bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients Perception on services related issues at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Sharma Jignesh , Nair Richard. D. , Tamani Ledua
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Laboratory Services is an essential service that is part of the hospital system to aid physicians to come to a definite diagnosis for their patients. Being an essential service, it is very important that the laboratory service run in a manner that satisfies its customers. Thus, it is very important to take perceptions of patients who readily excess these services to get their point of view on issues they face while excessing laboratory services and how best the profession can work with the MoHMS to create avenues for improvements that would benefit the patients. No studies to date have been conducted in Fiji until now to gauge the issues that are faced by patients accessing laboratory services at government hospitals. Similar perception studies have been done on a large scale looking at the views of patients on the services provided by Nurses and Doctors thus this study aimed to explore the perceptions of patients on services provided by the largest laboratory department in Fiji that is the CWMH.
Materials and Method: Patients who attended the laboratory outpatient department of Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva, Fiji, during August and October of 2022 provided data for the study, which was qualitative in nature. The study included all patients who visited the CWMH laboratory outpatient department during the data collection period, regardless of gender or ethnicity, and who were older than 18. For this study, in-depth interviews with 20 participants were conducted until data saturation was reached. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were utilized to gather data utilizing a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. To identify the themes and sub-themes for the findings, the data were transcribed and subjected to a thematic analysis procedure.
Results: Twenty patients in all were questioned, ten (or 50%) of them were men and ten (or 50%) were women. Unaware of change in location, lack of signage or other means to inform patients that staff is inside, privacy and confidentiality, waiting time, waiting area, and issues with occupational health services (OHS) are among the six themes that emerged from the data analysis. Although they encountered numerous obstacles in their attempts to receive the best care possible, the patients had high expectations. Users of the laboratory outpatient department began to have a bad opinion of it because of the department's shortcomings.
Conclusion: This study revealed that patients who visited the CWMH laboratory outpatient department more frequently than not had general dissatisfaction with the services they received. In order to improve the delivery of services and increase patient satisfaction, MoHMS and service providers must investigate the legitimate concerns that patients have expressed.
Behavioral Toxicodynamics and Kinetic profiling of PCB congeners in Swiss albino mouse dosed with Aroclor 1232 through inhalational route: A pivotal risk assessment study
Authors: Muthusamy Sivaselvakumar , Narayanan Ramanujam
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Polychlorinated Biphenyls pose hazards to humans as environmental and occupational workplace pollutants, despite which, though they are regulated in India, their use is not yet banned. Hence, the pharmacokinetics and behavioral effects of PCBs after inhalational exposures of Aroclor 1232 in Swiss albino mice were assessed in this study, with an objective to correlate these effects with monoamine levels in brain and extrapolate them to rodent and human risk assessments. Methods: A whole body inhalational chamber has been utilized to expose mice to different doses of Aroclor 1232 for single six-hour durations. The plasma and brain samples were used to estimate the corresponding concentration-time profiles of two representative congeners of PCBs (PCB 77 and PCB 180) and calculate their pharmacokinetic parameters. These variables were then correlated with mouse behavior using Irwin scale, and monoamine levels at Tmax. Results & Discussion: A definite dose-dependence of PCB 77 and PCB 180 kinetic parameters was identified in plasma and brain. PCB 77 exhibited more accumulation in brain than plasma, whereas PCB 180 accumulated more in plasma than brain. Mood, autonomic scores, and miscellaneous sub domains were significantly different from control group scores in these domains. The changes in the mood and miscellaneous domains on the Irwin scale could be ascribed to higher brain PCB 77; whereas changes in autonomic functions could be ascribed to higher plasma PCB 180 levels. Conclusion: The pharmacokinetic parameters of PCB 180 and PCB 77 after acute inhalational exposures to Aroclor 1232 were obtained and this was temporally correlated with disruption of behavioral scores and monoamine levels in dose-dependent manner.
Smartphone addiction, depression, distress, eustress, loneliness, and sleep deprivation in adolescents: a latent profile and network analysis approach
Authors: KABADAYI Fedai
Published: August 2024

Background Previous research on adolescent smartphone addiction has tended to focus on general populations that are assumed to be homogeneous, overlooking latent profiles. Furthermore, previous research has not focused on potentially important differences in the latent profiles of adolescent smartphone addiction in networks. The present study aimed to reveal the latent profiles of smartphone addiction, depression, stress, eustress, loneliness, and sleep deprivation in adolescents, and general and latent profiles were examined in the network.
Methods The study group consisted of 436 (222 boys and 214 girls) adolescents, aged between 13 and 18 years. The findings of the present study were provided using Pearson correlation, ANOVA, latent profile analysis and network analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS, JASP, and Mplus.
Results The results of the study showed solutions with three latent profiles. The non-addicted group constituted 20.87%, the addicted group covered 29.82% and the risky group included 49.31% of the study group. Although the general profile and the addicted latent group had similar characteristics, the differences in the risky and non-addicted groups contributed to the current literature by providing a further and remarkable perspective on smartphone addiction, depression, distress, eustress, loneliness, and sleep deprivation in adolescents.
Conclusions The theoretical and practical implications of the present results will provide contributions to researchers and practitioners in understanding smartphone addiction.
Effects of aging on the severity of liver injury in mice with iron overload
Authors: Park So-Hyun , Song Soo-Jin , Lee Jin-A , Shin Jung-A
Published: August 2024

