Search Results (6,622)

Background: Healthcare workers are exposed to an unhealthy environment that increases the risk of developing tuberculosis. Objective: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with tuberculosis among healthcare workers. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using six databases. Methodological quality was assessed according to JBI recommendations. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed for reporting. Results: Thirty-two articles were included in the evidence synthesis. The prevalence of tuberculosis among healthcare workers was found to be 15.92% [95% CI 8.49–27.88|I² = 99% | p = 0]. Female sex was associated with 1.37 times higher odds of infection [95% CI 0.68–2.38, I² = 80%, p = 0.01]. Advanced age increased the odds by 1.47 times [95% CI 1.33–4.62, I² = 76%, p = 0.01]. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of tuberculosis in the workplace and the implementation of continuing education programs with preventive strategies are essential to control contamination and the spread of the disease: CRD42022320153. Full article

This study aimed to examine reading interest profiles among preservice Chinese language teachers and related factors making them begin to like or dislike reading. In total, 321 college students majoring in Chinese language education in elementary and secondary schools participated in this study and completed a reading interest questionnaire. The questionnaire contains one close-ended question asking about their reading interest levels across seven periods (from preschool to college) and three open-ended questions asking about the reasons influencing their reading interest levels. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify reading interest profiles, and qualitative analysis was used to examine factors influencing their reading interests. The LPA results revealed three profiles, namely, mountain (up-down), valley (up-down-up), and upslope (up). The qualitative analysis revealed that motivators encouraging students to read included literacy sponsors, improved reading ability, reading time, extrinsic motivators, curiosity and desire for knowledge, access to reading, discovery of preferred texts, and relief from academic stress and relaxation. By contrast, barriers associated with the decline in reading interest included academic burdens and pressure, the availability of alternatives, a lack of reading ability, a loss of reading autonomy, a lack of literacy sponsors, limited access to reading, and inappropriate texts. Literacy researchers and educators should listen to students’ voices, understand their reading experiences, and consider developing appropriate intervention programs for literacy at different periods. Full article

Background: Right anterior mini-thoracotomy has gained increasing popularity as a preferred approach for mitral valve surgery due to its numerous advantages. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in elderly patients. Methods: Between January 2010 and November 2024, a total of 4092 adult patients underwent mitral valve repair or replacement at our institution. Of these, 1687 patients were treated using a minimally invasive approach. This analysis focuses on elderly patients aged 75 years and older (n = 402), further subdivided into two groups: 75–79 years (n = 253) and 80 years and older (n = 149). Results: The study population comprised 49.8% male patients. A small percentage (1.7%) had a history of endocarditis, and 6.5% had undergone prior cardiac surgery. The median logistic EuroSCORE was 7.68 (IQR 5.83–11.00), and the median EuroSCORE II was 2.75 (1.71, 4.40). Alternative cannulation strategies, guided by AngioCT scans, can expand the applicability of this technique to patients unsuitable for femoral cannulation. Median durations for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamping were 99.5 and 80.0 min, respectively. Median ventilation time was 7 h, and the median ICU stay was 2 days. Atrial fibrillation was the most common postoperative complication (20.9%). A significant proportion of patients (47.8%) required blood transfusions, and 3.0% needed re-exploration for bleeding. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.7%, with 7 (1.7%) patients requiring postoperative dialysis and 5 (1.2%) experiencing sepsis and multiple organ failure. Patients aged 80 years and older exhibited worse renal function and higher EuroSCOREs compared to the younger group (p < 0.001). However, they had shorter CPB (p = 0.004) and cross-clamp times (p = 0.001) and underwent a higher proportion of valve replacements (p = 0.003). Rates of major complications and in-hospital mortality were comparable between the two age groups. Logistic regression analysis identified the logistic EuroSCORE as the only significant preoperative risk factor (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Right anterior minithoracotomy is a safe and reproducible surgical approach, even in elderly patients, promoting faster recovery with a lower risk of complications. Among patients aged >80 years, despite higher comorbidities and elevated EuroSCORE II, in-hospital outcomes are comparable to those aged 75–79 years. Full article

The political commitment to reaching carbon-free energy generation by the year 2050 has led to an increased expansion of renewable energy power plants. As renewable energy generation is intermittent and current energy storage options are limited, a diversified energy grid including nuclear power is the preferable choice for most nations. Many innovative reactor concepts are being pursued in research and development, aiming to supplement fluctuating energy sources. However, it is yet unclear if these technologies can be economically deployed in time. This paper presents the current political views and events concerning the global expansion of nuclear energy, focusing on Europe and the USA. Further, the most important safety aspects of large nuclear power plants are discussed. Moreover, knowledge and definition gaps regarding the applicability of established procedures for innovative reactor concepts are included. The authors highlight that advanced manufacturing techniques play a key role in the economic and technical realization of innovative reactor concepts. The present work is intended to provide insight into current developments in nuclear technology while providing more detail on safety aspects and innovative manufacturing methods. Full article

