Significant Disruption Research Articles

Multi-Timescale Voltage Regulation for Distribution Network with High Photovoltaic Penetration via Coordinated Control of Multiple Devices

The high penetration of distributed photovoltaics (PV) in distribution networks (DNs) results in voltage violations, imbalances, and flickers, leading to significant disruptions in DN stability. To address this issue, this paper proposes a multi-timescale voltage regulation approach that involves the coordinated control of a step voltage regulator (SVR), switched capacitor (SC), battery energy storage system (BESS), and electric vehicle (EV) across different timescales. During the day-ahead stage, the proposed method utilizes artificial hummingbird algorithm optimization-based least squares support vector machine (AHA-LSSVM) forecasting to predict the PV output, enabling the formulation of a day-ahead schedule for SVR and SC adjustments to maintain the voltage and voltage unbalance factor (VUF) within the limits. In the intra-day stage, a novel floating voltage threshold band (FVTB) control strategy is introduced to refine the day-ahead schedule, enhancing the voltage quality while reducing the erratic operation of SVR and SC under dead band control. For real-time operation, the African vulture optimization algorithm (AVOA) is employed to optimize the BESS output for precise voltage regulation. Additionally, a novel smoothing fluctuation threshold band (SFTB) control strategy and an initiate charging and discharging strategy (ICD) for the BESS are proposed to effectively smooth voltage fluctuations and expand the BESS capacity. To enhance user-side participation and optimize the BESS capacity curtailment, some BESSs are replaced by EVs for voltage regulation. Finally, a simulation conducted on a modified IEEE 33 system validates the efficacy of the proposed voltage regulation strategy.

Impact of a new pesticide on rhizosphere microbes and plant health: case study of Y17991 against sharp eyespot in wheat

Sharp eyespot (Rhizoctonia cerealis) is a widespread soil-borne fungal disease that poses a severe threat to wheat health, and it is one of the main obstacles to achieving stable and high-quality wheat yields in China. Our collaborative team has developed a novel, efficient, and low-toxicity fungicide named Y17991 (N-(2-(2,4-bis-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenyl)-3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide). Preliminary laboratory tests confirmed the significant inhibitory effect of this agent on R. cerealis. Large-area field trials also demonstrated its efficacy, with a disease prevention index of 83.52%, which is 1.97% greater than that of the widely used thifluzamide, and it significantly increased the wheat yield. Moreover, this study explored the impacts of Y17991 on the structure and function of the microbial community in wheat rhizosphere soil. Bacterial communities were more strongly affected than fungal communities. Y17991 significantly modulated key amino acid metabolic pathways and certain biosynthetic processes in diseased wheat rhizospheres, and it also enhanced certain biosynthetic pathways and metabolic activities in healthy wheat rhizospheres. Additionally, the application of Y17991 regulated rhizosphere metabolites, thus exerting significant control over the microbial community. We identified 15 microbial strains potentially involved in the prevention and treatment of R. cerealis, and Y17991 treatment promoted the growth of Pedobacter and Bacillus strains. These strains not only aid in plant growth but they also have the potential for disease prevention. In summary, Y17991 application at a reasonable dose does not cause significant disruption to nontarget rhizosphere microbial communities. In future studies, we will continue to investigate the impacts of Y17991 on nonmicrobial components in soil ecosystems, such as protozoa and nematodes. Our research provides a theoretical basis for the scientific application and promotion of new fungicides and offers a significant reference for establishing a comprehensive system for assessing the ecological impact of pesticides on the environment.

