PLOS ONE

PurposeThis study examined the association between traditional physical practice participation and vision-related quality of life among junior secondary school students and tested the mediating roles of exercise self-efficacy and visual function anomalies within a serial mediation framework. MethodsA four-wave time-lagged survey was conducted among 1,579 students in Grades 7-9 from schools implementing traditional physical practice activities. Variables were assessed at two-week intervals. Mediation effects were tested using the bias-corrected percentile bootstrap method with 5,000 resamples. ResultsThe total effect of traditional physical practice participation on vision-related quality of life was significant ({beta} = 0.591, p < .001). After including the mediators, the direct effect remained significant ({beta} = 0.404, 95% CI [0.348, 0.457]), accounting for 68.36% of the total effect. The total indirect effect was significant ({beta} = 0.187, 95% CI [0.160, 0.218]), representing 31.64% of the total effect. The indirect effect via exercise self-efficacy was significant ({beta} = 0.088, 95% CI [0.068, 0.112], 14.89%), as was the indirect effect via visual function anomalies ({beta} = 0.065, 95% CI [0.048, 0.086], 11.00%). The serial mediation pathway through exercise self-efficacy and visual function anomalies was also significant ({beta} = 0.034, 95% CI [0.025, 0.045], 5.75%). All confidence intervals excluded zero, supporting partial mediation. ConclusionTraditional physical practice participation was associated with vision-related quality of life both directly and indirectly through exercise self-efficacy and visual function anomalies, including a significant serial mediation pathway. The findings highlight the combined psychological and functional mechanisms underlying adolescents vision-related quality of life.

This study revealed Quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling oil sorption capacity in kenaf which could assist in improving genotypes through marker assisted selection (MAS) for effective oil spill clean-up. Two accessions with extreme sorption capacity were selected and crossed to generate F1 which were selfed for linkage and QTL analyses. The oil sorption capacity of the F2 progeny was determined phenotypically and scored as a morphological marker to allow mapping of the markers associated with oil sorption gene(s). The genomic DNA extraction was carried out using a modified CTAB (cyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide) procedure. Diversity Array Technology Sequence (DArTSeq) platform was used to sequence 96 DNA samples prior to linkage and QTL analyses. Genotypic data were analysed using the JoinMap 4.1 Software to construct a genetic map of F2 segregating populations whereas MapQTL1 was used to detect QTL. The mapping population which included the two parents [NHC5(1) and NHC12(2)] together with 72 F2 progeny were genotyped with selected polymorphic SNP markers. Mapping of markers was performed using the regression mapping algorithm. 18 linkage groups were generated from the linkage analysis with Linkage group 1 (LG1) having the longest map length of 138.93 centimorgan (cM) whereas LG 16 had the shortest map length of 83.05 cM. This genetic map has a total map length of 1888.40 cM giving an average length of 104.91 cM per group and an average of one marker for every 1.39 cM. A total of 3 significant and 8 putative QTL were detected by MQM mapping and interval mapping method.

ABSTRACT Background: Student nurses satisfaction with their academic programme is crucial for measuring the success of nursing training institutions. However, in Ghana, studies on student nurses' satisfaction have mainly focused on clinical learning, neglecting their satisfaction with the academic programme as a whole. This study therefore, assessed the predictors of student nurses satisfaction with their academic programme. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used in the study. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to recruit 241 student nurses from two Nursing Training Institutions in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The Nursing Student Satisfaction Scale (NSSS) was used for data collection and data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 software. Results: Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between satisfaction with curriculum (r = 0.583, p<0.001), faculty role (r = 0.650, p<0.001), social interaction (r=0.680, p<0.001), and overall satisfaction with the academic programme. After adjusting for the school of the student nurses, the school environment (B=0.354, p =0.000) and social interaction (B=0.291, p=0.001) emerged as significant predictors of student nurses' satisfaction with their academic programme. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for interventions to enhance the school environment and foster positive social interactions to improve student nurses satisfaction with their academic programme.

