Browse Articles

Trophic ecology in an anchialine cave: A stable isotope study

The analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) has been widely used in ecology since it allows to identify the circulation of energy in a trophic network. The anchialine ecosystem is one of the less explored aquatic ecosystems in the world and stable isotope analysis represents a useful tool to identify the routes through which energy flows and to define the trophic niches of species. Sampling and data recording was conducted in one anchialine cave, Cenote Vaca Ha, near the town of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, where seven stygobitic species endemic to the anchialine caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, plus sediment, water and vegetation samples were analyzed to determine what the main nutrient sources are. We compared our results with two previous studies, one conducted in the same cave and another one from a cave in the same area, both based on the same seven species which are widely distributed in the area. Our study revealed: a) that despite a certain amount of variation in the δ13C and δ15N values of the species through time, both seasonally and interannually, the anchialine isotopic niche is much conserved; b) through contribution models we propose what are the most probable food sources for the studied species and the results confirm previous trophic classifications; and c) that the shrimp Typhlatya pearsei presents very negative δ13C values, suggesting their consumption of bacterial sources consistent with a chemosynthetic origin of organic matter. The implications of the new findings show a very stable ecosystem with the shrimp Typhlatya pearsei, as the key species to link chemosynthetic microbial production of organic matter to the anchialine trophic web.

Experimental and theoretical investigation of cyclohexanone derivative (CHD) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M HCl

Digital inclusive finance, rural revitalization and rural consumption

With the rapid development of technology and the evolution of the global financial system, digital inclusive finance has become a new way to promote rural revitalization and rural residents’ consumption with the power of financial technology. This study explores the relationship between digitally inclusive finance, rural revitalization, and rural residents’ consumption. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2011 to 2021, this study empirically examines the impact of digitally inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption and the mediating and threshold effects of rural revitalization. The results reveal that digitally inclusive finance is conducive to the enhancement of rural residents’ consumption, and rural revitalization acts as a mediator. Meanwhile, there is a nonlinear positive correlation between the impact of digitally inclusive finance and rural revitalization on rural residents’ consumption, in which there is a double-threshold effect of digitally inclusive finance and rural revitalization in the lagged period. Based on the above findings, we believe that while promoting digitally inclusive finance, it is important to promote rural revitalization strategy in a timely manner, improve rural infrastructure, and continuously stimulate the impact of digitally inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption.

Investigating the link between a layer thickness and surface relief depth in an azo poly(ether imide)

Antiviral activity of an ACE2-Fc fusion protein against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

SARS-CoV-2 has continued spreading around the world in recent years since the initial outbreak in 2019, frequently developing into new variants with greater human infectious capacity. SARS-CoV-2 and its mutants use the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular entry receptor, which has triggered several therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 relying on the use of ACE2 recombinant proteins as decoy receptors. In this work, we propose an ACE2 silent Fc fusion protein (ACE2-hFcLALA) as a candidate therapy against COVID-19. This fusion protein was able to block the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to ACE2 receptor as measured by ELISA and flow cytometry inhibition assays. Moreover, we used classical neutralization assays and a progeny neutralization assay to show that the ACE2-hFcLALA fusion protein is capable of neutralizing the authentic virus. Additionally, we found that this fusion protein was more effective in preventing in vitro infection with different variants of interest (alpha, beta, delta, and omicron) compared to the D614G strain. Our results suggest the potential of this molecule to be used in both therapeutic and preventive settings against current and emerging mutants that use ACE2 as a gateway to human cells.

