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BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024Drought poses significant risks to maize cultivation by impairing plant growth, water uptake and yield; nano priming offers a promising avenue to mitigate these effects...
Drought poses significant risks to maize cultivation by impairing plant growth, water uptake and yield; nano priming offers a promising avenue to mitigate these effects by enhancing plant water relations, stress tolerance and overall productivity. In the current experiment, we tested a hypothesis that seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles (n-FeO) can improve maize performance under water stress by improving its growth, water relations, yield and biochemical attributes. The experiment was conducted on a one main plot bisected into two subplots corresponding to the water and drought environments. Within each subplot, maize plants were raised from n-FeO primed seeds corresponding to 0 mg. L (as control treatment), 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg. L (as trial treatments). Seed priming with n-FeO at a concentration of 75 mg. L improved the leaf relative water content, water potential, photosynthetic water use efficiency, and leaf intrinsic water use efficiency of maize plants by 13%, 44%, 64% and 17%, respectively compared to control under drought stress. The same treatments improved plant biochemical attributes such as total chlorophyll content, total flavonoids and ascorbic acid by 37%, 22%, and 36%, respectively. Seed priming with n-FeO accelerated the functioning of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and POD and depressed the levels of leaf malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide significantly. Seed priming with n-FeO at a concentration of 75 mg. L improved cob length, number of kernel rows per cob, and 100 kernel weight by 59%, 27% and 33%, respectively, under drought stress. Seed priming with n-FeO can be used to increase maize production under limited water scenarios.
Topics: Zea mays; Seeds; Water; Dehydration; Droughts; Photosynthesis; Ferric Compounds; Chlorophyll; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 38951758
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05324-w -
Communications Medicine Jul 2024Disruptions in food, health, and economic systems during the COVID-19 pandemic may have adversely affected child health. There is currently limited research on the...
BACKGROUND
Disruptions in food, health, and economic systems during the COVID-19 pandemic may have adversely affected child health. There is currently limited research on the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on stunting, wasting, and underweight status of young children.
METHODS
We examine the short-term associations between the pandemic and anthropometric outcomes of under-5 children (n = 232,920) in India, using data from the National Family Health Survey (2019-2021). Children surveyed after March 2020 are considered as the post-COVID group, while those surveyed earlier are considered as pre-COVID. Potential biases arising from differences in socioeconomic characteristics of the two groups are mitigated using propensity score matching methods.
RESULTS
Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 and 2021 have 1.2% higher underweight rates, 1.2% lower wasting rates, 0.1 lower height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), and 0.04 lower weight-for-height z-scores as compared with matched pre-COVID children. Post-COVID children surveyed in 2020 have 1.6%, 4.6%, and 2.4% higher stunting, underweight, and wasting rates, respectively, and 0.07 lower HAZ, as compared with matched pre-COVID children. Reductions in nutritional status are largest among children from households in the poorest wealth quintiles.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate a trend towards a recovery in child anthropometric outcomes in 2021 after the initial post-pandemic reductions. The resilience of health and food systems to shocks such as COVID-19 should be strengthened while immediate investments are required to decrease child malnutrition and improve broader child health outcomes.
PubMed: 38951653
DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00543-6 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Sepsis, marked by organ dysfunction, necessitates reliable biomarkers. Ribonuclease inhibitor 1 (RNH1), a ribonuclease (RNase) inhibitor, emerged as a potential...
