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Journal of the American Heart... Jun 2024A limited number of studies investigated the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension. This study...
BACKGROUND
A limited number of studies investigated the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension. This study aimed to identify the longitudinal association between BPV and cognitive decline and the role of blood pressure (BP) control in this association.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Participants with hypertension from the HRS (Health and Retirement Study), the ELSA (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing), and the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) were included. Variation independent of the mean (VIM) was adopted to measure BPV. Cognitive function was measured by standard questionnaires, and a standardized score was calculated. Linear mixed-model and restricted cubic splines were adopted to explore the association between BPV and cognitive decline. The study included 4853, 1616, and 1432 eligible patients with hypertension from the HRS, ELSA, and CHARLS, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, per-SD increment of VIM of BP was significantly associated with global cognitive function decline in scores in both systolic BP (pooled β, -0.045 [95% CI, -0.065 to -0.029]) and diastolic BP (pooled β, -0.022 [95% CI, -0.040 to -0.004]) among hypertensive patients. Similar inverse associations were observed in patients with hypertension taking antihypertensive drugs and in patients with hypertension with well-controlled BP.
CONCLUSIONS
High BPV was independently associated with a faster cognitive decline among patients with hypertension, even those with antihypertensive medications or well-controlled BP. Further studies are needed to confirm our results and determine whether reducing BPV can prevent or delay cognitive decline.
PubMed: 38934858
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.124.035504 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Oct 2023The Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) human resource planning and management tool developed by Shipp (1998) and popularized by the World Health Organization...
Nursing Personnel Workload and Staffing Need for Rural Hospitals of Darjeeling District, India: Assessment by Application of Workload Indicators of Staffing Need Tool (World Health Organization).
BACKGROUND
The Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) human resource planning and management tool developed by Shipp (1998) and popularized by the World Health Organization gives health managers a way to analyze and calculate correct staffing levels in health facilities.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the current workload and staffing need of staff nurses for rural hospitals in Darjeeling district, West Bengal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Primary data were collected by interviews with nursing personnel using a semi-structured interview schedule. Secondary data were obtained from available records at the rural hospitals. Workload components were established for health service activities, support activities, and additional activities. Staffing needs based on workload was calculated after adjusting allowance multiplier.
RESULTS
WISN findings highlighted varying degrees of health worker shortages and inequities in their distribution at different health facilities. WISN ratio indicated that the work pressure of health staff was highest at Kharibari RH (0.45), followed by Naxalbari RH (0.54). About 43% of nurses' time was occupied with support activities, instead of nursing care.
CONCLUSIONS
WISN method can help policy-makers in optimizing utilization of existing human resources. There is a need to adopt flexible health workforce planning and recruitment policy to manage the patient load and disease burden.
Topics: Humans; India; Workload; Hospitals, Rural; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; World Health Organization; Interviews as Topic; Workforce
PubMed: 38934835
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1678_22 -
Journal of Radiation Research Jun 2024The aim of this study was to investigate planning target volume (PTV) margin in online adaptive radiation therapy (oART) for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue...
The aim of this study was to investigate planning target volume (PTV) margin in online adaptive radiation therapy (oART) for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. Four consecutive patients with gastric MALT lymphoma who received oART (30 Gy in 15 fractions) on the oART system were included in this study. One hundred and twenty cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans acquired pre- and post-treatment of 60 fractions for all patients were used to evaluate intra- and interfractional motions. Patients were instructed on breath-holding at exhalation during image acquisition. To assess the intrafraction gastric motion, different PTVs were created by isotropically extending the CTV contoured on a pre-CBCT image (CTVpre) at1 mm intervals. Intrafraction motion was defined as the amount of expansion covering the contoured CTV on post-CBCT images (CTVpost). Interfractional motion was defined as the amount of reference CTV expansion that could cover each CTVpre, as well as the evaluation of the intrafractional motion. PTV margins were estimated from the cumulative proportion of fraction covering the intra- and interfractional motions. The extent of expansion covering the CTVs in 90% of fractions was adopted as the PTV margin. The PTV margin for intrafractional gastric motion using the oART system with breath-holding was 14 mm. In contrast, the PTV margin for interfractional gastric organ motion without the oART system was 25 mm. These results indicated that the oART system can reduce the PTV margin by >10 mm. Our results could be valuable data for oART cases.
