Relative Percentage Research Articles

Forecasting the number of rural migrant workers in Chongqing using the optimized grey N_Verhulst model

Scientific prediction of migrant worker numbers provides decision-making references for resolving rural talent supply issues. Based on the evolutionary patterns and data features of Chongqing’s migrant workers, a new grey prediction model is constructed. The new model is constructed by introducing fractional-order operators in the real domain. In this way, the accumulating order of the traditional N_Verhulst model is optimized. It expands from 1 to all real numbers, thus enhancing its capacity to mine approximately saturated S-shaped time-series data. When the new N_Verhulst model is applied to simulate and predict migrant worker numbers, after optimizing the accumulating order, the mean relative simulation percentage error of the N_Verhulst model reduces from 3.66 to 2.93%, the mean relative forecasting percentage error from 8.02 to 2.18%, and the comprehensive mean relative percentage error from 4.53 to 2.78%. This shows that the optimization boosts the simulation and prediction performance of the N_Verhulst model. The prediction results show that the number of migrant workers in Chongqing will experience an orderly growth, rising from 2.41 million in 2023 to 2.85 million in 2028, with an increase of 18.26% and an average annual growth rate of 3.41%.

Study on the response mechanism of MicroRNA novel-13 and novel-44 to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection in Pinctada fucata martensii

Pinctada fucata martensii (P. f. martensii) is one of the main pearl oysters cultured in artificial seawater in China. However, it is highly susceptible to pathogen infection under intensive cultivation near the coast. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as an innovative and potent regulator of immune function, play a pivotal role in the immune response of pearl oysters to external stimuli and are a potent marker for the response of P. f. martensii to infection. This study identified two novel miRNAs, novel-13 and novel-44, from the whole transcriptome of the P. f. martensii hemocyte before and after infection with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The dual luciferase results showed that novel-13 negatively regulated LAAO and novel-44 negatively regulated ILK. The activity of antioxidant-related enzymes increased significantly in the synthetic miRNA (novel-13 and novel-44) inhibitors and decreased significantly in the synthetic miRNA mimics. In the challenge experiment, injection with miRNA inhibitor increased the relative survival percentage by 10% compared with the control group. In conclusion, the overexpression of novel-13 and novel-44 can decrease the activity of immune and antioxidant-related enzymes, possibly affecting immune regulation in P. f. martensii by negatively regulating the LAAO and ILK target genes.

"Synthetic" DSC Perfusion MRI with Adjustable Acquisition Parameters in Brain Tumors Using Dynamic Spin-and-Gradient-Echo Echoplanar Imaging.

Normalized relative cerebral blood volume (nrCBV) and percentage of signal recovery (PSR) computed from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion imaging are useful biomarkers for differential diagnosis and treatment response assessment in brain tumors. However, their measurements are dependent on DSC acquisition factors, and CBV-optimized protocols technically differ from PSR-optimized protocols. This study aimed to generate "synthetic" DSC data with adjustable synthetic acquisition parameters using dual-echo gradient-echo (GE) DSC datasets extracted from dynamic spin-and-gradient-echo echoplanar imaging (dynamic SAGE-EPI). Synthetic DSC was aimed at: 1) simultaneously create nrCBV and PSR maps using optimal sequence parameters, 2) compare DSC datasets with heterogeneous external cohorts, and 3) assess the impact of acquisition factors on DSC metrics. Thirty-eight patients with contrast-enhancing brain tumors were prospectively imaged with dynamic SAGE-EPI during a non-preloaded single-dose contrast injection and included in this cross-sectional study. Multiple synthetic DSC curves with desired pulse sequence parameters were generated using the Bloch equations applied to the dual-echo GE data extracted from dynamic SAGE-EPI datasets, with or without optional preload simulation. Dynamic SAGE-EPI allowed for simultaneous generation of CBV-optimized and PSR-optimized DSC datasets with a single contrast injection, while PSR computation from guideline-compliant CBV-optimized protocols resulted in rank variations within the cohort (Spearman's ρ = 0.83-0.89, i.e. 31%-21% rank variation). Treatment-naïve glioblastoma exhibited lower parameter-matched PSR compared to the external cohorts of treatment-naïve primary CNS lymphomas (PCNSL) (p<0.0001), supporting a role of synthetic DSC for multicenter comparisons. Acquisition factors highly impacted PSR, and nrCBV without leakage correction also showed parameter-dependence, although less pronounced. However, this dependence was remarkably mitigated by post-hoc leakage correction. Dynamic SAGE-EPI allows for simultaneous generation of CBV-optimized and PSR-optimized DSC data with one acquisition and a single contrast injection, facilitating the use of a single perfusion protocol for all DSC applications. This approach may also be useful for comparisons of perfusion metrics across heterogeneous multicenter datasets, as it facilitates post-hoc harmonization.