Sepsis, marked by organ dysfunction, necessitates reliable biomarkers. Ribonuclease inhibitor 1 (RNH1), a ribonuclease (RNase) inhibitor, emerged as a potential biomarker for acute kidney injury and mortality in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm patients. Our study investigates RNH1 dynamics in sepsis, its links to mortality and organ dysfunction, and the interplay with RNase 1 and RNase 5. Furthermore, we explore RNH1 as a therapeutic target in sepsis-related processes like inflammation, non-canonical inflammasome activation, and iron homeostasis. We showed that RNH1 levels are significantly higher in deceased patients compared to sepsis survivors and correlate with creatine kinase, aspartate and alanine transaminase, bilirubin, serum creatinine and RNase 5, but not RNase 1. RNH1 mitigated LPS-induced TNFα and RNase 5 secretion, and relative mRNA expression of ferroptosis-associated genes HMOX1, FTH1 and HAMP in PBMCs. Monocytes were identified as the predominant type of LPS-positive PBMCs. Exogenous RNH1 attenuated LPS-induced CASP5 expression, while increasing IL-1β secretion in PBMCs and THP-1 macrophages. As RNH1 has contradictory effects on inflammation and non-canonical inflammasome activation, its use as a therapeutic agent is limited. However, RNH1 levels may play a central role in iron homeostasis during sepsis, supporting our clinical observations. Hence, RNH1 shows promise as biomarkers for renal and hepatic dysfunction and hepatocyte injury, and may be useful in predicting the outcome of septic patients.
Topics: Humans; Sepsis; Biomarkers; Iron; Homeostasis; Inflammation; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Inflammasomes; Lipopolysaccharides; THP-1 Cells; Carrier Proteins
PubMed: 38951571
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65778-8 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024Seaweed farming is widely promoted as an approach to mitigating climate change despite limited data on carbon removal pathways and uncertainty around benefits and risks...
Seaweed farming is widely promoted as an approach to mitigating climate change despite limited data on carbon removal pathways and uncertainty around benefits and risks at operational scales. We explored the feasibility of climate change mitigation from seaweed farming by constructing five scenarios spanning a range of industry development in coastal British Columbia, Canada, a temperate region identified as highly suitable for seaweed farming. Depending on growth rates and the fate of farmed seaweed, our scenarios sequestered or avoided between 0.20 and 8.2 Tg COe year, equivalent to 0.3% and 13% of annual greenhouse gas emissions in BC, respectively. Realisation of climate benefits required seaweed-based products to replace existing, more emissions-intensive products, as marine sequestration was relatively inefficient. Such products were also key to reducing the monetary cost of climate benefits, with product values exceeding production costs in only one of the scenarios we examined. However, model estimates have large uncertainties dominated by seaweed production and emissions avoided, making these key priorities for future research. Our results show that seaweed farming could make an economically feasible contribute to Canada's climate goals if markets for value-added seaweed based products are developed. Moreover, our model demonstrates the possibility for farmers, regulators, and researchers to accurately quantify the climate benefits of seaweed farming in their regional contexts.
Topics: Seaweed; Climate Change; British Columbia; Agriculture; Models, Theoretical
PubMed: 38951559
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65408-3 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024This study investigates methane emissions from the livestock sector, representing by enteric fermentation and manure management, in Egypt from 1989 to 2021, focusing on...
This study investigates methane emissions from the livestock sector, representing by enteric fermentation and manure management, in Egypt from 1989 to 2021, focusing on spatial and temporal variations at the governorate level. Utilizing IPCC guidelines and emission factors, methane emissions were estimated for dairy and non-dairy cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat, poultry, and other livestock categories. Results reveal fluctuating emission patterns over the study period, with notable declines in certain governorates such as Kafr El-Sheikh and Red Sea, attributed to reductions in livestock populations. However, increasing trends were observed overall, driven by population growth in other regions. Hotspots of methane emissions were identified in delta governorates like Behera and Sharkia, as well as agriculturally rich regions including Menia and Suhag. While livestock populations varied between regions, factors such as water availability, climatic conditions, and farming practices influenced distribution. Notably, cluster analysis did not reveal regional clustering among governorates, suggesting emissions changes were not dependent on specific geographic or climatic boundaries. Manure management accounted for only 5-6% of total emissions, with emissions at their lowest in the last three years due to population declines. Despite the highest livestock populations being sheep and goats, emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management were highest from buffalo and cattle. This study underscores the importance of accurate data collection and adherence to IPCC recommendations for estimating GHG emissions, enabling the development of targeted mitigation strategies to address climate change challenges in the livestock sector.