Manufacturing resilience through disruption mitigation using attention-based consistently-attributed graph embedded decision support system

With global supply chains experiencing significant disruptions, there is increasing emphasis on enhancing manufacturing resilience by mitigating supply chain-propagated impacts on production entities in a holistic manner. However, existing mitigative strategies typically rely on implicit experience, which may be biased and suboptimal. Furthermore, the lack of consideration towards the chain of custody, multi-disruption management, and transportation networks results in unintuitive systems. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes a graph embedding-based mitigation decision support system (GEM-DSS) using a heterogeneous industrial knowledge graph to facilitate disruption management. Addressing the prevailing industrial challenge of knowledge representations and graph incompleteness, an attention-based consistently-attributed graph embedding (ACAGE) model is proposed, with the capability to learn and factor in multi-attributes and multi-structures within the knowledge graph. Through supplier selection and material substitution mitigation strategies, two computational pipelines are designed as part of a dual-stage search mechanism to generate feasible solutions. The experimental results of the ACAGE model for knowledge graph completion outperform several attributed graph embedding baselines, achieving 0.999 AUC-ROC and 0.990 AUC-PR on the constructed real-world industrial knowledge graph. The functionality and applicability of the GEM-DSS are demonstrated in an automotive case study with dynamic considerations via a cognitive computing methodology. This study aims to provide valuable insights for both academia and industry towards enabling manufacturing continuity in the face of global supply chain challenges.

Early-Life Sublethal Exposure to Thiacloprid Alters Adult Honeybee Gut Microbiota.

Thiacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, is known to affect the gut microbiome of honeybees, yet studies often focus on immediate alternations during exposure, overlooking long-term microbiological impacts post-exposure. This study investigates the influences of sublethal thiacloprid administered during the larval developmental stage of honeybees on physiological changes and gut microbiota of adult honeybees. We found that thiacloprid exposure increased mortality and sugar intake in emerged honeybees. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, we analyzed intestinal microbial diversity of honeybees at one and six days post-emergence. Our findings reveal a significant but transient disruption in gut microbiota on day 1, with recovery from dysbiosis by day 6. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating chronic sublethal exposure risks of thiacloprid to protect honeybee health.

Occupational therapy for individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing renal rehabilitation: A literature review

Chronic kidney disease is a life-changing condition affecting 10% of the global population, leading to significant health challenges in a person’s daily life. It is considered a worldwide health crisis due to its increasing prevalence in the general population and the development of complicated clinical symptoms if left untreated. Hemodialysis is a treatment procedure that helps substitute renal function, which is vital for the individual's health. Most health-related scientific literature focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of the disease, advancing hemodialysis treatment, and minimizing adverse side effects. Meanwhile, another scientific direction aims to evaluate the functioning and quality of life of these individuals, who can, in some cases, become extremely debilitated. People with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis often experience a significant disruption in their ability and efficiency to perform meaningful tasks and established routines independently. Occupational therapy can help empower individuals with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis, enabling life participation while minimizing the burden and health-related consequences of the disease.

Changes in pituitary adenoma patient presentation and outcomes during the COVID pandemic at a Pituitary Center of Excellence.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to the surgical care of patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the pandemic on endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for patients with a pituitary adenoma. Patients from 2015 to 2022 that had EES for a pituitary adenoma were included in this study. Patients were separated into pre-COVID (January 2015-March 2020) and COVID (March 2020-September 2022) groups. Univariate analysis was done using chi-square, fisher exact tests, and t-tests to compare groups. This study included 492 patients that had EES for their pituitary adenoma. There were 314 patients in the pre-COVID group and 178 patients in the COVID group. Patients in the COVID group had a higher risk analysis index (RAI) frailty score (15 ± 10 pre-COVID vs. 20 ± 9 COVID, P < 0.001) and a higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)physical status score (3 or 4) (72.0% pre-COVID vs. 81.9% COVID, P = 0.02). There were significantly more macroadenoma cases (87.6% pre-COVID vs. 94.4% COVID, P = 0.02) and extrasellar surgical approaches (45.2% pre-COVID vs. 61.2% COVID, P < 0.001) during COVID. There was no significant difference in length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates between groups. Patients that presented during the pandemic tended to be more frail, have more comorbidities, and require additional extrasellar surgical approaches. Despite changes in clinical presentation and operative management, the LOS and readmission rate remained stable during COVID, supporting the safety of this procedure during the recent pandemic.

