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Publisher Correction: Granulation compared to co-application of biochar plus mineral fertilizer and its impacts on crop growth and nutrient leaching
Correction: Coming of age in recovery: The prevalence and correlates of substance use recovery status among adolescents and emerging adults
Author Correction: LSTM-based framework for predicting point defect percentage in semiconductor materials using simulated XRD patterns
Experience of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for those with mild traumatic brain injury (ACTion mTBI): A qualitative descriptive study
Psychological interventions may make a valuable contribution to recovery following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and have been advocated for in treatment consensus guidelines. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a more recently developed therapeutic option that may offer an effective approach. Consequently, we developed ACTion mTBI, a 5-session ACT-informed intervention protocol. To establish the feasibility of this intervention, we wanted to understand participants’ experiences of ACTion mTBI, determine acceptability and identify any refinements needed to inform a full-scale effectiveness trial. We recruited adults (≥16 years of age) diagnosed with mTBI who were engaged in community-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation. After completing the ACTion mTBI sessions, 23/27 (85.2%) participants (mean time post-injury: 28.0 weeks) completed a semi-structured interview about their experience of the intervention. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a qualitative description approach. There were two overarching themes 1) attacking the concussion from a different direction and 2) positive impact on recovery which depicted participants’ overall experiences of the intervention. Within these overarching themes, our analysis also identified two subthemes: 1) helpful aspects of the intervention which included education and ACT processes (i.e., being present and being able to step back) and 2) “contextual factors that enabled intervention effectiveness” which included being equipped with tools, cultural and spiritual responsiveness, the therapeutic connection, and the intervention having a structured yet flexible approach to order of delivery to meet individual needs. Participants’ experiences support acceptability, cultural and spiritual responsibility of ACTion mTBI. Suggested refinements included enabling access to intervention over time, not just at one point during recovery and the addition of a brief check-in follow-up.
Rational design, synthesis, in vitro, and in-silico studies of pyrazole‑phthalazine hybrids as new α‑glucosidase inhibitors
AMMI analysis of elite bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) selections for genotype by environment interaction and stability of grain yield in Southern Ethiopia
Smallholder wheat farmers of Ethiopia frequently use landraces as seed sources that are low yielders and susceptible to diseases due to shortage of seeds of adapted improved bread wheat varieties. Developing novel improved varieties with wider adaptability and stability is necessary to maximize the productivity of bread wheat. Hence, a multi-location field trial was conducted across four locations in south Ethiopia during the 2022/23 main cropping season with the objective of estimating the magnitude of genotype by environment interaction (GEI) effect, and determine the stable genotype among the 10 Ethiopian bread wheat advanced selections using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data recorded from all plots on 13 agronomic traits and the three wheat rust diseases were computed using appropriate statistical software. The results showed that individual and combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) exhibited the presence of highly significant variability (P<0.01) among the locations, genotypes, and GEI effects for most of the traits including grain yield. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) ANOVA for main effects; location, genotype and GEI revealed significant variation among the selections with 82.0%, 8.7% and 9.3% share of sum square variation, respectively. The genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) bi-plot analysis explained 92.44% of the total variation observed. AMMI and GGE-biplot analyses indicated G11, G9, G10, and G8 as high yielders and well-adaptive in the favourable locations. AMMI stability value (ASV) and Yield stability index (YSI) showed G5 and G8 as highly stable and adaptive selections across locations. Overall, the study identified that G8 as the most stable and adaptive selection, while G11 was the top yielder cultivar across locations. Therefor it was suggested that seeds of G8 can be grown across all the locations, whereas G11, G9, and G10 can be grown in the favourable environments and similar agro-ecologies in the east African region.