PubMed: 38934659
DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrae052 -
MSystems Jun 2024Transovarial transmission is the most reliable way of passing on essential nutrient-providing endosymbionts from mothers to offspring. However, not all endosymbiotic...
Transovarial transmission is the most reliable way of passing on essential nutrient-providing endosymbionts from mothers to offspring. However, not all endosymbiotic microbes follow the complex path through the female host tissues to oocytes on their own. Here, we demonstrate an unusual transmission strategy adopted by one of the endosymbionts of the planthopper (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) from Bulgaria. In this species, an endosymbiont is transmitted transovarially within deep invaginations of cellular membranes of an ancient endosymbiont -strikingly resembling recently described plant virus transmission. However, in males, colonizes the same bacteriocytes as but remains unenveloped. Then, the unusual endobacterial localization of observed in females appears to be a unique adaptation to maternal transmission. Further, the symbiont's genomic features, including encoding essential amino acid biosynthetic pathways and its similarity to a recently described psyllid symbiont, suggest a unique combination of the ability to horizontally transmit among species and confer nutritional benefits. The close association with symbiont correlates with the so-far-unreported level of genomic erosion of ancient nutritional symbionts of this planthopper. In , this is reflected in substantial changes in genomic organization, reported for the first time in the symbiont renowned for its genomic stability. In , substantial gene loss resulted in one of the smallest genomes known, at 108.6 kb. Thus, the symbionts of display a combination of unusual adaptations and genomic features that expand our understanding of how insect-microbe symbioses may transmit and evolve.IMPORTANCEReliable transmission across host generations is a major challenge for bacteria that associate with insects, and independently established symbionts have addressed this challenge in different ways. The facultatively endobacterial localization of symbiont, enveloped by cells of ancient nutritional endosymbiont in females but not males of the planthopper , appears to be a unique adaptation to maternal transmission. 's genomic features indicate its unusual evolutionary history, and the genomic erosion experienced by ancient nutritional symbionts demonstrates the apparent consequences of such close association. Combined, this multi-partite symbiosis expands our understanding of the diversity of strategies that insect symbioses form and some of their evolutionary consequences.
PubMed: 38934538
DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00634-24 -
Heliyon Jun 2024Green and low-carbon development is an important part of global sustainable development. Green power trading provides strong support and assurance for promoting green...
Green and low-carbon development is an important part of global sustainable development. Green power trading provides strong support and assurance for promoting green and low-carbon development. Due to the long cycle of green power data chains and their susceptibility to malicious tampering, the integrity and traceability of data are difficult to guarantee. Therefore, this paper first proposes a security provenance model with enhanced relations based on the core structure of PROV and blockchain technology, which can securely capture provenance records, use the transfer time and number of transactions between various links in the traceability network as reasoning clues, realize the correlation tracing of the green electricity transfer process. Under the model, a traceability mechanism of green electricity is designed based on smart contracts. Trustworthy green electricity data collection is achieved through data filling and data verification techniques. Traceability query technique is adopted to achieve trustworthy traceability of green electricity. And the effectiveness of the proposed solution is demonstrated through simulation experiments.
PubMed: 38933976
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32091 -
Heliyon Jun 2024This study investigates the determinants of ChatGPT adoption among university students and its impact on learning satisfaction. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model...