While iron is a vital component in the body, excessive iron leads to iron toxicity, which affects vital organs. In particular, the liver is considerably affected by iron toxicity because it stores the highest amount of iron in the body. Nonetheless, the relationship between iron overload and aging in the liver has not yet been clearly identified. This study aimed to observe the effects of aging on iron overload in the liver. Female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into vehicle control and iron overload groups (n = 7–22 per group). The iron overload group was injected with Fe-dextran (0.5 g/kg) for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, liver and blood samples were obtained from 2-, 15-, and 22-month-old mice. Liver weight, iron deposition, structural changes, cell death, extracellular matrix deposition, and fenestration of sinusoidal vessels were analyzed and compared between the groups. Additionally, biochemical analyses (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum total iron levels) were performed. The iron overload group exhibited significant differences compared to the control group with age. In the elderly iron overload model, iron deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cell death were significantly increased (p < .0001). Moreover, deposition of the extracellular matrix and defenestration of sinusoidal fenestrae were observed among 22-month-old mice in the iron overload group. These results suggest that aging is a risk factor for iron-induced liver injury. Therefore, caution should be exercised when performing iron-related treatments in the elderly.
DRMNet: More efficient bilateral networks for real-time semantic segmentation of road scenes
Authors: Zhang Wenming , Zhang Shaotong , Li Yaqian , Li Haibin , Song Tao
Published: August 2024

Semantic segmentation is crucial in autonomous driving because of its accurate identification and segmentation of objects and regions. However, there is a conflict between segmentation accuracy and real-time performance on embedded devices. We propose an efficient lightweight semantic segmentation network (DRMNet) to solve these problems. We use a lightweight bilateral structure to encode semantic and spatial paths and cross-fuse features during encoding, we also add unique skip connections to coordinate upsampling in the semantic path. We design a new self-calibrated aggregate pyramid pooling module (SAPPM) at the end of the semantic branch to capture more comprehensive multi-scale semantic information and balance the extraction and inference speed of the semantic branch. Furthermore, we designed a new feature fusion module, which guides the fusion of detail features and semantic features through attention perception, alleviating the problem of semantic information quickly covering spatial detail information. Experimental results on the CityScapes and CamVid datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of DRMNet. On a 2080Ti GPU, our model achieves 78.6% mIoU and 78.9% mIoU on CityScapes and CamVid, respectively, with 88.3 FPS and 149 FPS speeds. These results highlight the model's ability to better balance accuracy and real-time performance, making it suitable for embedded devices in autonomous driving applications.
Application of a novel phage W5 for biological control 1 of Salmonella Typhimurium in different food matrices
Authors: Chong Qian , Yang Kaihui , Fan Ziqiu , Ma Yonghui , Zhang Kunzhong , Deng Jing , Ma JingRui , Zhao Xuehui , Zhi Ji , Zhang Haohao , He Zengwen , Cao Qing , Xue Huiwen , Gou Hui tian
Published: August 2024

Background: Salmonella, as one of the four major foodborne pathogens, poses a serious challenge to global public health. The aim of this paper is to apply phage eradication for biocontrol of salmonellosis in different food matrices.
Results: This study isolated a novel lytic phage, designated as W5, isolated from livestock and poultry slaughterhouse effluent. W5 displayed effective lytic activity against prevalent Salmonella serotypes, including Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Choleraesuis, and Salmonella Typhi. Morphological observations indicate that phage W5 belongs to the family Myoviridae and the order Caudoviridae, the whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis also confirmed W5 as a novel species within the Cornellvirus genus of the Guernseyvirinae subfamily. The biological characterization revealed that phage W5 had an optimal infection complex of 1, with a brief incubation period of 22 min followed by a logarithmic phase extending from 22 min to 70 min to peak at a maximum of 3.67 × 1011 PFU/mL and achieving a plateau period after 70 min. Moreover, W5 exhibits robust thermal and acid–base stability, optimally active at 50 °C and stable across a pH range of 3 to 13. Neither SM buffer nor glycerol impacted the activity of W5, with 98% of the phage adsorbing to the host bacteria within 13 min of post-mixing. Further tests demonstrated that W5 can inhibit Salmonella in milk, pork, and eggs, effectively prevent biofilm formation, and remove biofilm. These results suggest that phage W5 is abundantly available as a potential antimicrobial agent for Salmonella control in the food industry, owing to its safety and effectiveness.
Conclusions: Biological characterization, genome-wide analysis, and application of phage W5 showed that this phage is a promising candidate for use in phage mixtures or other phage-based preparations.
Acute Effect of Exercise on Appetite-Related Factors in Males with Obesity
Authors: Asri Sogand , Rahmani-nia Farhad , Saidie Payam , Khodabandeh Shahin
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The interplay between exercise and appetite regulation has been extensively studied, given that exercise-induced energy expenditure can significantly impact energy balance. This study aimed to investigate the role of appetite-related factors, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), irisin, interleukin 7 (IL-7), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and leptin, on appetite perception in males with obesity.
Methods
Eleven males (body mass 109.8 ± 16.4 kg, body mass index 35.3 ± 4.2 kg/m², V̇O2peak 29 ± 3.1 mL/kg/min) participated in two experimental trials (MICE: 60 minutes of cycling at 60% of VO2peak; CTRL: 60 minutes of quiet resting) using a crossover design. Appetite parameters, including IL-6, IL-7, irisin, and leptin, were measured at 0, 1.25, 2.25, and 3.25 hours. Additionally, appetite perception was assessed at 1-hour intervals.
Results
IL-6 levels increased significantly immediately post-exercise (95% CI: [2.207–12.192] pg/mL, p = 0.007) and remained elevated 1 hour post-exercise (95% CI: [2.326–11.855] pg/mL, p = 0.006) compared to the control trial. Irisin levels also rose significantly immediately post-exercise (95% CI: [0.084–3.061] ng/mL, p = 0.039). NPY concentration decreased significantly 1 hour post-exercise (95% CI: [(-20.601) - (-1.380)] ng/L, p = 0.027). No significant differences were observed for IL-7 (p = 0.748, \(\:{\eta\:}_{p}^{2}\) = 0.077) and leptin (p = 0.748, \(\:{\eta\:}_{p}^{2}\) = 0.077). Appetite perceptions were suppressed immediately post-exercise (95% CI: [3.407–19.547] mm, p = 0.008) and 1 hour post-exercise (95% CI: [6.252–22.385] mm, p = 0.001) compared to the control.
Conclusion
Sixty minutes of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) increased IL-6 and irisin levels while suppressing NPY levels and appetite perceptions following moderate intensity aerobic exercise.
A day with suicidal adolescents: Experiences of mental healthcare providers
Authors: Mukwevo Teboho , Du Plessis Emmerentia , Chukwuere Precious Chibuike
Published: August 2024

Background:Suicide-related behaviour, including suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts, has become a significant cause of death worldwide, particularly among adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of mental healthcare providers in providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour and to explore and describe what support can be provided to mental healthcare providers.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design with the study conducted in the adolescent ward in a public psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. A purposive sampling technique was used. A total of n=11 semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Data saturation was reached after interview n=9 and two more interviews were conducted to confirm data saturation. Data was analyzed using a thematic method of qualitative data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through dependability, transferability, credibility, and confirmability. Approval was obtained from the necessary authorities.
Results: Mental healthcare providers experience providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour as challenging at times, mental healthcare providers experience providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour as rewarding at times. Additionally, mental healthcare providers providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour need emotional and/or psychological support and mental healthcare providers providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour need organizational support.
Conclusion: The study underscores the mental health providers' experience providing health care to adolescents with suicidal behaviour and how they can be supported to fulfill their duties. Addressing their emotional and psychological needs through regular debriefing and counseling, coupled with enhanced training and management support, can significantly improve their coping mechanisms and overall quality of care. By ensuring that healthcare providers are well-supported and equipped, their effectiveness in treating suicidal adolescents can be markedly improved, ultimately benefiting both the providers and the patients.
A Bijection-backdoor-based Adversarial Examples Defense Method in Federated Learning
Authors: Li Yongfei , Guo Yuanbo , Fang Chen , Wang Yifeng , Chen Qingli , Hu Yongjin
Published: August 2024

With the continuous advancement of Internet of Things (IoT), the issue of data privacy in it is also quietly emerging. Federated learning (FL) enables the creation of a potent global model from a consortium of clients, safeguarding sensitive client data while upholding model accuracy. Unlike conventional centralized learning paradigms, federated learning operates without necessitating access to local datasets, thus effectively mitigating data privacy concerns. Nonetheless, malevolent entities can exploit vulnerabilities by introducing subtle perturbations to client-side samples, thereby executing adversarial example (AE) attacks that disrupt model predictions. To address this challenge, we present a novel bijection-backdoor-based adversarial examples defense method in federated learning, termed BAEDFL-CL. Initially, an intricate backdoor mechanism is transmitted from the server to the client, i.e. IoT device, neutralizing the impact of adversarial examples on model outputs while preserving the primary task's performance. Additionally, to bolster the model's defense capabilities within the federated learning for practical scenario, we devise a representation enhancement technique grounded in supervised contrastive learning (CL). This method encourages the model to craft feature representations endowed with enhanced generalization ability. Through comprehensive experiment on diverse datasets spanning IID and Non-IID scenarios, our results reveal that BAEDFL-CL significantly diminishes the attack success rate to 17.66% and 24.35%, respectively. Concurrently, BAEDFL-CL improves main task performance by 0.02% and 2.24% correspondingly, substantiating its efficacy in countering adversarial examples in federated learning environments.
Coffee intake and risk of diabetic retinopathy: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Yanyan , Ni Yulu , Huang Xin
Published: August 2024

