Search

Common cold viruses are leading triggers of asthma attacks, causing nearly two million hospitalizations per year and productivity losses approaching $40B. They also increase susceptibility to bacterial infections driving antibiotic use. Post-market clinical studies have questioned the efficacy of most over the counter (OTC) cough and cold ingredients against placebo in treating various symptoms. To our knowledge, only aspirin significantly improved overall illness severity compared to placebo and that was by about 25-30%. In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 157 participants, we sought to determine whether a throat spray containing a mucosal immune complex (MIC) (comprised of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and aloe) along with anti-inflammatory salicylates can increase the hereto reported efficacy of aspirin at reducing common cold symptoms. Previously published reports showed that the MIC can protect respiratory epithelia and lower inflammatory cytokines. Salicylates are naturally occurring plant compounds found in many common foods as well as wintergreen oil and are chemically similar precursors to aspirin (acetyl salicylate). Participants self-administered treatments (throat sprays every hour and tablets every four hours) and completed surveys at home over two days. Treatments included MIC spray mixed with 6 mg aspirin + placebo tablet (Treatment 1), MIC spray mixed with 6 mg wintergreen oil+ placebo tablet (Treatment 2), MIC spray mixed with 6mg wintergreen oil+ 325 mg aspirin tablet (Treatment 3). Participants included adult volunteers ages 21-66 (average 44), 54% female, 46% male, 46% African American, 8% Asian, 39% Caucasian, and 7% Hispanic, having common cold symptoms lasting less than two days. The main outcome measures included Sore Throat Pain Intensity (STPIS) 0-100 at 36 hours (primary endpoint) and Modified Jackson Score (MJS), a combination of eight cold symptoms (secondary endpoint). Both primary and secondary endpoints were met. Sore throat pain as measured by STPIS decreased 68-75% by 36 hours depending on treatment. Other symptoms such as nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and malaise as measured by MJS decreased 38-68% depending on treatment. In repeated measure within group analysis observing the same participants over multiple time points; the mean change of STPIS values and their percentage change from baseline to 36 hours were as follows: Placebo (-7.84 [95% CI -14.20 to -1.47];(-14%)), Treatment 1 (-42.41 [95% CI -48.30 to -36.52];(-75%)), Treatment 2 (-38.60 [95% CI -46.64 to -31.56];(-68%)), and Treatment 3 (-44.19 [95% CI -52.11 to -36.27];(-79%)). In repeated measure within group analysis all treatments significantly reduced cold symptom severity (MJS) from Days 1-2. Results were as follows: Treatment 1 (-2.26 [95% CI -3.04 to -1.47] (-38%)), Treatment 2 (-3.81 [95% CI -4.82 to -2.80];(-53%)), Treatment 3 (-4.49 [95% CI -5.62 to -3.57];(-69%)). As a result of this study, we conclude that supporting upper respiratory epithelia and reducing COX-mediated inflammation may be used to effectively treat common cold symptoms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06106880 Posted 30/10/2023.

BackgroundSub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has the greatest unmet need for family planning use, but young people are reported to under-utilise family planning services compared to other groups of women of the reproductive age in the region. Thus, promoting contraceptive services use among adolescents is vital in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and motivators for family planning services utilization among youth students in higher learning institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 randomly selected youths in higher learning institutions in Dodoma. A self-administered structured questionnaire adopted from previous studies was used to collect data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 25 established association between variables. Statistical significance was declared at 95% confidence interval with αResultsMajority of the participants 221 (52.5%) were females, and most of them 320 (76.0%) were aged between 21 to 24 years. Of all participants, bachelor's degree scholar were 257 (61.0%). About 305, (72.4%) participants reported to have had sexual intercourse in the past 12 month. Of these 50.5% had their first intercourse at the age between 15 to 19 years. Most participants 239 (56.8%) reported to have used contraceptive method in the past 12 months. After adjusting for confounders (participants' socio-demographic characteristics), the motivators for family planning use among youth students were: living with relatives (AOR = 2.904, p 0.006), adequate FP knowledge (AOR = 2.230 p 0.003), positive perception (AOR = 1.772, p 0.025) and discussing FP matters with sexual partners (AOR = 6.045, p ConclusionThis study highlights a significant unmet need for family planning services among youth students in higher learning institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania, reflecting broader trends in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite high sexual activity, family planning utilization remains suboptimal. Key motivators for using family planning services include living with relatives, having adequate knowledge, positive perceptions, and discussing family planning with sexual partners. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions focusing on education, fostering positive perceptions, and encouraging open partner discussions to enhance family planning utilization among adolescents, contributing to universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.

BackgroundThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic remains active among women in Europe, with significant missed opportunities for HIV testing. Although HIV testing falls within the scope of Family Planning Centers (FPCs), it is often not offered. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of systematically offering HIV rapid testing by non-physician professionals, independent of medical appointments, to visitors and accompanying persons in FCPs.MethodsIn September 2020, three FPCs in the Paris region were selected for a 6-month pilot based on high local HIV diagnosis rates among women and the absence of an existing HIV rapid testing offer. A dedicated midwife coordinated a certified training course for non-physician professionals, including group discussions on obstacles and facilitators for offering HIV rapid testing, education on HIV and the use of HIV rapid tests, and the development of procedures, including a standardized HIV questionnaire, to systematically offer HIV rapid testing. We measured participation rates in the study and acceptability of the HIV rapid testing offer. We analyzed visitor characteristics, HIV risk factors and knowledge about HIV.ResultsAll non-physician professionals across the three FPCs were trained. HIV rapid testing was systematically offered to 261 incoming visitors and accompanying persons from September 2020 to March 2021: 93% completed the questionnaire, and 91% accepted the HIV rapid testing offer; 63% reported prior HIV risk behaviors. Visitors born in North Africa had the least knowledge about HIV. Twenty-two visitors declined the testing offer, citing recent HIV testing, no perceived lack of risk, feeling unprepared, or fear of the outcome.ConclusionThe results demonstrate the feasibility and strong acceptability of systematically offering HIV rapid testing by non-physician professionals in large urban FPCs. Extending this approach to include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening could be beneficial.

IntroductionCurrent-induced vasodilation (CIV) can be used to assess the prostacyclin (PGI2) pathway. This study, for the first time, evaluated the reproducibility of several protocols used to mediate a CIV.MethodsThree CIV protocols were evaluated in 10 healthy participants who completed four testing sessions. Two testing sessions were conducted on the calf, separated by a period of seven days allowing interday reproducibility to be assessed. Two testing sessions were also conducted seven days apart on the forearm. At each testing session, cutaneous microvascular assessments were conducted for one hour on the right limb of interest before assessments were immediately performed on the left limb, allowing for intersite, intraday reproducibility to be evaluated. Assessments were then repeated at the same site on the right limb, allowing for intrasite, intraday reproducibility to be evaluated. Reproducibility was assessed using the within-subject coefficients of variation and the intra-class correlation coefficients.ResultsProtocol A (Pulses of 0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12, 0.15, and 0.18 mA for 10 s each; 60 s intervals), Protocol B (0.1 mA for 60 s), and Protocol C (2 pulses of 0.1 mA for 10s each; 240 s interval) had good to excellent interday reproducibility for calf and forearm assessments. The intrasite, intraday reproducibility of each protocol was less clear. Intersite testing didn't improve intraday reproducibility. Reproducibility was consistently unacceptable when the microvascular response to the electrical stimulation was expressed as the absolute change and the percentage change between baseline values and the maximal plateau. A microvascular response wasn't induced ∼10% of assessments on either the calf or forearm.ConclusionsThis study indicates that a CIV is most reproducible with interday testing and when data are expressed as the maximal plateau in perfusion units or as cutaneous vascular conductance, and as the area under the curve.