Background: Protein substitutes are essential in the dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU). Transition from first-stage phenylalanine (Phe)-free infant formula to second- and third-stage protein substitutes is carefully managed to meet a child’s evolving nutritional needs, feeding abilities, and developmental progression. However, clinical protocols, product access, and reimbursement vary globally. This study assessed international transition practices. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey explored health professionals’ practices on transition timing, influencing factors, product forms, casein-glycomacropeptide (cGMP) use, and perceived barriers and facilitators. Results: A total of 106 professionals from 32 countries participated: Europe (67%), Asia (12%), North America (10%), South America (8%), and Oceania (3%). Dietitians led transitions in 83% of centers. First-stage Phe-free infant formula was typically discontinued at 1–2 years (66%). Second-stage substitutes were introduced at 6–12 months in Europe (61%) and Oceania (100%), but after age one in Asia (69%), North America (72%), and South America (100%). Influencing factors included weaning alignment (46%) and nutritional needs (42%). Semi-solids were preferred in Europe (56%) and Oceania (67%), while powdered drinks dominated in Asia (62%), North America (82%), and South America (100%). Third-stage protein substitutes were introduced at 3–5 years (45%), with later transitions more common in South America (88%) and North America (63%). Ready-to-drink forms were frequent in Oceania (100%), Asia (92%), and Europe (85%). cGMP was prescribed by 61%, mainly guided by preference, Phe tolerance, and adherence; 26% reported no access. Key facilitators for transition included motivation (79%) and sensory properties (69%); barriers included aversion (70%) and poor taste/texture (69%). School involvement was reported by 32%. Conclusions: Protein substitute transition practices in PKU vary globally. International guidance and equitable product access are needed. Full article

AUVs offer the potential for in situ MP detection at constant, pre-set depths in marine environments. By carrying onboard MP detectors, AUVs can serve as alternatives to traditional methods of sample collection, processing, and analysis, while also addressing the inefficiencies and complexities associated with conventional detection procedures. This study conducts a comprehensive review of existing and potential MP detection methods that can be integrated with AUVs for in situ detection. In particular, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, this review analyzes selected studies on MP detection using AUVs. It finds that real-time, in situ MP detection via AUVs or multi-AUV systems remains underdeveloped. Key challenges include deep-sea communication, sensor integration, and underwater durability. The review highlights the current advances, research gaps, and future directions for AUV-based MP detection technologies. Full article

Supply chain resilience is a growing concern as risk becomes increasingly challenging to interpret and anticipate due to sudden global events that disrupt the core of global supply chains. This paper discusses the use of advanced technologies to enhance supply chain resilience, proposing a two-step hybrid fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach that evaluates a set of different supply chain KPIs or criteria that trigger possible supply chain risks, with a focus on transportation disruptions. Using FAHP, the highest potential risks from disasters are identified, and TOPSIS is used to rank alternative solutions that enhance supply chain resilience. The approach is tested on real-world applications across multiple supply chain systems involving various companies and experts to demonstrate its validity, feasibility, and applicability. Based on five criteria and six alternatives per case study, the findings showed that for manufacturing supply chains, the highest risk was attributed to travel time (46%), and the most effective solution to mitigate it was found to be strengthening highway networks (0.72). For transportation, delivery time (56%) was the primary risk, addressed by green logistics and sustainability (0.89). Full article

Chili (Capsicum sp.) is a high-value crop cultivated by farmers, but its production is vulnerable to weather extremes (such as irregular rainfall, high temperatures, and storms), pest and disease outbreaks, and spatially fragmented cultivation, resulting in unstable yields and income. Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) offer promising tools for the timely, spatially explicit monitoring of chili crops. Despite growing interest in agricultural applications of these technologies, no systematic review has yet synthesized how RS and GIS have been used in chili production. This systematic review addresses this gap by evaluating existing literature on methodological approaches and thematic trends in the use of RS and GIS in chili crop monitoring and management. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines a comprehensive literature search was conducted using predefined keywords across Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Sixty-five peer-reviewed articles published through January 2025 were identified and grouped into different thematic areas: crop mapping, biotic stress, abiotic stress, land suitability, crop health, soil and fertilizer management, and others. The findings indicate RS predominantly serves as the primary analytical method (82% of studies), while GIS primarily supports spatial integration and visualization. Key research gaps identified include limitations in spatial resolution, insufficient integration of intelligent predictive models, and limited scalability for smallholder farming contexts. The review highlights the need for future research incorporating high-resolution RS data, advanced modelling techniques, and spatial decision-support frameworks. These insights aim to guide researchers, agronomists, and policymakers toward enhanced precision monitoring and digital innovation in chili crop production. Full article

