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Objective: two-thirds of U.S. colleges are near vape shops, where higher rates of underage sales exist. this study examined vape shop compliance with state-mandated age-of-sale signs, the presence of age-of-entry signs and the tobacco industry's "We Card" sign. Participants: Random sample of 614 California vape shops, stratified by distance to community colleges or 4-year universities/colleges; visited June--August, 2019. Methods: Logistic regressions examined whether signage varied by distance to colleges and whether stores sold other tobacco products (otp). Results: Compliance with the state-mandated age-of-sale sign was 69.4%; vape-only stores were less compliant than vape + otp (AoR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.22,0.70). Age-of-entry signs were more common in vape-only (AoR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.07,3.28) than vape + otp stores. However, this difference was greater for vape-only stores near community colleges and attenuated for vape-only stores near 4-year universities/colleges. Conclusion: Improved enforcement and retailer education regarding age-of-sale signage are needed, particularly near colleges where greater potential for underage sales presumably exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To observe interactions of practicing radiologists with a chest x-ray AI tool and evaluate its usability and impact on workflow efficiency. Methods: Using a simulated clinical workflow and remote multi-monitor screensharing, we prospectively assessed the interactions of 10 staff radiologists (5–33 years of experience) with a PACS-embedded, regulatory-approved chest x-ray AI tool. Qualitatively, we collected feedback using a think-aloud method and post-testing semi-structured interview; transcript themes were categorized by: (1) AI tool features, (2) deployment considerations, and (3) broad human-AI interactions. Quantitatively, we used time-stamped video recordings to compare reporting and decision-making efficiency with and without AI assistance. Results: For AI tool features, radiologists appreciated the simple binary classification (normal vs abnormal) and found the heatmap essential to understand what the AI considered abnormal; users were uncertain of how to interpret confidence values. Regarding deployment considerations, radiologists thought the tool would be especially helpful for identifying subtle diagnoses; opinions were mixed on whether the tool impacted perceived efficiency, accuracy, and confidence. Considering general human-AI interactions, radiologists shared concerns about automation bias especially when relying on an automated triage function. Regarding decision-making and workflow efficiency, participants began dictating 5 seconds later (42% increase, P =.02) and took 14 seconds longer to complete cases (33% increase, P =.09) with AI assistance. Conclusions: Radiologist usability testing provided insights into effective AI tool features, deployment considerations, and human-AI interactions that can guide successful AI deployment. Early AI adoption may increase radiologists' decision-making and total reporting time but improves with experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) experiments show that the act of retrieving some recently encoded items from a given conceptual category leads to greater forgetting of competing items from that same category. However, RIF studies using emotional stimuli have produced mixed results, perhaps due to the reinstatement of arousal or negative affect during retrieval practice. To induce forgetting of negative episodic memories more indirectly, we examined if retrieving neutral semantic memories leads to RIF of related negative memories. In two experiments, participants studied eight categorized lists comprised of an equal number of negative and neutral words (Experiment 1) or neutral words preceded by neutral or negative images (Experiment 2). To avoid re-exposing individuals to negative material during retrieval practice, participants then performed a semantic memory retrieval task in which they generated (i.e., completed word-stems for) new neutral words from half of the studied categories. We found that semantic retrieval, or word generation, induced forgetting of recently studied words irrespective of their emotional valence or original emotional context. Additionally, across both experiments, less successful word generation was associated with stronger RIF effects. In Experiment 2, the magnitude of RIF was also correlated with higher subjective ratings of retrieval effort during word generation. Together, these results suggest that even when retrieving neutral semantic memories, effortful retrieval may enhance inhibitory processes that lead to forgetting of both neutral and negative episodic memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New complexes of Ni(II) and Pd(II) with Schiff base ligand derived from 5-nitro isatin with 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide have been synthesized in absolute ethanol. The isolated solid compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral (FT-IR, ¹H NMR and UV-Vis) measurements. The Schiff base ligand has been further characterized by single-crystal XRD. It has been found that the Schiff base ligand behaves as a tridentate ligand forming chelates with 1:2 (metal:ligand) in the case of Ni-complex and 1:1 (metal:ligand) in the case of Pd-complex. Octahedral geometry has been suggested for the Ni(II) chelate while square-planar geometry has been suggested for the Pd(II) chelate. The supramolecular structure of the thiosemicarbazide is controlled by large number of short intermolecular contacts such as O...H, H...H, C...C, S...C, S...H, S...N, H...C, N...O and C...O interactions where the most dominant contacts are