The Regulation of Frontal Cortex Cholesterol Metabolism Abnormalities by NR3C1/NRIP1/NR1H2 Is Involved in the Occurrence of Stress-Induced Depression.

Stress-induced alterations in central neuron metabolism and function are crucial contributors to depression onset. However, the metabolic dysfunctions of the neurons associated with depression and specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study initially analyzed the relationship between cholesterol and depression using the NHANES database. We then induced depressive-like behaviors in mice via restraint stress. Applying bioinformatics, pathology, and molecular biology, we observed the pathological characteristics of brain cholesterol homeostasis and investigated the regulatory mechanisms of brain cholesterol metabolism disorders. Through the NHANES database, we initially confirmed a significant correlation between cholesterol metabolism abnormalities and depression. Furthermore, based on successful stress mouse model establishment, we discovered the number of cholesterol-related DEGs significantly increased in the brain due to stress, and exhibited regional heterogeneity. Further investigation of the frontal cortex, a brain region closely related to depression, revealed stress caused significant disruption to key genes related to cholesterol metabolism, including HMGCR, CYP46A1, ACAT1, APOE, ABCA1, and LDLR, leading to an increase in total cholesterol content and a significant decrease in synaptic proteins PSD-95 and SYN. This indicates cholesterol metabolism affects neuronal synaptic plasticity and is associated with stress-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. Adeno-associated virus interference with NR3C1 in the prefrontal cortex of mice subjected to short-term stress resulted in reduced protein levels of NRIP1, NR1H2, ABCA1, and total cholesterol content. At the same time, it increased synaptic proteins PSD95 and SYN, effectively alleviating depressive-like behavior. Therefore, these results suggest that short-term stress may induce cholesterol metabolism disorders by activating the NR3C1/NRIP1/NR1H2 signaling pathway. This impairs neuronal synaptic plasticity and consequently participates in depressive-like behavior in mice. These findings suggest that abnormal cholesterol metabolism in the brain induced by stress is a significant contributor to depression onset.

Clinical evolution of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease during the COVID-19 pandemic (the COVID-PAD study).

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in chronic disease care and forced people to stay at home. The effects of such issues on outpatients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) remain unknown. Patients and methods: Single-centre, retrospective-prospective study conducted in a Swiss University Hospital. Patients with PAD were included between May 1 and July 31, 2020, with a follow-up visit at 12 months. Upon both visits, the Leriche-Fontaine PAD stage was recorded, and study participants underwent ankle-brachial index (ABI) calculation to assess limb perfusion. Functional capacities were assessed through the 6-minute walking and treadmill tests. Major adverse cardiovascular (MACE) and limb events (MALE) were recorded. Data collected during the pandemic were compared with the pre-pandemic period (January 1, 2019-April 30, 2020). Results: Overall, 259 patients were included. Mean age was 69 years and male sex was prevalent (69.1%). Odds of experiencing a degradation in PAD stage were lower during the pandemic than before (odds ratio [OR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.87; p = 0.018). No significant difference was found between periods in terms of ABI trends. Both pain-free walking time at treadmill test (p = 0.003) and maximal pain intensity at 6-minute walking test (p = 0.001) significantly improved during the pandemic. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, during the pandemic patients were hospitalized less frequently (p = 0.028) and were less likely to undergo elective limb revascularization (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between periods in terms of MALE (p = 0.311), whereas non-fatal strokes were less frequently reported during the pandemic (p = 0.043). Conclusion: In a cohort of outpatients with PAD, we found no evidence of clinical deterioration during the pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period, though rates of adverse events were nonnegligible in both periods. In case of future pandemics, patients with PAD should be encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle while being closely monitored to avoid clinical worsening.