Topics: Animals; Egypt; Methane; Greenhouse Gases; Livestock; Manure; Cattle; Sheep; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38951540
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63011-0 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Exposure to high and low ambient temperatures increases the risk of neonatal mortality, but the contribution of climate change to temperature-related neonatal deaths is...
Exposure to high and low ambient temperatures increases the risk of neonatal mortality, but the contribution of climate change to temperature-related neonatal deaths is unknown. We use Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data (n = 40,073) from 29 low- and middle-income countries to estimate the temperature-related burden of neonatal deaths between 2001 and 2019 that is attributable to climate change. We find that across all countries, 4.3% of neonatal deaths were associated with non-optimal temperatures. Climate change was responsible for 32% (range: 19-79%) of heat-related neonatal deaths, while reducing the respective cold-related burden by 30% (range: 10-63%). Climate change has impacted temperature-related neonatal deaths in all study countries, with most pronounced climate-induced losses from increased heat and gains from decreased cold observed in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Future increases in global mean temperatures are expected to exacerbate the heat-related burden, which calls for ambitious mitigation and adaptation measures to safeguard the health of newborns.
Topics: Humans; Climate Change; Infant, Newborn; Developing Countries; Infant Mortality; Infant; Female; Hot Temperature; Male; Cold Temperature; Temperature; Africa South of the Sahara; Health Surveys
PubMed: 38951496
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49890-x -
Scientific Reports Jul 2024Artificially extracted agricultural phenotype information exhibits high subjectivity and low accuracy, while the utilization of image extraction information is...
Artificially extracted agricultural phenotype information exhibits high subjectivity and low accuracy, while the utilization of image extraction information is susceptible to interference from haze. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the agricultural image dehazing method used for extracting such information is limited due to unclear texture details and color representation in the images. To address these limitations, we propose AgriGAN (unpaired image dehazing via a cycle-consistent generative adversarial network) for enhancing the dehazing performance in agricultural plant phenotyping. The algorithm incorporates an atmospheric scattering model to improve the discriminator model and employs a whole-detail consistent discrimination approach to enhance discriminator efficiency, thereby accelerating convergence towards Nash equilibrium state within the adversarial network. Finally, by training with network adversarial loss + cycle consistent loss, clear images are obtained after dehazing process. Experimental evaluations and comparative analysis were conducted to assess this algorithm's performance, demonstrating improved accuracy in dehazing agricultural images while preserving detailed texture information and mitigating color deviation issues.
PubMed: 38951207
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65540-0 -
BMJ Open Jul 2024To evaluate the content and usability of a new direct observation tool for assessing competency in delivering person-centred care based on the Gothenburg Centre for...
Are the content and usability of a new direct observation tool adequate for assessing competency in delivering person-centred care: a think-aloud study with patients and healthcare professionals in Sweden.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the content and usability of a new direct observation tool for assessing competency in delivering person-centred care based on the Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care (gPCC) framework.
DESIGN
This is a qualitative study using think-aloud techniques and retrospective probing interviews and analyzed using deductive content analysis.
SETTING
Sessions were conducted remotely via Zoom with participants in their homes or offices.
PARTICIPANTS
11 participants with lengthy experience of receiving, delivering and/or implementing gPCC were recruited using purposeful sampling and selected to represent a broad variety of stakeholders and potential end-users.
RESULTS
Participants generally considered the content of the four main domains of the tool, that is, person-centred care activities, clinician manner, clinician skills and person-centred care goals, to be comprehensive and relevant for assessing person-centred care in general and gPCC in particular. Some participants pointed to the need to expand person-centred care activities to better reflect the emphasis on eliciting patient resources/capabilities and psychosocial needs in the gPCC framework. Think-aloud analyses revealed some usability issues primarily regarding difficulties or uncertainties in understanding several words and in using the rating scale. Probing interviews indicated that these problems could be mitigated by improving written instructions regarding response options and by replacing some words. Participants generally were satisfied with the layout and structure of the tool, but some suggested enlarging font size and text spacing to improve readability.
