PLoS ONE最新文献

The research is motivated by the strategic integration of moral and value education into China's college English curriculum and the critical role of textbooks as value carriers in EFL education. Despite growing attention to value integration in EFL materials, empirical studies on moral and value representation in oral English textbooks remain sparse, and learners' perspectives on value acquisition through oral instruction are underexplored-this study aims to address these gaps. The study employed a mixed-methods approach: the researcher systematically analyzed 318 pages of New Inside Out Book 1 and Book 2 (first-year college EFL oral English textbooks), screening all module types including vocabulary, grammar, dialogue, listening, reading, writing, and exercise for value-related content, which was then coded and recorded in Excel. Frequency statistics show the sample textbooks include 273 value-laden verbal text samples, with a Chi-Square Test revealing statistically significant differences in dimension emphasis between the two volumes. Within Martin and White's (2005) Language Appraisal Theory, qualitative textual analysis identifies the value significance of linguistic resources as a prominent feature across module types. Additionally, to gather learner feedback on the effectiveness of value education in the oral English course, an online questionnaire survey (via Wen Juan Xing platform) was administered to learners who used the selected EFL oral English textbooks for a whole academic year. The survey showed that values-based EFL instruction positively impacted morality and personal growth.

The sleep state is traditionally defined as global, involving the entire body. Accordingly, a two-process mathematical model of the switch between sleep and wakefulness was proposed by Borbely more than 30 years ago and successfully used in deep modeling studies. However, in recent decades, new data have been obtained that call for a more complex understanding of sleep, both in spatial and temporal aspects. In particular, this concerns such phenomena as local sleep and short sleep episodes (naps). Here, we propose a mathematical model that gives the space for both local sleep phenomena and short sleep episodes. In doing so, we rely on the concept of a "sleep unit" and propose a phenomenological rate model of its activity. We also use a concept of a psycho-sensory drive to simulate various scenarios induced by external or internal stimuli. An essential element of our model is the representation of the background neural activity as a random signal, which reflects the real situation of overlapping multiple internal and external stimuli. The corresponding simulation runs confirm that the model reproduces both phenomena: local sleep and short nap episodes. As a particular but illustrative result, we demonstrate an example of involuntary global falling asleep under conditions of an overload of a separate sleep unit. In conclusion, we discuss the potential of our model and ways of its further quantitative parameterization.

Strontium isotope analysis is now a key method for investigating ancient human mobility, leading to a rapid expansion of available ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr datasets. Owing to the relatively homogeneous surface geological conditions across present-day Denmark (excluding Bornholm) and the growing number of regional datasets, it is now possible to construct statistically defined ranges of bioavailable strontium directly from archaeological human data. In this study, we compile 513 published strontium isotope values from tooth enamel and pars petrosa of individuals recovered from archaeological sites across present-day Denmark and add 115 new values. Using the Median Absolute Deviation (MAD) method to identify outliers in this comprehensive and diachronic database of 628 human ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios, we define the first statistically constrained, human-based range of bioavailable strontium isotope values for Denmark to ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr = 0.7089-0.7117. We interpret this range as representing typical bioavailable strontium signatures in prehistoric Denmark. We then apply it, for the first time, as one of the reference frameworks for investigating the mobility of non-elite individuals from the Nordic Bronze Age in present-day Denmark. In total, we conducted 34 strontium isotope analyses on individuals from two sites: fourteen analyses from six inhumations at Kalvehavegård on Funen, and twenty analyses from cremated individuals at Sølager on Zealand. We compare the individuals' strontium isotope values both to established baselines relevant for past mobility studies and to the new human-based range defined in this study. The results indicate that mobility during the Nordic Bronze Age was not restricted to elite social groups but also encompassed some non-elite individuals, offering new insights into social dynamics during this formative period of European prehistory. Moreover, the new strontium dataset presented here represents the first accessible, country-wide compilation of human-derived Sr data for Denmark, providing a robust platform for future comparative studies and mobility research in the region.