Flow augmentation therapies preserve brain network integrity and hemodynamics in a canine permanent occlusion model

The acute phase of ischemic stroke presents a critical window for therapeutic intervention, where novel approaches such as hyper-acute cerebral flow augmentation offer promising avenues for neuroprotection. In this study, we investigated the effects of two such therapies, NEH (a combination of norepinephrine and hydralazine) and Sanguinate (pegylated bovine carboxyhemoglobin), on resting-state functional connectivity, global mean signal (GMS), and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) time lag in a pre-clinical canine model of stroke via permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (total of n = 40 IACUC-approved mongrel canines randomly split into control/natural history and two treatment groups). Utilizing group independent component analysis (ICA), we identified and examined the integrity of sensorimotor and visual networks both pre- and post-occlusion, across treatment and control groups. Our results demonstrated that while the control group exhibited significant disruptions in these networks following stroke, the treatment groups showed remarkable preservation of network integrity. Voxel-wise functional connectivity analysis revealed less pronounced alterations in the treatment groups, suggesting maintained neural connections. Notably, the treatments stabilized GMS, with only minimal reductions observed post-occlusion compared to significant decreases in the control group. Furthermore, BOLD time-lag unity plots indicated that NEH and Sanguinate maintained consistent hemodynamic response timing, as evidenced by tighter clustering around the line of unity, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect. These findings were underscored by robust statistical analyses, including paired T-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests, which confirmed the significance of the connectivity changes observed. The correlation of BOLD time-lag variations with neuroimaging functional biomarkers highlighted the impact of stroke and the efficacy of early therapeutic interventions. Our study supports the further study of flow augmentation therapies such as NEH and Sanguinate in stroke treatment protocols and suggests flow augmentation therapies should be further explored in an effort to improve patient outcomes.

Humanitarian supply chain resilience: does organizational flexibility matter?

PurposeThe COVID-19 epidemic caused significant disruptions to numerous supply chains. In order to enhance the resilience of supply chains, Collaboration (CO), Information Alignment (IA), and Big Data Analytics Capability (BDAC) have emerged as contemporary strategies within the humanitarian context. This study was conducted to explore the mechanism via which the effect of BDAC, IA and CO on Humanitarian Supply Chain Resilience (HSCR) in the humanitarian space could be optimized through Organizational Flexibility (OF).Design/methodology/approachA model of six hypotheses was developed based on the Organizational Information Processing Theory (OIPT). Data from 127 supply chain managers in humanitarian organizations were used to test the hypotheses. The analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 26 and Smart-PLS version 3.FindingsThe study revealed that BDAC, IA, and CO individually influence supply chain resilience in the humanitarian setting while OF did not moderate the relationship between BDAC, IA, CO, and HSCR.Practical implicationsIt is essential that humanitarian stakeholders prioritize factors that could increase supply chain resilience by employing contemporary BDA technologies, effective information flow, and collaborative strategies to set up a robust humanitarian SC system that could help lessen the impact of disasters.Originality/valueThis presents interesting insights that advance theoretical debates on how CO, IA, and BDAC under varying levels of OF could influence SCR in the humanitarian context. The paper further offers some useful guidance to managers in relief organizations who desire to build resilient supply chains by leveraging BDAC, collaboration and information alignment. Finally, the paper may also provoke future humanitarian scholars to replicate the study using different approaches.

The work-lives of Canadian Registered Dietitians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive analysis of survey data

BackgroundHealthcare workers experienced significant disruptions to both their personal and professional lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. How healthcare workers were impacted varied, depending on area of specialization, work setting, and factors such as gender. Dietetics is a female-dominated profession and the differential impact on women of the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely reported. While researchers have explored Registered Dietitians’ (RDs) experiences during the pandemic, none have looked explicitly at their experiences of redeployment. The objectives of this study were to better understand: (i) the impact of COVID-19 (and related redeployments) on the work-lives of RDs, (ii) what types of COVID-19 related supports and training were made available to these RDs, and (iii) the impact of RD redeployment on access to RD services.MethodsAn online survey was administered in June 2022. Any RD that that was publicly-employed in Canada during the pandemic was eligible to participate. The survey included questions related to respondent demographics, professional details, redeployment and training. We conducted descriptive analyses on the quantitative data.ResultsThe survey was completed by 205 eligible RDs. There were notable differences between public health and clinical RDs’ redeployment experiences. Only 17% of clinical RDs had been redeployed, compared to 88% of public health RDs. Public health RDs were redeployed for longer and were more likely to be redeployed to roles that did not required RD-specific knowledge or skills. The most commonly reported mandatory training was for proper use of personal protective equipment. The most commonly reported reasons for a lengthy absence from work were anxiety about contracting COVID-19, school closures and limited child care availability.ConclusionsPublic health RDs are at the forefront of campaigns to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve health equity and enhance the sustainability of food systems. Close to 90% of these RDs were redeployed, with many seeing their typical work undone for many months. More research is needed to quantify the consequences of going without a public health nutrition workforce for an extended period of time and to understand the differential impact gender may have had on work experiences during the pandemic.