BackgroundImmunotherapy has demonstrated limited activity in prostate cancer to date. This likely reflects an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), with previous studies suggesting low PD-L1 expression and a sparse immune cell infiltrate. We aimed to further characterise the immune TME in primary prostate cancer and correlate immune subset densities with clinical outcomes.MethodsTwo distinct cohorts of patients treated with radical prostatectomy were identified, based on the development of biochemical recurrence (BCR), one subgroup with high International Society of Urological Pathologists (ISUP) grade group, recurrent disease and a second with low grade, non-recurrent disease. A prostate immunohistochemical (IHC) antibody cocktail was used to differentiate tumor and peritumoral benign tissue. Specific CD8+, CD4+, FoxP3+, CD20+ and CD68+ cell subsets were identified using IHC staining of consecutive slides. PD-L1 and CD8/PD-L1 dual staining were also performed. Cell subset densities were quantified within tumor and peritumoral regions. We used descriptive statistics to report cell subset densities and T-tests to compare groups by age, grade and the development of BCR. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse risk factors for BCR and the development of metastatic disease.ResultsA total of 175 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years and median pre-operative PSA of 8.2ng/ml. BCR occurred in 115 patients (66%) and 56 (32%) developed metastatic disease. CD68+ cells were the most abundant (median 648.8/mm2 intratumoral, 247.6/mm2 peritumoral), while PD-L1+ and PD-L1/CD8+ cell density was low overall (PD-L1+ median 162.4/mm2 intratumoral, 141.7/mm2 peritumoral; PD-L1/CD8+ (median 5.52/mm2 intratumoral, 3.41/mm2 peritumoral). Overall, grade group and T-stage were independently associated with BCR and metastatic disease. Higher density of peritumoral PD-L1+ cells was an independent risk factor for BCR (OR 5.33, 95%CI 1.31-21.61, p = 0.019).Although higher densities of CD8+ and CD4+ cells were observed in higher grade group 3-5 tumors, these were not associated with the development of BCR or metastasis.ConclusionsIn our cohort of prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, higher grade group and T-stage were independent predictors of BCR and metastasis. Despite higher grade group being associated with higher CD8+ cell density, PD-L1+ and PD-L1/CD8+ cell densities were low overall, suggesting lower T cell receptor recognition of tumor antigens. Further understanding of this phenomenon would influence development of future immunotherapeutic strategies in prostate cancer.

Using micro-data on six surveys-the Gallup World Poll 2005-2023, the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1993-2022, Eurobarometer 1991-2022, the UK Covid Social Survey Panel, 2020-2022, the European Social Survey 2002-2020 and the IPSOS Happiness Survey 2018-2023 -we show individuals' reports of subjective wellbeing in Europe declined in the Great Recession of 2008/9 and during the Covid pandemic of 2020-2021 on most measures. They also declined in four countries bordering Ukraine after the Russian invasion in 2022. However, the movements are not large and are not apparent everywhere. We also used data from the European Commission's Business and Consumer Surveys on people's expectations of life in general, their financial situation and the economic and employment situation in the country. All of these dropped markedly in the Great Recession and during Covid, but bounced back quickly, as did firms' expectations of the economy and the labor market. Neither the annual data from the United Nation's Human Development Index (HDI) nor data used in the World Happiness Report from the Gallup World Poll shifted much in response to negative shocks. The HDI has been rising in the last decade reflecting overall improvements in economic and social wellbeing, captured in part by real earnings growth, although it fell slightly after 2020 as life expectancy dipped. This secular improvement is mirrored in life satisfaction which has been rising in the last decade. However, so too have negative affect in Europe and despair in the United States.

BackgroundWith the explosive development of the short-form video (SFV) industry in recent years, the issue of SFV addiction among young people has attracted increasing attention from scholarship. Researchers have found that proactive personality is negatively associated with behavioral addiction. Additionally, SFV Apps tend to place users in a "filter bubble" to passively consume the pushed video content. Proactiveness could be an effective trait to resist the excessive use of SFVs. Thus, proactive personality may be a negative predictor of SFV addiction.ObjectiveThe present study aims at investigating the relationship between proactive personality and SFV addiction among college students, and the psychological mechanism underlying the relationship, i.e., the mediating roles of resilience and self-control.MethodsConvenience sampling was adopted to conduct an online questionnaire survey among college students from 8 universities in 5 provinces of China. Proactive personality scale (PPS), brief resilience scale (BRS), Brief self-control scale (BSCS), and SFV addiction scale were applied in designing the questionnaire. A total of 560 valid questionnaires were obtained with ages ranging from 17 to 22 (19.32±1.14), among whom 40.18% were males and 59.28% females.ResultsSFV addiction among college students was negatively correlated with proactive personality, resilience, and self-control. Proactive personality has significant direct effect on SFV addiction, and the other two variables play partial mediating roles including chain mediation between proactive personality and SFV addiction. The ratio of SFV addicts amounted to 23.57%, which was slightly higher compared to previous research findings.ConclusionProactive personality negatively predicts SFV addiction among college students and the mediators of resilience and self-control play partially mediating roles between proactive personality and SFV addiction.

IntroductionThe use of theories, models and/or frameworks (TMFs) in implementation research and practice is essential for developing useful and testable implementation strategies. Recommendations and tools exist to aid implementation groups in selecting TMFs, but they do not explicitly outline a systematic method for identifying and selecting TMFs. This paper aimed to (1) propose a systematic consensus-based method to select TMFs to support implementation processes, and to (2) demonstrate the use of this novel method in the context of researching the implementation of hip protectors for fracture prevention in long-term care (LTC).Materials & methodsWe developed a systematic, consensus-based method for selecting TMFs, referred to as the Implementation Theory Selection Model (ITSM). The ITSM comprises five steps: (1) identify potentially relevant TMFs; (2) narrow the pool of TMFs; (3) appraise the relevance of eligible TMFs; (4) prioritize a short-list of TMFs for further, in-depth consideration; and (5) select TMFs through consensus with investigators and research user partners. We operationalized each step of the ITSM through a project investigating determinants of hip protector use and organizational readiness for implementation in a LTC organization in Ontario, Canada.ResultsUsing the ITSM in our case example, we identified 66 TMFs (Step 1). Of these, 23 met our eligibility criteria (Step 2) and were appraised twice, by five appraisers (Step 3). Six TMFs (Step 4) advanced to the consensus meeting, which was attended by nine investigators and three research users, including two organizational partners and one older adult. Three rounds of voting yielded a tie between the TMFs the group felt would be most appropriate. Research users from our partner LTC organization made the final selection preferring the combination of the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (Step 5).ConclusionsThe ITSM offers a step-by-step guide for implementation groups to adopt a rigorous, transparent and reproducible method for TMF selection. Although we have demonstrated the feasibility of operationalizing each step of the ITSM in our case example, continued research is needed to evaluate and refine the ITSM to ensure it is appropriate for a wide variety of implementation contexts.