H...H, H...C, C...C, O...H and S...H interactions. The optimized molecular geometry calculated at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level agreed very well with the reported X-ray structure. The two bands observed at 434 and 250 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum of the compound in DMSO as solvent have been calculated using TD-DFT method at 430.9 nm (f = 0.1178) and 257.2 nm (f = 0.387), respectively. These bands have been assigned to HOMO→LUMO (96%) and HOMO→LUMO+2 (90%) excitations which belong to n-π* and π-π* transitions, respectively. All the synthesized compounds have been tested against supercoiled pBR322 DNA. These compounds have been found to promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA in the presence of H2O2. The molecular docking of the ligand and its metal complexes refer to groove binding toward the DNA with high docking score of Ni(II) complex rather than the corresponding ligand and Pd(II) complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reach the main goal in implementing the strategy based on - measurement, which focuses on improving the development process and reducing spatial variation through the application of improvement projects in a statistical form, relying on the Six Sigma methodology at work, which is one of the modern statistical methods with multiple application, where The statistical representation of this method describes in practical terms how the process is performed. So that the Mean of the quality of the developmental process moves away from the threshold of quality by six standard deviations. Whitney's descriptive method has been used in the research to describe the research phenomenon related to the SS method at the present time to find out its characteristics and fields, as well as the interrelationships between them, trying to extrapolate the applied future. For the phenomenon, by defining the required parameters and boundaries, with the aim of reaching to give an idea of the most important statistical planning methods used in the Six Sigma method in a coherent manner, in order to facilitate the complexity of the problem of developing programs and setting priorities, and perhaps the most prominent and important of these aspects are: - Rationalize the use of available and limited resources. - Recruitment of material resources, human and natural resources in an economical way in development programs and projects. - Establishing a schedule of priorities that seek and directly affect the development process, in its social and economic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observational evidence reveals the existence of black holes in the galaxy. Using strong field lensing effect, we find out the expressions of the radius of the photon sphere, the deflection angle, the separation between the first and the other images, the ratio between the flux of the first image as well as the flux coming from all the other images for dilaton–axion black holes and compare the results with Reissner–Nordstrom black holes. We also investigate the variations of primary and secondary image positions as well as their magnifications with respect to the source position for this kind of black holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the structure and properties of neutron stars in R 2 gravity using two approaches, viz: the perturbative and non-perturbative methods. For this purpose, we consider NS with several nucleonic, as well as strange EoS generated in the framework of relativistic mean field models. The strange particles in the core of NS are in the form of Λ hyperons and quarks, in addition to the nucleons and leptons. In both the approaches, we obtain mass–radius relation for a wide range of values of the extra degree of freedom parameter a arising due to modification of gravity at large scales. The mass–radius relation of the chosen equation of states lies well within the observational limit in the case of GR. We identify the changes in the property of neutron star in the background of f(R) gravity, and compare the results in both the methods. We also identify the best suited method to study the modified gravity using the astrophysical observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We describe the implementation and evaluation of an integrated, stepped care model aimed to identify and address the concerns of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) associated with diabetes‐related quality of life (DRQoL), emotional well‐being, and depression. Research Design and Methods: The care model with 4 steps: (1) Systematic identification and discussion of concerns salient to adolescents; (2) Secondary screening for depressive symptoms when indicated; (3) Developing collaborative treatment plans with joint physical and mental health goals; and (4) Psychiatric assessment and embedded mental health treatment; was implemented into an ambulatory pediatric diabetes clinic and evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results: There were 236 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) with T1D that were enrolled in the care model. On average adolescents identified three concerns associated with their DRQoL and 25% indicated low emotional well‐being. Fifteen adolescents received a psychiatric assessment and embedded mental health treatment. Both adolescents and caregivers were appreciative of a broader, more holistic approach to their diabetes care and to the greater focus of the care model on adolescents, who were encouraged to self‐direct the conversation. Parents also appreciated the extra level of support and the ability to receive mental health care for their adolescents from their own diabetes care team. Conclusion: The initial findings from this project indicate the acceptability and, to limited extent, the feasibility of an integrated stepped care