A combined model of shoot phosphorus uptake based on sparse data and active learning algorithm

The soil ecosystem has been severely damaged because of the increasingly severe environmental problems caused by excessive application of phosphorus (P) fertilizer, which seriously hinders soil fertility restoration and sustainable farmland development. Shoot P uptake (SPU) is an important parameter for monitoring crop growth and health and for improving field nutrition management and fertilization strategies. Achieving on-site measurement of large-scale data is difficult, and effective nondestructive prediction methods are lacking. Improving spatiotemporal SPU estimation at the regional scale still poses challenges. In this study, we proposed a combination prediction model based on some representative samples. Furthermore, using the experimental area of Henan Province, as an example, we explored the potential of the hyperspectral prediction of maize SPU at the canopy scale. The combination model comprises predicted P uptake by maize leaves, stems, and grains. Results show that (1) the prediction accuracy of the combined prediction model has been greatly improved compared with simple empirical prediction models, with accuracy test results of R2 = 0.87, root mean square error = 2.39 kg/ha, and relative percentage difference = 2.71. (2) In performance tests with different sample sizes, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy i.e., first-order differentially enhanced two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (1Der-2DCOS) and two-trace 2DCOS of enhanced filling and milk stages (filling-milk-2T2DCOS)) can effectively and robustly extract spectral trait relationships, with good robustness, and can achieve efficient prediction based on small samples. (3) The hybrid model constrained by the Newton-Raphson-based optimizer’s active learning method can effectively filter localized simulation data and achieve localization of simulation data in different regions when solving practical problems, improving the hybrid model’s prediction accuracy. The practice has shown that with a small number of representative samples, this method can fully utilize remote sensing technology to predict SPU, providing an evaluation tool for the sustainable use of agricultural P. Therefore, this method has good application prospects and is expected to become an important means of monitoring global soil P surplus, promoting sustainable agricultural development.

Oral administration of recombinant Lactococcus lactis co-expressing fusion VP1 protein of duck hepatitis a virus type 1 and 3 protects ducklings against infection.

Duck viral hepatitis (DVH) is one of the most common diseases of waterfowl. Duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1) and type 3 (DHAV-3) have been on the rise seriously endangering the development of duck farming. In this study, we constructed a recombinant Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) co-expressing the fusion VP1 protein of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that the fusion VP1 protein was expressed on the cell surface of recombinant L. lactis stain. After immunization with the recombinant L. lactis by oral administration, the ducklings were challenged with highly pathogenic DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 by natural infection. The results showed that the recombinant L. lactis induced the specific IgG antibodies, and significantly increased the level of mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and cytokines, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). The immunized ducklings delayed death for around 4 days, and reduced mortality with the relative percent survival (RPS) being 64.71 %, 61.54 % and 57.89 % in DHAV-1, DHAV-3 and DHAV-1 + 3 infection group respectively. These results showed that the recombinant L. lactis constructed in this study provides a promising candidate for prevention and control of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 infection.