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a simple unsafe behavior checklist to assess the extent of unsafe behavior among workers in an industrial setting. The checklist was developed using Focus Group Interview (FGI) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) analysis methodology. Preliminary testing was conducted with an unspecified sample and the correlation between unsafe behavior and accident experience was validated. The analyzed and compared the correlation between the type of unsafe behavior and accident experience and demonstrated the suitability of the unsafe behavior checklist. A risk sensitivity and risk-taking checklist was employed to identify five types of unsafe behavior. This study concludes that the unsafe behavior checklist can be used to predict accident concerns among workers with high types of dangerous behavior. This can help improve unsafe behavior and reduce the frequency of incidents. Therefore, the "Unsafe behavior Checklist" developed in this study can be used as an early indicator of the extent to which workers are aware of dangers in industrial workplaces in order to prevent accidents.

Type I Diabetes is an endocrine disorder that prevents the pancreas from regulating the blood glucose (BG) levels in a patient's body. The ubiquitous Linear-Quadratic-Integral-Regulator (LQIR) is an optimal glycemic regulation strategy; however, it is not resilient enough to withstand measurement noise and meal disruptions. The Sliding-Mode-Controller (SMC) yields robust BG regulation effort at the expense of a discontinuous insulin infusion rate that perturbs the BG concentrations. Hence, the novel contribution of this article is the formulation of a hybridized LQIR-driven SMC strategy that retrieves the benefits of the aforesaid control schemes while avoiding their inherent problems. The proposed control approach is realized by linearly combining a glycemic LQIR law with an innovative sign function sliding mode reaching law that is driven by a customized LQIR-driven sliding surface. The hybridized control scheme generates optimal control decisions yielded by the LQIR while mimicking the robustness characteristic of SMC against bounded exogenous disturbances. Additionally, the SMC reaching law in the proposed control scheme is augmented with a nonlinear adaptation mechanism that flexibly modulates the control activity to effectively compensate for the external perturbations while minimizing the chattering content. The controller parameters are numerically optimized offline. The efficacy of the prescribed hybrid control law is analyzed via customized MATLAB simulations that normalize the patient's BG level to 80 mg/dL, under measurement noise and meal disruptions, from an initial hyperglycemic state. The results justify the improved BG regulation accuracy and disturbance-rejection capability of the proposed control procedure.

Social isolation affects physical functioning owing to psychological stress. We constructed a rat model to clarify the unexplored effects of social isolation and to determine whether environmental changes as an intervention against social isolation can reduce the stress-inducing effects of social isolation on physiological factors. Eight-week-old male rats were divided into three groups: group-housed, isolated, and intervention. Group-housed rats were kept 2 animals per cage. Isolated rats were kept 1 rat per cage. The intervention group alternated between the isolation and group-housed conditions. All rats were euthanized after 21 days. Their plasma, masseter muscles, and lower limb muscles were collected. Body weight, food intake, locomotor activity, muscle weight, and plasma corticosterone, ghrelin, and myostatin levels were measured. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the group-housed and intervention groups for all outcomes. However, weight gain, food intake, and plasma corticosterone levels were higher in the isolated group than in the group-housed group. Plasma myostatin levels were higher in the isolated group than in the intervention group. Plasma ghrelin concentrations were lower in the isolated group than in the group-housed or intervention groups. In the isolated group, locomotor activity decreased compared to that in the intervention group. The lower limb muscle weight ratio also decreased in the isolated group compared to that in the group-housed and intervention groups. In conclusion, isolation decreased physical activity and affected body weight, food intake, and muscle weight; these changes were associated with corticosterone as a stress marker, ghrelin as an appetite-related factor, and myostatin, which is a growth inhibitor of skeletal muscles. Moreover, these changes were suppressed when the isolation time was reduced in the intervention group. The present study suggests that intermittent breaking of isolation may reduce the physical effects of isolation.

The present study analyses the technical requirements as well as the user behaviour of seafarers for an app-based health prevention, including apps for wellness, prevention, fitness, medical care and mental well-being. In a maritime field study 976 seafarers on 65 merchant ships participated in the survey carried out with a questionnaire. The vast majority (98.4%) of the respondents had a mobile device on board. 52.5% stated to already have downloaded a health app, with a higher proportion among the officers (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1.67; 95% CI (1.13-2.50)). The most common reasons for downloading this kind of app were activity tracking (74.8%), weight loss (41.8%) and exercise (41.0%). Officers downloaded apps significantly more often for activity tracking (p< 0.001) and sleep tracking (p = 0.001). 51.1% of downloaders stopped the use of a health app. Frequent reasons for not downloading or stopping the use of a health app were loss/absence of interest and that the desired health apps could not be used offline. Frequency and duration of use were highest at home, followed by the use at sea and then in port. No correlation between the WHO Well-being Index and the use of health apps could be found. Overall, two kinds of obstacles to implementing app-based health intervention could be identified: maritime-specific obstacles and general obstacles (obstacles not exclusively assignable to the naval environment); the maritime-specific obstacles primarily consisted of being offline for long periods of time and limited recreational time. Among the most important general problems were economic and social problems as well as a significant loss/absence of interest. Nevertheless, the basic requirements for an app-based health prevention for seafarers seem to be in place. Measures taken by the shipping company could consist of providing internet access for app usage and educating seafarers on the benefits of health apps. Providing preselected options and guidance on app selection and licenses for paid apps could further encourage usage among seafarers and strengthen success of an app-based health intervention eventually leading to improved physical and mental health in their employees. Additionally, if follow-up maritime studies can objectively demonstrate benefits and positive health effects, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) could officially recommend the use of health apps as a health management measure and play an important political role by recommending and supporting the development of health apps specifically designed for maritime conditions with key features like offline availability.

Chromolaena odorata is a noxious alien invasive weed species with an enormous impact on the terrestrial ecosystem. The allelopathic potentials of this weed have had little attention, leading to changes in soil properties and microbial communities. This study investigates the impacts of Chromolaena odorata invasion gradients on rhizospheric soil chemical properties and microbial response in the Mount Cameroon Region. Forty-eight soil samples at four different degrees of invasion (uninvaded, low degree invasion, moderate degree invasion and high degree invasion) based on species coverage within subplots in four study areas were collected and rhizospheric soil chemical properties, microbial load, phosphatases activities and secondary metabolites were evaluated. At medium-degree invasion, rhizospheric soil concentrations of P, K and Fe increased with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization and phosphatases enzyme activities. Soil C, N and organic matter were significantly increased at high-degree invasion, supporting the use of the plant as a fallow crop. Acid phosphatase activity ranged from 0.69 to 0.90 mmol h-1 kg-1 and was significantly different at different degrees of invasion. AMF colonization ranged from 23.33 to 50.00%, with a strong positive correlation between AMF colonization and phosphatase activity. Soil bacterial load was high (46 × 105 CFU/g- 67 × 105 CFU/g), with mostly Staphylococcus having health concerns about its spread. The invasion situation had no significant effect on soil bacterial load, but high-degree invasion significantly increased fungal load. Low-degree invaded soils had high saponin (24.55±0.00 mg/g), flavonoid (47.7 mg/g) and tannin (28.68 mg/g) concentrations. The investigation reveals that Chromolaena odorata invasion altered rhizospheric soil properties and microbial communities significantly, thereby influencing ecosystem dynamics and soil nutrient availability. However, further studies elucidating kinds of secondary metabolites, identifying microbial communities, and monitoring soil changes influenced by C. odorata are essential for effective ecosystem management.