Background: Observational studies have reported a link between coffee consumption and diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the causal relationship remains a subject of debate. To explore these causal associations, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
Methods: We utilized seven publicly accessible genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets related to coffee intake (ukb-b-5237) and DR (finn-b-DM_RETINOPATHY, finn-b-H7_RETINOPATHYDIAB, finn-b-DM_RETINOPATHY_EXMORE, finn-b-DM_RETINA_PROLIF, finn-b-H7_RETINOPATHYDIAB_PROLIF, and finn-b-H7_RETINOPATHYDIAB_BKG). MR analyses were performed using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, and weighted mode estimates.
Results: Employing 40 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genome-wide significance as instrumental variables for coffee intake, our study revealed a positive correlation between genetically predicted coffee consumption and the risk of DR (OR= 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.90, p = 0.037; OR=2.25, 95% CI: 1.21 to 4.20, p = 0.011; OR= 1.66, 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.35, p = 0.004; OR= 1.75, 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.56, p = 0.004; OR= 2.79, 95% CI: 1.08 to 7.23, p = 0.035; OR= 2.48, 95% CI: 1.16 to 5.29, p = 0.019). These results were consistent across various sensitivity analyses and free from pleiotropy.
Conclusions: Our findings indicate a positive association between coffee intake and the risk of DR, as determined by genetic data. These correlations warrant serious consideration in clinical settings.
Willingness to Use Long-acting Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Key Populations at a Large Hiv Prevention Clinic in Kampala, Uganda: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Lukubuya Jonathan Derrick , Katana Elizabeth B. , Baguma Micheal , Kaguta Andrew , Nambatya Winnie , Kyambadde Peter , Muwonge Timothy R. , Mujugira Andrew , Odongpiny Eva Agnes Laker
Published: August 2024

Background.
Long-acting injectable (LAI)-PrEP provides better protection against HIV compared to oral PrEP, which requires taking a daily pill. Our study aimed to assess knowledge about oral and LAI-PrEP and identify factors associated with willingness to use LAI-PrEP among key populations (KP) in Uganda.
Methods.
We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Most at Risk Populations Initiative (MARPI) clinic between November and December 2021. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and interviewed using a structured questionnaire by trained interviewers. Participants were categorised into three groups based on their oral PrEP use: those who had not yet initiated PrEP, those who had discontinued oral PrEP, and those currently on oral PrEP. Modified Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with the participant's willingness to use LAI-PrEP. Data was analysed using STATA 14 software.
Results.
Of the 234 participants, 135 (56.7%) were female, 82.5% knew about LAI-PrEP, and 67.5% were willing to use it. The mean age was 28.7 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.8). Willingness to use LAI-PrEP was less likely among divorced, widowed, or separated individuals than those in relationships (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43–0.98). Relative to current oral PrEP users, willingness to use LAI-PrEP was similar among those who discontinued oral PrEP (aPR 1.39, 95% CI: 0.92–2.11) and those who had not yet initiated PrEP but were at risk for HIV (aPR 1.26, 95% CI: 0.83–1.89).
Conclusions.
In this cross-sectional analysis of diverse members of key populations in Uganda, previous or non-use of oral PrEP was not associated with willingness to use LAI-PrEP relative to current users. Future studies should investigate effective methods for promoting the uptake of long-acting PrEP formulations among populations at high risk of HIV acquisition.
Comparative Effectiveness of Vitrification and Slow Freezing after Heterotopic Transplantation of Human Ovarian Tissues
Authors: Zeng Yucui , Li Yushan , Du Hui , Li Changzhong , Dai Wenkui , Wu Ruifang
Published: August 2024