IntroductionWe investigated the direct effect of transverse maxillary constriction on nasal septal deviation (NSD) and nasal floor slanting. Methods and Materials60 growing Wistar rats (21days old) were divided into four groups (n=15): 1) Experimental Group 1 received active constriction force (100cN), 2) Experimental Group 2 received active expansion force (100cN), 3) Sham received the same spring as Experimental Groups without receiving any active force, and 4) Control group did not receive any appliance. Samples were collected after 28 days for microcomputed tomography (CT) analysis. ResultsExperimental Group 1 demonstrated maxillary constriction (both skeletal and dental), accompanied by mandibular shift on closure, clockwise mandibular rotation, and increased mandibular plane angle and facial height. Constriction also produced severe nasal floor slanting in the molar area that extended posteriorly. Nasal floor canting was accompanied by a slanted vomer and a C-shaped NSD. The direction of nasal floor canting and mandibular shift was always similar. Experimental Group 2, on the other hand, was not associated with nasal deviation, and a slight slanting of the nasal floor was observed only when there was a mandibular shift. ConclusionOur study suggests that the constricting transverse forces applied to the maxilla can induce slanting of the nasal floor and, consequently, the vomer, which in turn can lead to nasal septal deviation. Slanting of the nasal floor is caused mainly by rotation of the hemimaxilla in response to transverse forces and changes in occlusal forces due to a mandibular shift.

O_LITemporary fences are used to prevent amphibians from accessing dangerous areas. These fences can be built out of different materials and field studies have shown that some of them still allow for trespassing. C_LIO_LIIn this study we compared, in controlled conditions and using experimental arenas, the effectiveness and efficiency of the three most commonly used materials for temporary amphibian fences (polyethylene tarp, polyethylene netting, and wire meshing) and of the presence of an overhang, on two amphibian species with distinct modes of locomotion (walker/short-distance jumper; long-distance jumper). The polyethylene tarp fence, and fences equipped with an overhang, were the only designs able to stop every individuals for three consecutive trials. C_LIO_LIFences that were not slick or equipped with an overhang could be crossed at any height by both species. C_LIO_LIFor non-climbable fences, long-distance jumper species required a 60 cm high fence to be stopped while the walker/short-distance jumper species only required 20 cm. C_LIO_LIThe walker/short-distance jumper individuals interacted 1.7 times more with the polyethylene netting and wire meshing than the polyethylene tarp, due to either differences in opacity between materials or the impossibility to climb on the tarp. The long-distance jumper species was not deterred by the tarp fence and interacted equally with all materials. C_LIO_LIWhen considering price, durability and ease of use while maintaining effectiveness, the polyethylene netting fences equipped with an overhang were the most efficient option for long-term use. C_LIO_LISynthesis and applications: amphibian fences should systematically be equipped with a 10 cm overhang at their top to ensure their effectiveness. Polyethylene tarp is the best option for short-term use while polyethylene netting is the best option for long-term use. C_LI

PurposeConsidering a broad range of ambient lighting conditions may impact myopia development and dim light exposure as a potential risk factor for myopia progression, this study investigates i) light exposure pattern of Indian schoolchildren in evening hours, and ii) difference in evening light exposure patterns between myopic and non-myopic schoolchildren. Method136 Indian schoolchildren aged 9-15 years, with 46 myopes and 90 non-myopes were recruited. This study analyzed evening light exposure (6-10:00 pm) recorded using MyLyt wearable light trackers in 136 Indian schoolchildren (age range: 9-15 years). Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in average light exposure levels, maximum light exposure levels, and time spent at each various light exposure ([&le;]30 lux, >30 lux, [&le;]100 lux, and >100 lux across all the tested days) in myopic (n=46) and non-myopic (n=90) groups. ResultsThe median evening light exposure level across all participants was 27 lux, with participants spending only 2 [0-6] minutes (median [IQR]) in light levels >100 lux. Myopic children had significantly lower median light exposure levels than non-myopic children (24 [19-30] vs. 28 [21-42] lux, p=0.017), and significantly lower maximum evening light levels than non-myopes (162 [101-273] lux vs. 189 [129-396] lux, p=0.044). Additionally, myopes spent significantly less time in light levels >30 lux than non-myopes (18 [11-31] minutes vs. 30 [15-53] minutes, p=0.009). ConclusionsIndian schoolchildren spend evening hours in dim light <30 lux, below recommended illuminance for reading or studying. The significant differences in evening light exposure between myopic and non-myopic children needs further exploration for its causal relationship with myopia.

This retrospective study aims to explore the interactive effects of biological maturation and relative age effect (RAE) on talent identification. 56 male elite soccer players matched for chronological age (15.08{+/-}0.41 years) were studied. Test items included anthropometry (height, body mass, sitting height, leg length, BMI and Quetelet index), physiology (power, speed, agility, speed endurance and aerobic performance), soccer-specific skills (passing, shooting and dribbling), psychology (achievement motivation, orientation and resilience) and biological maturation (APHV) tests. The test results were analyzed independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and stratified regression. Conclusion: Biological maturation significantly influences anthropometry (height, weight and Quetelet index), lower limb explosive, and speed (single-leg jump, standing triple jump, and 30-m sprint) in U16 male elite soccer players in Shanghai. The relative age effect shows no significant impact on talent selection indicators, which is attributed to the accumulated training load effect. The mechanisms of biological maturation and RAE in youth soccer talent selection are distinct and operate independently.

IntroductionChronic kidney disease imposes a high clinical and economic burden on the Brazilian Unified Health System, and kidney transplantation offers the best prognosis. ObjectiveTo describe trends in living kidney (LD) donation in Brazil (2010-2023), analyzing the donor-recipient relationship and the operational stock-to-annual production ratio on the waiting list, and to compare hospital indicators and estimated patient and graft survival between LD and deceased-donor (DD) kidney transplants. MethodsDescriptive ecological time-series study using aggregated, publicly available data. ResultsThe waiting list increased by 15% (from 33,253 to 38,258), and the total number of transplants rose by 29% (from 4,656 to 6,047). Data showed an increase in deceased-donor transplants (from 3,001 to 5,189) and a decrease in LD transplants (from 1,655 to 858), with the LD share declining from 35.55% to 14.19% and the per-million-population rate falling from 8.8 to 4.2. Among LD, there was a relative decrease in related donors (from 82.80% to 71.21%), a relative increase in unrelated spouse donors (from 10.57% to 18.65%), and in other unrelated donors (from 6.63% to 10.14%). Comparatively, LD showed better descriptive performance on survival indicators and lower in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and mean Hospital Admission Authorization value. ConclusionThe findings indicate a need for strategies to sustain DD procurement and LD donation.

Background Peripheral intravenous cannulation is common procedure in neonatal care, yet it carries a significant risk of local complications that can compromise therapy and prolong hospital stay. Understanding the timing and predictors of Peripheral intravenous cannulation related local complications is crucial for improving neonatal outcomes. This study aimed to determine the incidence, timing, and predictors of Peripheral intravenous cannulation related local complications among neonates admitted to public hospitals in the Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among 528 neonates who underwent peripheral intravenous cannulation. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Neonates were followed for up to 96 hours. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify predictors of local peripheral intravenous cannulation related complications, with Kaplan Meier analysis to estimate complication free survival. Model assumption was assessed using Schoenfeld residuals and goodness of fit evaluated by Cox-Snell residuals, with variables showing p < 0.05 in the multivariable model considered statistically significant. Result The overall incidence of local peripheral intravenous cannulation -related complications among neonates was 41%, yielding an overall incidence rate of 8.85 per 1,000 catheter-hours. The median time to complication was 78 hours (95% CI: 67-80). The multivariable analysis identified the following independent predictors: chronic illness (AHR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.15-2.07), absence of saline flushing (AHR =1.83, 95% CI: 1.39-2.41), non-visible veins (AHR =2.07, 95% CI: 1.55-2.76), three or more insertion attempts (AHR =1.85, 95% CI: 1.15-2.98), cannula placement in the leg (AHR =1.84, 95% CI: 1.28-2.64), and cubital fossa (AHR =1.62, 95% CI: 1.10-2.39). Conclusion Local Peripheral intravenous cannulation complications in neonates are common and occur early, particularly among high-risk groups. Intervention such as routine IV-line flushing, careful vein selection, minimizing repeated insertion attempts, and avoiding high risk insertion sites can reduce complications. Close monitoring of neonates with chronic conditions and adherence to cannula replacement guidelines are recommended. Ongoing training for health care providers is essential to improve Peripheral intravenous cannulation care and neonatal outcomes.

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BackgroundOn-site food production will be required to achieve NASAs goal of a sustainable Lunar habitat. Toward this end, the use of fine, soil-like material on the Lunar surface, known as regolith, has been proposed as a plant growth substrate. However, how this substrate may affect plant growth is not well understood. Lunar regolith is devoid of the organic materials that make soils on earth fertile for plant growth, and has been weathered by solar winds, cosmic rays, and micrometeorite impacts. Additionally, regolith at certain lunar sites may contain heavy metals. These metal ions may leech, thus posing challenges with accumulation in plant material. To address and verify the efficacy of regolith-based crop production, we used lunar regolith simulants (LRS). We investigated the effects of LRS on potato (Solanum tuberosum cv Modoc) plant and tuber development, gene expression, and nutrition profiles. ResultsGrowth in LRS negatively impacted the potato plant size and tuber yield. While the degree of impact differed between simulants, all plants grown in LRS were statistically significantly shorter in height than plants grown in control soil. Further experiments with the lunar mare simulant 1E (LMS-1E) show that these effects can be ameliorated through the addition of vermicompost, an organic component, with a 70:30 v/v ratio of LMS-1E to compost being virtually indistinguishable from controls. Changes in gene expression profiles also differed between simulants, with genes related to photosynthesis, biotic and abiotic stress responses, signaling, and terpenes and flavonoids metabolism being commonly altered. Despite these observed differences in transcription, broad changes in metabolite profiles were not observed. ConclusionsLRS are clearly stressful on plants. However, amendment of the substrate with composted materials appears to be a viable strategy to alleviate stress. Given these observations, regolith-based agriculture may not be viable for very early food production when organic matter content is low. However, this would improve over time with continual incorporation of organic matter to regolith. As such, we believe regolith-based agriculture is a viable long-term strategy.

BackgroundDespite scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), children living with HIV (CLHIV) and children who are HIV-exposed-but-uninfected (CHEU) are at an increased risk of poor growth outcomes compared to children HIV-unexposed-and-uninfected (CHUU). Few studies quantify the magnitude of growth deficits extending into school age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study examined the impact of perinatal HIV exposure and infection on the growth trajectory of school-aged children in Nigeria. MethodsWithin a prospective cohort, 569 children aged 3-11 years were recruited from pediatric clinics in Nigeria and matched by age and sex based on their exposure or infection status. School-aged children were observed across three time-points at 6-month intervals, during which anthropometric measures, CD4 count, and maternal factors were collected. Z-scores for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and body-mass-index-for-age (BAZ) were calculated using WHO standards. Longitudinal linear regression analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE), adjusted for maternal and child covariates, were conducted to compare growth outcomes across groups. ResultsGrowth Z-scores declined until approximately age 8, after which they gradually increased. Across all visits, CLHIV consistently and independently demonstrated lower Z-scores (WAZ ({beta} = -1.04, p <0.001); HAZ ({beta} = -0.67, p <0.001)), followed by CHEU with intermediate but significant impairments (WAZ ({beta} = -0.35, p <0.01); HAZ ({beta} = -0.38, p <0.01)) compared to CHUU. ConclusionStunting remains unacceptably high in CLHIV and CHEU in SSA. The findings suggest a need for immediate paradigm shifts to address persistent growth deficits despite ART and beyond infancy.

Enset (Ensete ventricosum), a multipurpose crop domesticated exclusively in Ethiopia, serves as a staple food for millions of smallholder farmers. It is primarily cultivated as a monocrop in homegardens, leaving it vulnerable to climate change risks. One potential nature-based solution involves agroforestry systems; however, ensets response to canopy cover remains unclear. This study examined how scattered trees in enset farms affected microclimate and enset morpho-physiology in South Ethiopia. Trees significantly modified the microclimate conditions in enset homegardens. The average daily reductions in air, soil surface, and soil temperatures ranged from -0.5 to -1.9 {degrees}C, -0.4 to -2.1 {degrees}C, and +0.4 to -1.0 {degrees}C, respectively. The minimum soil moisture offset ranged from +0.8% to +5.7%. Although the tree identity effect on enset growth was negligible, planting position relative to the overstory trees significantly influenced enset responses. Most morphophysiological traits were higher under tree canopies, with progressively lower values at the edge and outside the tree canopy. In contrast, leaf dry matter content exhibited an inverse trend, aligning with the leaf economics spectrum. These results demonstrate ensets adaptability to canopy shade, suggesting potential for agroforestry expansion. Cultivar-specific shade tolerance and ideal shade levels to maintain enset productivity should be investigated further.

Flaxseeds have high nutritive value due to the presence of proteins, lignins (SDG), fatty acids, vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals and carbohydrates. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of distinct doses of flaxseeds on hematological parameters, immunity and lipid profile of male rabbit. In this research, 60 male rabbits were isolated into four groups, three treatment groups T1, T2 and T3 and a control group T0, with 15 rabbits in each group. The treatment groups were given 4%, 6% and 8% of flaxseeds per daily diet for 45 days. On 15th, 30th and 45th day of experiment, blood samples were collected to examine their hematological parameters. Serum was separated from the collected blood sample to perform ELISA and serum lipid profile test to assess antibody titer and lipid profile of the rabbits respectively. The results indicated a significant reduction in TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in contrast to HDL-C which increased significantly in all treatment groups. Whereas, the statistical analysis of hematological parameters showed an HSD (p[&le;]0.05) in flaxseed treated groups. A maximum level of Hb, WBCs, RBCs, MCHC, MCV, HCT, MCH and differential leukocytes count was recorded in high dose group T3 (8% flaxseeds) followed by medium dose group T2 (6% flaxseeds) and low dose group T1 (4% flaxseeds) respectively. There was a significant rise in antibody titer (p[&le;]0.05) against RHDV (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus) comparable to non-treated group. The outcomes illustrated that flaxseeds as nutritional supplement are undoubtedly beneficial to health and prevent various diseases. Study contributionThis research specifically explores how dietary supplementation with flaxseeds, a widely recognized source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, can influence metabolic health and immune function. These findings have significant implications for nutritional interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health, immune support, and overall well-being, making it highly relevant to the journals readership. The aim of this study was to investigates the dose-dependent effect of flaxseeds on hematological parameters, lipid profile and immunity of male rabbits. Using a controlled experimental design, male rabbits were fed a diet supplemented with varying doses of flaxseeds over a period of 45 days. Key parameters such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, antibody titer, red, white blood cell, platelet counts, Hb, HCT, MCV. MCHC, MCH and differential leukocytes levels were measured to assess the impact of flaxseeds. The results demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation significantly restored lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides, LDL-C and increasing HDL-C while also enhancing immune function by rising antibody titer and maintaining healthy blood profiles in the subjects.

Soil salinity and sodicity are among the major challenges threatening agricultural productivity in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia. A column experiment was conducted in laboratory on saline-sodic soils of Metehara Sugar Estate to evaluate the effectiveness of phosphogypsum and leaching in reclaiming these soils. The treatments comprised of five rates of phosphogypsum equivalent to 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200% gypsum requirement, 100% gypsum requirement of natural gypsum, and an absolute control with no amendments applied, and five volumes of leaching water. The treatments were arranged in Complete Randomized Design with three replications. The leaching water was applied to the columns in an intermittent ponding mode. Leachates and soil samples collected from the columns after termination of the leaching process were analyzed for selected soil properties. Results showed that applying phosphogypsum at a rate of 100% gypsum requirement or higher (which is equivalent to [&ge;] 13 tons/ha) along with 3-4 pore volume of leaching water was found to be the most effective combination to reduce salinity and sodicity to levels that are suitable for most crops (ECe <4 dS/m and ESP < 10%,). The efficiency of phosphogypsum equivalent to 200% gypsum requirement was 81% and 75% in soluble salt removal and Na reduction, respectively. Results of the study suggest that phosphogypsum is a promising reclamation material for saline-sodic soils. However, a field experiment has to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these amendments under natural conditions and come-up with implementable rate recommendations.

BackgroundIndustrial and peri-urban settings present complex health challenges driven by occupational exposures, environmental risks, and socioeconomic vulnerability. Despite ongoing health education and preventive efforts, many populations living and working in such settings continue to experience significant unmet health needs that limit wellbeing and access to care. MethodsThis cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in Namanve Industrial Park and surrounding communities in Mukono District, Uganda, as part of a baseline assessment to inform a planned health education intervention. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) involving industrial workers, supervisors, health and safety personnel, teachers, school administrators, school nurses, and community stakeholders. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach to identify unmet health needs and related systemic gaps. ResultsParticipants articulated multiple, interrelated unmet health needs spanning preventive and primary healthcare services, sexual and reproductive health, first aid and occupational safety, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), environmental health, and mental health and psychosocial support. Frequently reported gaps included limited access to routine screening and testing services, lack of essential commodities such as first aid supplies, sanitary pads, personal protective equipment, and soap, inadequate WASH infrastructure, insufficient mental health and counselling services, and structural barriers related to informal employment and poor living conditions. These unmet needs were commonly expressed through requests for materials and services, reflecting broader health system and institutional shortcomings rather than individual dependency. ConclusionThe findings demonstrate that unmet health needs in Namanve Industrial Park and surrounding communities are driven by systemic and structural gaps that constrain access to basic healthcare and preventive services. Addressing these needs requires integrated interventions that combine health education with improved service delivery, essential commodities, and supportive environments. Baseline evidence from this study provides critical guidance for designing context-appropriate, sustainable health interventions in industrial and peri-urban settings.

Agrophotovoltaic (APV) systems provide a unique opportunity for improving agricultural land-use efficiency by combining solar energy capture via photovoltaic panels with crop production. However, in-depth information on plant growth patterns within the spatially heterogenous microclimate created by the intermittent shading of APVs is largely missing. In the present study, we implement a customized robot-mounted 3D-multispectral imaging system to closely monitor the growth and spectral reflectance patterns of a conventional soybean cultivar "Eiko" (EK) and a chlorophyll-deficient mutant variety MinnGold (MG) under an APV system. Weekly trends in canopy morphometric features revealed significant variations in plant height, 3D leaf area, light penetration, and canopy volume across the APV field depending on the proximity with the overhead solar panels for both EK and MG, with plants receiving adequate rainfall and intermittent shade performing the best. Furthermore, although spectral indices exhibited variations between EK and MG due to intrinsic differences in pigmentation, symptoms of stress could be detected for both genotypes within rain-shaded areas of the APV plot. Hence, the present investigation depicts the potential for complementary usage of robotics and machine vision for high-precision high-throughput crop monitoring under APVs, which would enable better crop management within such non-homogenous cultivation systems.

BackgroundRisk screening for pre-eclampsia relies on accurate gestational age assessment, but routine access to ultrasound-based gestational dating remains challenging in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As part of the formative work for the "Preventing pre-eclampsia: Evaluating AspiRin Low-dose regimens following risk Screening" (PEARLS) trial, we aim to validate and implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithm for estimation of gestational age, using blind sweeps done with a handheld ultrasound device. This study protocol outlines the accuracy cohort for AI-based gestational age estimation in participating facilities in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. MethodsThis multi-country prospective cohort study will recruit 969 pregnant women at 13 health facilities across Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. The eligible population are pregnant women presenting for antenatal visit from 11+0 to 13+6 weeks gestation. Eligible women will have a gestational age assessment by a trained sonographer using fetal biometry (reference standard), followed by gestational age estimation conducted by a trained midwife using the AI-based Intelligent Ultrasound ScanNav FetalCheck system (experimental). Both conventional and AI-based gestational age scans will be conducted with the General Electric (GE) VScanTM Air platform. Women will return for a second visit between 14+0 and 27+6 weeks gestation (week of visit is randomly selected) for an assessment with both conventional and AI-based ultrasound. The primary objective is to determine the accuracy and precision of gestational age estimation using an AI ultrasound system in first and second trimesters, as compared to gestational age estimation using crown-rump length (CRL) measurement by conventional ultrasound in first trimester (11+0 to 13+6 weeks). DiscussionThe study will provide critical evidence on the accuracy of a point-of-care, AI-based gestational age estimation ultrasound algorithm in sub-Saharan African settings. This study will inform the design of the PEARLS trial, as well as provide vital evidence for expanding implementation of ultrasound-based gestational age assessment for women in Africa.

Marine biodiversity documentation from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) remains neglected despite the region having diversity of marine coastal habitats. The regions intertidal is one such habitat where species documentation remained heavily deficient due to lack of assessments and general apathy towards the habitat. This study addresses the issue of data deficiency of one of the largest taxa, Gastropoda through a decade long citizen science project, Marine Life of Mumbai. There exist large gaps in taxonomic research that have led to inconsistencies in species identification and inadequate ecosystem representation. This study addresses these issues by focusing on one of the largest taxa, the Molluscan class Gastropoda within the MMR. We present the spatial distribution of gastropod assemblages from 28 rocky, sandy and muddy intertidal sites within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, on west coast of India. A total of 163 species were recorded from 2164 observations of marine gastropods. Among these, 29 species, 34 genera and one family Limapontiidae are new records for the region. Additionally, this study reports rediscoveries of 7 species from their type locality, with 5 species of Heterobranchs recorded after 78 years: one species from Neogastropoda, Lataxiena bombayana, after 131 years and one from Siphonariida, Siphonaria bassiensis after 31 years, from their type locality. These species are herein illustrated with detailed morphological descriptions and their local distribution on 28 sites in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Through this study we elucidate that the citizen science efforts and the subsequent taxonomic analysis provide an effective and low-cost method for filling data gaps from large, understudied geographical areas.

Background & AimsUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are common health issue during pregnancy, often lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes if left untreated, low knowledge contribute to high UTI rates, particularly in resource-limited settings like Jordan. The aims its to assess the knowledge levels about UTIs among pregnant women in Jordan and its association with socio-demographic characteristics. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in four major governmental hospitals across Jordan. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) comprising 25 questions, including 5 socio-demographic questions and 20 knowledge questions, scores were categorized as "adequate" or "inadequate" based on the median score, associations between categorical variables, such as socio-demographic factors and levels of knowledge, were examined using chi-square tests. For continuous variables, t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare means across groups, such as comparing knowledge scores across different educational levels or income groups. ResultsAmong participants, 51.4% had inadequate knowledge, while 48.6% demonstrated adequate knowledge. Higher knowledge levels were significantly associated with younger age (21-30 years), urban residence, higher education (university and postgraduate), and employment status. ConclusionThe findings highlight a knowledge gap among pregnant women regarding UTIs. Integrating targeted health education and addressing socio-demographic disparities into antenatal care, especially for women with low education and rural residence, may improve maternal outcomes.