This study delves into the impact of reversals and investor attention on cryptocurrency returns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We employ the Two Stages Least Squares to analyze a sample of the top 20 cryptocurrencies from January 2016 to April 2021. Our results reveal that investor attention positively influences bitcoin returns in both periods, with a more pronounced effect during the pandemic. Conversely, reversals demonstrate a positive correlation with cryptocurrency returns before the outbreak but a negative relationship during the pandemic. Our robustness test further indicates that investor attention positively affects the returns of small and medium-cap cryptocurrencies, while reversals only exhibit positive consequences for small-cap cryptocurrencies. Additionally, our findings highlight stablecoins as a safe haven during the epidemic. The results suggest that investor attention has little influence on the returns of stablecoins, indicating that these coins are primarily resistant to market sentiment due to their inherent stability. The negative impact of the pandemic on the crypto market demonstrates a downward trend through each wave. Despite aligning with attention-induced price pressure and behavioral finance hypotheses, our results do not support efficient market theory or the notion of heterogeneity among investors. This research provides valuable insights for investors and policymakers in devising effective strategies for the cryptocurrency market.

It is not well investigated whether exposure to specific drug classes is associated with COVID-19. We investigated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 among healthcare workers according to prescription drug use. We conducted an observational study among Danish healthcare workers. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was defined as a positive PCR/ELISA test throughout 2020 and severe COVID-19 as any above 48-hour hospitalization within 14 days after infection. Patient characteristics came from online surveys while data on SARS-CoV-2, drugs and hospitalizations came from Danish Health Registers. Infected individuals were matched with uninfected controls based on age, sex, and chronic diseases. Drug exposure was defined as any prescription redemption in the past six and one month(s) before infection for each drug class. Models assessing the risk of infection (conditional logistic regression) and severe COVID-19 (logistic regressions) versus drug usage were adjusted for BMI, smoking, alcohol, education, region, and patient contact when possible. We matched 5,710 SARS-CoV-2-infected cases with 57,021 controls. The odds of infection were reduced by calcium channel blocker (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.81, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.66-1.00) and vasoprotective drug (aOR 0.77, CI: 0.62-0.95) usage during the six months before infection compared to no usage. Exposure to antibacterials in the past month increased the odds of infection (aOR 1.27, CI: 1.09-1.48). Among infected participants, the odds of severe COVID-19 were higher with usage of almost any investigated drug, especially, diuretics (crude odds radio (OR) 4.82, CI:2.15-10.83), obstructive airway disease drugs (OR 4.49, CI: 2.49-8.08), and antibacterials (OR 2.74 CI:1.62-4.61). In conclusion, antibacterials were associated with more SARS-CoV-2 infections and calcium channel blockers with less. Once infected, users of prescription drugs had higher odds of developing severe COVID-19. These findings suggest a need for studies to clarify interactions between specific drug groups, behaviour, known risk factors, and disease susceptibility/severity.

College and university students often exhibit insufficient levels of physical activity, which negatively impacts their health, mental well-being, and academic performance. Social capital has emerged as a potential factor in promoting physical activity. This systematic review, conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines, examines the existing literature on the role of social capital in enhancing physical activity among college and university students. A search of the Web of Science, Scopus, SportDiscus, and PsychINFO databases identified 10 studies published by August 1, 2024, involving 2,700 students, primarily from North America and Europe. The overall quality of the included studies was high, with all scoring above 85% on quality assessments. The findings indicate that social capital, particularly strong social networks, support from family and friends, and high levels of social cohesion, is significantly associated with higher levels of physical activity among college and university students. Social capital may facilitate physical activity in group settings through mechanisms such as emotional support, role modeling, and social norms. Despite limitations within the existing research evidence, such as reliance on self-reported data and cross-sectional study designs, this review suggests that social capital holds potential for promoting physical activity in this population. Future research should prioritize the use of objective measurement tools and longitudinal designs to more accurately assess the long-term effects of social capital and explore how these findings can inform effective interventions.

The Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus has suffered population declines throughout its range. Many knowledge gaps exist regarding how to mitigate threats and better inform recovery efforts. This study examined survival of juveniles during their movements through river reaches undergoing channel maintenance dredging operations. During 2019 and 2020, 268 (30-71cm fork length) juvenile Atlantic Sturgeon were captured and released in proximity to an active cutterhead suction dredge at three sites within the James River, Virginia. Juveniles were captured, some presumed feeding, around 95-145m from the dredge in areas that could easily be avoided if the dredge created a stressful environment. No significant trends in catch-per-unit-effort were found when trawl catch was compared to a reference location or when monitoring gill net catch 100m down current of a dredge over a month-long period at one of the sites. Twenty-nine of the 229 gill net captures were implanted with acoustic tags and telemetry was used to track their movements throughout the river. Four telemetered juveniles tagged prior to this project were also detected moving within dredge operations. Cumulatively, tagged juveniles made at least 125 passes of the dredging operations with no evidence of mortality. All tagged juveniles still within the river were detected following the cessation of dredging. The results of this study support that age 1-2yr Atlantic Sturgeon show no avoidance behavior of areas 100m of an active cutterhead suction dredge and move past dredge operations with low-risk of mortality.

As an important means for enterprises to acquire technological resources, the impact of mergers and acquisitions on technological innovation and underlying mechanisms deserve in-depth study. Using the merger and acquisition data of A-share listed Chinese companies from 2007 to 2020 in Shanghai and Shenzhen, the causal effects and influence mechanisms between mergers and acquisitions and technological innovation are identified and tested using the Difference-in-Differences method. The study finds that mergers and acquisitions have a long-term, sustained, technological innovation-enhancing effect on firms. Mechanism tests show that mergers and acquisitions can promote the technological innovation of enterprises by improving production efficiency, enriching digital knowledge, and enhancing market power. A heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of mergers and acquisitions in enhancing technological innovation is more significant when the mergers and acquisitions meet domestic merger and acquisition requirements, when there is a small transaction size, and when the enterprises involved in the mergers and acquisitions are not state-owned. It is suggested that enterprises and the government should use multiple measures, while considering the impact of heterogeneity, to take full advantage of the positive effects of mergers and acquisitions on technological innovation.

BackgroundInternationally, adolescent alcohol consumption has been a major community concern for decades. Globally, there is a growing array of interventions aimed at preventing youth alcohol-related problems. Notably, the Communities that Care (CTC) process in the USA has proven to be a cost-effective intervention, leading to a reduction in adolescent alcohol-related problems. In Australia, the CTC trial has shown positive outcomes such as reduced adolescent alcohol and drug use, antisocial behaviors, and the availability of alcohol in the community. To encourage wider adoption, it is essential to ascertain the cost-effectiveness of the Australian CTC trial and its potential impact on addressing youth alcohol problems.MethodWe conducted a limited societal perspective benefit-cost analysis focused on reducing adolescent (aged 10-14) alcohol use in the initial four CTC communities in Australia, spanning 2001 to 2015. To ensure accuracy, estimated benefits were adjusted for joint effects to prevent the double counting of the benefits over time.ResultsThe Australian CTC trial, as an adolescent alcohol prevention strategy, demonstrates robust economic credentials, delivering a return of AUD 2.6 for each dollar invested. The cost savings resulting from the reduction in alcohol consumption were estimated at AUD 123 per youth per 15 years and AUD 8 per person per year. The average cost of the CTC trial amounted to AUD 48 per youth over 15 years and AUD 3 per youth per year. The largest contribution to primary benefits were reductions in crime and violence with 93% of the total benefits.ConclusionsThis study makes a valuable contribution to the international economic evidence related to youth alcohol prevention initiatives. The results affirm the strong cost-effectiveness potential of the initial CTC trial implementation in Australia. Moreover, conducting further cost-benefit modelling for additional outcomes and beyond the intervention's timeframe is likely to enhance the economic viability of the CTC trial.