Background
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different vitrification methods and slow freezing in terms of the recovery of endocrine function, follicular morphology and proliferation, apoptosis of stromal cells, and angiogenesis after heterotopic transplantation of human ovarian tissue.
Methods
Ovarian tissue from young women aged 29 to 40 was subjected to vitrification or slow freezing. The thawed ovarian tissue was then transplanted into nude mice. Ovarian tissue samples were collected at 4 and 6 weeks post-transplantation. The recovery of ovarian function was evaluated by observing the estrous cycle and measuring estradiol levels using Elisa. Histological evaluation was performed to assess the integrity of ovarian follicles. TUNEL assay was used to detect stromal cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry was conducted to evaluate follicular proliferation and tissue angiogenesis.
Results
After heterotopic transplantation, mice in the experimental groups exhibited restoration of the estrous cycle. Hormone levels showed an increasing trend in the vitrification groups. At 6 weeks post-transplantation, the VF2 group had significantly higher hormone levels compared to the VF1 group and the slow freezing (SF) group (P > 0.05). At 4 weeks post-transplantation, the proportion of normal follicles was higher in the VF2 group compared to the other two groups (P > 0.05), and at 6 weeks post-transplantation, the VF2 group was significantly higher than the SF group (P < 0.05) and slightly higher than the VF1 group. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated a higher proportion of proliferating follicles in the vitrification groups compared to the slow freezing group (P > 0.05). CD31 expression was established in all groups at 4 and 6 weeks post-transplantation, with slightly better results in the slow freezing group compared to the vitrification group. TUNEL analysis showed that stromal cell apoptosis was higher in the SF group compared to the vitrification group at 4 weeks post-transplantation (P < 0.05), while there was no significant statistical difference among the groups at 6 weeks post-transplantation.
Conclusions
Vitrification showed slightly better results than slow freezing, with the VF2 group performing slightly better than the VF1 group. Considering the lower economic and time costs associated with vitrification, it may be more suitable for ovarian tissue cryopreservation in major research centers in the future.
Possible mechanisms underlying the involvement of microglial P2X4 receptors in the comorbidity of pain and depression
Authors: Wang Wei , Xin Lian , Hu Chunxiao , Sun Hanzhe , Pan Shuai , Lin Jinlong , Gu Zhengfeng
Published: August 2024

Microglia’s P2X4 receptor may be a key target involved in the occurrence and development of pain–depression comorbidity. The objective of this study is to explore the possible mechanisms underlying the involvement of microglial P2X4 receptors in pain–depression comorbidity. Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control group (10), sham operation group (10), chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve group (CCI group, 10), CCI + antagonist group (10), chronic unpredicted mild stress model group (CUMS group, 10), CUMS + antagonist group (10). The normal group received no treatment, the sham group was injected with normal saline through stereotaxic localisation, the CCI group was ligated with sciatic nerve of left leg, the CUMS group was stimulated by stress for 30 days. The rats in the CCI group and CUMS group were injected with P2X4 receptor antagonist 30 days later. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured in each group on different days, followed by forced swimming tests in all groups to measure floating immobility time in water. Finally, P2X4’s expression in rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and spinal lumbosacral swelling were detected by Western Blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively, whilst expression of 5-HT in the spinal dorsal horn was measured via immunohistochemistry. Compared with the sham group, both MWT and TWL in the CCI group exhibited a decreasing trend (lowest level at approximately 2 weeks before remaining stable). Floating state time in the forced swimming experiment was significantly prolonged. Simultaneously, P2X4’s expression increased in RVM, as did that of 5-HT in spinal cord, but the expression of 5-HT in spinal cord significantly decreased after injection of P2X4 receptor antagonist in RVM. Compared with the normal group, MWT and TWL in the CUMS group decreased gradually, and floating state time reached the longest. P2X4 receptor expression in the RVM increased more significantly than that in the CCI group, and that of 5-HT in the spinal cord increased. Post injection of the P2X4 receptor antagonist, the MWT and TWL were higher than those before injection, and forced swimming time decreased. Moreover, P2X4 receptor expression in RVM increased, and expression of 5-HT in the spinal cord decreased. P2X4 receptor in RVM may be involved in the pathogenesis of pain–depression comorbidity.
Biosurfactant production by Bacillus cereus GX7 utilizing organic waste and its application in the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated environments
Authors: Zhang Yunyun , Gao Jin , Li Qintong , Yang Jingjing , Gao Yu , Xue Jianliang , Li Lin , Ji Yiting
Published: August 2024

The use of biosurfactants represents a promising technology for remediating hydrocarbon pollution in the environment. This study evaluated a highly effective biosurfactant strain-Bacillus cereus GX7’s ability to produce biosurfactants from industrial and agriculture organic wastes. GX7 showed poor utilization capacity for oil soluble organic waste but effectively utilized of water soluble organic wastes such as starch hydrolysate and wheat bran juice as carbon sources to enhance biosurfactant production. This led to significant improvements in surface tension and emulsification index. Corn steep liquor was also effective as a nitrogen source for GX7 in biosurfactant production. The biosurfactants produced by strain GX7 demonstrated a remediation effect on oily beach sand, but are slightly inferior to chemical surfactants. Inoculation with GX7 (70.36%) or its fermentation solution (94.38%) can effectively enhanced the degradation efficiency of diesel oil in polluted seawater, surpassing that of indigenous degrading bacteria treatments (57.62%). Moreover, Inoculation with GX7’s fermentation solution notably improved the community structure by increasing the abundance of functional bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas in seawater. These findings suggest that the GX7 as a promising candidate for bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons.
Varied Manifestations of Artery of Percheron Stroke: A Clinical Case Series
Authors: Shetty Rakshand , CS Madhu
Published: August 2024