The diagnosis of swine influenza A virus (swIAV) has to involve laboratory detection, as the clinical signs are not pathognomonic. Nasal swabs (NSs) have been the preferred sample material for swIAV PCR diagnostics, but oral fluid (OF) is a convenient alternative material. In this study, NSs and OFs from 35 Polish swine herds were collected and tested with real-time RT-PCR in order to assess swIAV circulation patterns in Poland and improve protocols for efficient, non-invasive and cost-effective swIAV surveillance in pig farms. The study showed that the swIAV RNA was detected in 65.7% of the tested farms. In total, 21.2% of NS pools and 48.6% of OF samples were positive for swIAV. The Ct values in NS pools and OFs were similar (p > 0.05), but a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in swIAV prevalence in NSs was observed in nursery pigs from farms applying swIAV vaccinations. Successful subtyping was achieved more effectively with OFs compared to NSs, and the H1avN2 was most prevalent subtype detected. The results emphasized that OF can be useful for monitoring swIAV and subtyping. However, OFs cannot replace NSs, which were more useful in the assessment of the effect of swIAV vaccinations in nursery pigs. Full article

In this paper, we aimed to evaluate whether simple, low molecular mass benzoquinone derivatives, featuring different substituents in para- and meta-position relative to the tert-butyl group, possess biological activities against major targets associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives studied herein inhibited both cholinesterases in the micromolar concentration range, generally showing a preference for butyrylcholinesterase over acetylcholinesterase; formed complexes with biometal ions Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺; and displayed a certain BACE1 inhibition. Moreover, the tested compounds displayed certain antioxidant activity via either electron transfer or hydrogen atom transfer mechanisms. The antioxidant capacity of the unsubstituted tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (compound 1) was three times lower than that of the standard antioxidant BHT, while 2,6-disubstituted derivatives (compounds 15 and 7) exhibited peroxyl radical scavenging activity comparable to that of Trolox. Taken together with in silico-predicted low toxicity, good intestinal absorption and favorable oral bioavailability, the presented 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives are promising scaffolds for the design of more complex molecules with enhanced cholinesterase and BACE1 inhibitory activity. Furthermore, they could serve as functional substituents in other structural scaffolds to combine and enhance their biological activities. Full article

Mineral resource classification plays a critical role in communicating confidence levels, yet supporting methodologies such as drill-hole spacing analysis and geostatistical simulations are not consistently applied in routine updates of deterministic resource models. As a result, both local and global uncertainty quantification remain underutilized, and drilling requirements are often defined without a clear link to uncertainty reduction. This paper introduces a mineral resource uncertainty and drilling policy framework developed and applied at Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi (CMDIC). The framework quantifies the uncertainty of each mineral resource model update when new data are available and provides an initial approach to determining drilling requirements based on CMDIC’s risk acceptance policies for different project stages. The proposed approach is a stochastic workflow that uses the current deterministic mineral resource model and database to generate geostatistical simulations. These simulations account for data quality, quantity, geological variability, and copper-grade variability. They form the basis for mineral resource classification with an explicit uncertainty quantification and provide an optimized drilling campaign to achieve desired risk levels subject to budget constraints. Because stochastic modeling updates faster than deterministic modeling, it provides timely insights from new drilling campaigns and delivers valuable insights for subsequent deterministic geological and grade modeling updates. The implementation of this workflow demonstrates its feasibility as a standard step following deterministic modeling, leading to cost-effective mineral resource development and management by aligning technical practices with the organization’s strategic objectives and risk preferences. Full article

We have recently described a murine model of vaginal secretion that allows the measurement of minute changes in vaginal secretion. Using this model, we determined that female mice experience a vaginal secretory response to the scent of males, a response regulated by circadian and estrous factors since females did not respond during their sleep phase, nor when in metestrus. Female mice can distinguish the social status of a male by scent cues and show a preference for the scent of dominant males. We therefore tested whether or not vaginal responses to male scent differ by the social status of that male. Vaginal secretory responses were measured using a recently described method employing a colorimetric thread. In addition, while we have shown that the proposed female attractant α/β farnesenes evoked a strong vaginal response in female mice, a second volatile preputial gland-derived messenger, 1-hexadecanol, has also been proposed to serve as a female attractant. Here we test whether or not 1-hexadecanol similarly stimulates a vaginal secretory response. We now report that the female vaginal secretory response differs according to the social status of the male: the urine-borne scent of dominant males elicited a vaginal response, while samples from non-dominant males did not. In related odor-preference tests we confirmed that female mice spend more time investigating the urine scent of dominant males. We additionally tested whether or not a second putative female attractant 1-hexadecanol would elicit a vaginal secretory response. Like the α/β farnesenes, 1-hexadecanol is volatile, derived from preputial glands, and induces an investigatory response in females. However female mice did not experience a vaginal secretory response to the scent of 1-hexadecanol. We did confirm that females spent more time investigating hexadecanol over vehicle, indicating that there can be a disconnect between behavioral measures of interest and a vaginal preparatory response. In summary, we find that subordinate male mice do not elicit a vaginal secretory response, indicating that male social status impacts the physiological responses of females to the prospect of coitus. We additionally find that in contrast to farnesenes, the putative female attractant 1-hexadecanol does not elicit a vaginal response. These findings underscore the potential value of this murine model and indicate that even in mice, vaginal responses are under complex regulation. Full article