IntroductionIncreasing knowledge of obstetric danger signs (ODS) and encouraging birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) practices are strategies to increase skilled maternal health service utilization in low-income countries. One of the methods to increase mothers' knowledge about ODS and promote BPCR practice is through health education intervention (HEI). However, the effect of context-specific community-based health education led by women's groups on these outcomes has yet to be comprehensively studied, and the existing evidence is inconclusive. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a context-specific community-based HEI led by women's groups on mothers' knowledge regarding ODS and BPCR practices in southern Ethiopia.MethodsAn open-label, two-arm parallel group cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to August 2023 on pregnant women from 24 clusters (kebeles) (12 interventions and 12 controls) in the northern zone of the Sidama region. The Open Data Kit smartphone application was utilized to collect data. The intention-to-treat analysis was used to compare outcomes between groups. We fitted multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression with robust standard error to account for between and within cluster effects.ResultsOne thousand and seventy pregnant women (540 in the intervention and 530 in the control clusters) responded to this study, making the overall response rate 95.02%. Excessive vaginal bleeding (94.3% in the interventional group vs. 88.7% in the control group) was the commonest ODS mentioned during childbirth. Overall, 68.7% of women in the intervention group and 36.2% of mothers in the control group had good knowledge of ODS (P-value < 0.001). Saving money and materials (97.1% in the interventional group vs. 92.7% in the control group) was the most frequently practiced BPCR plan. Overall, 64.3% of women in the intervention group and 38.9% of mothers in the control group practiced BPCR (P-value < 0.001). HEI significantly increased overall knowledge of ODS (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]: 1.71; 99% CI: 1.14-2.57) and improved overall BPCR practice (ARR: 1.55; 99% CI: 1.02-2.39).ConclusionsA community-based HEI led by women's groups improved mothers' knowledge regarding ODS and BPCR practices in a rural setting in southern Ethiopia. Interventions designed to increase women's knowledge of ODS and improve BPCR practice must implement context-specific, community-based HEI that aligns with World Health Organization recommendations.Trial registrationNCT05865873.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) encompasses the deleterious consequences of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), including developmental delay, microcephaly, dysmorphologies, and cognitive and behavioral issues. The dose and timing of alcohol exposure, maternal and environmental factors, and genetics all impact FASD outcomes, but differential susceptibility and resiliency to PAE remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the differential effects of PAE during early mouse development on brain growth and gene expression. Brains were weighed and collected either 24 hours or five days after treatment. We then performed transcriptomics to determine whether offspring differentially affected by PAE, by brain weight, also differ in gene expression, despite having the same genetic background, alcohol exposure, and maternal factors. We found within litter variation in brain weights after PAE, and classified offspring as having normal, middle, and low-weight brains relative to saline-treated controls. The normal-weight brains showed no significant differences in gene expression, suggesting these offspring were both phenotypically and transcriptionally unaffected by PAE. While both middle- and low-weight brains showed changes in gene expression, the middle-weight brains showed the most robust transcriptome differences. Twenty-four hours after PAE, we saw an upregulation of cell cycle and apoptosis in affected offspring, whereas at roughly a week later, we saw a downregulation of metabolic processes. Overall, these findings highlight variability in response to PAE and demonstrate the molecular processes involved in offspring phenotypically affected by alcohol.

This cross-sectional study examined the association of attachment with the frequency of dog walking and physical activity level among dog owners. We analyzed data collected in an internet survey conducted by the Japan Pet Food Association in 2023. Valid data were obtained from 1041 dog owners. The mean (SD) age of participants was 52.5 (14.9) years, with 57.5% being women. Ordinal logistic regression models showed that a higher attachment score was associated with a higher frequency of dog walking after controlling for important confounders (B = 0.04, SE = 0.02, p

BackgroundThe demographic shift towards an older population presents significant challenges for kidney transplantation (KTx), particularly due to the vulnerability of aged donor kidneys to ischemic damage, delayed graft function, and reduced graft survival. KTx rejection poses a significant threat to allograft function and longevity of the kidney graft. The relationship between senescence and rejection remains elusive and controversial.MethodsGene Expression Omnibus (GEO) provided microarray and single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. After integrating Senescence-Related Genes (SRGs) from multiple established databases, differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and machine learning algorithms were applied to identify predictive SRGs (pSRGs). A cluster analysis of rejection samples was conducted using the consensus clustering algorithm. Subsequently, we utilized multiple machine learning methods (RF, SVM, XGB, GLM and LASSO) based on pSRGs to develop the optimal Acute Rejection (AR) diagnostic model and long-term graft survival predictive signatures. Finally, we validated the role of pSRGs and senescence in kidney rejection through the single-cell landscape.ResultsThirteen pSRGs were identified, correlating with rejection. Two rejection clusters were divided (Cluster C1 and C2). GSVA analysis of two clusters underscored a positive correlation between senescence, KTx rejection occurrence and worse graft survival. A non-invasive diagnostic model (AUC = 0.975) and a prognostic model (1- Year AUC = 0.881; 2- Year AUC = 0.880; 3- Year AUC = 0.883) for graft survival were developed, demonstrating significant predictive capabilities to early detect acute rejection and long-term graft outcomes. Single-cell sequencing analysis provided a detailed cellular-level landscape of rejection, supporting the conclusions drawn from above.ConclusionOur comprehensive analysis underscores the pivotal role of senescence in KTx rejection, highlighting the potential of SRGs as biomarkers for diagnosing rejection and predicting graft survival, which may enhance personalized treatment strategies and improve transplant outcomes.

AimTo determine the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among Western Austrian adolescents and its association with arterial stiffness as a marker of early vascular ageing.MethodsIn the cross-sectional Early Vascular Ageing in the YOUth study, liver fat content was assessed by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using signals acquired by FibroScan (Echosense, Paris, France) in 14- to 19-year-old Austrian adolescents. Arterial stiffness was determined by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and cardiovascular risk factors by a face-to-face interview, physical examination, and fasting blood analyses. Linear regression models and one-way analysis of variance were performed to analyze the association between liver fat content, MASLD and cfPWV.ResultsA total of 1292 study participants (65.2% female) aged 17.2 ± 1.3 years were included. MASLD was detected in 62 (4.8%) adolescents. CAP value showed a significant association with cfPWV in the unadjusted model (p < 0.001) but lost its significant influence in the multivariable model after adjusting for sex, age and cardiovascular risk criteria (increased BMI or waist circumference, impaired glucose metabolism, elevated blood pressure, elevated plasma triglycerides, and decreased HDL cholesterol; p = 0.540). In the analysis of variance, a significant increase in cfPWV was observed in adolescents with any of the five cardiovascular risk criteria for MASLD (p < 0.001), but not with the additional presence of steatotic liver disease (p = 0.291).ConclusionIn our adolescent cohort, liver fat content and MASLD were not found to be independent predictors for early vascular ageing. Nevertheless, the determination of liver fat content can be a useful tool to identify adolescents at high risk for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

Health systems often lack integrated, person-centered end-of-life care. Improving this care is a key priority for decision-makers in the Catalan context. This study aimed to understand how key stakeholders in the healthcare sector-patients, family members, and healthcare professionals-define the concept of a 'good death' and identify their key common elements in Catalonia, Spain. The research team conducted twenty-three semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews with patients receiving palliative care or suffering from complex or advanced chronic conditions, older adults over 65 with chronic illnesses, and their relatives. Three-focus discussion groups were also conducted which involved 31 professionals representing care, management, and planning at a local/regional level as well as representatives from patient and family associations involved in end-of-life care. All discussions and interviews followed a predefined guideline, and we recorded and transcribed them for later thematic content and discourse analysis. Overall, participants did not reach a single, universal definition of a 'good death.' Instead, it appears that a 'good death' involves dying in the way each person desires. In our effort to identify common elements, we found that participants consistently mentioned eight: comfort, placidity, safety, warmth, harmony, intimacy, respect, peacefulness and fulfilment. The study provides valuable insights for service planning and enhances the understanding of the needs of individuals at the end of life, including those with chronic conditions and their relatives, as well as the professionals who care for them and manage services or policies at the local and regional levels in Catalonia. The study highlights participants' preferences for their end-of-life care and their views on death, contributing to a broader understanding of what defines a 'good death.'

BackgroundNumerous clinical trials have compared the efficacy of endocrine therapy in post-menopausal breast cancer patients. This study aims to explore whether there is a difference in recurrence rates between this population using tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) by analyzing real-world data.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study utilized the National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data and the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR). We identified 6,050 patients aged over 55 diagnosed with ER-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer between 2012 and 2016 (4,451 on AIs alone and 1,599 on tamoxifen alone). Recurrence in both groups was assessed until the end of 2020. Hazards were measured based on age of diagnosis, cancer stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy, type of endocrine therapy used, and adherence. Recurrence‑free survival between the AIs and tamoxifen groups was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier model.ResultsThe average age was 65.1 years, with a median follow-up time of 5.7 years and a median duration of endocrine therapy of 4.5 years. The recurrence rate was 2.2%. Using tamoxifen as endocrine therapy reduces the risk of recurrence compared to AIs (adjusted HR: 0.32, p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference between the two drugs in stage 1 breast cancer. However, in stage 2, the risk of breast cancer recurrence decreased to 0.15 times with the use of tamoxifen compared to AIs (p = 0.0002). Stage 2 cancer, histological grade 3, and non-adherence increased recurrence risk in post-menopausal breast cancer patients.ConclusionBased on real-world data analysis, in ER-positive, HER2-negative post-menopausal women with early breast cancer in Taiwan, the use of tamoxifen compared to AIs is associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Improved adherence to medication can break the cycle of recurrence and improve health outcomes.

Hand motion intention recognition has been considered as one of the crucial research fields for prosthetic control and rehabilitation medicine. In recent years, surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals that directly reflect human motion information are ideal input sources for prosthetic control and rehabilitation. However, how to effectively extract components from sEMG signals containing abundant limb movement information to improve the accuracy of hand recognition still is a difficult problem. To achieve this goal, this paper proposes a novel hand motion recognition method based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and ReliefF. First, VMD is used to decompose the sEMG signal into multiple variational mode functions (VMFs). To efficiently extract the intrinsic components of the sEMG, the recognition performance of different numbers of VMFs is evaluated. Then, four features representing hand motion intentions are extracted from the VMFs to form the initial feature space. Next, the ReliefF algorithm is used to remove redundant features from the feature space. In order to select a feature space that can effectively reflect the intention of hand movements, the hand movement recognition performance of 8 low-dimensional feature spaces is evaluated. Finally, three machine learning methods are used to recognize hand movements. The proposed method was tested on the sEMG for Basic Hand movements Data Set and achieved an average accuracy of 99.14%. Compared with existing research, the proposed method achieves better hand motion recognition performance, indicating the potential for healthcare and rehabilitation applications.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181324.].

BackgroundFamily physicians in Canada's universal healthcare system often manage low back pain patients using interventions not recommended in clinical guidelines, such as pharmaceuticals, imaging and spinal injections, while guideline-based treatments like education and exercise remain unfunded. The Alberta Back Care pathway was developed to address this gap, offering funded, evidence-based care for low back pain patients in 5 streams (acute, sub-acute, chronic, chronic non-responsive and stable radiculopathy).ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of implementing the pathway in two urban Primary Care Networks in Alberta, Canada.Materials and methodsEach of the 5 pathway streams provided physicians with information scripts, no-cost interventions (pharmaceuticals and otherwise) and interventions to avoid. From April 2021 to November 2023, the RE-AIM framework was used to assess implementation feasibility of the pathway.ResultsFor the RE-AIM dimension of reach, 25% (n = 41/162) of eligible family physicians in Primary Care Network "A" and 12% (n = 26/221) in Primary Care Network "B" enrolled in the study. Over half of enrolled physicians (n = 21/41 and 21/26) referred at least one patient with most referrals to the GLA:D Back program for chronic low back pain stream (93% in network "A" and 88% in network "B"). Implementation, evaluated as the proportion of referrals by physician compared to their total low back pain caseload, was low (> 0-10% referred) for 52% (n = 11/21) of physicians in network "A", and medium-low (10-25% referred) for 52% (n = 11/21) of physicians in network "B". The number of pathway-appropriate patients in each physician's caseload was unknown. Maintenance at 12 months was 56% (n = 10/18) in network "A" and 39% (n = 7/18) in network "B".ConclusionThe Alberta Back Care pathway was feasible to implement during the pandemic and primarily serving patients with chronic low back pain by providing access to a guideline-based education and exercise group program (GLA:D Back).

BackgroundSubstance use induces large economic and societal costs in the U.S. Understanding the change in substance use behaviors of persons who use drugs (PWUDs) over time, therefore, is important in order to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders toward more efficient allocation of limited resources to at-risk PWUDs.ObjectiveThis study examines the short-term (within a year) behavioral changes in substance use of PWUDs at the population and individual levels.Methods237 PWUDs in the Great Plains of the U.S. were recruited by our team. The sample provides us longitudinal survey data regarding their individual attributes, including drug use behaviors, at two separate time periods spanning 4-12 months. At the population level, we analyze our data quantitatively for 18 illicit drugs; then, at the individual level, we build interpretable machine learning logistic regression and decision tree models for identifying relevant attributes to predict, for a given PWUD, (i) which drug(s) they would likely use and (ii) which drug(s) they would likely increase usage within the next 12 months. All predictive models were evaluated by computing the (averaged) Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) and Area under the Precision-Recall curve (AUPR) on multiple distinct sets of hold-out sample.ResultsAt the population level, the extent of usage change and the number of drugs exhibiting usage changes follow power-law distributions. At the individual level, AUROC's of the models for the top-4 prevalent drugs (marijuana, methamphetamines, amphetamines, and cocaine) range 0.756-0.829 (+2.88-7.66% improvement with respect to baseline models using only current usage of the respective drugs as input) for (i) and 0.670-0.765 (+4.34-18.0%) for (ii). The corresponding AUPR's of the said models range 0.729-0.947 (+2.49-13.6%) for (i) and 0.348-0.618 (+26.9-87.6%) for (ii).ConclusionThe observed qualitative changes in short-term substance usage and the trained predictive models for (i) and (ii) can potentially inform human decision-making toward efficient allocation of appropriate resources to PWUDs at highest risk.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267624.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252757.].