Artery of Percheron (AOP) stroke, a rare anatomical variant resulting in bilateral thalamic infarction, presents with diverse clinical manifestations. We present a case series of six patients, highlighting the variability in clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, management strategies, and outcomes associated with this condition. Variants in stroke presentation include altered sensorium, involuntary movements, and respiratory compromise. Imaging findings reveal bilateral paramedian thalamic infarcts, often involving adjacent structures. Management involves multidisciplinary care with emphasis on early recognition, supportive measures, and tailored rehabilitation. Our series underscores the importance of considering AOP stroke in patients presenting with atypical neurological symptoms, facilitating prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Background:
Artery of Percheron stroke, characterized by occlusion of a single common arterial supply to the bilateral thalami and other adjacent structures, is a rare but clinically significant entity. The anatomical variability predisposes to a wide spectrum of neurological deficits ranging from altered consciousness to focal neurological signs, posing diagnostic challenges often requiring advanced neuroimaging and multidisciplinary management.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of six cases diagnosed with AOP stroke at our tertiary care facility between 2017 and 2021. Clinical data including demographics, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, and angiography), laboratory investigations, treatment modalities, and outcomes were analyzed. Diagnostic criteria included characteristic neuroimaging findings confirming bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction consistent with AOP involvement.
Are ethnic disparities in COVID-19 severe outcomes over? Analysis of 5.3 million individuals in England and Wales from 2020-2022
Authors: Khalid Sara , Pineda-Moncusí Marta , Allery Freya , Abbasizanjani Hoda , Powell David , Prats-Uribe Albert , Thygesen Johan , Tomlinson Christopher , Banerjee Amitava , Akbari Ashley , Coates Laura , Denaxas Spiros , Khunti Kamlesh , Collins Gary , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: August 2024

To study ethnic disparities in risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, we estimated age-standardised incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios for 28-day mortality and 30-day cardiovascular disease (CVD) for individual ethnic groups from England and Wales. We studied 6-census-based ethnicity groups classification, 10-level classification (only for Wales), and 19-level classification along with additional sub-groups comprising > 1000 individuals each (only for England). COVID-19 mortality and CVD risk was increased in most non-White ethnic groups in England and Asian population in Wales during the 2.5 years after the pandemic outbreak. English data show mortality decreased during the Omicron variant's dominance, whilst CVD risk remained elevated for certain ethnic groups when compared to White populations (men: 58% Pakistani, 120% White and Asian, and 17% Any other White background; women: 75% Bangladeshi, 55% Caribbean, and 82% Any Other Ethnic Group). Ethnically diverse populations remained disproportionately affected by CVD throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lysosomal Storage Diseases Brazil Network, helping Brazil and Latin America to identify LSD patients: Report on the first 10 years of activity
Authors: Trapp Franciele Barbosa , Riegel-Giugliani Mariluce , Michelin-Tirelli Kristiane , Silva Layzon Antonio Lemos da , Iop Gabrielle Dineck , Bender-Pasetto Fernanda , Sebastião Fernanda Medeiros , Moraes Inamara da Silva , Lopes Franciele Fátima , Santos Osmar Rachor Toledo dos , Pereira Fernanda da Rosa , Silva Laysla Pedelhes , Luiz Andrius Anselmi , Silva Cleiton Amaral da , Lucas Karen Daniela Piccoli , Netto Alice Brinckmann Oliveira , Brasil Carolina Serpa , Leistner Sandra , Brusius-Facchin Ana Carolina , Rafaelli Célio Luiz , Giugliani Roberto
Published: August 2024

To contribute to the diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), an innovative program called LSD Brazil Network (LBN) was implemented to provide information and testing of high-risk patients, free of charge, to doctors and services from Brazil and other countries. This paper describes the structure, services provided, and results obtained by LBN in its first 10 years of operation. The LBN has a core group which is responsible for the operation, guidance, logistics of sample collection and transportation, test reports and informative materials. The diagnostic investigation is performed in several laboratories affiliated to the program, all located in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The first ten years of operation of the LSD Brazil Network (2013–2022) were reviewed in detail. Along 10 years, 26,489 patients were investigated by the LBN, with the diagnosis of 27 LSDs confirmed in 1,320 cases (4.98%). Comparing the first period of 5 years with the second one, there was a decrease in the number of requests, probably reflecting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemics. Interestingly, the same comparison indicates that there was an increase of 46% in the rate of diagnosis, possibly due a better selection of suspected cases. The model developed by the LSD Brazil Network, aiming to increase awareness and to remove barriers to diagnostic tests, suggests that the implementation of reference networks seems to be a suitable alternative to foster the diagnosis of LSDs, especially in developing countries, where resources and facilities are scarce.
Where there is no neurologist: Task-shifting Care for Migraine and Tension-type headaches to nurses in rural communities in Cameroon
Authors: Njohjam Mundih Noelar , Ngoule Mark Olivier , Tonga Emanuelle Mylene , Annick-Sandra Jouonang Teugang
Published: August 2024