An artificial insurance framework for a hydrogen-based microgrid to detect the advanced cyberattack model
Penehyclidine for postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients receiving general anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of general anesthesia. This affects 30–80% of patients, and leads to discomfort and extended hospital stays. The effectiveness of penehyclidine for preventing PONV remains a subject of debate in the literature. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy of penehyclidine in preventing PONV in patients who received general anesthesia. Methods The present systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024523798). The present study will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) guidelines. The search will be conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CQVIP. This will comprise articles published from the inception of the databases to April 1, 2024. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that meet the inclusion criteria would be searched. The main outcome measure is the incidence of PONV. The secondary outcome measures include the incidence of postoperative nausea, incidence of postoperative vomiting, severity of nausea, severity of vomiting, patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay and adverse effects. Two researchers will independently evaluate the quality of the selected literature, and extract the data. The quality assessment of each RCT will be independently conducted by two researchers using the GRADE approach, as recommended in the Cochrane Handbook for Risk of Bias Assessment. The meta-analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4. Results A series of studies on the use of penehyclidine to prevent PONV in patients who received general anesthesia will be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Conclusion The results of the systematic review will offer valuable insights to clinicians and researchers on the use of penehyclidine as a prophylactic intervention against PONV in patients who receive general anesthesia.
A moisture differential technique for extraction and maintenance of imported fire ant colonies under laboratory conditions
Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection and associated risk factors among residents of Jigjiga town, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia
Background One of the tropical illnesses that is often overlooked is soil-transmitted helminths, or STHs. In tropical and subtropical nations, where poor sanitation and contaminated water sources are common, they mostly impact the most vulnerable populations. Objective The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of STHs and related risk factors among the people living in Jigjiga town, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was revealed from June 1 to July 21, 2023. Study participants were selected through a multistage sampling method, where households were randomly chosen from the kebeles. A semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect some of the data. A stool sample was collected from each participant, and a single Kato-Katz was performed to detect STHs. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and statistical significance was declared at a level of p-value < 0.05 between the outcome and independent variables. Results There were 507 participants in this study, and 90.9% of them responded. STH prevalence was 11.4% overall (95% CI = 9.0, 14.0). With a prevalent parasite species, A. lumbricoides was 9.3%, T. trichiura was 2.8%, and hookworms were 0.2%. Of the overall positive cases, 93.1% are due to single parasite infections. Independent predictors of STHs included low wealth status (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.25, 7.75; p = 0.015), infrequent hand washing before meals (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.55, 6.57; p = 0.002), earthen floors (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.12, 4.79; p = 0.023), and no drinking water treatment habit (AOR = 5.07; 95% CI = 1.89, 13.57; p = 0.001). Conclusion Jigjiga town had a low prevalence of STHs infections. Infrequent hand washing habits before meals, earthen floors, low wealth status, and no habit of treating drinking water were significant associated factors. Health education on handwashing, regular deworming, improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities to reduce the burden of STH effectively.
Protective factors contributing to the health status of construction industry migrant workers in Chinese mainland
Laboratory risk assessment of Beauveria bassiana AAD16 on two species of ladybird beetle
Beauveria bassiana AAD16, isolated from Allomyrina dichotoma, shows promise as a mycoinsecticide against various coleopterans. However, assessing non-target impacts on beneficial beetles like ladybirds is crucial before commercialization. Here we assessed the compatibility between ladybird beetles and B. bassiana AAD16. The virulence of the AAD16 strain was compared with that of an available commercial strain, B. bassiana GHA, for two developmental stages (adults and 3rd instar larvae) of two coccinellids, Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Chilocorus spp. Say using the topical (1μl) application method. The ST50 for the two life stages of the two ladybird beetles were not different between the two tested fungal strains. Mycosis rates recorded from the dead bodies were also not significant except in the 3rd instar which showed 36 and 63% from AAD16 and GHA strains in H. axyridis, while those of Chilocorus spp. were 40 and 63%, respectively. In adult stage, the mycosis rates of H. axyridis (males and females tested separately) were (20–23) % and (26–30) % from the AAD16 and GHA strains, while those of Chilocorus spp. (unsexed) were 23 and 30%, respectively. AAD16 caused similar rates of mortality in the adult stages of both species. Therefore, we conclude that B. bassiana AAD16 would not increase risk to these beneficial insects compared to a similar pathogen commercialized.
