Prevalence Of Occurrence Research Articles

Enhancing Forest Canopy Height Mapping in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, by Integrating LISS IV and SAR data with GEDI LiDAR data Using Machine Learning

Abstract. This study investigates the integration of spaceborne Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) LiDAR data with optical imagery from Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor (LISS IV), Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and PALSAR data for continuous forest canopy height mapping in Kaziranga National Park (KNP), Assam for the years 2018 and 2022. Four machine learning models were trained and evaluated to assess the predictive ability of LISS IV data in conjunction with SAR variables. The mean canopy height was measured at approximately 8.58 m in 2018, which increased to about 9.07m in 2022. Results reveal Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) as the top-performing model, achieving an RMSE of 5.47m and an R2 of 0.55. In comparison, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN) achieved RMSE values of 5.49, 5.51, and 5.73, respectively. Analysis shows a prevalent occurrence of canopy heights below 5 meters in KNP (more than 35% of the area), while taller canopies beyond 20m can be found in less than 5% of the area. This finding underscores the importance of integrating satellite data and machine learning and highlights the novel application of LISS IV data in enhancing canopy height mapping. Furthermore, it represents the first comprehensive attempt to map canopy height in KNP, laying the groundwork for further research on biomass assessment and carbon sequestration in this vital biodiversity hotspot. Overall, the study highlights the potential of leveraging advanced remote sensing technologies and machine learning approaches for improved understanding and management of forest ecosystems.

Clinically aggressive follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinoma: A comprehensive series with histomolecular characterization and discovery of novel gene fusions

Thyroid cancer rates are increasing, mostly with a good prognosis and less than 2 % of cases are more aggressive. Recent efforts focus on understanding molecular events predicting tumor aggressiveness and treatment targets in advanced thyroid cancer. This study concerned 57 patients with aggressive metastatic, and/or radioiodine-refractory thyroid carcinomas, excluding anaplastic cases. Molecular profiling, including next-generation sequencing and RNA sequencing, was conducted to dissect the complex molecular landscape of these aggressive tumors. Histopathological analysis indicated that papillary carcinomas and high-grade thyroid carcinomas were predominant. The molecular analysis revealed a spectrum of mutations, with prevalent occurrences of BRAF V600E, TERT promoter, and RAS mutations. RNA sequencing identified ten gene fusions, such as NTRK and RET fusions. Three novel fusions were discovered: UGGT1::TERT, BTBD9::TERT, and TG::IGF1R, potentially driving aggressive behavior. UGGT1::TERT was linked to radioiodine-refractory tall cell PTC, BTBD9::TERT to high-grade follicular PTC, and TG::IGF1R to oncocytic carcinoma. These findings underscore the importance of TERT alterations in aggressive phenotypes and offer insights into molecular mechanisms guiding targeted therapies. Further research is necessary to confirm their significance as diagnostic and prognostic markers in thyroid cancer.

Research on an identification model for mine water inrush sources based on the HBA-CatBoost algorithm

Accurate and efficient identification of water inrush sources, as one of the three critical elements of mine water hazards, is crucial for mine water management. To identify the sources of mine water inrush effectively, a model named HBA-CatBoost is introduced. This model is established on the hybrid bat algorithm (HBA)-optimized category feature gradient boosting tree (CatBoost), and the shapley additive explanation (SHAP) method is employed to elucidate the model’s decision-making process. Given the prevalent occurrence of water hazards in coal seam roofs and floors in the northern Guizhou coalfield, coupled with the challenges in pinpointing water inrush sources in mines, the HBA-CatBoost model is tested at the Longfeng Coal Mine in northern Guizhou to validate its practicality. Comparative analysis with the HBA-RF, HBA-XGBoost, CatBoost, RF, and XGBoost models demonstrates that the hybrid bat algorithm significantly enhances the classification performance of the CatBoost model, resulting in improved convergence speed and classification accuracy. The HBA-CatBoost model outperforms the aforementioned models in terms of classification effectiveness, achieving accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 scores of 96.43%, 97.22%, 96.43%, and 96.61%, respectively. The SHAP method elucidates the decision mechanism of the optimal HBA-CatBoost model, highlighting the significance of sample features and bolstering the model’s credibility. These outcomes underscore the superior performance of the HBA-CatBoost model and its potential for effectively identifying water inrush sources in mines.