Silencing the Rainbow: The Territorial Effects of Pride Cancellation

The pause in Pride parades, particularly highlighted during the pandemic, reminds us of the importance of actively including and celebrating nonheteronormative communities. It emphasizes the need to cultivate understanding and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations. This study navigates through the landscape of Madrid Pride, focusing on understanding how its unforeseen cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic has influenced the LGBTQIA+ communities’ sense of space, openness, safety, visibility, acceptance, and equality. The research is centered on examining the connection between Pride parades and the appropriation of spaces that are typically seen as conforming to heterosexual norms. It takes into account the viewpoints of the LGBTQIA+ community (including activists, organizations, and potential attendees) as well as the perspectives of event stakeholders (such as organizations, local community members, and tourism professionals). A social representation theory‐based inductive approach was utilized, drawing from queer and feminist perspectives. The cancellation of Pride events in recent times has caused significant disruption to the de‐ and reterritorialization of space. This has had far-reaching implications in both the political and social realms for the LGBTQIA+ community and its public profile.

Exploring the viability of Virtual Reality as a teaching method for knee aspiration

Knee arthrocentesis is a simple procedure commonly performed by general practitioners and junior doctors. As such, doctors should be competent and comfortable in performing the technique by themselves; however, they need to be adequately trained. The best method to ensure practitioner proficiency is by optimizing teaching at an institutional level, thus, educating all future doctors in the procedure. However, the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant disruption to hospital teaching for medical students which necessitated investigating the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a platform to emulate hospital teaching of knee arthrocentesis. A workshop was conducted with 100 fourth year medical students divided into three Groups: A, B and C, each receiving a pre-reading online lecture. Group A was placed in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station where they were assessed by a blinded orthopaedic surgeon using the OSCE assessment rubric. Group B undertook a hands-on practice station prior to assessment, while Group C received a VR video (courtesy of the University of Adelaide’s Health Simulation) in the form of VR headset or 360° surround immersion room and hands-on station followed by the OSCE. Upon completion of the workshop, students completed a questionnaire on their confidence with the procedure and the practicality of the VR station. OSCE scores were compared between Groups B and C to investigate the educational value of VR teaching. On average, students with VR headsets reported higher confidence with the procedure and were more inclined to undertake it on their own. Students in Group C who used the VR station prior to assessment scored higher than the non-VR Groups (Group A, 56%; Group B, 67%; Group C 83%). Students in Group A had statistically significant results on average compared to those in Group B (t(69) = 3.003, p = 0.003), as do students in Group B compared to Group C (t(62) = 5.400, p < 0.001). Within Group C students who were given VR headsets scored higher than immersion room students. The VR headset was beneficial in providing students with a representation of how knee arthrocentesis may be conducted in the hospital setting. While VR will not replace conventional in-hospital teaching, given current technological limitations, it serves as an effective teaching aid for arthrocentesis and has many other potential applications for a wide scope of medicine and surgical training.