A comprehensive review of multi-level inverters, modulation, and control for grid-interfaced solar PV systems

Impact of offensive-reward rules on young basketball players’ performance during small-sided games

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different offensive-reward-related rules on the physical performance, perceived exertion and enjoyment of young basketball players during small-sided games (SSG). Eighteen youth male players (age: 13.3±0.9y; height: 167.0±13.1cm; weight: 50.6±11.5kg; years of practice: 3.1±1.2y) participated in three distinct 3x3 SSG (14x15m pitch) experimental conditions: i) 3x3NORMAL, regular 3x3 game; ii) 3x3POINT-POSS, where the team in possession was rewarded a new ball possession after scoring; iii) 3x3PASSES, where the score was determined by the number of passes made before converting a basket. Players’ performance was measured using global positioning systems, rating of perceived exertion and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Players covered more distance for total (p< .001), low (p< .01) and moderate-speed distance (p< .05), and presented a higher game pace (p< .001) during the 3x3POINT-POSS than in the other conditions. A higher number of accelerations (1–1.99 m·s-2, p < .01) and decelerations (>2 m·s-2, p < .01) were also reported in the 3x3POINT-POSS. Despite the higher external load in the 3x3POINT-POSS, players reported higher perceived exertion during the 3x3PASSES (small to moderate effects). In addition, players reported the 3x3POINT-POSS as being more enjoyfull than the 3x3NORMAL. In conclusion, coaches may consider incorporating the 3x3POINT-POSS to enhance players’ external load while simultaneously increasing enjoyment and decreasing perceived exertion. Conversely, the 3x3PASSES condition may be useful for promoting adaptive behaviors under a higher perception of effort. Thus, coaches should carefully choose the type of rewards when designing training tasks for youth basketball players.

Mechanisms driving different QPD cells response signals revealed by a single cell irradiated with a laser

Relationship between oxidative balance indicators and Chronic Kidney Disease

Introduction Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing global health issue, affecting approximately 9.1% of the world’s population. Oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in CKD development, with indicators such as the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), Pro-Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) being of particular interest. However, their association with CKD remains unclear. Methods This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2018. A total of 18,951 participants were included after applying specific inclusion criteria. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression were employed to examine the associations between these oxidative balance indicators and CKD. Subgroup and interaction analyses were also conducted for further data analyses. Finally, ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of these indicators for CKD risk. Results After adjusting for various confounding factors, higher levels of OBS and PAB were significantly associated with a reduced risk of CKD (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P < 0.001; OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, P < 0.001, respectively). The ORs for the highest quartiles of OBS and PAB were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49–0.75, P < 0.001) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63–0.94, P = 0.013), respectively. In contrast, TAC showed no significant association with CKD. ROC curve analysis further indicated that OBS had a superior predictive ability for CKD risk (AUC = 0.579) compared to PAB (AUC = 0.519) and TAC (AUC = 0.492). Conclusion The study suggests that oxidative balance indicators, particularly OBS and PAB, are inversely associated with CKD risk, while TAC showed no significant link. OBS demonstrated the strongest predictive ability among the indicators. These findings highlight the potential role of oxidative balance in CKD prevention. Further research is needed to confirm these associations in diverse populations and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

A randomized cohort study on the use of 3D printed models to enhance surgical training in suturing techniques

Demographic, social and health system factors associated with maternal mortality in Pakistan: A nested case-control study

Background Pakistan has experienced a significant reduction in maternal mortality with a decline of 33 percent between 2006 and 2019. However, the country still grapples with a high number (186 per 100,000 live births) of maternal deaths each year. This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health system related factors associated with maternal mortality. Methods Using the nested case-control design, we conducted an in-depth analysis of Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019. We identified 147 maternal deaths occurring within three years prior to the PMMS 2019 as “cases” and 724 women who gave birth and were alive during the same period as “controls”. Socio-demographic characteristics of cases and controls were compared, and multivariate regression was employed to investigate the predictors of maternal mortality in Pakistan. Results Cases and controls were similar on access to antenatal care (ANC) and ANC provider but differed on age, education, number of pregnancies, type of delivery, tetanus toxoid vaccination during last pregnancy, and contraceptive usage. A higher proportion of cases had deliveries by skilled birth attendants (83% compared to 63% among controls) while home deliveries were more common among controls (32% compared to 25% among cases). Odds of maternal death were lowest among women aged 20–29 years (odds ratio–OR: 0.5; 95% CI 0.23–1.07) and those with secondary or higher education (OR: 0.35; 95% CI 0.17–0.74). Surprisingly, deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants were associated with higher odds of maternal death (OR: 4.07; 95% CI 2.19–7.57) compared to those who were not. Conclusion This study identifies secondary or higher maternal education, having had tetanus injection during the last pregnancy, ever-used contraception or being in the age group of 20–29 years were factors associated with lower risk of maternal mortality. Conversely, skilled birth attendance increases the risk of maternal death in Pakistan. Further investigation is needed into the determinants of high maternal mortality.