Co-sorption of arsenic and fluoride using the hierarchical Mg-La-Fe nanosheets derived from layered double oxides

Considering the prevalent natural occurrence of arsenic and fluoride with a higher concentration gradient in groundwater, in this study, a novel MgLaFe layered double oxide material in the form of highly dispersed curly nanosheets (MLF-NS) was prepared using an urea hydrothermal method and low-temperature hydrogen peroxide exfoliation, applying to purity the contaminants of arsenic and fluoride. The prepared MLF-NS possesses exceptional co-sorption properties for As(III), As(V), and F− and the maximum co-sorption capacities (Qm) of As(III), As(V), and F− reach 36.95 mg g−1, 98.70 mg g−1, and 387.68 mg g−1, respectively, which is superior to those of most similar adsorbents. MLF-NS also exhibits excellent stability and reusability which can effectively regenerate and preserve their high adsorption capacity after four adsorption–desorption cycles. The mechanism investigation reveals the expansion of the interlayers due to the adsorbed arsenic ions, combining with the synergistic effect of motherboard cation coordination and exchanging with anions in the interlayer, plays a crucial role in enhancing the adsorption for both arsenic and fluoride. Meanwhile, the well-dispersed MLF-NS overcome the aggregation disadvantage, and thus exposes more adsorption sites to improve the co-removal efficiency of As(III), As(V), and F−. The collaborative analysis of mean adsorption free energy, FT-IR, AFM, XPS, adsorption energy, and CDD support the findings. Overall, the unique properties of MLF-NS make it a promising solution for effective removal of As(III), As(V), and F− in wastewater treatment.

Polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous mat modified with cysteamine and ionic liquid as a recyclable and efficient adsorbent for selective removal of sulfonamides and Cu(II) from aqueous solution: Roles of multi-function adsorption

The combined contamination of heavy metals and antibiotics is a prevalent occurrence, yet the distinct chemical characteristics of these substances pose a significant obstacle to their simultaneous elimination. In this work, novel polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous mat (NFsM) modified with cysteamine and ionic liquid (IL@Cys@PAN NFsM) was developed using a cascade thiol-ene click reaction. The IL@Cys@PAN NFsM exhibits a rich array of functional groups and demonstrates strong binding affinity, fast mass transfer, and exceptional selectivity for sulfonamides (SAs) and Cu(II). The maximum adsorption capacities for SAs and Cu(II) in single-component systems were 122.3 and 97.4 mg/g respectively, according to the Langmuir isotherm model. The time dependent adsorption capacities followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, demonstrating a chemisorption-dominant process for each analyte. In binary pollutant systems, the co-occurrence of SAs and Cu(II) in water produced a competitive effect; however, the decrease in adsorption capacity was minimal. Through experimental analysis, FTIR characterization and density functional theory (DFT) studies, reasonable interactions of hydrogen-bond, electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking for SAs, and chelation effect for Cu(II) were proposed. Additionally, the reusability and recyclability of IL@Cys@PAN NFsM enhance its practicality for real-world applications. This paper presents the first systematic study on the simultaneous adsorption of heavy metals and antibiotics using NFsM, offering a novel perspective on the design of custom adsorbents capable of efficiently removing multiple contaminants with diverse characteristics while balancing eco-friendliness, excellent adsorption performance, and impressive recyclability for wastewater remediation.

Prognostic significance of bone metastasis and clinical value of bone radiotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: results from a multicenter, prospective, observational study.

Bone metastasis (BoM) is a prevalent occurrence in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significantly impacting prognosis and diminishing both survival rates and patients' quality of life. More and more studies have demonstrated that immunotherapy can improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients with bone metastases. Previous investigations pertaining to BoM in NSCLC have generally suffered from small sample sizes, absence of propensity score matching (PSM) to equate baseline characteristics, and an omission of the examination of patterns of treatment failure. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of BoM and potential clinical value of bone radiation in metastatic NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy. Metastatic NSCLC patients receiving programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors from three academic centers were enrolled in a prospective, observational trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04766515) and those with measurable disease and adequate follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score matched (PSM) patients with and without BoM were included in this study. Treatment efficacy, pattern of failure and clinical value of bone radiotherapy were extensively evaluated. A total of 544 out of 1,451 immunotherapy-treated NSCLC patients were included after PSM, including 272 with BoM and 272 without. Patients with baseline BoM had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.0-8.7], lower than those without it (9.5 months; 95% CI: 8.9-10.0) (P<0.001). Patients with baseline BoM had a median overall survival (OS) of 14.5 months (95% CI: 12.6-16.4), lower than those without 27.6 months (95% CI: 25.1-30.1) (P<0.001). Patients with BoM also had lower objective response rate than those without it (11.1% vs. 15.8%, P<0.001). Initial disease progression in the bone was more common in those with BoM (56.5%) compared to those without it (31.7%) (P<0.001). Meanwhile, among patients with BoM, no significant difference of PFS was found between those receiving bone radiation or not, possibly due to a dominant use of palliative radiotherapy. Baseline BoM correlated with worse prognosis and palliative bone radiation did not improve PFS in metastatic NSCLC patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Occurrence of Anaplasmosis among Cattle in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting cattle, poses significant economic challenges in Benue State, Nigeria. Despite its prevalence, detailed studies on its pathology and economic implications are limited. The study investigated the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of anaplasmosis in cattle, along with its distribution across different age classes and sexes. Blood samples were collected over a three-month period covering both dry and wet seasons. Samples were obtained from 432 cattle via jugular vein puncture and processed using the thin blood film method. Microscopic examination was conducted to detect tick-borne hemoparasites. Statistical analysis, employing the chi-square test, was performed to evaluate differences within categorical variables. Of the 432 cattle examined, 31.0% were males and 69.0% females. Female cattle exhibited a higher overall prevalence of infection (68.1%) compared to males (31.9%). A prevalence of 58.7% was recorded for the wet season compared to the dry season (41.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Adult cattle had the highest prevalence of anaplasmosis (71.0%), followed by juveniles (14.6%) and calves (14.1%). Among males, adult cattle had the highest infection rate (28.3%), while among females, adult females had the highest prevalence (71.7%), with statistical significance at P &lt; 0.05 compared to other age classes and sexes. The findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in cattle and underscore the importance of considering location, season, age class, and sex in disease management and control strategies.

Identifying the subgroups of depression trajectories among the middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with chronic diseases: an 8-year follow-up study based on CHARLS.

Prior studies have demonstrated a prevalent occurrence of depression among the middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with chronic diseases. Nevertheless, there is limited research on the specific subgroups of depression trajectories within this population and the factors influencing these subgroups. To explore the changing trajectory and influencing factors of depression in the middle-aged and older individuals with chronic disease in China, and provide the data reference for the health management of the older adult population in China. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted using the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020. A total of 2,178 participants with complete data were included. The level of depression was evaluated using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). The Latent Class Mixed Models (LCMM) were employed to estimate trajectories of depressive symptoms. The Kruskal-Wallis H test and the Pearson χ 2 test were used to determine the significant factors affecting trajectory grouping. Subsequently, the multinomial logistic regression model was utilized to perform a multifactorial analysis of the variables impacting the trajectory subgroup of change in depressive symptoms. The LCMM-analysis revealed three distinct subgroups of depression trajectories: the "Low stable group" comprising 36.7% of the sample, the "Medium growth group" comprising 34.4% of the sample, and the "High growth group" comprising 28.9% of the sample. Among the baseline characteristics of different depression trajectory subgroups, there were significant differences in gender, residence, education, marital status, social activity participation, number of chronic diseases, smoking status, BMI, midday napping (minutes) and nighttime sleep duration (hours). Through multiple logistic regression analysis, our findings demonstrate that among the middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with chronic diseases, the following individuals should be the key groups for the prevention and treatment of depressive symptoms: Those who are young, female, residing in rural areas, having primary school education and below, being single, not participating in social activities, suffering from multiple chronic diseases, and having shorter naps and sleeping at night. There is heterogeneity in the subgroups of depression trajectories among the Chinese middle-aged and older individuals with chronic diseases. The focus should be on the distinct characteristics of various trajectories of depression within the realm of health management.

Assessment of future drought sensitivity shift associated with crop yield loss risk in the Anthropocene

ABSTRACT This study proposed a framework using artificial neural networks (ANNs), the designed residual regression method, and probabilistic indexing, for drought sensitivity shift analysis, associated with future yield loss risk in Anthropocene. The temporal assessment of the drought index (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index, SPEI) illustrated prevalent occurrence of mild to moderate drought with a fluctuating trend. Furthermore, the optimal ANN model, with R2 = 0.86 for training and 0.7 for testing, was used to project yield for future analysis. The projected spatial changes in drought sensitivity patterns suggest most of the area will experience an increased sensitivity to drought in the far future (2036–2050). The estimated probability loss under the different risk levels defined by the yield reduction rate was 6.2–55.5%. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the designed risk index (IR) revealed the districts with the highest probability of vulnerability and showed a probable increase in future vulnerability.

Sex and population differences in the cardiometabolic continuum: a machine learning study using the UK Biobank and ELSA-Brasil cohorts

BackgroundThe temporal relationships across cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) were recently conceptualized as the cardiometabolic continuum (CMC), sequence of cardiovascular events that stem from gene-environmental interactions, unhealthy lifestyle influences, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and hypertension. While the physiological pathways linking metabolic and cardiovascular diseases have been investigated, the study of the sex and population differences in the CMC have still not been described.MethodsWe present a machine learning approach to model the CMC and investigate sex and population differences in two distinct cohorts: the UK Biobank (17,700 participants) and the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) (7162 participants). We consider the following CMDs: hypertension (Hyp), diabetes (DM), heart diseases (HD: angina, myocardial infarction, or heart failure), and stroke (STK). For the identification of the CMC patterns, individual trajectories with the time of disease occurrence were clustered using k-means. Based on clinical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle characteristics, we built multiclass random forest classifiers and used the SHAP methodology to evaluate feature importance.ResultsFive CMC patterns were identified across both sexes and cohorts: EarlyHyp, FirstDM, FirstHD, Healthy, and LateHyp, named according to prevalence and disease occurrence time that depicted around 95%, 78%, 75%, 88% and 99% of individuals, respectively. Within the UK Biobank, more women were classified in the Healthy cluster and more men in all others. In the EarlyHyp and LateHyp clusters, isolated hypertension occurred earlier among women. Smoking habits and education had high importance and clear directionality for both sexes. For ELSA-Brasil, more men were classified in the Healthy cluster and more women in the FirstDM. The diabetes occurrence time when followed by hypertension was lower among women. Education and ethnicity had high importance and clear directionality for women, while for men these features were smoking, alcohol, and coffee consumption.ConclusionsThere are clear sex differences in the CMC that varied across the UK and Brazilian cohorts. In particular, disadvantages regarding incidence and the time to onset of diseases were more pronounced in Brazil, against woman. The results show the need to strengthen public health policies to prevent and control the time course of CMD, with an emphasis on women.

Batil and Fasid Marriages under Presidential Decree 1083 as practiced by Meranao Marriages in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur

This study was purposefully undertaken to explore and document the occurrences of batil and fasid marriages under Presidential Decree 1083, specifically within the context of Meranaw marriages in Tamparan, Lanao del Sur. The primary objective of this research was to address key inquiries, seeking comprehensive insights into the following questions: What are the common batil and fasid marriage practices and nature? What is the understanding of the respondents of the nature of these marriages and its acceptability? What are their opinions regarding the topic? What are the observable effects of these marriages? What are the reasons for its prevalent occurrence? and what are the remedies for its mitigation? To seek answers for these mentioned problems, an Interview Guide Questionnaire was utilised in order to gather data from the four selected respondents under the Local Government Unit of Tamparan, Lanao del Sur. The data were gathered using experiential learning method and were manually encoded. The findings showed that for the first problem, despite being briefed on the concept, respondents assert the absence of "batil" practices in the community. For the second problem, respondents, including those knowledgeable about Islamic principles, Taritib, and Igma, collectively assert that adherence to these cultural and traditional norms is crucial. As for the third problem, one respondent strongly disapproves of such marriages, emphasizing Allah's prohibition of wrongdoing and the Qur'an's guidance. Another respondent highlights that batil and fasid marriages are infrequent. Additionally, a respondent emphasizes the importance of adhering to Islam's optimal laws. The fourth problem’s findings were that more respondents agree that these marriages have adverse effects, causing displeasure to Allah and diminishing life's blessings, as emphasized in Qur'anic verses promoting forgiveness. The fifth problem’s findings were attributed it to a lack of strong faith, secrecy and politics. The sixth problem’s findings were their suggestions focus on proactive measures, communication, and shared responsibility to effectively manage and reduce these issues. Considering the noteworthy discovery of the research, the subsequent recommendations have been formulated: Provide ethical guidance and religious education; Raise awareness about cultural and traditional norms; Address conflicts arising from Maratabat; Explore the impact of cultural assimilation; Strengthen education on Islamic teachings; Promote unity and collective responsibility; Advocate for proactive prevention of wrongdoing; Organize seminars and utilize social media; Focus on community education and involvement; Encourage discussions and dialogue; Emphasize adherence to Islamic principles; Recognize Tamparan as an Islamic municipality; Address adverse effects and promote well-being; Explore cultural and social dynamics; Address weak faith and cultural conflicts; Investigate political influences; Promote community responsibility; Strengthen the role of Ulama; Conduct seminars and utilize social media; Focus on community education and involvement

Therapist's positive evaluation of children with hearing impairment: A conversation analysis perspective

In speech-language therapy, the evaluation of children with atypical speech embodies the practical expertise of the therapist and the therapeutic goal of facilitating rehabilitation by guiding these children toward more typical speech behaviors. This study aims to provide an interactional explanation of how positive evaluations given by speech therapists are sequentially formatted, constructed, and oriented in therapy practice and what interactional consequences they have on the interpretation and learning of children with hearing impairment. Adopting conversation analysis as a methodology, this empirical study delves into naturally occurring conversations between speech therapists and children with hearing impairment within the context of Chinese speech-language therapy, focusing specifically on instances of positive evaluations in the third-turn position. The analysis reveals a prevalent occurrence of positive evaluations during therapeutic interactions, showcasing a diverse range of formats employed, spanning from explicit to implicit expressions. A fine-grained conversation analysis demonstrates the delicate and intricate nature of therapists’ positive evaluations, in terms of their indexicality (the function of being referential), and sensitivity to local contingencies. Furthermore, these positive evaluations serve as a critical site for displaying the epistemic asymmetry and its negotiation in and through therapist-client interactions. By providing an empirical demonstration of the interactional skill involved in speech-language therapy and advocating for evaluations characterized by clear indexicality and recipient-orientedness, this study contributes to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation practices while shedding new light on the atypical interactions involving people with communicative impairments.

Age-stratified mosaic of neuropathies: a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence and patterns in different age groups

Background and Objective: Neuropathies pose significant challenges in diagnosis and management due to their heterogeneous etiologies, varied clinical presentations, and differential prevalence across age groups. The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of neuropathies among patients in various age brackets, highlighting prevalent neuropathic types and their clinical implications. Methods: From September 18, 2018 to September 17, 2019, 405 patients from Neurology Ward of Chandka Medical College Hospital in Larkana were included in this retrospective cross-sectional comprehensive analysis. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) of these patients were conducted in the electrophysiology department. The study cohort was stratified into age groups, allowing us to compare the frequency and NCS findings of various neuropathies. Statistical analysis using SPSS 23 was performed to ascertain the prevalence and distribution of specific neuropathies across different age brackets. Results: In the younger age group below 20 years, a prominent prevalence of neuropathies linked to hereditary factors was notable. Contrastingly, within the 20-40 age stratum, distinctive distribution patterns were observed, showcasing prevalent occurrences of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP) and those induced by trauma. Similarly, in the 40-60 and above 60 age cohorts, unique prevalence profiles emerged, spotlighting Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and neuropathies associated with diabetes and malignancies as most common. Conclusion: The findings of this study shed light on the age-related distribution of neuropathies and the corresponding NCS profiles. Such insights can aid in improving the diagnosis and management of neuropathies based on age, ensuring more tailored and effective healthcare strategies.

Sedimentary organic matter applied to paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Devonian of the Paraná Basin, SW Gondwana

The study of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) is essential for understanding paleoenvironmental conditions and depositional settings of geological formations. This paper explores the Devonian strata of the Paraná Basin, utilizing SOM analysis to reconstruct paleoenvironments and identify global events. The Devonian period is notable for significant geological and biological changes, including mass extinctions and extensive organic-rich sediment deposition. By examining the composition, distribution, and diagenesis of SOM in this region, we aim to elucidate the paleoenvironmental dynamics and depositional history. The Devonian outcrops in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil rocks reveal distinct depositional characteristics, when compared to those found on the eastern border of the basin. The palynofacies analysis was conducted on 59 samples from four outcrops (MS-26, MS-29, MS-30 and MS-70), which age spans from Pragian to Givetian. The main groups and subgroups of the SOM were identified: amorphous organic matter (AOM) (“amorphous organic matter” and pseudoamorphous), phytoclasts (opaques, non-opaque-non biostructured, cuticles, membranes and Spongiophyton) and palynomorphs (spores, freshwater algae, scolecodonts, chitinozoan and acritarchs). The SOM was grouped into three palynofacies associations: opaques, land-derived and marine+AOM. In the Pragian—Emsian interval (MS-26, MS-29 and MS-30), a prevalent occurrence of phytoclasts and marine microphytoplankton is noted, with their distribution exhibiting distinct alternations in each section suggesting a deposition in the marine environment ranging from onshore to offshore. In the Givetian (MS-70 outcrop), we detected a progressive increase and diversification of marine elements (e.g., acritarchs), indicating a transgressive phase probably related with the Kačák event.

Comparison of allergy prevalence using brinzolamide 1.0% / brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination with and without β-blocker in glaucoma patients: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundGlaucoma treatment often involves multi-drug regimens, which can lead to poor adherence and side effects. Fixed-dose combinations aim to improve adherence and reduce side effects compared to traditional therapies. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and clinical characteristics of ocular allergy in glaucoma patients using brinzolamide 1.0%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination (BBFC), with and without concurrent β-blocker.MethodsOf these, 176 patients used a β-blocker concurrently, whereas 96 patients did not. Allergy prevalence, allergy type, and allergy occurrence time were compared between the concurrent and non-concurrent β-blocker-usage groups. Ocular allergies were classified and evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.ResultsAllergy prevalence was 10.23% and 15.63% (p = 0.193), whereas allergy occurrence time was 15.92 ± 13.80 months and 6.26 ± 6.20 months (p = 0.04) in the concurrent and non-concurrent β-blocker-usage groups, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that half of the allergies in the concurrent β-blocker-usage group occurred within 12.5 months, with the BBFC discontinuation rate gradually increasing up to 36 months. Contrarily, half of the allergies in the non-concurrent β-blocker-usage group occurred within 3.3 months, with a rapid increase in BBFC discontinuation rate the first 6 months. Intergroup differences in allergy types were significant (p = 0.015). Among all patients with allergy, the average allergy occurrence time of blepharoconjunctivitis, papillary conjunctivitis, and follicular conjunctivitis was 12.52, 9.53, and 13.23 months, respectively. Follicular conjunctivitis tended to occur later than papillary conjunctivitis (p = 0.042). In the concurrent β-blocker-usage group, follicular conjunctivitis was the most prevalent allergy type (61.1%), whereas papillary conjunctivitis was the most common (66.7%) in in the non-concurrent β-blocker-usage group.ConclusionsConcurrent use of β-blocker with BBFC decreases allergy prevalence, delays allergy onset, and predominantly results in follicular conjunctivitis, thereby facilitating longer treatment duration. Understanding these characteristics of allergy in BBFC users is useful to manage patients and improve treatment adherence. This study provides insights into the role of β-blockers in modulating ocular allergy in BBFC-treated glaucoma patients, highlighting implications for clinical practice and patient education.

An experimental study on the thermal efficacy, combustion and exhaust characteristics of a CRDI CI engine fueled with a novel pedicel biodiesel

&lt;p&gt;In contemporary industrialization, the prevalent occurrence of energy crises and emissions poses significant challenges, necessitating the exploration of alternative fuel sources and the implementation of measures to minimize hazardous emissions. These efforts are crucial for attaining the sustainable development goals set forth by the United Nations. The current study is to empirically examine the effects of a newly developed biofuel on the operational characteristics of a CRDI engine this investigation will involve the utilization of different mixtures of pedicel oil at various brake mean effective pressures. The generation of oil from bio-waste collected from industry in Guntur Mirchi-yard, pedicel of dried hot paprika or chili using Soxhlet extraction method. After the synthesis, the characterization of Pedicel bio-oil (PBO) is done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and results are estimated using standard ASTM methods. After characterization, bio-oil is converted to pedicel bio-diesel (PBD) using a transesterification process. When the engine was operated using a combination of 80% diesel and 20% pedicel oil (referred to as the D80B20 blend), it resulted in a notable improvement in brake thermal efficiency by 1.6%. Additionally, this blend led to a reduction in emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 6.7%. However, it is worth noting that smoke levels marginally increased under full-load conditions with a 500 bar fuel injection pressure (FIP). The D80B20 fuel mixture exhibited a 7% reduction in hydrocarbon emissions compared to pure diesel fuel when the engine was operating at maximum load with an ignition timing of 23 ̊ before the top dead center. This numerical analysis clearly shows that D80B20 at IT 23 ̊ bTDC and FIP 500 bar give better results. Although it doesn't need any engine adaptations, the biodiesel made from leftover chili pedicel is a viable diesel replacement fuel.&lt;/p&gt;

Investigation of Nursing Errors in Greek Pediatric Hospitals

Background: Adverse events are a prevalent occurrence across pediatric healthcare environments, and patient safety is intricately tied to nursing errors due to nurses’ consistent presence and interaction with patients, which surpasses that of any other healthcare professional. This research sought to explore the factors influencing errors as perceived by pediatric nurses in Greek hospital settings. Methods: Clinical pediatric nurses voluntarily and anonymously completed a specialized structured survey, utilizing the Taxonomy of Error, Root Cause Analysis, and Practice-responsibility (TERCAP) tool, which delineates the circumstances surrounding errors occurring during clinical practice. Results: Among the participants employed in the pediatric department, 80.8% (n = 84) reported experiencing an error at their workplace. Notably, in 48.7% (n = 38) of these instances, the error was attributed to themselves (personal responsibility), while in 78.9% (n = 56) of cases, it was linked to errors committed by other colleagues in the clinic. As reported by participants in pediatric departments, the primary factors contributing to potential error occurrence include the absence or inadequacy of orientation and training for new staff (43.2%), the absence of a standardized protocol for resolving disagreements (39%), insufficient ongoing training (38.3%), and breakdowns in interdisciplinary communication (21%). Conclusions: By classifying errors based on various criteria such as outcomes, processes, cognitive reasoning, ethical considerations, and importance, this study presents a holistic framework for examining pediatric nurses’ errors from diverse perspectives. Through this classification approach, the study establishes a foundation for tailored interventions targeting particular aspects of errors and their root causes in pediatric departments.

Recombination and selection trajectory of the monkeypox virus during its adaptation in the human population.

Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), was historically confined to West and Central Africa but has now spread globally. Recombination and selection play crucial roles in the evolutionary adaptation of MPXV; however, the evolution of MPXV and its relationship with the recent, ground-breaking monkeypox epidemic remains poorly understood. To gain insights into the evolutionary dynamics of MPXV, comprehensive in silico recombination and selection analyses were conducted based on MPXV whole genome sequence data. Three types of recombination were identified: five ancestor-sharing interspecies recombination events, six specific interspecies recombination events and four intraspecies recombination events. The results highlight the prevalent occurrence of recombination in MPXV, with 73.3% occurring in variable regions of the genome. Selection analysis was performed from three dimensions: proteins around recombination regions, proteins from recombinant ancestors and MPXV branches, and whole-genome gene analysis. Results revealed 2 and 7 proteins under positive selection in the first two dimensions, respectively. These proteins are mainly involved in infection immunity, apoptosis regulation and viral virulence. Whole-genome analysis detected 25 genes under positive selection, mainly associated with immune response and viral regulation. Understanding their evolutionary patterns will help predict and prevent cross-species transmission, zoonotic outbreaks and potential human epidemics.

Retrospective analysis of laboratory diagnostic data to assess the prevalence and seasonal variation of Ehrlichia ruminantium in commercial farms of Lephalale Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa

Heartwater is an economically important disease of livestock and some wild ruminants in Southern Africa. The study used retrospective laboratory data from Lephalale Veterinary Laboratory, Limpopo to establish the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of heartwater in commercial farms of Lephalale Municipality between 2010 and 2022. A total of 472 brain samples from livestock (cattle, goats, sheep) and game carcasses brought to the laboratory for postmortem examination were subjected to heartwater testing using Giemsa staining technique. The overall prevalence of heartwater in Lephalale Municipality was 34.1% (95% CI = 29.9–38.6, p < 0.001). During the years under investigation, there was a significant (p < 0.001) variation, with the highest and lowest prevalence in 2022 (72.2%) and 2019 (6.3%), respectively. The prevalence of heartwater was high in springbok (57.1%), sheep (49.3%), cattle (36.6%) and goats (32.2%). Heartwater was detected throughout the year with autumn having the highest (40.6%) frequency followed by summer (40.3%), spring (30.5%) and winter (25.5%). This study is the first to establish the prevalence and seasonality of heartwater in Lephalale Municipality which will serve as a baseline for prevention and control strategies as well as future epidemiological studies. Official surveillance programmes, more research on the distribution and genotypes of E. ruminantium in the area need to be undertaken for better understanding of the disease in the area.

Occurrence of mosaic Down syndrome and prevalence of co-occurring conditions in Medicaid enrolled adults, 2016-2019.

Mosaic Down syndrome is a triplication of chromosome 21 in some but not all cells. Little is known about the epidemiology of mosaic Down syndrome. We described prevalence of mosaic Down syndrome and the co-occurrence of common chronic conditions in 94,533 Medicaid enrolled adults with any Down syndrome enrolled from 2016 to 2019. We identified mosaic Down syndrome using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth edition code for mosaic Down syndrome and compared to those with nonmosaic Down syndrome codes. We identified chronic conditions using established algorithms and compared prevalence by mosaicism. In total, 1966 (2.08%) had claims for mosaic Down syndrome. Mosaicism did not differ by sex or race/ethnicity with similar age distributions. Individuals with mosaicism were more likely to present with autism (13.9% vs. 9.6%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (17.7% vs. 14.0%) compared to individuals without mosaicism. In total, 22.3% of those with mosaic Down syndrome and 21.5% of those without mosaicism had claims for Alzheimer's dementia (Prevalence difference: 0.8; 95% Confidence interval: -1.0, 2.8). The mosaic group had 1.19 times the hazard of Alzheimer's dementia compared to the nonmosaic group (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3). Mosaicism may be associated with a higher susceptibility to certain neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's dementia. Our findings challenge previous assumptions about its protective effects in Down syndrome. Further research is necessary to explore these associations in greater depth.