Sleep EEG signatures in mouse models of 15q11.2-13.1 duplication (Dup15q) syndrome

BackgroundSleep disturbances are a prevalent and complex comorbidity in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Dup15q syndrome (duplications of 15q11.2-13.1) is a genetic disorder highly penetrant for NDDs such as autism and intellectual disability and it is frequently accompanied by significant disruptions in sleep patterns. The 15q critical region harbors genes crucial for brain development, notably UBE3A and a cluster of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) genes. We previously described an electrophysiological biomarker of the syndrome, marked by heightened beta oscillations (12-30 Hz) in individuals with Dup15q syndrome, akin to electroencephalogram (EEG) alterations induced by allosteric modulation of GABAARs. Those with Dup15q syndrome exhibited increased beta oscillations during the awake resting state and during sleep, and they showed profoundly abnormal NREM sleep. This study aims to assess the translational validity of these EEG signatures and to delve into their neurobiological underpinnings by quantifying sleep physiology in chromosome-engineered mice with maternal (matDp/ + mice) or paternal (patDp/ + mice) inheritance of the full 15q11.2-13.1-equivalent duplication, and mice with duplication of just the UBE3A gene (Ube3a overexpression mice; Ube3a OE mice) and comparing the sleep metrics with their respective wildtype (WT) littermate controls.MethodsWe collected 48-h EEG/EMG recordings from 35 (23 male, 12 female) 12–24-week-old matDp/ + , patDp/ + , Ube3a OE mice, and their WT littermate controls. We quantified baseline sleep, sleep fragmentation, spectral power dynamics during sleep states, and recovery following sleep deprivation. Within each group, distinctions between Dup15q mutant mice and WT littermate controls were evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and student’s t-test. The impact of genotype and time was discerned through repeated measures ANOVA, and significance was established at p < 0.05.ResultsOur study revealed that across brain states, matDp/ + mice mirrored the elevated beta oscillation phenotype observed in clinical EEGs from individuals with Dup15q syndrome. Time to sleep onset after light onset was significantly reduced in matDp/ + and Ube3a OE mice. However, NREM sleep between Dup15q mutant and WT littermate mice remained unaltered, suggesting a divergence from the clinical presentation in humans. Additionally, while increased beta oscillations persisted in matDp/ + mice after 6-h of sleep deprivation, recovery NREM sleep remained unaltered in all groups, thus suggesting that these mice exhibit resilience in the fundamental processes governing sleep-wake regulation.ConclusionsQuantification of mechanistic and translatable EEG biomarkers is essential for advancing our understanding of NDDs and their underlying pathophysiology. Our study of sleep physiology in the Dup15q mice underscores that the beta EEG biomarker has strong translational validity, thus opening the door for pre-clinical studies of putative drug targets, using the biomarker as a translational measure of drug-target engagement. The unaltered NREM sleep may be due to inherent differences in neurobiology between mice and humans. These nuanced distinctions highlight the complexity of sleep disruptions in Dup15q syndrome and emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding that encompasses both shared and distinct features between murine models and clinical populations.

Time series analysis of COVID-19's impact on physician and dentist visits in Iran

This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on general practitioner (GP), specialist, and dentist visits among 40 million Iranians covered by the Social Security Organization (SSO). A monthly interrupted time series analysis was conducted over a period of 72 months, including—47 months before the pandemic and 25 months after its onset. The outcomes variables were monthly number of GP, specialist, and dentist visits per 1000 SSO-insured individuals. The analysis was performed by total visits, visits to the SSO direct sector, and visits to the indirect sectors. The study found that in the first month of the pandemic, the number of visits per 1000 insured individuals significantly decreased for visits to GPs (by 51.12, 95% CI −64.42 to −37.88), visits to specialists (by 39.11, 95% CI −51.61 to −26.62), and visits to dentists (by 6.67, 95% CI −8.55 to −4.78). However, during the subsequent months of the pandemic, there was a significant increase in the number of monthly visits for all three categories, with GPs experiencing the highest increase (1.78 visits per 1000 insured), followed by specialists (1.32 visits per 1000 insured), and dentists (0.05 visits per 1000 insured). Furthermore, prior to the pandemic, the number of monthly GP visits per 1000 insured individuals was statistically significantly lower in the indirect sector compared to the direct sector (45.79, 95% CI −52.69 to −38.89). Conversely, the direct sector exhibited lower rates of specialist visits (25.84 visits per 1000 insured individuals, 95% CI 22.87 to 28.82) and dentist visits (0.75 visits per 1000 insured individuals, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.36) compared to the indirect sector. Additionally, the study found that in the first month of the pandemic, the monthly number of GP visits in the indirect sector significantly increased by 34.44 times (95% CI 24.81 to 44.08) compared to the direct sector. For specialist visits and dentist visits, the increase was 3.41 (95% CI −5.87 to 12.69) and 5.01 (95% CI 3.48 to 6.53) per 1000 insured individuals, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrate statistically significant disruptions in GP, specialist, and dentist visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, although some recovery was observed. Both the direct and indirect sectors experienced decreased visits.