model embedded in an ambulatory pediatric diabetes clinic led by an interdisciplinary care team. The care model facilitated the identification and discussion of concerns salient to youth and provided a more holistic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between socioeconomic status and oncological outcomes has been described, highlighting their influence on stage at presentation, treatment patterns, and overall mortality. Nevertheless, the specific impact of socioeconomic marginalization on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) outcomes remains uncertain. The Ontario Marginalization Index (ON-Marg) serves as a comprehensive tool to explore health inequality through four dimensions: residential instability, material deprivation, dependency, and ethnic concentration. This study aims to investigate the association between marginalization and NMIBC outcomes among patients treated at both community and academic centers in Ontario, a region characterized by one of the world's most diverse communities and supported by a publicly funded health care system. A retrospective chart review and analysis of 2794 patients diagnosed with NMIBC between 2005 and 2022 was conducted. Data on marginalization status, clinical and disease characteristics, treatment compliance, and oncological outcomes such as recurrence, progression, and survival were collected. Marginalization status was determined using the ON-Marg and categorized into quintiles, with higher numbers representing a greater degree of marginalization. Differences in tumor stage at diagnosis and treatment compliance were assessed using Chi-squared tests. Time-to-event analysis were assessed by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Patient characteristics, stratified by marginalization quintile, are summarized in Table 1. Median follow-up was 5.9 years (IQR 3.2-9.2). At diagnosis, poorer marginalization status was associated with significantly higher tumour grade (p=0.024). Patients with worse marginalization status were also less likely to receive BCG treatment when indicated (p=0.023). The overall recurrence rate was 53.6%, with evidence of a progressive but not significant increase in the incidence of recurrence and a shorter time to recurrence from the least to the most marginalized quintiles. Worse marginalization status is associated with a progression to muscle-invasive disease and overall mortality (Figure 1). Marginalized patients were more likely to present with higher grade tumours at diagnosis. Delayed presentation or other unmeasured factors may potentially contribute to this finding. Moreover, treatment compliance, especially use of BCG, was worse within more marginalized groups and may be associated with worse oncological outcomes, such as disease progression and overall mortality. The incorporation of socioeconomic status into clinical assessments can aid healthcare practitioners in identifying vulnerable patient populations and tailoring interventions to improve outcomes in NMIBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to identify the benefits of open access resources for academic libraries with a special reference to an emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has also highlighted the role of libraries and librarians in the provision of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the same way, the second purpose was to highlight the efforts of HEC and high ranked university libraries during a pandemic to cater to the needs of their users. The authors used two methods for completing this study, literature review and website analysis. The first two objectives were studied based on the literature review. The second method was the website's analysis of major academic libraries of Pakistan to identify the steps taken during the pandemic to facilitate the users. The results of the study show that academic libraries used open access resources to support the research activities of their parent institute. The major purpose of using open access includes the fiscal constraints, time involved in getting the fee-based copies of journals and articles, budget cuts by parent institutes, and less involvement of authorities towards libraries. The website's analysis shows that academic institutes were highlighting the open-access resources on their websites to fulfill users' and researchers' information needs with the resources they can access in homes or in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study helps to view the status of digital services offered by highly ranked university libraries in Pakistan in pandemic when physical services are closed. It also helps library administrations to use open access resources for the provision of services in emergencies when campus-based resources cannot be shared. The study was limited to the benefits of open access resources for academic libraries and in terms, university selection as only the top 5 university libraries were selected for review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne plant pathogen that causes root diseases in hundreds of plant species. It also causes collar rot disease in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The present pot study was carried out to investigate the effect of soil amendment with dry biomass of a weed Chenopodium album L. and two antagonistic fungi, namely Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride, on growth and yield of chickpea variety Noor 2009 in soil infected with S. rolfsii. The pathogen-contaminated soil was amended either with 1, 2, or 3% C. album dry biomass, T. harzianum, and T. viride alone, or combinations of either of the two Trichoderma species and plant dry biomass. The lowest shoot and root dry biomass and grain yield of chickpea were recorded in S. rolfsii inoculation alone without any soil amendment (positive control). Plant