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Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024A new algorithm, Yolov8n-FADS, has been proposed with the aim of improving the accuracy of miners' helmet detection algorithms in complex underground environments. By...
A new algorithm, Yolov8n-FADS, has been proposed with the aim of improving the accuracy of miners' helmet detection algorithms in complex underground environments. By replacing the head part with Attentional Sequence Fusion (ASF) and introducing the P2 detection layer, the ASF-P2 structure is able to comprehensively extract the global and local feature information of the image, and the improvement in the backbone part is able to capture the spatially sparsely distributed features more efficiently, which improves the model's ability to perceive complex patterns. The improved detection head, SEAMHead by the SEAM module, can handle occlusion more effectively. The Focal Loss module can improve the model's ability to detect rare target categories by adjusting the weights of positive and negative samples. This study shows that compared with the original model, the improved model has 29% memory compression, a 36.7% reduction in the amount of parameters, and a 4.9% improvement in the detection accuracy, which can effectively improve the detection accuracy of underground helmet wearers, reduce the workload of underground video surveillance personnel, and improve the monitoring efficiency.
PubMed: 38931551
DOI: 10.3390/s24123767 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This study explores the enhancement of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) using ammonium-enhanced vanadium oxide cathodes. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations...
This study explores the enhancement of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) using ammonium-enhanced vanadium oxide cathodes. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations reveal that NH incorporation into VO lattices significantly facilitates Zn ion diffusion by reducing electrostatic interactions, acting as a structural lubricant. Subsequent experimental validation using (NH)VO cathodes synthesized via a hydrothermal method corroborates the DFT findings, demonstrating remarkable electrochemical stability with a capacity retention of 90% after 2000 cycles at 5 A g. These results underscore the potential of NH in improving the performance and longevity of AZIBs, providing a pathway for sustainable energy storage solutions.
PubMed: 38930899
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122834 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The rapid discovery of photocatalysts with desired performance among tens of thousands of potential perovskites represents a significant advancement. To expedite the...
The rapid discovery of photocatalysts with desired performance among tens of thousands of potential perovskites represents a significant advancement. To expedite the design of perovskite-oxide-based photocatalysts, we developed a model of ABO-type perovskites using machine learning methods based on atomic and experimental parameters. This model can be used to predict specific surface area (SSA), a key parameter closely associated with photocatalytic activity. The model construction involved several steps, including data collection, feature selection, model construction, web-service development, virtual screening and mechanism elucidation. Statistical analysis revealed that the support vector regression model achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.9462 for the training set and 0.8786 for the leave-one-out cross-validation. The potential perovskites with higher SSA than the highest SSA observed in the existing dataset were identified using the model and our computation platform. We also developed a webserver of the model, freely accessible to users. The methodologies outlined in this study not only facilitate the discovery of new perovskites but also enable exploration of the correlations between the perovskite properties and the physicochemical features. These findings provide valuable insights for further research and applications of perovskites using machine learning techniques.
PubMed: 38930399
DOI: 10.3390/ma17123026 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by infection with one or, more commonly, several species that parasitize the hepatobiliary ducts or intestinal epithelium of rabbits....
Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by infection with one or, more commonly, several species that parasitize the hepatobiliary ducts or intestinal epithelium of rabbits. Currently, there are eleven internationally recognized species of rabbit coccidia, with the complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of six species commonly infecting rabbits having been sequenced and annotated. was initially discovered in 2011 and prompted a preliminary study on this species. Through traditional morphological analysis, was identified as a novel species of rabbit coccidia. To further validate this classification, we sequenced and annotated its mitochondrial genome. The complete mt genome of spans 6258 bp and comprises three cytochrome genes (), fourteen gene fragments for the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, and nine gene fragments for the small subunit (SSU) rRNA, lacking transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial genome sequence of revealed its clustering with six other species of rabbit coccidia into a monophyletic group. Additionally, and were grouped within the lineage lacking oocyst residuum, consistent with their morphological characteristics. Consistent with multiple molecular phylogenies, in this investigation, was further confirmed as a new species of rabbit coccidia. Our research findings are of great significance for the classification of coccidia and for coccidiosis prevention and control in rabbits.
PubMed: 38929682
DOI: 10.3390/life14060699 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Co-fermentation with bacteria and enzymes can reduce sugar content in palm kernel cake (PKC); however, the chemical changes and their effects on cell functionality are...
Palm Kernel Cake Extracts Obtained from the Combination of Bacterial Fermentation and Enzymic Hydrolysis Promote Swine Small Intestine IPEC-J2 Cell Proliferation and Alleviate LPS-Induced Inflammation In Vitro.
