% score considered adequate. Logistic regression was used to assess for associations. Results We enrolled 404 participants, comprising 68 (16.8%) burn victims, 161(39.9%) primary caregivers, and 175 (43.3%) hospital visitors. Overall, 339 (83.9%) participants had never received BFA information, and 392 (97.0%) had no first aid training. The mean BFA knowledge score was 56±13.9%, with only 5.4% of the participants demonstrating adequate knowledge. Only 26 (27.7%) of current and former burn victims used water lavage as BFA. No statistically significant associations were found between BFA knowledge, water lavage usage, and demographic variables at univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Conclusion We highlight inadequate BFA knowledge and practices among victims of burns, their caregivers, and the general population. Addressing these deficiencies through community-based initiatives is crucial to improving burn care in Uganda.

Righting response and electrocardiographic evaluation of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) (Cuvier, 1818) exposed to immersion baths with different concentrations of bushy lippia essential oil (Lippia alba)

In recent years, the use of natural products as alternatives to synthetic anesthetic agents has gained notoriety in aquaculture. Among the essential oils studied, Lippia alba has attracted attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including sedative and anesthetic effects. This study aims to evaluate the anesthetic activity of Lippia alba essential oil (LAEO) to propose a therapeutic window for its use in tambaqui (C. macropomum). In this research, juvenile tambaqui (10.9 ± 5.9g, n = 90) were submitted to anesthetic baths with LAEO at concentrations of 80–140 μL.L-1 for behavioral assessment and electrophysiological recordings. The findings showed that all concentrations were effective in inducing the loss of posture reflex and its subsequent reversible return. However, electrocardiographic recordings at concentrations of 120 and 140 μL.L-1 revealed alterations in the graph elements, indicating more intense bradycardia and atrioventricular block during anesthetic induction. Nevertheless, during the anesthetic recovery period, cardiac normality was restored at all tested concentrations, although more slowly at the highest concentration (140 μL.L-1). Thus, we conclude that this oil is safe for providing short-term anesthesia at concentrations between 80 and 100 μL.L-1 in C. macropomum specimens.

Temporal associations between microclimate, adult Aedes mosquito indices, and dengue cases at the residence level in Malaysia: Implications for targeted interventions

Introduction Dengue continues to be a major public health concern in Malaysia, as evidenced by the significant surge in cumulative dengue case numbers and deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year. While previous studies have explored the interplay of abiotic and biotic factors of mosquito density and dengue cases on a local scale in Malaysia, there is a notable gap in the research focusing on adult Aedes mosquito populations. Aims This study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge by investigating the association and time lags (TLs) between daily microclimate (DM), mosquito indices (MIs), and dengue cases at the residence level. Methods In this longitudinal study, field data were collected over 26 weeks using data loggers, gravid oviposit sticky (GOS) traps, and non-structural 1 (NS1) test kits in both non-dengue hotspot (NDH) and dengue hotspots (DH). The collected data encompassed DM variables, vegetation cover (VC), MIs, and number of dengue cases. An autocorrelation analysis was conducted to determine the TLs between MIs and their preceding values, while a cross-correlation analysis revealed the TLs between MIs and DM variables. Results The study indicated there are positive correlations between the adult index (AI) of Ae. albopictus, their preceding values and rainfall at an NDH. Conversely, the AIs of total Aedes at the DH exhibited positive correlations with their preceding values, temperature, rainfall, and maximum relative humidity (RH), but negative correlations with the mean and maximum RH. The dengue-positive trap index (DPTI) of total Aedes at DHs demonstrated positive associations with their preceding values, mean temperature, minimum temperature, maximum RH, and rainfall, with negative correlations observed for the maximum temperature, mean RH, and minimum RH. Similar trends were identified for the Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus at DHs. The association between dengue cases, DM, and MIs was inconclusive due to underreported cases. Conclusions This study highlighted the DM and TLs of dengue virus-infected and non-infected adult female Aedes mosquitoes using onsite data collection. Furthermore, this study presents a replicable methodology that can be adopted by researchers worldwide for investigating the dynamics of dengue transmission in similar settings. The findings offer valuable insights for decision-makers, providing them with evidence-based information to implement targeted interventions and strategies aimed at controlling Aedes mosquito populations and mitigating the spread of dengue virus infections.