growth and yield were significantly and gradually increased over positive control with an increase in C. album dry biomass application in the soil. Likewise, soil application of either of the two Trichoderma species significantly enhanced plant growth and yield over positive control under biotic stress of S. rolfsii. Combined application of either T. harzianum or T. viride with 3% dry biomass of C. album also proved highly effective in alleviating biotic stress of S. rolfsii on growth and yield of chickpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of workplace harassment in a feminized profession such as Library and Information Science (LIS) cannot be ignored. There is limited literature on workplace harassment in the profession, especially in the context of the developing world. This study investigates the status of workplace harassment and the level of awareness about the relevant legislation among working women of Pakistan. A qualitative research approach was used and data was collected through in-depth interview. Thirty-four female LIS professionals working in the university libraries of Lahore, Pakistan, were approached. However, eight were given consented to participate in the study. Most of the working females did not agree to participate in the study due to privacy concerns and the taboo nature of the topic in Pakistani society. The findings revealed the females had witnessed workplace harassment which they perceived as both physical and psychological in nature. The study also reports the respondents' level of awareness about harassment-related legislation and policies in the country as well as strategies to enhance it. It also highlights the barriers faced by them while reporting harassment issues. This study presents theoretical, practical, and policy implications related to workforce harassment faced by women working in LIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Event Based Surveillance (EBS) is the organized and rapid captures of information about events that are a potential risk to public health. Information can be about events related to occurrence of disease in humans or a potential exposure to a risk e.g. contaminated food,-chemicals or radio nuclear events. In Pakistan it is a recent phenomenon and is a compliment to Indicator Based Surveillance (IBS) which is traditionally going on in public sector health care facilities. Literature on effectiveness and contribution of EBS is scarce. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted based on retrospective record review of events reporting in Pakistan. For this purpose, Disease Surveillance and Response Units (DSRU) were identified and descriptive analysis of their reporting per epidemiological week was done. Results: Public sector health facilities were found the most frequent 75% (n=88) in reported events. Vector borne diseases 49% (n=58) were the most frequently reported event. In 85% (n=101) of events, WHO and/or CDC standard case definitions were used followed by operational cases definition 10% (n=12). System was found operational in all provinces and regions and was linked to laboratory based surveillance in all DSRUs. Median delay was found high in Vaccine Preventable Diseases (Measles and Diphtheria), eight days (range: 0-10 days) and Vector borne diseases (Dengue, Chikungunya and CL) six days (range: 0-8 days). Among all, 90% (n=105) response activities were establishment and/or strengthening of surveillance system by training of local staff. All investigations were linked with public health laboratory investigation except for food/water borne outbreak 3% (n=4), where no laboratory confirmation of causative organism was found. Conclusion: Event based surveillance (EBS) should be strengthened as a compliment of IBS and its network should be expanded to regional and district levels. Frequent trainings of health care providers at health facilities and informal sources like media should be done to gather credible and timely information of events' time place and persons involved. However, monitoring and evaluation should be integral part to improve event recording and hence targeted response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The BBB and its surrounding neuronal milieu constitute an outstanding blockade. • Stringent properties of the BBB impede most therapeutics to bypass this NVU component. • Most neurological pathologies result in loss of BBB architecture. • Recent and emerging invasive and non-invasive CNS treatment approaches are elaborated. • Prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases necessitate an urgent need for treatment modalities. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a protective element of the neurovascular unit (NVU) surrounded by astrocytes, pericytes, extracellular matrix, and the tight junctional complex, which play a fundamental role in brain homeostasis. Due to its impeccable structural architecture, the BBB is referred to as the brain's gatekeeper, a near-impenetrable barrier to therapeutics. This review summarises the significant strides that have been made in the last 5 years towards circumventing the BBB and developing efficient drug delivery systems. Challenges associated with several CNS disorders related to BBB failure and exploitation of this unique NVU component for targeted treatment of brain-related disorders are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate and validate information privacy concerns scale for social networking sites. Current study identifies seven significant factors through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) which may work antecedents of information privacy concerns. Thus, in order to create a list of items for the measurement of instrument constructs, an extensive research of relevant literature was carried out. Later, the selected items were discussed with