This study investigates the determinants of ChatGPT adoption among university students and its impact on learning satisfaction. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and incorporating insights from interaction learning, collaborative learning, and information quality, a structural equation modeling approach was employed. This research collected valuable responses from 262 students at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia through the use of self-report questionnaires. The data's reliability and validity were assessed using confirmation factor analysis, followed by path analysis to explore the hypotheses in the proposed model. The results indicate the pivotal roles of interaction learning and collaborative learning in fostering ChatGPT adoption. Social interaction played a significant role, as researchers engaging in conversations and knowledge-sharing expressed increased comfort with ChatGPT. Information quality was found to substantially influence researchers' decisions to continue using ChatGPT, emphasizing the need for ongoing improvement in the accuracy and relevance of content provided. Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness played intermediary roles in linking ChatGPT engagement to learning satisfaction. User-friendly interfaces and perceived utility were identified as crucial factors affecting overall satisfaction levels. Notably, ChatGPT positively impacted learning motivation, indicating its potential to enhance student engagement and interest in learning. The study's findings have implications for educational practitioners seeking to improve the implementation of AI technologies in university students, emphasizing user-friendly design, collaborative learning, and factors influencing satisfaction. The study concludes with insights into the complex interplay between AI-powered tools, learning objectives, and motivation, highlighting the need for continued research to comprehensively understand these dynamics.
PubMed: 38933954
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32220 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The special "dual" hydrogeological structure in karst areas causes rainfall easily "leaking" into the ground, resulting a unique "karst drought". In these areas, drought... (Review)
Review
The special "dual" hydrogeological structure in karst areas causes rainfall easily "leaking" into the ground, resulting a unique "karst drought". In these areas, drought and insufficient water resources seriously restrict the sustainable development of agriculture. In order to restore the ecology of karst desertification, develop ecological industries, improve the utilization efficiency of water resources, and advance water-saving agriculture in such areas, literature review method was applied to discuss the suitability of agronomic water-saving measures in karst areas. The results are as follows. (1) Agronomic water-saving measures including tillage, mulching, water-fertilizer coupling, chemical regulation, crop allocation and deficit irrigation can all enhance the crop WUE. For example, deep tillage and deep loosening increased the WUE by 15.1 % and 15.9 % respectively. The WUE of spring wheat under straw mulching increased by 17.17 %-43.01 % compared with that under mulching film. Increased density of intercropping corn and wheat saved 9.85 % of water. (2) The cultural or natural particularity of karst areas limits the application of all agronomic water-saving measures in karst areas, and therefore choices and adjustments are necessary according to local conditions: ① No tillage should be adopted because of the high output of labor force; ② straw mulching need to be crushed; ③ the coupling of water and fertilizer reaches better effect when applied to crops several hours before rainfall; ④ the shallow soil layer and the complexity of preparing water retaining agent make it unsuitable to use water retaining agent; ⑤ agroforestry with dwarf and dense planting is more suitable; ⑥ crop deficit irrigation can be carried out by using ecological small pools. Based on the above results, proposes are offered in the following. First, it is necessary to construct the optimal model of regional water and fertilizer coupling in karst areas, and apply composite agronomic water-saving measures. Second, it is suggested to establish a model of coordinating forest, grain and grass, and vigorously develop ecologically derivative agroforestry. Third, there is a necessity to strengthen the research and development of technology about soil and water leakage monitoring and resistance, and intensify studies on "five waters" transformation at the basin scale. The research results and implication are an important reference for developing water-saving agriculture, solving the shortage of agricultural water resources, ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and improving farmers' living standards. Rational use of agronomic water-saving measures is of great significance to enhance the utilization efficiency of water resources and boost regional economy in karst desertification areas.
PubMed: 38933953
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32568 -
Heliyon Jun 2024This research tries to investigate the dynamic link between higher education institution (HEIs) transformational leaders (TFL) and follower's outcome innovative work...
This research tries to investigate the dynamic link between higher education institution (HEIs) transformational leaders (TFL) and follower's outcome innovative work behavior (IWB) and Task Performance) through Knowledge sharing (KNS) in Pakistan. Using quantitative design an adopted construct was used to obtain response from HEIs leaders and employees behavior. The obtained information was analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) technique via Smart PLS. Results depict that direct link between University Transformational leadership and employees Innovative work behavior as well as Task Performance. The results further postulate that KNS mediate the relationship between Transformational leadership and employees TSP in the context of HEIs. Surprisingly, KNS could not evident to become a mediating variable to strengthen the relationship between transformational Leadership and employees IWB in the HEIs sector of Pakistan. In addition to enhancing the theoretical comprehension of higher education leadership, the outcomes of this article provide that promoting knowledge sharing culture is valuable asset for both existing and future HEIs leaders in order to promote the culture of innovation and creativity. Although recent studies investigate the role of KNS as a mediator, however the current study use KNS as contemporaneous intervening variable for IWB and Task Performance for the first time. The study also confirms theoretical underpinning of social exchange mechanism in strengthening the relationship between leader member's continuum.
PubMed: 38933951
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32280 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The protection and development of traditional villages are crucial for improving the human settlement suitability (HSS). The paper takes 703 traditional villages in...
Promoting the sustainable development of traditional villages: Exploring the comprehensive assessment, spatial and temporal evolution, and internal and external impacts of traditional village human settlements in hunan province.
The protection and development of traditional villages are crucial for improving the human settlement suitability (HSS). The paper takes 703 traditional villages in Hunan Province as the research object and establishes the HSS evaluation system by using the pressure-state-response model. Then this paper introduces the vector autoregressive model to explore the interactions and contributions within the three major subsystems. Finally, this paper adopts Geodetector model and GTWR model to study the external driving effects and temporal-spatial influence mechanisms. The main findings of this paper are as follows. First, the overall trend of the composite index of traditional villages is upward. Its spatial pattern transitions from a low index in the northwest to a medium index in the central region and a high index in the southeast. Second, the state system becomes the main driver of the response system change and it is highly influenced by the pressure system. Distance from medical facilities, Distance from educational institutions, Distance from the intangible cultural heritage sites, and Degree of relief are the four most important driving factors affecting the HSS in Hunan Province. At the same time, Distance to medical facilities and Distance to intangible cultural heritage sites have a positive impact, while Distance to educational institutions and Degree of relief have a negative impact. Fourly, these four factors have a significant spatiotemporal impact on the HSS in the Xiangxi region. This paper provides a scientific basis for the sustainable development and conservation of traditional villages in Hunan from multiple perspectives.
PubMed: 38933934
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32439 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on willingness to try (WTT), regularly eat (WTE), or pay (WTP) for artificial meat,...
The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of sociodemographic characteristics on willingness to try (WTT), regularly eat (WTE), or pay (WTP) for artificial meat, its expected societal challenges and general acceptance as well as its future potential development in Germany. Answers to an online questionnaire by 3,558 potential German adult consumers were evaluated. About 63% of the respondents thought this novel food was promising/acceptable. The vast majority (70%) stated that they would be willing to try it, with the most important drivers being ethics, curiosity and eco-friendliness. Around 57% of the participants said they would be willing to eat artificial meat regularly. Most of the respondents (40%) were willing to pay the same price for artificial as for conventional meat. In terms of its future potential, almost 75% of respondents believed that this new product would become commercialized in more than five years and that it was perceived as a solution that is both more ethical (67%) and more environmentally friendly (58%) than traditional meat. In addition, there were significant impacts of demographic factors on the willingness to engage with artificial meat. For example, high WTT and WTE were found among young male respondents (18-30 years of age), males that rarely consumed meat or had a low income (< €1,500). This also applied to the female respondents, who, however, belonged to higher income classes. Young German consumers with a high level of education or income up to €3,000 as well as consumers who did not eat meat had a high WTP for this novel food. In addition, respondents' positive opinion and acceptance of artificial meat had a positive influence on WTT and WTP. These results are important for the discussion of a paradigm shift in global meat production with respect to sustainability, demand for meat and the adoption of new food products.
PubMed: 38933886
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1401715