Oral immunization with attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium as a carrier of DNA vaccine against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a serious pathogen in the salmonid aquaculture industry and leads to economic losses in the world. This study aimed to develop a new oral DNA vaccine designed to protect rainbow trout against infection by IHNV. Fish were administered via the oral route by the attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium as a carrier of pcDNA3.1-IHNG (glycoprotein (G)) plasmid for 7 days and finally, fish were challenged by 105pfuml-1 IHNV. The results revealed that the antigen gene was identified in different tissues of rainbow trout at 15-, 30-, and 45 days post-vaccination (dpv). Also, the recombinant vaccine elicited both an innate and specific immune response, resulting in a significant upregulation of the expression levels of ifn-1, mx-1, vig-1, igm, and igt. In addition, serum levels of neutralizing antibodies were observed to be elevated in the vaccinated fish, in contrast to the unvaccinated fish, following 30 dpv. Compared to trout that received empty S. Typhimurium, notable differences in cumulative percentage mortality were evident among the vaccinated fish. The relative percent survival (RPS) was recorded at 58.2% for the group that received oral vaccine, while the group that received empty S. Typhimurium exhibited an RPS of 18.2%. Therefore, our results showed that this bacterial vector can be a candidate carrier for pcDNA3.1-IHNG plasmid that may be employed to confer protection to rainbow trout against IHNV.

Prognostic value of changes in vibration-controlled transient elastography parameters for liver, cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: The Rio de Janeiro type 2 diabetes cohort.

The prognostic importance of changes in vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) parameters, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is unknown. A prospective cohort of 288 patients underwent 2 VCTE exams at least 2 years apart, and the relative percentage changes in LSM and CAP were calculated. Outcomes were the occurrence of any liver-related events (LREs), cardiovascular events (CVEs), and all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox analyses, adjusted for liver and cardiometabolic factors, assessed associations between VCTE parameters changes, both as continuous and dichotomical variables (LSM increase >15% and CAP reduction >10%), and outcomes. During a median follow-up of 6 years, there were 22 LREs, 28 CVEs, and 37 all-cause deaths. For LREs, baseline LSM was the strongest predictor, but LSM increases added further prognostic value (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.5 [1.0-2.1], 1-SD increment). For CVEs, both LSM increase (HR: 1.7 [1.3-2.3]) and CAP reduction (HR: 1.5 [1.0-2.3], 1-SD decrease) were significant predictors. For all-cause mortality, baseline CAP was a protective predictor. When classified into subgroups based on LSM and CAP changes, the subgroup with both increased LSM and reduced CAP had the highest risks for CVEs (HR:5.3 [1.4-19.6]) and all-cause mortality (HR: 3.4 [1.2-9.6]). The highest risk for LREs was observed in the subgroup with increased LSM without CAP reduction (HR: 3.5 [0.9-12.9]). VCTE parameters changes, LSM increase and CAP reduction, provide prognostic information for adverse liver, cardiovascular, and mortality outcomes in individuals with T2D and MASLD.

Construction and analysis of the immune effect of subunit vaccines based on the flagellin FlaB and FlaC of Vibrioharveyi.