supervisors and sent to six information professionals for content validity. Pilot instrument based on literature was empirically validated by collecting the data from one hundred undergraduate students from selected universities. Exploratory factor analysis was used to confirm that the scale's construct validity. Furthermore, for internal reliability of the scale Cronbach's alpha coefficient was checked, the psychometric features of the 57-item measure were assessed with a group of 500 undergraduate students. Subsequently, valid and reliable 57-item Information Privacy Concerns Scale was validated, which could be tested and utilized to evaluate social networking users' information privacy concerns. This validated scale can be used in different contexts and among variant population groups to confirm its validity in the different settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on its overall effectiveness the ethical leadership has opened new thinking avenues for the human resource managers during the past few decades. It has successfully drawn the attention of local and global human resource managers as it is having meaningful influences on the organizational citizenship behavior. Ethical leaders are expected to make the most appropriate use of organizational justice as a tool towards improving the employees' job outcome. The current study was initiated with an objective to empirically investigate the relationship between ethical leadership and employee job outcome while considering the various determinants of organizational justice as mediating variable. As a matter of fact like other sectors the education sector is also widely expanding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The sample size of 250 faculty members has been taken for the current study through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were floated amongst the respondents in order to investigate the above mentioned subject matter. The results of the current study have revealed a significant relationship between ethical leadership and OCBI. Moreover, a positive relationship between the various determinants of organizational justice (as mediating variable) and OCBI has been recorded. The current study has described the meaningful implications for academia and professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The adoption of novel and effective gastric cancer therapies into general clinical practice has crucial implications for patient outcomes. The current study explored trends in treatment use and overall survival in patients with gastric cancer in the United States.Methods: Patients with adenocarcinoma of the gastric cardia and noncardia were identified in the National Cancer Data Base between 2006 and 2014. Tumor stages were divided into early (IA), locally advanced (IB-IIIC), and metastatic (IV) stage. Treatment use was examined according to tumor stage and location. Time trend analyses of treatment use and overall survival were conducted.Results: A total of 89,098 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were identified. In those with early-stage cancer, endoscopic treatment increased over time in patients with cardia and noncardia disease. In patients with locally advanced cardia disease, preoperative therapy use increased over time (2013-2014 [vs 2006-2008]: odds ratio [OR], 3.09; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.80-3.41). In patients with locally advanced noncardia disease, the use of preoperative therapy also increased (2013-2014: OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 2.88-3.82) as did the use of perioperative therapy (2013-2014: OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 3.52-5.03) in lieu of postoperative treatment (2013-2014: OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.60-0.71). In patients with metastatic disease, approximately 34% of patients with cardia and 40% of patients with noncardia cancer did not receive treatment. Stage-specific and location-specific overall survival was found to improve over the study period.Conclusions: Practice patterns for the treatment of gastric cancer in the United States reflect the increased adoption of evidence-based therapies, including endoscopic resection of early-stage cancer and preoperative therapy for patients with locally advanced disease. Treatment for metastatic disease remains markedly underused. Cancer 2018;124:1122-31. © 2017 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of conducting the present study was to identify the relationship of organizational justice and its dimensions (distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice) with turnover intention among employees from electronic media. Additionally, it explored the relationship of gender, education and marital status with organizational justice and turnover intention. In order to measure the level of organizational justice of the employees of electronic media (N=300), the Organizational Justice Scale (Lim, 2002), comprising of three sub-scales (distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice) was used. Intention to leave the organization was measured through Turnover Intention Scale (Seashore et al, 1982). Correlational analysis showed a negative relationship of organizational justice, distributive justice, procedural justice and interactional justice with turnover intention among media industry employees. Demographic analysis showed significant mean differences in gender, education and marital status among organizational justice, its dimensions and turnover intention. Limitations and implications of the study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six novel palladium(II) complexes of a thiosemicarbazone Schiff base with isatin moiety (PdL1 to PdL6) were synthesized by the reaction of palladium(II) with the following: (Z)-2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L1H), (Z)-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L2H), (Z)-2-(5-fluoro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L3H), (Z)-N-methyl-2-(5-nitro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L4H), (Z)-N-methyl-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L5H) and (Z)-N-ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L6H). The structures of these complexes were characterized using elemental analysis and infrared, UV–visible, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopies. The structure of PdL5 was further characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA was characterized with a high intrinsic binding constant (Kb = 5.78 × 104 to 1.79 × 106 M−1), which reflected the intercalative activity of these complexes towards calf thymus DNA. This result was also confirmed from viscosity data. Electrophoresis studies revealed that complexes PdL1 to PdL6 could cleave DNA via an oxidative pathway in the presence of an external agent. Data obtained from an in vitro anti-proliferative study clearly established the anticancer potency of these compounds against the human colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT 116. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine the cosmological dynamics of a slotheon field in a linear potential. The slotheon correction term respects the galileon symmetry in curved spacetime. We demonstrate the future evolution of universe in this model. We show that in this scenario, the universe ends with the Big Crunch singularity like the standard case. The difference being that the time at which the singularity occurs is delayed in the slotheon gravity. The delay crucially depends upon the strength of slotheon correction. We use observational data from Type Ia Supernovae, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, and measurements to constrain the parameters of the model for a viable cosmology, providing the corresponding likelihood contours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research was conducted in Lab. to evaluate the efficacy of aqueous and methanolic extract of Citrus reticulate fruit. The antimicrobial activity of C. reticulate fruit peel extracts were tested against ten bacterial and five fungal strains. The stock solution of extract was prepared and 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% concentrations of aqueous and crude extracts were used for antimicrobial assays by agar well diffusion technique. Afterwards results of zone of inhibition (mm) of different bacterial and fungal agents at various concentrations of C. reticulate are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Extracts obtained from the organic solvent and water showed different antibacterial activity with the same bacterial strains. The antibacterial efficacy of methanolic peel extract against pathogenic bacteria showed varied level of inhibition. Moreover, in case of methanolic peel extract the growth of Syntrophospora sp., A. xylinum, M. visconsensis, X. nematophilis and Oscillospira sp. were exhibited maximum inhibition zone ranging from 36.0-47.0mm. However no antifungal activity was observed against aqueous and solvent extracts. The results of the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, phytosterols and steroids. The success of present investigation could lead to the development of cheap, easily available and relatively safe bactericides from citrus plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation deals with the morphological and biochemical identification of rhizobacteria having plant growth promoting characteristics, with a focus on the family Papilionaceae, whose representatives are widespread in nature as leguminous crops. Eleven bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizoplane of pea (Pisum sativum L.), chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) and clover (Trifolium pretense L.). The media used to isolate the rhizosphere bacteria were Luria Bertani (LB) agar and Nutrient agar (NA). Rhizosphere bacteria were identifiedbased on different characteristic i.e. phenotypic and biochemical characters. The isolated strains were characterized and assigned to various genera and species, such as Enterobacter aerogenes, Aureobacterium flavescens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Kurthiasp., Acidovorax facilis, Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium sp., Bacillus sp., Curtobacterium albidum and Microbacterium lacticum. All identified species are given FCBP accession numbers and were stored for further use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors play a key role in the prevention and management of degenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease in particular. Identifying new anticholinesterases from natural sources may contribute to combating this class of diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential anti-Alzheimer's activity of Geigeria alata (DC), a plant used in Sudanese folkloric medicine. Accordingly, the whole DC plant extract including twenty phytoconstituents of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin types was evaluated in vitro as antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Also, their pharmacokinetics, drug likeliness, and toxicity profiles were assessed. Additionally, the virtual binding of the plant's phytoconstituents with the cholinesterase target was investigated by docking against two AChE X-ray crystallographic structures. The best effective DPPH radical scavenging activity was demonstrated by both ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions with percentages of inhibition of 91±0.02% and 90±0.02% (IC50 22±0.01 and 66±0.02 µg/mL), respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction showed statistically significant and the highest AChE inhibitory