Objective: To evaluate patient perceptions regarding ultrasound-guided embryo transfer, visualisation of embryos prior to transfer, and continuity of care with the same physician during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. Setting: Between January and September 2023, this study was conducted at the IVF MOMO’ FertiLIFE centre in Bisceglie, Italy. Design: Descriptive and observational study based on an anonymous survey administered to IVF patients at the time of embryo transfer. The goal was to assess the subjective emotional and psychological response to selected procedural elements of the embryo transfer process. Participants: Out of 284 distributed questionnaires, 200 were included in the final analysis. Inclusion required fully completed responses. Questionnaires with incomplete, unclear answers or patient refusal were excluded. The study group was compared with the general IVF patient population treated at the centre over the past 5 years to ensure representativeness. Methods: Patients completed a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, Friedman test, and exploratory factor analysis. Ethical approval was obtained (CELFer no. 07/2021), and all participants provided written informed consent. Results: The majority of patients reported a heightened sense of calm and reassurance during ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. Viewing embryos on a monitor before transfer was also positively perceived. A strong preference emerged for continuity of care with the same physician throughout the IVF process. While this study did not assess objective stress levels or clinical outcomes, the findings highlight the psychological comfort associated with these patient-centred practices. Limitations: This single-centre study is based on self-reported data and lacks objective assessments of psychological well-being. Therefore, results reflect personal perceptions rather than measurable clinical outcomes. Broader, multicentre research using validated psychological tools is needed to confirm and expand these findings. Furthermore, the questionnaire used in this study was developed internally and not validated externally with standardised psychometric instruments. Conclusions: This study provides insight into IVF patients’ subjective experiences, emphasising the perceived emotional benefits of specific procedural and relational aspects of care. These findings support the integration of patient-centred strategies—such as visual engagement and physician continuity—into routine IVF practice to enhance overall patient well-being. Full article

Ocean warming is leading to a tropicalization of fisheries in subtropical regions around the world. Here, we scrutinize pelagic fisheries catch data from 1978 to 2018 in the South Atlantic Ocean in search of signs of tropicalization in these highly migratory and top-of-the-food-chain fish. Through the analysis of catch composition data, thermal preferences, and climatic data, we described the temporal variability in the mean temperature of the catch and assessed the role of sea surface temperature and the Brazil Current’s transport volumes as drivers of such variability. We observed a significant increase in the mean temperature of the catches, indicating a transition towards a predominance of warm-water species, especially pronounced on the western side of the South Atlantic Ocean. This shift was further corroborated by a significant rise in the proportion of warm-water species over time. Additionally, this study observes a continuous increase in SST during the entire time series on both sides of the South Atlantic Ocean, with significant positive trends. The analysis of catch composition through ordination methods and estimates of beta diversity reveals a transition from an early scenario characterized by mostly cold-water species to a late scenario, dominated by a greater diversity of species with a prevalence of warm-water affinities. These findings underscore the profound impact of ocean warming on marine biodiversity, with significant implications for fisheries management and ecosystem services. Full article

Previous landscape design mostly relies on general standards, failing to fully consider gender differences in landscape visual perception, with relevant research still needing further exploration. This study takes Beijing’s Beihai Park as the research object, using five types of on-site-collected photos (water landscape, plant landscape, architectural landscape, path landscape, and square landscape) as stimuli. Twenty males and twenty females participated in an eye-tracking experiment and a questionnaire survey to analyze gender differences in the visual perception of these five landscapes. The results show the following: (1) females show a “core–radiation” pattern, focusing on mid-short vision and environmental details; males focus on distant views and functional areas. (2) Females have slightly higher APD and fixation counts, with stronger cognitive/emotional fluctuations; males have longer total fixation time and more sustained attention. (3) Males prefer architectural/square landscapes, emphasizing functionality; females favor water/plant landscapes, prioritizing emotional connection with nature. (4) The total fixation time significantly impacts subjective evaluations; the average fixation duration is gender-neutral but uniquely affects evaluations of certain landscape types. This study has guiding significance for enhancing park landscapes’ inclusiveness and attractiveness, promoting different genders’ participation and satisfaction, and boosting space vitality and utilization efficiency. Full article