CONCLUSION
The tool appears to satisfactorily cover major person-centred care activities outlined in the gPCC framework. The inclusion of content concerning clinician manner and skills was seen as a relevant embellishment of the framework and as contributing to a more comprehensive assessment of clinician performance in the delivery of person-centred care. A revised version addressing observed content and usability issues will be tested for inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and for feasibility of use in healthcare education and quality improvement efforts.
Topics: Humans; Patient-Centered Care; Sweden; Female; Male; Qualitative Research; Middle Aged; Adult; Health Personnel; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Clinical Competence; Interviews as Topic
PubMed: 38950999
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085198 -
BMJ Open Jul 2024Children and adolescents with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) commonly maintain a certain level of insulin production during the remission phase, which can last...
INfluenza VaccInation To mitigate typE 1 Diabetes (INVITED): a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in children and adolescents with recent-onset type 1 diabetes.
INTRODUCTION
Children and adolescents with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) commonly maintain a certain level of insulin production during the remission phase, which can last months to years. Preserving β-cell function can reduce T1D complications and improve glycaemic control. Influenza vaccination has pleiotropic effects and administration of the vaccine during the early phases of T1D may offer β-cell protection. This study aims to assess the effect of influenza vaccination on preserving β-cell function in children and adolescents with recent-onset T1D.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The INfluenza VaccInation To mitigate typE 1 Diabetes trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial in paediatric patients with recent-onset T1D aged 7-17 years. 100 participants will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a standard inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine or a placebo within 14 days of diagnosis. The primary outcome is a difference in mean change (from baseline to 12 months) in C-peptide level between groups during a 2-hour mixed-meal tolerance test. Secondary outcomes include mean change (from baseline to 6 months) in C-peptide levels, haemoglobin A1c, ambulatory glucose profiles and insulin requirements. Exploratory outcomes are diabetes-related autoantibodies, inflammatory markers and serum haemagglutinin inhibition antibody titres against the influenza viruses. The current treatment for T1D is largely symptomatic, relying on insulin administration. There is a pressing need for novel pharmacological approaches aimed at modulating the immune system to preserve residual β-cell function. Existing immunotherapies are cost-prohibitive and associated with multiple side effects, whereas influenza vaccination is inexpensive and generally well tolerated. A positive outcome of this study holds potential for immediate implementation into standard care for children and adolescents with recent-onset T1D and may guide future research on immune modulation in T1D.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval was obtained from Danish Health Authorities prior to participant enrollment. The trial results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05585983 and EudraCT Number 2022-500906-17-01.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Adolescent; Child; Influenza Vaccines; Double-Blind Method; Female; Male; Influenza, Human; Glycated Hemoglobin; C-Peptide; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Blood Glucose; Insulin; Vaccination; Insulin-Secreting Cells
PubMed: 38950997
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084808 -
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and... Jul 2024To elucidate the underlying motivations, experiential dimensions, and cognitive perceptions in adolescents with depression and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
PURPOSE
To elucidate the underlying motivations, experiential dimensions, and cognitive perceptions in adolescents with depression and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
METHOD
A descriptive qualitative design was used. Participants were 18 Chinese adolescents with depression and NSSI. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
Three primary themes and 11 subthemes were identified: (personal, family, school, and social factors); (mitigating psychological distress, awakening a sense of existential life, generating secondary negative emotions, stimulating reflections on life and death); and (NSSI as a form of seeking validation or approval, an addictive behavior, a means to attain a sense of control, and unacceptable behavior).
CONCLUSION
Although nursing staff should provide comprehensive treatment and psychological support, efforts should also be made to strengthen caregiving skills of family members, thereby promoting overall physical and mental health of adolescents. [(x), xx-xx.].
PubMed: 38950354
DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20240611-01