ObjectivesThere is a growing need to understand the potential role of soluble platelet selectin (sP-selectin) in sustained endothelial activation through increased levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular adhesion-1 (sVCAM-1) in people living with HIV (PLWH) on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional study involving PLWH on HAART (n = 55), in comparison to PLWH not on treatment (HAART-naïve) (n = 29), and (iii) HIV negative controls (n = 48) from the Mankweng area in the Limpopo province, South Africa. We quantified serum levels of sP-selectin, together with sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. Most of the HAART-exposed group were on treatment for ResultsSoluble P-selectin was positively correlated with sVCAM-1 (r = 0.469; pConclusionThere is a need for more studies to investigate the role of sP-selectin in promoting endothelial activation and CVD-risk in PLWH on HAART, especially within the sub-Saharan Africa region.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263153.].

The demand for evidence syntheses to inform urgent decision-making surged during the pandemic. The challenging circumstances of the pandemic created significant hurdles for both those requesting and creating evidence syntheses, leading to the refinement and adjustment of evidence synthesis practices. This research sought to capture and explore how the field of evidence synthesis evolved and adapted during the pandemic from the perspective of those who produced evidence syntheses in Canada. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were carried out between October 2022 to January 2023. Twenty-two participants from 19 different organizations across seven provinces and one territory were interviewed. This included producers of evidence syntheses from academic institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and provincial and federal government. Data analysis was conducted thematically using a phenomenological approach. Results indicated the evidence synthesis landscape drastically changed during the pandemic including short timelines to produce syntheses and changes in the volume, types, and quality of literature included in them. Due to the changing landscape and different needs of requestors, evidence synthesis methodologies evolved, synthesis products were tailored, and quality assessment tools were adapted. In addition, the use of artificial intelligence, processes for engaging subject matter experts and patient-citizen partners, and the coordination of the evidence synthesis community changed. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding evidence synthesis to inform decision-making, and highlights the importance of flexibility and necessity of continuously evolving methodologies to meet the demands of frequently changing landscapes. The lessons learned from this study can help inform future strategies for improving evidence synthesis practices not only in the face of public health emergencies, but also in everyday practice.

As new technologies rapidly reshape patterns of political communication, platforms like Twitch are transforming how people consume political information. This entertainment-oriented live streaming platform allows us to observe the impact of technologies such as "live-streaming" and "streaming-chat" on political communication. Despite its entertainment focus, Twitch hosts a variety of political actors, including politicians and pundits. This study explores Twitch politics by addressing three main questions: 1) Who are the political Twitch streamers? 2) What content is covered in political streams? 3) How do audiences of political streams interact with each other? To identify political streamers, I leveraged the Twitch API and supervised machine-learning techniques, identifying 574 political streamers. I used topic modeling to analyze the content of political streams, revealing seven broad categories of political topics and a unique pattern of communication involving context-specific "emotes." Additionally, I created user-reference networks to examine interaction patterns, finding that a small number of users dominate the communication network. This research contributes to our understanding of how new social media technologies influence political communication, particularly among younger audiences.

The present study examined relationships between social value orientation and personal values. Participants, n = 1655, were university students (Mage = 18.9 years, 60% women) who completed the Triple Dominance Measure, a measure of social value orientation, and the PVQ-21, a measure of Schwartz's personal values. Two items were added to the PVQ-21 to measure benevolence toward people in general. The analyses found that pro-socials had significantly higher scores than pro-selfs (Competitors and Individualists) for Benevolence, Universalism, and Conformity values, whereas pro-selfs had significantly higher scores than pro-socials on Hedonic, Achievement, and Power values. These differences reflected the fact that Benevolence, Universalism, and Conformity values concern the feelings and well-being of others, concerns that are consistent with a pro-social orientation. In contrast, Hedonic, Achievement, and Power values concern self-enhancement, concerns that are consistent with a self-focused orientation. There were no significant differences between individualists and competitors for any value, nor were there differences of any kind for Tradition, Security, Self-direction, and Stimulation values. These results complement and expand previous research by demonstrating how individual differences in social value orientation are related to individual differences in fundamental, personal human values.

Seagrass ecosystems, vital as primary producer habitats for maintaining high biodiversity and delivering numerous ecosystem services, face increasing threats from climate change, particularly marine heatwaves. This study introduces a pioneering methodology that integrates Dynamic Bayesian Networks of ecosystem resilience with climate projections, aiming to enhance our understanding of seagrass responses to extreme climate events. We developed cutting-edge metrics for measuring shoot density and biomass in terms of population and site extinction, presented as annual ratios relative to their respective baselines. These metrics include associated uncertainties and projected recovery times. This innovative approach was applied in a case study focusing on Zostera muelleri in Gladstone Harbour, Australia. Utilising five downscaled climate models with a 10 km resolution, our study encompasses a range of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways and emissions trajectories, offering a comprehensive perspective on potential future scenarios. Our findings reveal significant variations in seagrass resilience and recovery times across different climate scenarios, accompanied by varying degrees of uncertainty. For instance, under the optimistic SSP1-1.9 scenario, seagrass demonstrated a capacity for recovery heat stress, with shoot density ratios improving from 0.2 (90% Prediction Interval 0.219, 0.221) in 2041 to 0.5 (90% PI 0.198, 1.076) by 2044. However, this scenario also highlighted potential site extinction risks, with recovery gaps spanning 12 to 18 years. In contrast, the more pessimistic SSP5-8.5 scenario revealed a significant decline in seagrass health, with shoot density ratios decreasing from 0.42 (90% PI 0.226, 0.455) in 2041 to just 0.2 (90% PI 0.211, 0.221) in 2048, and no recovery observed after 2038. This study, through its novel integration of climate models, Dynamic Bayesian Networks, and Monte Carlo methods, offers a groundbreaking approach to ecological forecasting, significantly enhancing seagrass resilience assessment and supporting climate adaptation strategies under changing climatic conditions. This methodology holds great potential for application across various sites and future climate scenarios, offering a versatile tool for integrating Dynamic Bayesian Networks ecosystem models.

Peripheral nerve injury may result in muscle atrophy and impaired motor function recovery, and numerous pieces of evidence indicate that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in skeletal muscle regeneration. Our preliminary sequencing results showed that LNC_000280 was significantly down-regulated in denervated mouse skeletal muscle and we hypothesized that LNC_000280 may play an important role in skeletal muscle regeneration. In this research, flow cytometry and EdU staining results showed that overexpression of LNC_000280 promoted the proliferation of C2C12, while knockdown LNC_000280 had the opposite effect. Knockdown LNC_000280 inhibited the differentiation of C2C12 cells. LNC_000280 regulated the expression of proliferation genes (Cdk2, Cdc27) and differentiation genes (MyoG, MyoD). GO analysis and PPI network of LNC_000280 target genes showed that LNC_000280 mainly regulates skeletal muscle cell metabolism, mitochondrial and muscle growth. Idh2, Klhl31, Agt, and Gpt2 may be important downstream targets for its function. Therefore, we believe that that LNC_000280 can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts by regulating gene expression.