Identification of important genes related to ferroptosis in early missed abortion based on WGCNA

Effects of maximum dose on local control after stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic tumors of colorectal cancer

This study aimed to identify radiotherapy dosimetric parameters related to local failure (LF)-free survival (LFFS) in patients with lung and liver oligometastases from colorectal cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). We analyzed 75 oligometastatic lesions in 55 patients treated with SBRT between January 2014 and December 2021. There was no constraint or intentional increase in maximum dose. LF was defined as the progression of the treated lesion until the last follow-up or death. The dose distributions were recalculated using Monte Carlo-based algorithms. The significance of the planning target volume (PTV) biologically effective dose (BED) 10s (D2, D95, D98, Dmean) in LFFS was evaluated using Cox regression, considering sex, age, primary cancer, tumor site, oligometastatic status, multiplicity, and either tumor size or one of the volume parameters. LF occurred in 23.4% of the lesions. Lesions showing LF received significantly lower PTV D2 (146 ± 21 vs. 164 ± 23, p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis revealed that PTV D2 (< 159 Gy10 vs. ≥ 159 Gy10) was the sole dosimetric parameter associated with LFFS. Tumors equal to or larger than the median size/volume yet receiving < 159 Gy10 of PTV D2 showed the lowest LFFS following stratification by median PTV D2 combined with tumor size or volume parameters. The maximum dose (PTV D2) was significantly associated with LFFS after SBRT for lung and liver oligometastases from colorectal cancer. Increasing the maximum dose may be beneficial for managing larger tumors.

Multiomic characterization, immunological and prognostic potential of SMAD3 in pan-cancer and validation in LIHC

The influence of workload on muscle fatigue, tissue properties, and postural stability in older and younger workers

Demographic aging and extended working lives have prompted interest in the physiological changes that occur with age, particularly in the lumbar spine. Age-related declines in muscle quality and intervertebral disc alterations may reduce muscular endurance, strength, and postural stability, potentially increasing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in older workers. As experienced workers play an important role in addressing labor shortages, understanding the impact of age-related physiological changes on the biomechanical properties of the lumbar spine is key to ensure safe and sustainable employment for aging individuals. This study aimed to compare the impact of daily work-related physical efforts on lumbar muscular endurance and fatigue, spine tissue properties, and postural stability between older and younger workers. A total of 40 participants, 20 in Group 1 (young workers: ≤50 years; mean age: 28.89 ± 7.23) and 20 in Group 2 (older workers: >50 years; mean age: 59.40 ± 5.29) were recruited. Measurements taken at the beginning and end of the workday included lumbar muscle endurance, maximal voluntary contraction, disc height and postural stability. Age groups were compared using repeated measures ANOVA across the two measurement times. No significant interaction between age and time of day was observed, indicating that, for similar workload, both age groups experienced similar changes. Despite age-related effects on maximal force production and postural stability, incorporating weight as a covariate revealed that these differences were partially explained by the weight discrepancy between older and younger workers. The study suggests that age may not be the primary determinant of the impact of a workday on older workers.