Purpose: To assess intraocular pressure (IOP) changes and pain scores during 24 hours and short-term outcomes after micropulse transscleral laser therapy (MP-TLT).

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: We reviewed eyes undergoing MP-TLT (2,000 mW; 31.3% duty cycle; 100-200 seconds) with serial IOP measurements during the first operative day, excluding those with prior cyclophotocoagulation or combined procedures. IOP and pain scores (numerical rating scale, NRS) were recorded at 1, 5, 9, 13 hours, and the following day post-procedure. Data from follow-up visits were obtained to evaluate success rates (≥30% IOP reduction or an IOP 6-18 mmHg). Mixed-effects regression and Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis.

Results: This study examines 46 eyes from 40 patients, 58.7% with secondary glaucoma. The mean preoperative IOP was 40.6 mmHg. The NRS was 2.3 at the end of the procedure. The mean postoperative IOP (% reduction) and NRS values were 33.9 (16.5) mmHg and 2.4 at 1 hour, 36.1 (11.1) mmHg and 2.8 at 5 hours, 32.6 (19.7) mmHg and 1.7 at 9 hours, 29.7 mmHg (26.8) and 1.2 at 13 hours, and 24.5 (39.7) mmHg and 1.0 on the following day. The IOPs were significantly lower at all time points (p < 0.05), with the lowest mean value of 16.4 mmHg at week 1. The success rate was 80.6% at 12 months. One patient developed transient hypotony maculopathy.

Conclusions: MP-TLT resulted in a significant IOP reduction within 24 hours, with maximal effect at 1 week, and demonstrated favorable short-term outcomes.

Due to the challenging nature of surveying exploited workers, scholars are often limited in their ability to standardize data collection efforts. Using two samples of survey data from workers in the Costa Rican fishing industry, we compare latent classes of exploitative labor between a subset of individuals surveyed through a proportional probability sample (PPS) and Vincent-link-tracing sampling (VLTS). Results suggest there are some differences between latent classes across the differently sampled groups, with those in the PPS sample being more defined by severe forms of exploitation. Despite these differences, latent classes largely looked similar, with each group having a more highly exploited class and a more minimally exploited class. This study suggests that sampling techniques may affect the broader understanding of the issue, but most of the variation of exploitative experiences may lie in the characteristics of specific contexts or occupations.

Background: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) significantly exacerbates cardiomyocyte damage post-recanalization therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Pyroptosis and the NLRP3 inflammasome are crucial in I/R, yet the precise mechanism remains unclear.

Materials and methods: Transcriptomics, proteomics, and single-cell transcriptomics were employed to examine cellular subtype changes and pyroptosis-associated gene regulation in I/R. Differential pyroptosis-related genes were identified from transcriptomics data and validated with proteomics. Single-cell RNA sequencing assessed pyroptosis levels and intercellular communication. Mouse myocardial I/R and human cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) models were used to explore STING overexpression/silencing effects on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, oxidative stress, and cellular injury.

Results: Pyroptosis-related genes were significantly dysregulated, implicating multiple inflammatory pathways. Single-cell analyses revealed increased granulocytes, macrophage infiltration, cardiomyocyte injury, and enhanced pyroptosis scores post-I/R. Cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts exhibited increased pyroptosis and inflammatory cell-cell interactions. Animal studies indicated significant declines in cardiac function and increased oxidative stress and inflammation post-I/R. STING activation (SR717) worsened cardiac function, enhanced ROS production, and elevated myocardial injury markers; STING inhibition (H151) markedly mitigated these effects. Correspondingly, the cGAS-STING pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome factors were significantly upregulated post-I/R, exacerbated by STING agonists and alleviated by STING inhibitors. Cellular studies confirmed that STING overexpression intensified oxidative stress and pyroptosis, effects reversed by STING knockdown and blocked by NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950.

Conclusion: STING activation contributes to oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome-associated pyroptosis during I/R. Targeting the STING-NLRP3 axis may represent a potential strategy to reduce myocardial injury after ischemia-reperfusion.

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) continue to be a major global public health issue, particularly in countries with developing road safety infrastructure like Bangladesh, where the road traffic fatality rate remains alarmingly high. This study aims to examine the relationship between road traffic accident outcomes-fatalities and injuries-and multiple contributing factors, including driver behavior, vehicle characteristics, environmental conditions, and road infrastructure. Using a comprehensive dataset of 64,050 police-reported road traffic accidents in Bangladesh (2006-2015), we apply a Negative Binomial Regression (NBR) model to account for overdispersed count data. Our results highlight that driver-related factors such as seatbelt use and age, vehicle factors such as fitness certification, and environmental conditions such as weather and road geometry significantly influence both fatalities and injuries. Notably, roads without dividers and in rural areas were found to be particularly hazardous. The study underscores the need for targeted road safety interventions, such as improved enforcement of seatbelt use, infrastructure upgrades (e.g., dividers, lighting), and more transparent vehicle fitness monitoring. By integrating driver, vehicle, environmental, and infrastructural variables, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of road traffic accident severity in Bangladesh, offering data-driven insights to inform evidence-based policymaking and infrastructure planning aimed at reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities.

The shortage of general practitioners (GPs) and the aging workforce of established GPs in Switzerland are persistent. Furthermore, data on GPs with additional training in complementary medicine (CM) are lacking. This study aimed to obtain information on GPs with training in CM. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online survey to assess the demographics, practice structures, workloads, and future perspectives. The participants were members of four CM societies representing doctors with CM certificates (n = 1,067) in traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture (TCM/A), homeopathy (HOM), anthroposophical medicine, and phytotherapy. Overall, 206 GPs were included and divided into three groups: TCM/A (n = 73), HOM (n = 76), and others (n = 57). Most participants were male, and approximately half worked in double or group practices. They worked an average of 36 h per week, which had decreased by 13 h over the past 5 years, with plans for further reduction in the future. Approximately 18% planned to continue working beyond the retirement age, and 4% wanted to retire before that age. The majority expressed optimism about the future of CM in Swiss healthcare but less for individual CM disciplines. Compared to the 2015 Swiss Workforce Study, more CM GPs were female, worked less often in group practices, made fewer house calls, and were more optimistic about the future. CM-GPs in Switzerland face the same challenges as conventional GPs. National action and collaboration are needed to improve working conditions and to address the trend towards part-time work and an ageing workforce to safeguard healthcare for the population.

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans for which effective postexposure countermeasures are lacking. Herein, we describe the evaluation of an S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitor, MSD-914, using mouse and nonhuman primate (NHP) models of lethal EBOV. Mice were completely protected from severe disease and death at doses as low as 0.31 mg/kg/day administered orally. From the pharmacological data and a toxicokinetic study, a predicted protective dose was selected for rhesus macaques (RMs). Surprisingly, orally administered MSD-914 was unable to protect RMs at doses as high as 0.8 mg/kg/day despite providing similar exposure of the drug to the efficacious dose observed in the mouse model.

Introduction: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in elderly patients, linked to prolonged hospitalization, increased morbidities, and mortality. Midazolam, a widely used perioperative benzodiazepine, has controversial associations with POD: some studies suggest risks, while others find no significant link, but evidence quality remains low. This trial explores whether midazolam is non-inferior to placebo in POD incidence among elderly spinal surgery patients.

Methods and analysis: A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial at Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, China, enrolling 692 elderly patients undergoing elective spinal surgery under general anesthesia. Exclusions include emergency surgery, long-term preoperative benzodiazepine use, and severe cognitive impairment. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive midazolam (2 mg) or placebo (saline) during induction, via sealed envelopes. Blinding is maintained except for the preparing nurse. Primary outcome: POD incidence assessed by Evaluation tool: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) on postoperative days 1-3. Secondary outcomes include POD details, agitation (Richmond scale), pain (NRS), lab indicators, hospital stay, and complications.