Impact of El Niño, Indian Ocean dipole, and Madden–Julian oscillation on land surface temperature in Kuching City Sarawak, during the periods of 1997/1998 and 2015/2016: a pilot study

ABSTRACT The severe El Niño events of 1997/1998 and 2015/2016 caused significant disruptions in Southeast Asia, particularly in Borneo, resulting in hazardous haze and acute water shortages. This study examines the influence of El Niño, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) on regional climate, using time-series data from February 1993 to December 2020. Data from El Niño, IOD, and MJO indices were integrated with Landsat 5 and 8 land surface temperature records, allowing for a detailed analysis of their combined effects on regional temperature and precipitation patterns. Time-series trend decomposition and the generalized linear mixed model approach identified the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) as a significant driver of temperature increases and dry spell occurrences during the peak El Niño years. On the other hand, ONI correlated strongly with mean monthly temperatures, underscoring its dominant influence. In addition, the IOD was found to significantly affect regional temperatures with a regression coefficient of 0.38867 (p = 0.0455), indicating its significant but less pronounced impact compared with ONI. These findings clarify the dynamics between key climate indices and their impact on regional climate extremes, offering critical insights for improving climate resilience and adaptation in tropical regions.

Integrating 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis to reveal the mechanism of Angelica sinensis oil in alleviating ulcerative colitis in mice

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (AS) is a commonly used herbal medicine and culinary spice known for its gastrointestinal protective properties. Angelica sinensis oil (AO) is the main bioactive component of AS. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of AO on the gastrointestinal tract remain unclear. In this study, we aim to investigated the potential of AO in restoring gut microbiota disorder and metabolic disruptions associated with ulcerative colitis (UC). A systematic chemical characterization of AO was conducted using GC×GC-Q TOF-MS. A UC mouse model was established by freely drinking DSS to assess the efficacy of AO. Utilizing 16 S rRNA sequencing in combination with untargeted metabolomics analysis of serum, we identified alterations in gut microbiota, differential metabolites, and pathways influenced by AO in UC treatment, thereby elucidating the therapeutic mechanism of AO in UC management. Pharmacodynamic results indicated that AO effectively inhibited the content of inflammation mediators, such as Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and proserved colon tissue integrity in UC mice. Furthermore, AO significantly downregulated the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Desulfobacteriaceae) while increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Blautia, Akkermansia, and Lachnospiraceae). Metabolomics analysis highlighted significant disruptions in endogenous metabolism in UC mice, with a notable restoration of SphK1 and S1P levels following AO administration. Besides, we discovered that AO regulated the balance of sphingolipid metabolism and protected the intestinal barrier, potentially through the SphK1/MAPK signaling pathway. Overall, this study indicated that AO effectively ameliorates the clinical manifestations of UC by synergistically regulating gut microbe and metabolite homeostasis. AO emerges as a potential functional and therapeutic ingredient for UC treatment.