Vibrio harveyi is a common sort of pathogenic bacterium in marine, which annually gives rise to huge financial losses in aquaculture industry. Flagellin is one of the important virulence factors for bacteria, but meanwhile it is also a preferable vaccine candidate. In this study, we have identified and analyzed two flagellin antigens of V. harveyi, FlaB and FlaC; and moreover, on this basis, two subunit vaccines (rFlaB and rFlaC) were constructed, and the potential as vaccines against V. harveyi infection were determined and compared. Sequence analysis indicated that the coding region of FlaB was 1131 bp, sharing the highest sequence identity (97.07%) with the counterparts of V. campbellii, and that FlaC (1155 bp) shared the highest sequence identity (98.18%) with the counterparts of V. campbellii. The vaccine potential of subunit vaccines, rFlaB and rFlaC, were analyzed in the Epinephelus coioides model. The results showed that fish vaccinated with rFlaB or rFlaC at 4-week post-vaccination (p.v.), exhibiting a relative percent survival (RPS) of 81.8% and 59.1%, respectively; when fish were vaccinated with rFlaB or rFlaC at 8-week p.v., the RPS of rFlaB and rFlaC were 76.2% and 42.9%, respectively. Compared to control group, immunological analysis showed that both rFlaB and rFlaC could elicited specific antibody expression and innate immune responses. Of note, rFlaB could induce higher levels of IgM, AKP, LZM, ACP and SOD activity in fish in comparison with rFlaC. Additionally, qPCR results manifested that the expressions of IL-1β, CD4, CD8α, IgM, IFNγ, MHCⅠα, MHCⅡα, TLR5M and TLR5S were significantly up-regulated in the fish immunized with rFlaB and rFlaC, indicating their ability to activate innate immunity and trigger the inflammatory and cell immune responses. Overall, FlaB is superior to FlaC as regards potential as vaccines. This research has developed two promising subunit vaccines against diseases caused by V. harveyi that are well-suited for application in aquaculture.

Rapid Identification of Saline–Alkali Stress-Tolerant Peanut Varieties Based on Multimodal Data

The cultivation of saline–alkali-tolerant peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties can effectively increase grain yield in saline–alkali land. However, traditional assessment methods are often cumbersome and time consuming. To rapidly identify saline–alkali stress-tolerant peanut varieties, this research proposed a saline–alkali stress tolerance evaluation method based on deep learning and multimodal data. Specifically, the research first established multimodal datasets for peanuts at different growth stages and constructed a saline–alkali stress score standard based on unsupervised learning. Subsequently, a deep learning network called BO-MFFNet was built and its structure and hyperparameters were optimized by the Bayes optimization (BO) algorithm. Finally, the point prediction of the saline–alkali stress score were carried out by using the Gaussian process regression model. The experimental results show that the multimodal method is superior to the single-modal data and the BO algorithm significantly improves the performance of the model. The root mean squared error and relative percentage deviation of the BO-MFFNet model are 0.089 and 3.669, respectively. The model effectively predicted the salt–alkali stress tolerance of five varieties, and the predicted results were Huayu25, Yuhua31, Yuhua33, Yuhua32, and Yuhua164 from high to low. This research provides a new method for assessing crop tolerance under extreme environmental stress.

Generalised Additive Model-Based Regional Flood Frequency Analysis: Parameter Regression Technique Using Generalised Extreme Value Distribution

This study examines the effectiveness of Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) and log-log linear models for estimating the parameters of the generalised extreme value (GEV) distribution, which are then used to estimate flood quantiles in ungauged catchments. This is known as the parameter regression technique (PRT). Using data from 88 gauged catchments in New South Wales, Australia, flood quantiles were estimated for various annual exceedance probabilities (AEPs) of 50%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 2%, and 1%, corresponding to return periods of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 years, denoted by Q2, Q5, Q10, Q20, Q50, and Q100, respectively. These flood quantiles were then used as dependent variables, while several catchment characteristics served as independent variables in the regression. GAMs were employed to capture non-linearities in flood generation processes. This study evaluates different GAMs and log-log linear models, identifying the best ones based on significant predictors and various statistical metrics using a leave-one-out (LOO) validation approach. The results indicate that GAMs provide more accurate and reliable predictions of flood quantiles compared to the log-log linear models, demonstrating better performance in capturing observed values across different quantiles. The absolute median relative error percentage (REr%) ranges from 33% to 39% for the GAMs and from 36% to 45% for the log-log models. GAMs demonstrate better performance compared to the log-log linear models for quantiles Q2, Q5, Q10, Q20, and Q50; however, their performances appear to be similar for Q100.

Fatty acid composition, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of Niger seed (Guizotia abyssinica) accessions collected from major producer areas of Ethiopia

Background Oils from various sources are vital nutritional components with a variety of roles in our body. Niger seed (Guzoita abyssinica) is endemic to Ethiopia and is among the major oil seed crops grown in the country. The fatty acid composition and the concentration of other bioactive phytochemicals in it vary with species type, geographical origin, cultivation season, and varietal types. The present work investigated the fatty acid profile and the total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of Niger seed samples obtained from five different zones in the Amhara and Oromia regions of Ethiopia. using internationally accepted standard methods. Results In all the samples, its main unsaturated acids were linoleic acid, ranging between 67.30 and 74.67% with respect to the relative percentage comprising 179 to 234 mg/g in terms of concentration; oleic acid constitutes between 5.43 and 11.02% of the total fatty acid or 1.03 and 1.60 mg/g of dry matter. Among saturated acids, it was the most abundant palmitic acid, ranging between 10.32 and 10.66% of the entire fatty acids comprising 24.80 to 37.10 mg/g. Amongst the zones, the seed from Amhara region, specifically from North Gondar has been the richest regarding a total of 347.74 mg/g. In addition, the total phenolic content ranged between 10.89 and 11.78 mg GAE/g, whereas the content of total flavonoids ranged from 5.42 to 6.67 mg CE/g. Aqueous methanol (80%) extracted more phenolic content than absolute methanol. On a regional basis, the Amhara region, represented by the North Gondar and East Gojjam zones of the study area, had relatively higher TPC and TFC than other regions. The DPPH scavenging assay IC50 value (μg/mL) ranged between 133–188 μg/mL and poorly correlated with TPC. Conclusion Among the different fatty acids obtained, four of them, linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, are the major ones, followed by a significant amount of phenolic compounds irrespective of the variety of the studied samples and sampling of locations. The study also confirmed that TPC and TFC are not the only phytochemicals responsible for the antioxidant activity of the niger sees, as was reflected by the poor correlation between TPC and AA activity. Hence these findings indicate that the seeds of Niger could be an important source of essential fatty acids and medicinally important phytochemicals important for nutritional health improvement and agricultural development in Ethiopia.

Ten-year analysis of non-research industry payments to anesthesiologists in the United States between 2014 and 2023.

This study aimed to examine extent, fraction, and trends of general payments to anesthesiologists and non-physician anesthesia providers (NPAPs) in the United States. This is a cross-sectional analysis of general payments by pharmaceutical and medical device industry to all anesthesiologists (2014-2023) and NPAPs (2021-2023) for non-research purposes using the Open Payments Database, a federal transparency database under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act between 2014 and 2023. The United States. All active practicing anesthesiologists and NPAPs, including certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants, in the United States. Fraction of providers receiving non-research payments; total payment amounts; median payment amounts per provider; relative annual average percentage change from 2014 to 2023. A total of $297.8 million general payments were made by industry to 75.4% of all active anesthesiologists from 2014 to 2023, while $7.2 million was made to 46.8% of NPAPs from 2021 to 2023. Median annual payments ranged from $59-$120 for anesthesiologists and $37-$38 for NPAPs. The proportion of anesthesiologists receiving payments declined at a relative annual average percentage change (RAAPC) of -2.9% from 2014 to 2019, followed by a substantial decrease in 2020. Subsequently, the number of payment recipients increased at an RAAPC of 15.4% (2020-2023) for anesthesiologists and 9.0% (2021-2023) for NPAPs. Payment distribution was highly concentrated, with the top 1% of anesthesiologists and NPAPs receiving 78.2% and 52.5% of total payments in 2023, respectively. Among anesthesiology subspecialties, pain medicine physicians consistently received the highest median payments ($332-$767) throughout the study period. This study demonstrated large financial relationships between industry and anesthesia providers, with a disproportionate concentration of payments among a minority of providers.