Comprehensive profiling of serum microRNAs in normal and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients
Obesity phenotypes and dyslipidemia in adults from four African countries: An H3Africa AWI-Gen study
Introduction The contribution of obesity phenotypes to dyslipidaemia in middle-aged adults from four sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries at different stages of the epidemiological transition has not been reported. We characterized lipid levels and investigated their relation with the growing burden of obesity in SSA countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Participants were middle aged adults, 40–60 years old residing in the study sites for the past 10 years. Age-standardized prevalence and adjusted mean cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and non-HDL-C were estimated using Poisson regression analyses and association of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WTHR) with abnormal lipid fractions modeled using a random effects meta-analysis. Obesity phenotypes are defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, increased WC and increased waist-to-hip ratio. Results A sample of 10,700 participants, with 54.7% being women was studied. Southern and Eastern African sites recorded higher age-standardized prevalence of five lipid fractions then West African sites. Men had higher LDL-C (19% vs 8%) and lower HDL-C (35% vs 24%) while women had higher total cholesterol (15% vs 19%), triglycerides (9% vs 10%) and non-HDL-cholesterol (20% vs 26%). All lipid fractions were significantly associated with three obesity phenotypes. Approximately 72% of participants in the sample needed screening for dyslipidaemia with more men than women requiring screening. Conclusion Obesity in all forms may drive a dyslipidaemia epidemic in SSA with men and transitioned societies at a higher risk. Targeted interventions to control the epidemic should focus on health promoting and improved access to screening services.
Impact of high pressure impregnation and air drying on the quality of Dosidicus gigas slices
Abstract Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) is the most abundant cephalopod in the fishing industry, and its high nutritional and organoleptic properties make it a go-to food product for consumers. Therefore, developing new processing techniques seems imperative to minimize quality deterioration and provide products with appropriate characteristics. The study aimed to determine the effect of high-pressure impregnation (HPI) pretreatment on hot air-drying kinetics and the quality of Humboldt squid slices. Various pressures, times, and concentrations of osmotic solution during HPI were evaluated, followed by drying at 40 and 60 °C. The HPI pretreatment reduced the drying time by around 26% when dried at 40 °C, and only 18% when dried at⋅ 60 °C compared with unpretreated samples. The Weibull, Page, and Logarithmic models were considered for experimental drying curve modeling. Diffusion coefficient values varied from 3.82 to 6.59 × 10−9 m2/s for all drying conditions. Moreover, the color, texture, and water-holding capacity were determined. Rehydration capacity values increased due to less damage to cellular tissue than the control (HPI-untreated dried samples). Also, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed a compacted structure of HPI-dried squid samples. Overall, HPI proved to be a beneficial pretreatment as it reduced drying time and improved the quality characteristics of Humboldt squid.
Patterns of microbial contamination on Northumberland Strait shores
The re-emergence of episodic faecal contamination of Parlee and Murray Corner beaches, on the Northumberland Strait of New Brunswick, Canada, in 2017, raised renewed community concerns on the health, environmental and tourism sustainability of these community resources, and led to creation of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Shediac Bay Watershed (October 2021). In response we have to date compiled, curated and made accessible 205,772 microbial water quality data records spanning over 80 years from Southeastern New Brunswick and the Northumberland Strait. This dataset derives in large part from Shellfish Surveys completed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with data generated by multiple government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and citizen science sources. Records derived from these multiple sources are now deposited in the Gordon Foundation’s DataStream (https://atlanticdatastream.ca), an open access common platform for sharing structured information on fresh and marine water health, delivered on a pan-Canadian scale, in collaboration with regional monitoring networks. We herein outline our data assembly, curation and deposition, along with preliminary analyses of contamination patterns at three representative sites on the Northumberland Strait coast of New Brunswick. Our results suggest that cumulative rainfall over 48 h is useful in predicting contamination risk at the developed Parlee Beach, and thereby demonstrate how open data can be used to inform policy and management decisions.
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.