Comparative Assessment of Physicochemical and Biological Indicies of Otamiri and Nworie River Using a Piper Diagram Model

The Surface Water Resources of Otamiri-Nworie Watershed within the Owerri Metropolis were studied with the prime aim of developing a Non-Point Source Event-Based Model to Contamination of the water bodies. Clean, safe, and sufficient water is essential for both human existence and the health of ecosystems, communities, and economies (Fubara and Kpormon, 2023). As human populations increase, industrial and agricultural production increases, and climate change pose a threat of significant disruption of the hydrologic cycle, and as such, declining water quality has emerged as a major global problem (Ogbonna and Orinya, 2023). Human-drinking water must be free of organisms and chemical substances, as high amounts might be harmful to one’s health (Adeyi et al., 2021). This study aimed at comparatively assessing the physicochemical and biological indices of Otamiri and Nworie Rivers, and the Piper diagram model was employed for the analysis. Fifteen water samples were collected along the course of the two rivers and analyzed for physical, chemical and microbial parameters. Physical, chemical, and biological parameters were analyzed. The analytical results of the samples were compared with notable standards like the World Health Organization [WHO], etc. It was observed that all the parameters analyzed for the rivers fall below the acceptable standards except for pH (6.5-8.5) indicating the acidic nature of these water bodies. Similarly, the colour value of the two rivers ranges between 21.5 to 229 PCU and observed to be decreasing downstream within Nworie and Otamiri rivers. Within the river Nworie axis, both the total dissolved solids (TDS) and the total suspended solids (TSS) were observed to be increasing downstream. Along Otamiri river before confluence, total dissolved solids increased downstream whereas the reverse was the case for the total suspended solids, just after the confluence. There is a noticeable increase in dissolved oxygen (DO) downstream within the Nworie axis. The biological oxygen demand (BOD) values for the rivers were below the WHO standard. Finally, the major sources of contamination within the study area revealed that they are mainly from agricultural practices, dumpsites, and human defecation. The quality can be improved by applying appropriate treatment to the water before its use for various purposes.

Craving Closure: The Challenges of a Canceled Commencement During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

As a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic, significant disruptions were experienced in the 2020 school year. Transitions to remote teaching and student dismissal from campuses contributed to higher rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty about student futures. Many educational institutions in the U.S. had to cancel or modify commencement ceremonies in response to social distancing mandates. For emerging adults in college, those ages 18–25, the loss of a traditional graduation event made the transition out of school and into adult roles and responsibilities more challenging. This study, based on qualitative surveys of 38 graduates from the class of 2020 who attended a private liberal arts college and experienced a virtual graduation ceremony, reveals that without the formal closure on the liminal period of emerging adulthood and the college years, many graduates were struggling to feel a sense of being ready to move on to graduate school or adult working roles. The life course perspective is employed to examine the impacts of the disruptions to the educational experience and put the loss of rituals in context for emerging adults today.

Neuroimage Analysis Methods and Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Reliable Biomarkers and Accurate Diagnosis of Schizophrenia: Achievements Made by Chinese Scholars Around the Past Decade.

Schizophrenia (SZ) is characterized by significant cognitive and behavioral disruptions. Neuroimaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been widely utilized to investigate biomarkers of SZ, distinguish SZ from healthy conditions or other mental disorders, and explore biotypes within SZ or across SZ and other mental disorders, which aim to promote the accurate diagnosis of SZ. In China, research on SZ using MRI has grown considerably in recent years. The article reviews advanced neuroimaging and artificial intelligence (AI) methods using single-modal or multimodal MRI to reveal the mechanism of SZ and promote accurate diagnosis of SZ, with a particular emphasis on the achievements made by Chinese scholars around the past decade. Our article focuses on the methods for capturing subtle brain functional and structural properties from the high-dimensional MRI data, the multimodal fusion and feature selection methods for obtaining important and sparse neuroimaging features, the supervised statistical analysis and classification for distinguishing disorders, and the unsupervised clustering and semi-supervised learning methods for identifying neuroimage-based biotypes. Crucially, our article highlights the characteristics of each method and underscores the interconnections among various approaches regarding biomarker extraction and neuroimage-based diagnosis, which is beneficial not only for comprehending SZ but also for exploring other mental disorders. We offer a valuable review of advanced neuroimage analysis and AI methods primarily focused on SZ research by Chinese scholars, aiming to promote the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of SZ, as well as other mental disorders, both within China and internationally.