Latent profiles and determinants of postoperative sleep quality in elective surgery patients

How the nursing work environment moderates the relationship between clinical judgment and person-centered care among intensive care unit nurses

Background Person-centered care focuses on individualized care that respects patients’ values, preferences, and autonomy. To enhance the quality of critical care nursing, institutions need to identify the factors influencing ICU nurses’ ability to provide person-centered care. This study explored the relationship between clinical judgment ability and person-centered care among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, emphasizing how the ICU nursing work environment moderates this relation. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 4 and September 18, 2023, with 192 ICU nurses recruited from four general hospitals with a convenience sample (valid response rate = 97.4%). Participants completed online self-report structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression and PROCESS macro Model 1, with a 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval to verify moderating effects. Results Clinical judgment ability (β = .24, p < .001) and ICU nursing work environment (β = .50 p < .001) were found to be significant predictors of person-centered care. These two predictors explained the 47.0% of person-centered care in the final hierarchical regression model. Additionally, Clinical judgment (B = 0.28, p < .001, Boot. 95%CI = 0.13~0.42) and the ICU nursing work environment (B = 0.41, p < .001, Boot. 95%CI = 0.30~0.52) positively affected person-centered care, and the interaction term of clinical judgment and ICU nursing work environment (B = 0.16, p = .026, Boot. 95%CI = 0.02~0.30) also positively affected person-centered care. The moderating effect was particularly significant when the ICU nursing work environment score was 2.90 points (below 14.6%, above 85.4%) or higher on a scale of 1–5 and As the ICU nursing work environment score increased, the positive moderating effect also increased. Conclusions The ICU nurses’ clinical judgment ability positively affected person-centered care, and the nursing work environment moderated the relationship between clinical judgment ability and person-centered care. Therefore, strategies for enhancing person-centered care among ICU nurses should focus on developing educational programs to improve clinical judgment ability and implementing comprehensive efforts to effectively improve and manage the nursing work environment.

Risk-based bridge life cycle cost and environmental impact assessment considering climate change effects

Factors associated with contracting border malaria: A systematic and meta-analysis

Vector resistance, human population movement, and cross-border malaria continue to pose a threat to the attainment of malaria elimination goals. Border malaria is prominent in border regions characterised by poor access to health services, remoteness, and vector abundance. Human socio-economic behaviour, vectoral behaviour, access and use of protective methods, age, sex, and occupation have been identified in non-border regions as key predictors for malaria. We conducted a systematic and meta-analysis review to characterise and establish pooled effect sizes of the factors associated with the occurrence of border malaria. An exhaustive search was done in EBSCOHost (Medline Full Text), Health Source, Google Scholar, Regional Office for Africa Library, African Index Medicus, and PubMed databases. A total of 847 articles were identified from the search and after screening for quality and eligibility, twelve (12) articles were included in the review. Pooled odds ratios, inverse variance statistic (I2), Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index, and forest plot were computed. Findings from this study suggest night outdoor activities (POR 2.87 95% CI, 1.17 7,01), engaging in forestry activities (POR 2.76 95% CI, 2.08 3.67), working in mines (POR 197 95% CI, 175 22171), access to poor housing structure (POR 3.42 95% CI, 2.14 5.46), and cross-border movement (POR 50.86 95% CI, 12.88 200.85) none use of insecticide-treated nets (POR 5.09 95% CI, 2.44 10.63) were all significantly associated with contracting malaria within border regions. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) (POR 0.61 95% CI, 0.50 0.76) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) (POR 0.61 95% CI, 0.47 0.79) were protective. Risk factors for border malaria are comparable to non-border malaria. Effective border malaria control requires an integrated and targeted approach that addresses socio-economic, environmental, and behavioural drivers. Established vector control interventions remain protective and should be sustained to mitigate the border malaria burden effectively. Novel strategies should be developed to address the unique challenge of cross-border human population movement underpinned by robust regional, bilateral, and multi-sectoral collaborative initiatives.

Theoretical study of Ti and Cr as candidate assisted metals for mechanical exfoliation of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides