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.

In this study, the critical gap in understanding how fonio responds to contrasting pedoclimatic conditions, both within and outside its traditional production areas was addressed. A multi-environment trial was carried out to identify high-yielding genotypes with either broad stability or specific adaptation, thereby enabling targeted varietal recommendations to support the expansion of fonio cultivation into new areas. Randomized complete block design was used in six environments with eleven genotypes to evaluate flowering and maturity times, and grain yield. The Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction and the Genotype main effect and Genotype x Environment interaction biplots revealed a significant effect of the genotype-by-environment interactions on traits, with genotypes B12 and G31 identified as high-yielding, while genotypes M5 and M14 were revealed as early-flowering and maturing. Genotypes M14 and M15 were adapted to all environments and early maturing. Boukoumbe, known as the fonio production area in Benin, was the most desirable for earliness, while Ina was the most ideal for grain yield, proving that fonio could be cultivated in Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean areas. Factor analysis revealed precipitation, C:N ratio, soil pH and texture as the main environmental variables influencing the grain yield in fonio. Our findings contributed to selecting stable, adapted genotypes.

Background: Refractive errors are the leading cause of preventable visual impairment worldwide, yet data from isolated Indigenous populations remain virtually absent from the global literature. The Yanomami, one of the largest Indigenous peoples in the Americas with recent and limited contact with non-Indigenous society, have no prior epidemiological data on refractive errors. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2024 at the Yanomami Indigenous Health House, Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil. A total of 158 self-identified Yanomami individuals aged 5 years or older were examined by an ophthalmologist. Refractive status was classified according to International Myopia Institute criteria. Results: Emmetropia was observed in 67.7% of participants, with a marked age-related decline from 100% in children aged 5 to 9 years to 38.6% in those aged 40 to 59 years. Myopia was present in 16.5% of participants, all low myopia; it was absent in children under 10 years and no high myopia was identified. Astigmatism affected 24.1% of participants and hyperopia 13.3%. Presbyopia was identified in 25.9%. Overall, 25.3% of participants presented with reduced visual acuity attributable to uncorrected refractive error, of whom 67.5% improved to normal or near-normal acuity (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the first characterisation of the Yanomami refractive profile, revealing a distinct myopia pattern shaped by high outdoor exposure and minimal near-work demands. Despite this, refractive correction remains effectively inaccessible to this population, leaving preventable visual impairment unaddressed and reflecting a profound health inequity. Corrective lens provision represents a high-impact, scalable intervention for this underserved community.

ObjectiveTo assess the safety, efficacy, and repeatability of a novel blood collection technique, percutaneous reverse gingival venipuncture (RGV), across multiple rodent species, and to characterize the associated anatomy through dissection and histopathology. MethodsSuccess rate and complications of RGV were evaluated at a private practice between December 2024 and September 2025 in client-owned chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) (n=102), guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) (n=78), Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) (n=32), dwarf hamsters (Phodopus campbelli and P. sungorus) (n=4), squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus, C. finlaysonii) (n=7), prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) (n=2), a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) (n=1) and a Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) (n=1). An experimental study was conducted in laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) (n=5), Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus) (n=12), and chinchillas (n=11) from February 2026 to March 2026 to evaluate RGV success rate, serial hematology, and histopathology. ResultsThe success rate of RGV was 100% in most rodent species, but was lower in guinea pigs (44.87%, n=78) and chinchillas (64.60%, n=113). No animals experienced clinical complications. No significant changes in serial hematology were appreciated in Chinese hamsters (n=6) on days 0, 7, and 14. Histopathology did not reveal any complications. ConclusionsRGV in anesthetized rodents is safe, effective, minimally invasive, and repeatable, yielding clinically relevant blood volumes with precise control and minimal risks. Clinical RelevanceRGV may facilitate more routine hematology and chemistry analysis in rodents by veterinary practitioners, with few risks and complications. In research settings, RGV may improve animal welfare and contribute to refinement and reduction.

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.

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

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.

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.

Crush syndrome (CS) is a serious medical condition characterized by damage to the muscle cells due to pressure and is associated with high mortality, even in patients receiving fluid therapy. We focused on adrenaline (Adr), a standard medication administered by medical teams dispatched during disasters. Adr is readily available for use in disaster scenarios owing to its inclusion in standard emergency kits. The effectiveness of Adr in the treatment of CS remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Adr on acute complications, such as heart failure, shock, and renal failure, and explore whether its influence on inflammatory pathways is correlated with improved survival in rats with CS. The CS model involved subjecting anesthetized rats to bilateral hindlimb compression using a rubber tourniquet for 5 h. Subsequently, the rats were randomly divided into eight groups. Under continuous monitoring and recording of the arterial blood pressure, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analyses at designated time points before and after reperfusion. The survival rate, vital signs, and blood gas parameters were higher in the CS group than in the sham group. They were improved in the Adr-treated group (0.01 or 0.01 mg/kg), which was not significantly different from that in the CS group, despite the improvement in shock and kidney dysfunction. In conclusion, intramuscular Adr provides immediate hemodynamic stabilization and renal protection during the early stages of CS. However, its use requires careful dose titration; low doses may promote the systemic release of lethal toxins, whereas high doses may worsen metabolic acidosis. These findings highlight the importance of combining Adr with other therapies, such as fluid resuscitation, to manage systemic toxemia inherent in CS.

Clinical decision-making is a critical competency for nurses, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare systems where frontline practitioners must integrate clinical knowledge, judgment, and contextual constraints to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Although prior research highlights the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI)-supported learning and individual competencies, it largely assumes a direct relationship between technological support and decision quality, overlooking the cognitive-regulatory mechanisms through which such effects occur. This study addresses this gap by examining self-care competence as a mediating pathway linking perceived AI-based learning support to enhance clinical decision-making among nurses in Benue State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 600 registered nurses across public and private healthcare facilities using the Self-Care Competence Scale (SCCS), AI-Based Learning Support Scale (PAILS) and the Clinical Decision-Making Scale (CDMNS). Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to test direct and indirect relationships, complemented by bootstrapped mediation analysis and rigorous assessment of common method bias through Harmans single-factor test and full collinearity variance inflation factors, ensuring robustness of the findings. Results indicated moderately high levels of self-care competence, perceived AI-based learning support, and enhance clinical decision-making skills. Self-care competence and AI-based learning support significantly predicted clinical decision-making, with self-care competence partially mediating this relationship and the model explaining 58 percent of the variance. The findings extend theory by demonstrating that AI-supported learning enhances enhance clinical decision-making not directly, but through nurses cognitive and psychological readiness, positioning self-care competence as a central mechanism in evidence-based practice.

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.

This report presents findings from a baseline cross sectional survey of autistic adults and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) connected to Our Stomping Ground (OSG), a nonprofit organization in northern Virginia committed to supported independent living. The survey was administered in 2022 and 2023 as the first wave of a planned longitudinal study, with the primary goal of establishing a comparable starting point between two groups: adults who were living, or preparing to live, independently in an OSG apartment building, and adults with disabilities who were continuing to live at home with family. A total of 76 adults completed the survey out of 98 potential participants. The two groups were well-matched at baseline across a wide range of characteristics, which is exactly what a sound longitudinal design requires. This comparability means that when follow up data are collected, any observed differences between the groups can be more confidently attributed to the experience of independent living rather than to pre-existing differences. These findings provide the empirical foundation for the longitudinal phase of this study and offer a meaningful snapshot of the health, well-being, and support needs of autistic adults and adults with IDD at a pivotal life stage.

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.

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.

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.

The paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of gene networks activated by water stress and low temperatures in extensive (Saratovskaya 29, S29) and intensive (Yanetskis Probat, YP) wheat varieties during the seedling development stage. It is concluded that the creation of the S29 variety, which occurred through complex stepwise hybridization and selection for morphological traits, productivity, and grain quality traits, resulted in the emergence and inheritance of regulatory gene networks involving proteins with the CC domain, as well as the BTB/POZ and TAZ domains, which have an increased affinity for transcription factors involved in the transcriptomic response to changing external conditions. It was established that, at the transcriptomic level, the S29 variety is characterized by a transition to an energy saving mode to maintain the activity of the Calvin-Benson cycle under the water deficit conditions and the inhibition of proteolytic processes at low temperatures. The transcriptional response of the high-yielding YP variety to 24-hour low-temperature treatment was more active and involved a larger number of genes compared to the S29 variety. Identifying varietal variability in molecular genetic mechanisms of resistance to abiotic stressors facilitates the development of marker-assisted and genomic selection technologies for common wheat. Key messageThe extensive S29 variety was characterized by its transition to energy-saving mode to maintain the Calvin-Benson cycle under water deficit and a reduction in proteolytic processes under low temperature.

Understanding how anthropogenic disturbance and vegetation structure influence bird abundance is important for biodiversity conservation in rapidly changing tropical landscapes. This study evaluated the effects of anthropogenic and vegetation-related variables on the abundance of the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus) in human settlements and surrounding farmlands in Laminga Village, Jos-East Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Bird surveys were conducted using line transects and quadrat-based vegetation assessments during November 2024. Poisson Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were used to examine the influence of anthropogenic and vegetation predictors on abundance. Among anthropogenic variables, building density significantly reduced abundance ({beta} = -0.141, SE = 0.060, z = -2.333, p = 0.020), whereas human presence ({beta} = -0.073, p = 0.141) and noise level ({beta} = 0.009, p = 0.592) did not significantly influence abundance. Average grass height showed a marginal positive relationship with abundance ({beta} = 2.008, SE = 1.051, z = 1.910, p = 0.056), while hedgerow presence, hedgerow height, grass cover, and bare ground cover were not significant predictors. The vegetation model produced the lowest residual deviance (91.19) and AIC value (297.66), indicating comparatively stronger explanatory performance. The results suggest that structural habitat characteristics and building density may play more important roles in shaping Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu abundance than human activity or noise levels alone. These findings provide insight into species responses to environmental disturbance in human-modified savanna ecosystems.

Introduction: Early hospital presentation after stroke onset is necessary for rapid assessment and access to time-dependent acute management. This study examined the correlates of late presentation for stroke care among patients recorded at a tertiary hospital in Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective records review was conducted using secondary data from the Stroke Registry of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, radiology department records, referral notes, and ambulance records. Records of stroke cases documented within the preceding 24 months were reviewed. Late presentation was defined as hospital presentation more than four hours after symptom onset. Frequencies, chi-square tests, and modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios. Results: The analysis included 371 stroke cases. Of these, 317 (85.4%) presented after four hours, and the median time to presentation was 24 hours (interquartile range: 9-72 hours). Late presentation differed significantly by employment status, first-contact route, and pathway complexity at bivariate analysis. After adjustment, non-hospital first contact remained strongly associated with late presentation: patients whose first documented contact was non-hospital-based had almost 3 times the prevalence of delay compared with those whose first contact was hospital-based (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.89; 95% confidence interval: 2.15-3.90; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Late presentation was pervasive in this tertiary hospital record cohort and was primarily associated with the initial direction of care-seeking. Stroke response interventions should emphasise immediate hospital presentation and strengthen urgent referral from non-hospital first-contact points.