Tag: nevin manimala

Photosynth Res. 2024 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s11120-024-01083-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To keep up with the growth of human population and to circumvent deleterious effects of global climate change, it is essential to enhance crop yield to achieve higher production. Here we review mathematical models of oxygenic photosynthesis that are extensively used, and discuss in depth a subset that accounts for diverse approaches providing solutions to our objective. These include models (1) to study different ways to enhance photosynthesis, such as fine-tuning antenna size, photoprotection and electron transport; (2) to bioengineer carbon metabolism; and (3) to evaluate the interactions between the process of photosynthesis and the seasonal crop dynamics, or those that have included statistical whole-genome prediction methods to quantify the impact of photosynthesis traits on the improvement of crop yield. We conclude by emphasizing that the results obtained in these studies clearly demonstrate that mathematical modelling is a key tool to examine different approaches to improve photosynthesis for better productivity, while effective multiscale crop models, especially those that also include remote sensing data, are indispensable to verify different strategies to obtain maximized crop yields.

PMID:38619700 | DOI:10.1007/s11120-024-01083-9

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s12011-024-04179-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this study, the aim was to investigate the correlation between varying levels of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in adults and the occurrence of thyroid diseases, with the additional objective of determining the optimal iodine status level for adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on adults from six areas with different drinking water iodine concentrations (WIC) without eating iodized salt in Heze and Jining counties, Shandong Province, China. A total of 1336 adults were included in this study, and drinking water samples, blood samples, urine samples, thyroid ultrasound, and a questionnaire were collected. UIC, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroid hormone (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) were detected. There were no significant differences in the detection rates of hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) among the different median UIC groups (UIC < 100 μg/L, 100-199 μg/L, 200-299 μg/L, ≥ 300 μg/L). However, the detection rates of hypothyroidism were higher in the UIC < 100 μg/L group (16.67%) and the UIC ≥ 300 μg/L group (16.51%) compared to the other groups. The detection rate of TAI increased as UIC levels increased. The detection rate of thyroid nodule (TN) in the UIC < 100 μg/L group was significantly higher than that in the UIC 200-299 μg/L UIC group (χ² = 10.814, P = 0.001). After adjusting confounding factors, it was found that low UIC (< 100 μg/L) was a risk factor for TN (OR 1.83, 95% CI [1.04-3.22]). Meanwhile, there no statistical difference between UIC 200 and 299 μg/L and UIC 100 and199 μg/L for OR of hypothyroidism, TAI, and TN. This study identified associations between different UIC levels and the prevalence of thyroid disorders, with low UIC (< 100 μg/L) posing a risk for TN, and the detection rate of TN and hypothyroidism was the lowest in UIC (200-299 μg/L) group. Therefore, the acceptable UIC range of ‘adequate’ iodine intake among adults can be widened from 100-199 µg/L to 100-299 µg/L.

PMID:38619679 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-024-04179-4

Eur Phys J E Soft Matter. 2024 Apr 15;47(4):27. doi: 10.1140/epje/s10189-024-00419-6.

ABSTRACT

We use Gürsey’s statistical mechanics of a one-dimensional fluid to find a formula for the $P_{\text{f}}/P_{\text{d}}$ ratio in the transport of hard spheres across a membrane through a narrow channel that can accommodate molecular movement only in single file. $P_{\text{f}}$ is the membrane permeability for osmotic flow and $P_{\text{d}}$ the permeability for exchange across the membrane in the absence of osmotic flow. The deviation of the ratio from unity indicates the degree of cooperative transport relative to ordinary diffusion of independent molecules. In contrast to an early idea that $P_{\text{f}}/P_{\text{d}}$ must be equal to the number of molecules in the channel, regardless of the physical nature of the interactions among the molecules, we find a functional dependence on the fractional occupancy of the length of the channel by the hard spheres. We also attempt a random walk calculation for $P_{\text{d}}$ individually, which gives a result for $P_{\text{f}}$ as well when combined with the ratio.

PMID:38619676 | DOI:10.1140/epje/s10189-024-00419-6

J Robot Surg. 2024 Apr 15;18(1):175. doi: 10.1007/s11701-024-01904-y.