Background
Cameroon is home to over 28 million inhabitants and 40 neurologists giving a neurologist/inhabitant ratio of 1.4 per 1,000,000 inhabitants. These neurologists are located in the urban areas. In most rural health facilities in Cameroon, nurses and community health workers are the primary providers of care, often with limited training in the diagnosis and management of health conditions such as headache disorders. The aim of this project was to train primary healthcare nurses in rural areas on the assessment and management of migraine and tension-type headaches, as well as the identification and early referral of secondary headaches. We also aimed to provide them with tools that will allow them to accurately diagnose, treat, and/or refer patients with headaches who present to their health centres.
Methods
Thirty-three randomly selected primary healthcare nurses working in rural communities were trained on the basic assessment and management of migraine and tension-type headaches. Follow up training sessions were organized quarterly to reinforce knowledge and skills. A pre- and post-training assessments were done based on the Kirkpatrick taxonomy, to assess the impact of the training on the clinical practice of the nurses.
Results
There was a statistically significant improvement in the participants’ knowledge in the definition of headache (P < 0.001), differentiating between primary and secondary headache (P < 0.001), identification of red flags of headaches (P < 0.001), prescription of medications for migraine and tension-type headaches (P < 0.001), medication overused headaches (P = 0.001), when to refer a headache case (P = 0.022) and patient counselling (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant improvement in the confidence in assessing, managing and referring a patient with a headache.
Conclusion
Where there are no physicians or neurologists, task-shifting care of migraine and tension-type to primary healthcare nurses may help to reduce the treatment gap.
High-purity and stable single-photon emission in bilayer WSe2 via phonon-assisted excitation
Authors: Munkhbat Battulga , Piccinini Claudia , Paralikis Athanasios , Neto José , Madigawa Abdulmalik , Wyborski Pawel , Remesh Vikas , Vannucci Luca , Gregersen Niels
Published: August 2024

The excitation scheme is essential for single-photon sources as it prepares the exciton state, defines the decay dynamics, and influences the spectral diffusion of the emitted single photons. Here, we investigate the impact of three different optical excitation strategies on the single-photon emission characteristics of bilayer WSe2 quantum emitters. Under phonon-assisted excitation, we achieve narrow and stable single-photon emission with a purity reaching 0.94±0.02. Furthermore, the decay time is reduced by more than an order of magnitude from (16.65±2.39) ns for above-band excitation to (1.33±0.04) ns for phonon-assisted excitation. Finally, we observe a suppressed spectral wandering along with a two-fold reduction of the spectral linewidth. Our comprehensive investigation highlights the critical role of the excitation method in optimizing the performance of WSe2-based quantum emitters.
Staphylococcus aureus ST764-SCCmecII high-risk clone in bloodstream infections revealed through national genomic surveillance integrating clinical data
Authors: Sugai Motoyuki , Hisatsune Junzo , Kutsuno Shoko , Iwao Yasuhisa , Ishida-Kuroki Kasumi , Yahara Koji , Kitamura Norikazu , Kajihara Toshiki , Kayama Shizuo , Sugawara Yo , Kitagawa Hiroki , Ohge Hiroki , Mizukami Tomoyuki , JARBS-SA Consortium , Kawano Fumio
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the highest priority organisms exhibiting this phenotype. Here, we performed a national surveillance integrating patient clinical data of S. aureus isolated from bloodstream infections. We performed genome sequencing, standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and collected clinical metadata of 580 S. aureus isolates collected during 2019–2020. We focused on three predominant clonal complexes (CC1, CC5, and CC8) and assessed their microbiological and clinical significance and regional prevalence. Furthermore, we conducted a genomic comparison of the isolates of 2019–2000 with those of 1994–2000 and investigated the evolutionary trajectory of emerging clones from the three dominant clonal complexes. We revealed that the emerging MRSA ST764-SCCmecII showed the highest mortality rate within 30 days of hospitalization. This high-risk clone diverged from the New York/Japan clone (ST5-SCCmecII), which was inferred to have undergone repeated infections with phages carrying superantigen toxin genes and acquired antimicrobial resistance genes via mobile genetic elements, leading to its emergence around 1994. Overall, we provide a blueprint for a national genomic surveillance study that integrates clinical data and enables identification and evolutionary characterization of a high-risk clone.
Sleep traits and thyroid gland: results from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2012 and Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Qiu Rongliang , Fu Jinbo
Published: August 2024