The activity of a herbal medicinal product of Phyllanthus niruri and Silybum marianum powdered extracts (Heptex®) in patients with apparent risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a phase II, multicentered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundNonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by damage and inflammation of hepatocytes. Some medicinal plants have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on liver cells. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Heptex® capsules containing 200 mg of Dukung Anak (a powdered extract from aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri) and 100 mg of Milk Thistle (a powdered extract from fruits of Silybum marianum) in patients with an apparent risk factor for NASH.MethodsThis was a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-arm, interventional clinical trial. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive placebo, low dose (one capsule) of Heptex®, or high dose (two capsules) of Heptex®. After 36 weeks, liver enzymes, Fib-4 score, lipid profile, CAP score, and kPa score were evaluated. Patients were monitored for safety throughout the treatment duration.ResultsA total of 146 patients were enrolled in the study. A significant decrease was observed in ALT levels in the low-dose group (57 IU/L to 40 IU/L, p = 0.026) and the high-dose group (61 IU/L to 47.5 IU/L, p < 0.0001) and in AST levels in the high-dose group (43.5 IU/L to 32 IU/L, p = 0.001), with no significant difference between the relative percent change in ALT (p = 0.465) or AST (p = 0.632) between the three groups. No significant difference was revealed between the three groups regarding the median change in Fib-4 score at the end of treatment (p = 0.985). No significant change in the lipid profile was observed in any of the three groups except for the total cholesterol level, which significantly decreased from 210 IU/L to 187 IU/L, p = 0.031 in the low-dose group.ConclusionHeptex® capsules were safe and well tolerated over a treatment period of 36 weeks. However, the hepatoprotective effect in patients at risk of NASH still needs further assessment using more accurate investigation tools, a larger sample size, and/ or higher doses of the combination.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered (registration date: 25/04/2022; trial registration number: NCT05343780)

A Machine Learning Approach for Filling Long Gaps in Eddy Covariance Time Series Data in a Tropical Dry Forest

AbstractLong‐term eddy covariance (EC) data are crucial for understanding the impact of global change on ecosystem functions. However, EC data often contain long gaps, particularly in tropical dry forests (TDF) due to seasonality and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases. These factors create high variability, complex dependencies, and dynamic flux footprints. No current gap‐filling method adequately addresses long gaps in TDFs. This study introduces a novel framework for addressing this issue by (a) defining gap sizes by their relative percentages, (b) training, tuning, and evaluating two machine learning (ML) models: MissForest for short gaps and Prophet for intermediate and long gaps, and (c) predicting half‐hourly EC data from 2013 to 2022 for six EC variables, where actual gap data sets ranged from 26.6% to 28.4%, at TDF in Costa Rica. Results indicate that MissForest excelled at filling short gaps (≤5%, R2 = 0.76 and Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) = 0.71), while Prophet performed exceptionally well for gaps between 5% and 10% (R2 = 0.72 and NSE = 0.67). However, both models struggled with gaps between 10% and 13%. Validation showed R2 values of 0.79, 0.88, and 0.77 for CO₂ flux, sensible heat flux, and latent heat flux, respectively, with corresponding NSE values of 0.78, 0.86, and 0.72, and normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) around 2E‐4. Additionally, to validate our results, we applied our approach at three EC sites with different ecological conditions, demonstrating robust performance. This study presents a reliable ML approach for imputing long gaps in EC data, which can be applied to sites with strong variability.

Developing Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool for Health System: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The role of the healthcare system in the provision, maintenance, and promotion of public health is associated with handling healthcare complaints. This notion as the principle of accountability requires the authorities' attention. This study aimed to develop the Healthcare Complaints Analysis Tool (HCAT) in Iran. Following a comprehensive review of the country and field studies conducted in the Medical System Organization and Universities of Medical Sciences, the features of patients' complaints were extracted from medical centers and hospitals. Then, experts who were experienced in health and medical areas localized HCAT through translation and re-translation process using the Delphi technique. Finally, the healthcare complaints were classified according to the localized HCAT components. Using HCAT showed that in Iran's healthcare system, complaints were related to relative frequency and percentage of all types of complaints. However, there is a lack of a mechanized registration system, investigation, analysis, and classification of healthcare complaints. Providing medical centers with such a system by the ministry of health and mandatory reporting of complaints may lead to coding complaints, measure the severity of complaints, service monitoring and organizational learning.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Polyaniline@Nano Zinc Oxide/Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite Coating for Solid Phase Microextraction of Some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Coffee and Grilled Meat.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic compounds resulting from incomplete burning of organic materials. This work describes the successful layer-by-layer fabrication of a novel zinc oxide nanocomposite made of zinc oxide nanoparticles, aniline, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes on a stainless steel wire by electrodeposition. The coating and extraction conditions were screened, optimized, and validated using factorial design and central composite design, respectively. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller techniques. It featured a porous structure, excellent heat stability, and a high extraction capacity. It also adhered well to the steel surface. Extracting PAHs was optimized through experimental design. The optimal conditions obtained for extraction were 60min, 30%, and 30°C for extraction time, amount of salt, and extraction temperature, respectively. The validated method generally showed a linear range between 0.01 to 1.50 µg/mL with a linearity of (R2) of 0.9902-0.9992, limits of detection less than 0.003 µg/mL, limit of quantification lower than 0.010 µg/mL, and relative standard deviation percent less than 45. Recovery values of the analytes in food samples varied between 53.4% and 110.1%. The proposed method was employed in the extraction and determination of some PAHs in some food samples while naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benz[a]anthracene were detected in certain food samples. Overall, our research suggests a novel nanocomposite as a potential fiber coating that enables high-capacity PAH extraction.

Defining and Measuring Financial Toxicity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Financial toxicity (FT) of cancer treatment likely affects more patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, most of the research on FT comes from high-income countries, which may not apply to LMICs. The causes and consequences of FT in patients with cancer in LMICs remain understudied. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL for FT literature in cancer originating from LMICs from inception until the end of 2023, and documented the different definitions used to define FT in LMICs, and the magnitude of FT documented using those definitions. LMIC was defined using the World Bank Country and Lending Group classification. Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies on FT in cancer originating from LMICs have increased in recent years (>75% studies published 2020 onward) and used varying criteria to define FT, broadly categorized into five themes. Majority of the studies defined FT in terms of catastrophic health expenditure (45%) or household impoverishment (10%), while 26% of the studies used the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity tool, developed and validated in US patients, to measure FT in LMIC settings. Twenty-six percent of the studies defined FT in terms of coping mechanisms and 10% in terms of subjective financial burden. The magnitude of FT in patients with cancer was substantial irrespective of the definitions used. This review synthesizes the different definitions of FT for LMICs that have been used in the literature so far. We conclude that the definitions that capture the coping mechanisms or hardships might reflect the magnitude of FT better than absolute dollar values or relative percentages of expenditures. Future studies can use our results to devise locally tailored definitions of FT.

Hip Arthroscopy and Its Impact on Performance in National Hockey League Players Using Team-Based Advanced Performance Statistics.

Ice hockey players have a high rate of hip pathology, which can lead to hip arthroscopy. Previous studies have not utilized team-based advanced performance statistics in the setting of hip arthroscopy in National Hockey League (NHL) players. The purpose of this study was to use team-based advanced performance statistics to evaluate postoperative performance after hip arthroscopy in NHL players in comparison with their preoperative performance and matched controls of uninjured skaters. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative performance after hip arthroscopy in NHL players, as well as no difference when compared with matched controls of uninjured players. Descriptive epidemiology study. There were 56 eligible NHL players found through public records who underwent hip arthroscopy over 12 seasons. Team-based advanced performance statistics including icetime, Corsi, Fenwick, goal, and expected goal percentages were recorded for the preinjury season, index season, and first 2 years after return to play (RTP). Relative percentages of each statistic were collected to allow for intrateam comparisons. A control group of NHL players without injury was collected and matched 1:2 by age, years of play, and draft round. The RTP rate after hip arthroscopy at the NHL level was 89% for 1 season and 70% for 2 seasons. There were no significant decreases in performance in any advanced statistics after RTP after hip arthroscopy in comparison with the preinjury season or versus a matched control group of uninjured players. There was a significant decrease in games played in the injury season and the first year after RTP versus the preinjury season and versus a matched control group without differences thereafter. The RTP rate after hip arthroscopy at the NHL level was 89% for 1 season and 70% for 2 seasons. There were no significant decreases in team-based advanced performance statistics after RTP from hip arthroscopy for NHL players versus their preinjury levels or versus a matched control group of uninjured players. This indicates that NHL players who RTP at the NHL level are likely able to return to their previous level of performance, albeit playing in fewer games the first season after surgery.

Pathogenic Aeromonas veronii with the cheZ-mshK-aerA triple-gene mutant is attenuated and exhibits a potential candidate as a live attenuated vaccine.

Aeromonas veronii is a zoonotic pathogen that is commonly found in various aquatic environments and causes serious damage to the aquaculture industry. Anti-virulence strategies based on mutating the virulence factors are important antibiotic alternative methods against A. veronii infection. The type Ⅳ pili, polar flagella, and aerolysin are considered to be the major virulence factors. In this study, we constructed a triple-gene deletion mutant strain (cheZ/mshK/aerA, ΔCMA-AV) and evaluated its potential as a live attenuated vaccine (LAV) candidate. Pathogenicity test showed that the LD50 of ΔCMA-AV in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was 5.34 times higher than that of WT-AV. Further research found that the decline of pathogenicity was associated with the decrease of hemolysis, biofilm formation ability and expression levels of virulence-related genes (type IV pili and flagella). Our preliminary results on ΔCMA-AV as a LAV showed that crucian carp immunized with ΔCMA-AV at a concentration of 3 × 106 CFU/mL did not show any evident pathological alterations or clinical symptoms. Non-specific immune indicators, including serum immune-related enzyme activities and the expression of immune-related genes in immune organs, showed an up-regulation trend in the ΔCMA-AV group. A. veronii specific antibody levels increased significantly from 2 - 4 weeks. The relative percent survival in ΔCMA-AV groups was 73.97% ± 3.57 %, significantly higher than that of the inactivated A. veronii groups (53.73% ± 10.87 %). These results indicate that the three genes (cheZ/mshK/aerA) play an important role in the pathogenicity of A. veronii, in additionΔCMA-AV could induce an effective immune response and provide strong protection against A. veronii in crucian carp without adverse effects.

Screening of active components in Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula for anti-fibrosis in CKD: nobiletin inhibits Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling to improve renal fibrosis

The Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula (A&P) has been clinically shown to effectively slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has demonstrated significant anti-fibrosis effects in experimental CKD model. However, the specific active ingredients and underlying mechanism are still unclear. The active ingredients of A&P were analyzed by Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-HR-MS). A mouse model of CKD was constructed by 5/6 nephrectomy. Renal function was assessed by creatinine and urea nitrogen. Real-time PCR and Western Blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein changes in kidney and cells. An in vitro fibrotic cell model was constructed by TGF-β induction in TCMK-1 cells. The results showed that thirteen active ingredients of A&P were identified by UPLC-HR-MS, nine of which were identified by analysis with standards, among which the relative percentage of NOB was high. We found that NOB treatment significantly improved renal function, pathological damage and reduced the expression level of fibrotic factors in CKD mice. The results also demonstrated that Lgals1 was overexpressed in the interstitial kidney of CKD mice, and NOB treatment significantly reduced its expression level, while inhibiting PI3K and AKT phosphorylation. Interestingly, overexpression of Lgals1 significantly increased fibrosis in TCMK1 cells and upregulated the activity of PI3K and AKT, which were strongly inhibited by NOB treatment. NOB is one of the main active components of A&P. The molecular mechanism by which NOB ameliorates renal fibrosis in CKD may be through the inhibition of Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.