Scientific advances are historically linked to colonial actions of past empires resulting in knowledge production biased towards the West with minimal representation of scholars of other ethnicities than White in science curricula in Higher Education (HE). Calls to decolonise science curricula seek to diversify content by acknowledging the role of racism and privilege in the history of science, aiming at creating a HE that is less isolating for minoritised ethnicities and feels welcoming to students of all identities. This case study explored science teaching staff's familiarity with and misconceptions of decolonisation at a UK HE institution using an online questionnaire. We further assessed participants' perceptions of barriers, benefits and risks, training needs, and preparedness to take actions in their teaching. We found that a majority of participants had a positive disposition towards decolonising their teaching, but that critical misconceptions, e.g. linking decolonisation to 'cancel culture' and 'colour-blind' behaviour were common, while important barriers, e.g. a lack of training and constraints on time, halt progress. We provide specific recommendations for staff training and a brief historical background relevant to life sciences. By supporting teachers, that train future generations of scientists, to decolonise the curriculum we can improve equity in HE, academia, and society.

We report the first identifications of species and element used to produce Paleolithic bone needles. Archaeologists have used the tailored, fur-fringed garments of high latitude foragers as modern analogs for the clothes of Paleolithic foragers, arguing that the appearance of bone needles and fur bearer remains in archaeological sites c. 40,000 BP is indirect evidence for the advent of tailored garments at this time. These garments partially enabled modern human dispersal to northern latitudes and eventually enabled colonization of the Americas ca. 14,500 BP. Despite the importance of bone needles to explaining global modern human dispersal, archaeologists have never identified the materials used to produce them, thus limiting understanding of this important cultural innovation. We use Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) and Micro-CT scanning to establish that bone needles at the ca. 12,900 BP La Prele site (Wyoming, USA) were produced from the bones of canids, felids, and hares. We propose that these bones were used by the Early Paleoindian foragers at La Prele because they were scaled correctly for bone needle production and readily available within the campsite, having remained affixed to pelts sewn into complex garments. Combined with a review of comparable evidence from other North American Paleoindian sites, our results suggest that North American Early Paleoindians had direct access to fur-bearing predators, likely from trapping, and represent some of the most detailed evidence yet discovered for Paleoindian garments.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044899.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253365.].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264956.].

BackgroundThe prevalence of HIV in Panama is estimated to be 1.0%; only 71% of individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) were virally suppressed in 2022. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of suboptimal adherence (≥1 missed doses in previous four weeks) and limited retention in HIV care (≥1 missed HIV care appointments in previous 12 months) among adults (aged ≥18 years) who attended the most populous urban ART Clinic in Panama City.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Univariable and bivariable analyses were used to describe the prevalence of suboptimal adherence and limited retention in HIV care. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with suboptimal adherence at pResultsWe included 375 participants (209 identified as men, 158 as women, 8 another gender). Of those who responded, 37.3% (n = 125/335) reported suboptimal adherence: 28.6% (n = 53/185) of men, 49.0% (n = 71/145) women, 20.0% (n = 1/5) another gender; pConclusionsThis study found high prevalence of suboptimal ART adherence and limited retention in care, especially among women; these factors were associated with severe depressive symptoms, as well as lifetime emotional and physical IPV. These results show the need for integrated mental health and IPV intervention for all individuals, including focused support for women.

China is the world's largest renewable energy installer with a capacity of 1020 gigawatts in 2021. This study aims to analyze the public discourse around China's green energy and green technology and the paths to sustainable development by comparing public policy. The public discourse analysis approach and Grey Prediction Model are applied to analyze the motives for the distinct inferences being reached over the influences of renewable energy initiatives (REIs). The findings show that the modeling and assumptions are found different in theoretical perspectives, especially in the case of economic and environmental sustainability. The results are close to the other jurisdictions following REIs, including feed-in-tariff, standards and renewable liabilities. Based on statistics during 2012-2021 Five-year plan period, three major renewables are forecasted under base, reference and aggressive scenarios with interesting results. The wind would rise by 109 terawatt hours in an aggressive scenario while solar will rise from 83-99% with a rise of four times in the next decade. Finally, China's current energy policy has been proven to be a series of effective public policies by making the discourse analysis, which can energetically widen the subsidy funds' sources, discover miscellaneous financing techniques, standardized the subsidy process, supervise in applying the renewable energy technologies, and enhance the feed-in-tariff attraction of consumers and private investors.

Structurally, the lateral load-bearing capacity mainly depends on reinforced concrete (RC) walls. Determination of flexural strength and shear strength is mandatory when designing reinforced concrete walls. Typically, these strengths are determined through theoretical formulas and verified experimentally. However, theoretical formulas often have large errors and testing is costly and time-consuming. Therefore, this study exploits machine learning techniques, specifically the hybrid XGBoost model combined with optimization algorithms, to predict the shear strength of RC walls based on model training from available experimental results. The study used the largest database of RC walls to date, consisting of 1057 samples with various cross-sectional shapes. Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithms, including BO-Gaussian Process, BO-Random Forest, and Random Search methods, were used to refine the XGBoost model architecture. The results show that Gaussian Process emerged as the most efficient solution compared to other optimization algorithms, providing the lowest Mean Square Error and achieving a prediction R2 of 0.998 for the training set, 0.972 for the validation set and 0.984 for the test set, while BO-Random Forest and Random Search performed as well on the training and test sets as Gaussian Process but significantly worse on the validation set, specifically R2 on the validation set of BO-Random Forest and Random Search were 0.970 and 0.969 respectively over the entire dataset including all cross-sectional shapes of the RC wall. SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) technique was used to clarify the predictive ability of the model and the importance of input variables. Furthermore, the performance of the model was validated through comparative analysis with benchmark models and current standards. Notably, the coefficient of variation (COV %) of the XGBoost model is 13.27%, while traditional models often have COV % exceeding 50%.

BackgroundThurso/Caithness in the United Kingdom has gone through a lot of changes and transitions in the last decades. The decision to build a nuclear reactor test facility in the 1950's in Dounreay/Caithness UK, as well as the current phase of decommissioning impacted not only the technology development but also the social fabric of the community and individuals within it. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of people impacted by the nuclear project at Dounreay. The results will form the basis for the discussion about locating future experimental or development facilities, possibly at historic sites. This study employed an exploratory qualitative research approach based on the constructivist grounded theory methodology. Constructivist grounded theory applies a systematic, inductive, iterative, and comparative approach to investigate the meanings behind people's experiences. It was chosen as the method to explore an under-researched area: the host community for nuclear research in Thurso/Caithness. Purposeful snowball sampling from March 2023 till November 2023 through gatekeepers, media and social media was used. 19 participants including 10 women and 9 men in the age range 36-71 took part. The semi-structured interviews were conducted via phone or online platforms. Participants fondly recalled the hey-day when the Dounreay site was built and the population increased rapidly. They shared memories of how the town of Thurso/Caithness was thriving then which had a huge impact on individuals' opportunities to receive a very good education, earn a good salary, indirect benefits beyond the nuclear project, and a cosmopolitan sense of community. However, the changes over time and the process of decommissioning had more complex implications for individuals as well as for the community. The work opportunities are still favourable. However, this study also highlights new challenges such as decaying infrastructure, a lack of hope of prosperity, and a feeling of being forgotten. This unique study highlights how a politically driven project impacts a community fundamentally. We identified two themes: mostly positive nostalgic views and Changes and Challenges for the community.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217074.].