Background: Common sleep problems reduce quality of life and increase chronic disease risk. The relationship between sleep traits and thyroid function is unclear. This study explores the association between sleep traits and thyroid using NHANES data and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Materials and Methods: Data from NHANES 2007-2012 were used to assess the relationship between sleep traits and thyroid function using weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. A two-sample MR study was conducted using GWAS summary statistics, and methods like Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) were used to explore the causal relationship between sleep traits and thyroid disease. Sensitivity analysis ensured robustness.
Results: The study included 6919 NHANES participants. Logistic regression showed higher TSH levels in the long sleep group (P < 0.0001, β= 0.85, 95% CI: 0.54, 1.15). Lower FT3 levels were found in the normal sleep group (P = 0.0030, β= -0.06, 95% CI: -0.06, -0.00). TT4 levels were lower in those with sleep disorders (P = 0.0157, β= -0.11, 95% CI: -0.20, -0.02). Long sleep was positively associated with TGAb positivity (P = 0.0288, OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.07), while sleep disorders were negatively associated with TGAb positivity (P = 0.0176, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.95). MR analysis indicated a positive association between long sleep and Graves' disease (GD) risk (P = 0.0240, OR = 99.98, 95% CI: 1.83, 5453.63), and a negative association between sleep duration and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) risk (P = 0.0294, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.97).
Conclusion: Sleep duration is associated with thyroid hormone levels and autoimmunity. Long sleep is linked to higher TSH levels, lower FT3 levels, and increased TGAb positivity risk, while sleep disorders are linked to lower TT4 levels and decreased TGAb positivity risk. MR studies suggest long sleep may increase GD risk, while shorter sleep may decrease HT risk.
Refutation text offers mixed effects on Nigerian pre-service teachers’ use of the representativeness heuristic
Authors: Olaguro Modiu
Published: August 2024

This study enlisted a refutation text to foster conceptual change among 71 preservice teachers of mathematics education in situations that might elicit the use of the representativeness heuristic. Statistically significant differences were found between respondents’ pre- and post-tests, with more than half exhibiting normative reasoning after prior use of the heuristic. Analysis of their written explanations revealed differential patterns in their reasoning across two effect categories. Implications for misconception research and practice are discussed.
Demographic Disparities, Service Efficiency, Safety, and User Satisfaction in Public Bus Transit System: A Survey-based Case Study in the City of Charlotte, NC
Authors: Hosseini Sanaz Sadat , Ardabili Babak Rahimi , Azarbayjani Mona , Tabkhi Hamed
Published: August 2024

Public bus transit in the US faces challenges like reduced ridership, rising costs, and service quality concerns, with ridership dropping to 62% of pre-pandemic levels by mid-2022. This research examines service limitations, safety concerns, and attitudes towards technological improvements in Charlotte’s transit system, using survey data from 160 participants collected in 2022 and 2023. The survey included demographic variables such as age, gender, race, income, living area, and bus usage frequency. Statistical analyses, including GLM, POLR, CLM, and Multinomial Ridge Regression, identified significant factors influencing transit use and perceptions. Key findings show that East Charlotte residents and females face limited routes and longer wait times; safety concerns are more prevalent among Black participants and those in East Charlotte; and privacy concerns are higher among infrequent and higher-income bus users. There is a strong preference for technological improvements like real-time tracking apps, especially among infrequent users. This research highlights the need for targeted improvements to enhance service efficiency, safety, and user satisfaction, providing valuable insights for policymakers and transit authorities to create a more inclusive public transportation system.
Behaviour of natural drying methods on jamun pulp thickness
Authors: R. Sardar N. , S.H. Akbari
Published: August 2024

Compared with mechanical drying methods, natural drying techniques such as solar and greenhouse drying are more cost-effective options for fruit pulp, especially for those that are highly perishable and seasonal. The solar and greenhouse dryers employed for drying jamun pulp at two thicknesses were 2 and 4 mm, maintaining a constant moisture content of jamun pulp at 473.72% (db). The drying behavior for the moisture ratio and drying rate over time were assessed for solar and greenhouse drying during experimentation. The end product of this drying process is powder, which has improved storage stability because of its reduced moisture content. The natural method not only requires less power but also ensures that the desired qualities of the generator are for transportation and further utilization.
The International Fund for the Palestinian Health System to Confront the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategic Re-Thinking for Sustainable Development
Authors: Abuzerr Samer , Zinszer Kate
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread issues over the world, creating a crisis in public health, humanitarian aid, and development. In addition to having a direct effect on economies and health systems, the pandemic may aggravate inequities and stop progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. This cross-sectional research was conducted in Palestine, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, between February and June 2022. It was focused on evaluating the contribution of donated international funds to the development of the Palestinian health system components throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Data about governmental, private, and non-governmental organizations (local and international) that were implementing their activities in the field of public health and receiving international funds for the implementation of their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic were collected through deep-surfing literature and desk reviews and using a structured questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions. The distribution of the study participants among health institutions according to the institute type was as follows: governmental (16.7%), non-governmental organizations (49.9%), and private (33.4%). Donors need to proactively coordinate with the Palestinian health system in order to ensure the efficacy, efficiency, impact, relevance, satisfaction, risk and protection, coherence, and sustainability of the provided donated funds to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizations that make up the Palestinian health system need to enhance their capacity to strategically manage the provided donated international funds in a way that promotes their ability to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.