ABSTRACT

Robotic resection is widely used to treat colorectal cancer. Although the novel natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) results in less trauma, its safety and effectiveness are relatively unknown. In the present study, we used propensity score matching to compare the effectiveness and safety of NOSES and robotic resection for treating colorectal cancer. Present retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent robotic colon and rectal cancer surgery between January 2016 and December 2019 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The intraoperative time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative recovery, postoperative complications, and survival status of the conventional robotic colorectal cancer resection (CRR) (78 patients) and NOSES (89 patients) groups were compared. These results showed that no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of early postoperative complications, operation time, and the number of lymph nodes dissected. Compared with the CRR group, NOSES group had shorter postoperative exhaust time [3.06 (0.76) vs. 3.53 (0.92)], earlier eating time [4.12 (1.08) vs. 4.86 (1.73)], lesser intraoperative bleeding [51.23 (26.74) vs. 67.82 (43.44)], lesser degree of pain [80.8% vs. 55.1%], and shorter length of hospital stay [8.73 (2.02) vs. 9.50 (3.45)]. All these parameters were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in the 3-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate between both groups (P > 0.05). Collectively, robotic NOSES is a safe and effective approach for treating rectal and sigmoid colon cancers, could decrease intraoperative bleeding and postoperative complications, and accelerate the speed of intestinal function recovery.

PMID:38619667 | DOI:10.1007/s11701-024-01904-y

Psychometrika. 2024 Apr 15. doi: 10.1007/s11336-024-09968-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

When large achievement tests are conducted regularly, items need to be calibrated before being used as operational items in a test. Methods have been developed to optimally assign pretest items to examinees based on their abilities. Most of these methods, however, are intended for situations where examinees arrive sequentially to be assigned to calibration items. In several calibration tests, examinees take the test simultaneously or in parallel. In this article, we develop an optimal calibration design tailored for such parallel test setups. Our objective is both to investigate the efficiency gain of the method as well as to demonstrate that this method can be implemented in real calibration scenarios. For the latter, we have employed this method to calibrate items for the Swedish national tests in Mathematics. In this case study, like in many real test situations, items are of mixed format and the optimal design method needs to handle that. The method we propose works for mixed-format tests and accounts for varying expected response times. Our investigations show that the proposed method considerably enhances calibration efficiency.

PMID:38619664 | DOI:10.1007/s11336-024-09968-3

J Biosoc Sci. 2024 Apr 15:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S0021932024000142. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

An increase in the prevalence of obesity due to lockdown and confinement linked to COVID-19 is observed. Variations in the nutritional status of schoolchildren from Jujuy are analyzed in relation to confinement due to COVID-19 (2019-2021) and its relationship with socio-demographic variables and the school environment. This is an observational, descriptive study. Data from 56,695 schoolchildren aged 6-18 years old is analyzed based on two temporary cuts (2019 pre-confinement and 2021 post-confinement). The nutritional status of schoolchildren (underweight, overweight, and obese) was established using the IOTF (International Obesity Task Force) criterion. The prevalence of each nutritional phenotype was estimated by sex and age group, considering the following independent variables: setting (rural/urban), school management system (public/private), geographic altitude, and percentage of households with unmet basic needs (UBN) in the place where they attend school. Multiple proportions contrast was performed using Fisher’s test, a transition matrix ws produced and a statistical model of proportional odds was fitted. It was observed that between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of underweight decreased and the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased significantly. In 2021, 67% of schoolchildren maintained the same nutritional category that they had in 2019, 21% gained weight and 12% lost weight. The model explains about 52% of the total variability observed. The factors that are significantly correlated in the model are school cycle, age, geographic altitude, school setting, and % of households with UBN. The results indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shift to the right in the distribution of the nutritional status categories of the schoolchildren population in Jujuy, with a decrease in the prevalence of underweight and an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity with variations related to age, school location, geographic altitude, and socioeconomic characteristics of the households in the place where the children attended school.

PMID:38618941 | DOI:10.1017/S0021932024000142

Clin Trials. 2024 Apr 15:17407745241238443. doi: 10.1177/17407745241238443. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The current endpoints for therapeutic trials of hospitalized COVID-19 patients capture only part of the clinical course of a patient and have limited statistical power and robustness.

METHODS: We specify proportional odds models for repeated measures of clinical status, with a common odds ratio of lower severity over time. We also specify the proportional hazards model for time to each level of improvement or deterioration of clinical status, with a common hazard ratio for overall treatment benefit. We apply these methods to Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Trials.

RESULTS: For remdesivir versus placebo, the common odds ratio was 1.48 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-1.79; p < 0.001), and the common hazard ratio was 1.27 (95% CI = 1.09-1.47; p = 0.002). For baricitinib plus remdesivir versus remdesivir alone, the common odds ratio was 1.32 (95% CI = 1.10-1.57; p = 0.002), and the common hazard ratio was 1.30 (95% CI = 1.13-1.49; p < 0.001). For interferon beta-1a plus remdesivir versus remdesivir alone, the common odds ratio was 0.95 (95% CI = 0.79-1.14; p = 0.56), and the common hazard ratio was 0.98 (95% CI = 0.85-1.12; p = 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methods comprehensively characterize the treatment effects on the entire clinical course of a hospitalized COVID-19 patient.

PMID:38618926 | DOI:10.1177/17407745241238443

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2024 Apr 15. doi: 10.1039/d3cp06100k. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Most QM-cluster models of enzymes are constructed based on X-ray crystal structures, which limits comparison to in vivo structure and mechanism. The active site of chorismate mutase from Bacillus subtilis and the enzymatic transformation of chorismate to prephenate is used as a case study to guide construction of QM-cluster models built first from the X-ray crystal structure, then from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation snapshots. The Residue Interaction Network ResidUe Selector (RINRUS) software toolkit, developed by our group to simplify and automate the construction of QM-cluster models, is expanded to handle MD to QM-cluster model workflows. Several options, some employing novel topological clustering from residue interaction network (RIN) information, are evaluated for generating conformational clustering from MD simulation. RINRUS then generates a statistical thermodynamic framework for QM-cluster modeling of the chorismate mutase mechanism via refining 250 MD frames with density functional theory (DFT). The 250 QM-cluster models sampled provide a mean ΔG^‡ of 10.3 ± 2.6 kcal mol^-1 compared to the experimental value of 15.4 kcal mol^-1 at 25 °C. While the difference between theory and experiment is consequential, the level of theory used is modest and therefore “chemical” accuracy is unexpected. More important are the comparisons made between QM-cluster models designed from the X-ray crystal structure versus those from MD frames. The large variations in kinetic and thermodynamic properties arise from geometric changes in the ensemble of QM-cluster models, rather from the composition of the QM-cluster models or from the active site-solvent interface. The findings open the way for further quantitative and reproducible calibration in the field of computational enzymology using the model construction framework afforded with the RINRUS software toolkit.

PMID:38618904 | DOI:10.1039/d3cp06100k

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2024 Apr 15;18:e67. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2024.66.

ABSTRACT

AIM AND BACKGROUND: In contemporary healthcare, the crucial importance of disaster preparedness and response within the nursing profession has gained recognition. Considering the elevated probability of encountering numerous disasters in Türkiye, it is noteworthy that limited research has been conducted in this domain. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the related factors to nurses’ disaster preparedness Türkiye through a meta-analysis method.

METHODS: The study was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. We searched the national databases in Türkiye and Web of Science Core Collection. Descriptive studies published in Turkish or English between 01.01.2000-31.12.2021 in Türkiye were included in the study to derive the pooled outputs.

RESULTS: A total of nine studies, encompassing a sample size of 3222 nurses, met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis’ results revealed that gender and prior experience with disasters did not exhibit a statistically significant impact on nurses’ disaster preparedness (p>0.05). Conversely, engaging in disaster education programs, familiarizing oneself with disaster plans, and actively participating in disaster drills were found to have a significant positive effect on nurses’ preparedness for disasters (p<0.05). However, it is worth noting that the analysis of disaster experience exhibited substantial heterogeneity (I²=85.6%), indicating variations among the included studies. Similarly, the analysis related to reading disaster plans also demonstrated high heterogeneity (I²=77.7%).

CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence from the meta-analysis, it can be concluded that receiving disaster education, reading disaster plans, and participating in disaster drills have a positive and significant impact on nurses’ perception of disaster preparedness.

PMID:38618888 | DOI:10.1017/dmp.2024.66

Eur J Gen Pract. 2024 Dec;30(1):2340672. doi: 10.1080/13814788.2024.2340672. Epub 2024 Apr 15.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in many countries has been low and further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. General Practitioners (GPs) are key facilitators, however research on their impact on organised CRC screening is still limited.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of tailored talks with GPs to increase population uptake of the long-established CRC screening programme in Ancona province, Italy.

METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, one-to-one tailored talks were organised in January 2020 between the GPs of one county of the province (with GPs from other counties as controls) and the screening programme physician-in-chief to discuss the deployment and effectiveness of organised screening. Data was extracted from the National Healthcare System datasets and linear regression was used to assess the potential predictors of CRC screening uptake.

RESULTS: The mean CRC screening uptake remained stable from 39.9% in 2018-19 to 40.8% in 2020-21 in the 22 GPs of the intervention county, whereas it statistically significantly decreased from 38.7% to 34.7% in the 232 control GPs. In multivariate analyses, belonging to the intervention county was associated with an improved uptake compared to the control counties (+5.1%; 95% Confidence Intervals – CI: 2.0%; 8.1%).

CONCLUSION: Persons cared for by GPs who received a tailored talk with a cancer screening specialist avoided a drop in CRC screening adherence, which characterised all other Italian screening programmes during the COVID-19 emergency. If future randomised trials confirm the impact of tailored talks, they may be incorporated into existing strategies to improve population CRC screening uptake.

PMID:38618885 | DOI:10.1080/13814788.2024.2340672