Co-fermentation with bacteria and enzymes can reduce sugar content in palm kernel cake (PKC); however, the chemical changes and their effects on cell functionality are unclear. This study investigated the active components in pre-treated PKC extracts and their effects on pig small intestine IPEC-J2 cell proliferation and LPS-induced inflammation. The extracts contained 60.75% sugar, 36.80% mannose, 1.75% polyphenols and 0.59% flavone, as determined by chemical analyses, suggesting that the extracts were palm kernel cake oligosaccharides (PKCOS). Then, we found that 1000 µg/mL PKCOS counteracted the decrease in cell viability (CCK8 kit) caused by LPS induction by 5 µg/mL LPS ( < 0.05). Mechanistic studies conducted by RNA-seq and qPCR analyses suggested PKCOS promoted cell proliferation through the upregulation of , , and in the PI3K/MAPK signalling pathway; alleviated inflammation caused by LPS via the downregulation of the target genes and in association with apoptosis; and regulated the expression of the antioxidant genes , and to exert positive antioxidant effects ( < 0.05). Furthermore, PKCOS upregulated (encoding SLGT1), and in the glycolytic pathway ( < 0.05), suggesting cell survival. In summary, PKCOS has positive effects on promoting swine intestine cell proliferation against inflammation.
PubMed: 38929121
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060682 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat linked to increased morbidity and mortality. It has the potential to return us to the pre-antibiotic era....
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat linked to increased morbidity and mortality. It has the potential to return us to the pre-antibiotic era. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are recognized as a key intervention to improve antimicrobial use and combat AMR. However, implementation of AMS remains limited in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This study aimed to assess prescription practices, identify areas for improvement, and promote adherence to AMS principles. Conducted at King Faisal Hospital in Rwanda, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with eight participants until saturation was reached. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed, revealing four emerging themes. The first theme was on AMS activities that were working well based on availability of microbiology laboratory results and prescription guidelines as factors influencing antibiotic prescription adjustments. The second theme was related to challenges during the implementation of the AMS program, including the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics, limited local data on AMR patterns, and stock-outs of essential antibiotics. The third theme was on the importance of adhering to AMR management guidelines at KFH. The last emerged on recommendations from participants centered on regular training for healthcare workers, widespread dissemination of AMR findings across departments, and the enforcement of antibiotic restriction policies. These actions can improve prescription behaviors, upholding the highest standards of patient care, and strengthening the nascent AMS program.
PubMed: 38927214
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060548 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024There is a need for representative research on serious adverse outcomes following discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.
IMPORTANCE
There is a need for representative research on serious adverse outcomes following discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare rates of premature death, suicide, and nonlethal intentional self-harm after psychiatric discharge with rates in the general population and investigate associations of these outcomes with relevant variables associated with the index psychiatric hospitalization.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This retrospective cohort study included all residents from Catalonia, Spain (7.6 million population), who had psychiatric hospitalizations between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, and were older than 10 years at the index (first) hospitalization. Follow-up was until December 31, 2019. Statistical analysis was performed from December 1, 2022, through April 11, 2024.
EXPOSURES
Socioeconomic status, psychiatric diagnoses, duration of index hospitalization, and number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Postdischarge premature death (ie, all-cause death before age 70 years) and suicide (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision [ICD-10] code range X60-X84), identified using mortality data, and postdischarge nonlethal intentional self-harm, identified using electronic health record and self-harm case register data. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) compared rates of premature death and suicide between the cohort and the general population. Fully adjusted, multivariable, cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression models for the 3 outcomes were fitted.
RESULTS
A total of 49 108 patients discharged from psychiatric hospitalization were included (25 833 males [52.6%]; mean [SD] age at discharge, 44.2 [18.2] years). During follow-up, 2260 patients (4.6%) died prematurely, 437 (0.9%) died by suicide, and 4752 (9.7%) had an episode of nonlethal intentional self-harm. The overall SMR for premature death was 7.5 (95% CI, 7.2-7.9). For suicide, SMR was 32.9 (95% CI, 29.9-36.0) overall and was especially high among females (47.6 [95% CI, 40.2-54.9]). In fully adjusted sex-stratified hazard models, postdischarge premature death was associated with cognitive disorders (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 2.89 [95% CI, 2.24-3.74] for females; 2.59 [95% CI, 2.17-3.08] for males) and alcohol-related disorders (AHR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.18-1.70] for females; 1.22 [95% CI, 1.09-1.37] for males). Postdischarge suicide was associated with postdischarge intentional self-harm (AHR, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.97-4.05] for females; 3.29 [95% CI, 2.47-4.40] for males), with depressive disorders (AHR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.52-2.97]) and adjustment disorders (AHR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.32-2.83]) among males, and with bipolar disorder among females (AHR, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.21-3.09]). Postdischarge intentional self-harm was associated with index admissions for intentional self-harm (AHR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.73-2.21] for females; 2.62 [95% CI, 2.20-3.13] for males) as well as for adjustment disorders (AHR, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.33-1.65] for females; 1.99 [95% CI, 1.74-2.27] for males), anxiety disorders (AHR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.10-1.39] for females; 1.36 [95% CI, 1.18-1.58] for males), depressive disorders (AHR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.40-1.69] for females; 1.80 [95% CI, 1.58-2.04] for males), and personality disorders (AHR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.46-1.73] for females; 1.43 [95% CI, 1.28-1.60] for males).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study of patients discharged from psychiatric hospitalization, risk for premature death and suicide was significantly higher compared with the general population, suggesting individuals discharged from psychiatric inpatient care are a vulnerable population for premature death and suicidal behavior.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Patient Discharge; Middle Aged; Self-Injurious Behavior; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Spain; Suicide; Mortality, Premature; Aged; Adolescent; Mental Disorders; Young Adult; Hospitals, Psychiatric
PubMed: 38922620
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17131 -
Revista Latino-americana de Enfermagem 2024to analyze exposure to ergonomic risks and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain in workers in the Hospital Cleaning Service.
OBJECTIVE
to analyze exposure to ergonomic risks and the occurrence of musculoskeletal pain in workers in the Hospital Cleaning Service.
METHOD
Convergent Care Research, with data production designed using mixed methods, implemented with 149 hospital cleaning workers. The methodological strategy of the convergent parallel project was employed, using observation, photographic records, questionnaires and convergence groups. The results were integrated through joint display. Data analysis with descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis.
RESULTS
the mixing of data highlighted the multifactorial nature of exposure to ergonomic risks (uncomfortable work postures; repetitive movements; prolonged orthostatism; use of equipment not adapted to the psychophysiological needs of workers) and musculoskeletal pain in the population investigated. The latter was prevalent in the lumbar spine, ankles or feet, wrists or hands, thoracic spine and shoulders. The concept of ergonomic risk was expanded and was influenced by the psychosocial aspects of work.
CONCLUSION
the workers investigated are exposed to modifiable multifactorial ergonomic risks related to musculoskeletal pain. It is possible to promote innovations and teaching-learning actions to minimize them, such as the continuing education program, collectively constructed with recommendations for improvements.
Topics: Humans; Ergonomics; Occupational Diseases; Musculoskeletal Pain; Male; Female; Adult; Housekeeping, Hospital; Middle Aged; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38922262
DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.7048.4176 -
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The primary goal of pharmacology teaching is to prepare medical students to prescribe medications both safely and efficiently. At the Utrecht University Medical School,...
The primary goal of pharmacology teaching is to prepare medical students to prescribe medications both safely and efficiently. At the Utrecht University Medical School, pharmacology is integrated into the three-year bachelor's curriculum, primarily through large group sessions with limited interaction. A recent evaluation highlighted students' appreciation for pharmacology teaching, but students admitted to attending these teaching moments unprepared, resulting in passive learning. To address this, team-based learning (TBL) was implemented to facilitate learning through interaction, critical thinking, problem solving and reflection through six steps, from superficial to deeper cognitive learning. This study, conducted over two academic years, assessed students' perception and performance regarding TBL. Analysis of a digital questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale showed high student satisfaction with TBL as a teaching methodology. However, confidence in pharmacology knowledge following TBL was moderate. TBL attendees outperformed non-attendees in pharmacology-related exam questions, indicating that TBL has a positive impact on student performance. We conclude that TBL is an engaging and effective method for pharmacology education, positively influencing student learning and performance. This method could be broadly applied for teaching pharmacology within the medical curriculum or other biomedical programs.
PubMed: 38921967
DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12030091 -
Nursing Reports (Pavia, Italy) Jun 2024Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant global threat, particularly in developing regions such as Southeast Asia. International bodies emphasize the...
BACKGROUND
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant global threat, particularly in developing regions such as Southeast Asia. International bodies emphasize the role of formal undergraduate training in the prevention and control of HAIs. To address this, we aimed to explore the perceptions of Southeast Asian nursing students regarding a novel educational approach developed by a European-Southeast Asian project consortium.
METHODS
A pilot study was conducted in four nursing higher education institutions from Cambodia and Vietnam. First, local nursing educators conducted a 2 h classroom-based training session. Then, students were invited to participate for the first time in one of twelve evidence-based simulation scenarios developed by the research team, covering a range of nursing care situations related to the prevention and control of HAIs. After attending both components, students were asked to complete a paper-based questionnaire and rate their agreement with a set of statements on the appropriateness and meaningfulness of both components.
RESULTS
A total of 430 nursing students enrolled in the pilot study; 77.4% were female, with an average age of 19.8 years. The PrevInf educational intervention received positive feedback from participating students across settings, with strong agreement on the importance of proactiveness in competency development ( = 5.9, = 1.4). Notable differences between Cambodian and Vietnamese students were observed in terms of their receptiveness to the pre-selected teaching materials ( = 0.001) and strategies ( = 0.01) used by the nursing educators during their experience with the simulation scenarios.
CONCLUSIONS
The PrevInf educational intervention shows promise in engaging Southeast Asian nursing students and fostering a deeper understanding of the prevention and control of HAIs. Further studies are warranted to refine the learning content and standardize the pedagogical strategies used by nursing educators across settings. This study was not registered.
PubMed: 38921722
DOI: 10.3390/nursrep14020112