activity (78% inhibition, IC50 0.246±0.02mg/mL). Furthermore, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin values. Among identified compounds, quercetin and hispidulin showed promising in silico anti-AChE activity and hence merit further studies for the isolation and characterization of these active constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial activity of Eruca sativa Mill. oil was evaluated against phytopathogenic bacterial species (Xenorhabdus luminescens, Acinetobacter sp., Bordetella pertussis, Ensifer adhaerens, Pseudomonas syringae, Acidovorax temperans, Xanthomonas axonopodis) and fungal species (Alternaria alternata, Dreschlera halodes, Aspergillus nidulans, Acremoniun kiliense, Fusarium oxysporum, Curvularia clavata, Rhizopus oryzae). Antifungal activity was determined on MEA while antibacterial activity on NA media plates to measure the effects of oil. The antimicrobial activity was tested by well diffusion method in vitro. E. sativa oil was found to be highly active against all fungal isolates tested as compared to bacterial isolates. Results showed evidence of high antibacterial activity against X. luminescens with inhibition zone of 3.1 cm. E. adhaerens and A. temperans exhibited least resistance against oil with 1.4 cm and 1.7 cm zone of inhibition respectively. The oil showed high antifungal activity in the range of 6.0-6.8cm inhibition zone against D. halodes, C. clavata, R. oryzae and A. nidulans whereas least active against F. oxysporum with 1.1cmzone of inhibition. The antimicrobial components from this oil can be used as an alternative to develop novel pesticides by replacing some chemical commercial antifungal and antibacterial for the plant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingiber officinale L. is a common condiment for various foods and a long history of important traditional Medicine herb for the treatment of ailments and body disorders. Soil microorganisms are very important as almost every chemical transformation taking place in soil involves active contributions from soil microorganisms. In contrast, other soil microorganisms are pathogenic to plants and may cause considerable damage to crops. Large numbers of pathogenic microorganisms are routinely found in the soil and many can infect the plant through the roots. Through the current study describes the ginger rhizome associated soilborn bacterial strains. Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from soil around the root zones of ginger fields. This study reports results concerning the isolation and identification of bacteria on the morphological basis and biochemical analysis. Ten species of bacteria belonging to eight different genera viz., Acidovorax temperans, Arthrobacter sp., Burkholderia pseudomallei, B. cepacia , Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii, Cupria-viridis sp., Bacillus sp., Flavobacterium odoratum, Oscillospira sp. were isolated and processed for identification by their enzymatic activity and carbohydrates utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new nickel(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazone Schiff base with isatin moiety [Ni(L1)2–Ni(L6)2] were synthesized through reaction of Ni(II) with (Z)-2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L1H), (Z)-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L2H), (Z)-2-(5-fluoro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (L3H), (Z)-N-methyl-2-(5-nitro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L4H), (Z)-N-methyl-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L5H), and (Z)-N-ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (L6H). The structures of the Ni complexes were characterized through elemental analysis, infrared, and mass spectral data. The structure of the NiL2 complex was further characterized through single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus (CT-DNA) exhibited high intrinsic binding constants (Kb = 1.4 × 105–2.4 × 106 M−1), which reflected their intercalative activity toward CT-DNA. This result was also confirmed by viscosity data. Electrophoresis studies revealed that these complexes could cleave the DNA through the oxidative pathway. Thein vitroanti-proliferative study establishes the anticancer potency of these compounds against human colorectal carcinoma cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Six new Cu(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazone Schiff base with isatin moiety were synthesized through the reaction of Cu(II) with (Z)-2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (CuL1), (Z)-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (CuL2), (Z)-2-(5-fluoro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (CuL3), (Z)-N-methyl-2-(5-nitro-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (CuL4), (Z)-N-methyl-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (CuL5), and (Z)-N-ethyl-2-(5-methyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazinecarbothioamide (CuL6). The structures of the Schiff bases and their copper complexes were characterized based on the elemental analysis, and on the infrared, UV–Vis, 1H and 13C NMR and ESI-mass spectral data. The structures of the CuL2 and CuL3 complexes were further characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus (CT)-DNA exhibited high intrinsic binding constant (K b =1.6×105–14.6×105 M−1), which reflected intercalative activity of these complexes toward CT-DNA. This result was also confirmed by the viscosity data. Electrophoresis studies revealed that the CuL1 and CuL2 complexes were able to cleave the DNA via oxidative pathway, whereas CuL3, CuL4, CuL5, and CuL6 induced DNA cleavage via oxidative and hydrolytic pathways. The in vitro anti-proliferative study establishes the anticancer potency of these compounds against the human colorectal carcinoma cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Six new platinum(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazone Schiff base with isatin moiety were synthesized. [•] The interaction of these compounds with calf thymus (CT) DNA exhibited high intrinsic binding constant. [•] The in vitro anti-proliferative study clearly establishes the anticancer potency of some of these complexes against HCT 116. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] New derivatives of thiosemicarbazone Schiff base with isatin moiety were synthesized. [•] The interaction of these compounds with calf thymus CT-DNA exhibited high intrinsic binding constant. [•] The electrophoresis studies show the higher cleavage activity of L1–L3. [•] Compounds (L3, L6 and L2) exhibited good anticancer activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trichoderma species are known to produce a number of metabolites that play important role in plant growth, survival and also to enhance defence mechanism of their hosts against certain pathogens. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Trichoderma spp. on the growth activity in chickpea seedlings. Germination percentage of chickpea seeds was enhanced by some Trichoderma species culture extracts, the most active stimulators of seed germination were T. harzianum, T. viride and T. koningii extracts. Results revealed that the maximum seedling root length was obtained by T. harzianum followed by T. viride and T. koningii. However, some species produced extracts that were detrimental to germination and plant growth. The lowest root growth was attained from T. reesei and T. aureoviride among other Trichoderma filtrate treatments. The greatest seedling shoot length was observed with T. harzianum and T. viride followed by T. koningii and T. pseudokoningii while other Trichoderma cultural filtrates significantly suppressed the shoot length as compare to control value (P < 0.05). Fresh and dry weight and of chickpea seedling was also significantly higher in Trichoderma treatments as compared to control (P < 0.05). However, in T. reesei and T. aureoviride treatment, fresh and dry weight of seedling was considerably lower where as T. harzianum, T. viride and T. koningii had higher values for seedling dry matter. Results revealed that Trichoderma species are effective for growth parameters and can be used to further investigations and raise the yield of chickpea and other cereal crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequency of bacterial population was estimated in discolored rice grains of seven different local and exotic varieties. Twelve bacterial species were isolated on Nutrient agar (N.A.) medium and maximum frequency among bacteria (19.32%) observed in KSK-133 and minimum (11.96%) in 140-4-1-2-5 among all rice varieties. Burkholderia pseudomallai and Burkholderia glumae had higher frequency almost in all tested rice varieties, while Acidovorax facilis had higher frequency only in CB- 38. Different extracts/solvents (benzene, ether and chloroform etc) were used to check the antibacterial activity on each rice variety. The aqueous extract showed evidence of low antibacterial activity as compared to other solvents. The maximum inhibition in vitro, was observed in benzene and ether solvent (up to 3.0-3.7 cm) against B. glumae, B. pseudomallei, K. oxytoca, K. sibirica and M. rhodesianum followed by chloroform extract with inhibition zone of 3.0 cm and 3.7 cm against B. glumae and K. oxytoca, respectively. Among different treatments, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied among 0.25-4.0 mg/mL when tested with all four solvent extracts of P. hysterophorus against rice pathogens. The main objective of the study was to minimize the bacterial diseases by using different extracts/solvents and to increase the high yield potential. The present investigation strongly indicated antibacterial potential of leaf extracts of P. hysterophorus against bacterial pathogens of rice in sustainable disease management and also helpful for increasing the yield of rice crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Many machine learning models have aided medical specialists in diagnosis and prognosis for breast cancer. Accuracy has been regarded as a primary measurement for the performance evaluation of the models, but stability which indicates the robustness of the performance to model parameter variation also becomes essential. A stable model is in practice of benefit to the medical specialists who may have little expertise in model tuning. The main purpose of this work is to address the importance of the stability of a model and to suggest one of such models. Methods: A comparative study of three prominent machine learning models was carried out for the prognosis of breast-cancer survivability: support vector machines, artificial neural networks, and semi-supervised learning models. Material: The surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database for breast cancer was used, which is known as the most comprehensive source of information on cancer incidence in the United States. Results: The best performance was obtained from the semi-supervised learning model. It showed good overall accuracy and stability under model parameter variation. The sharpening procedure enhanced the stability of the model via the noise-reduction. Conclusion: We suggest that semi-supervised learning model is a good candidate that medical professionals readily employ without consuming the time and effort for parameter searching for a specific model. The ease of use and faster time to results of the predictive model will eventually lead to the accurate and less-invasive prognosis for breast cancer patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We consider the propagation of gravitational waves in the late-time Universe in the presence of matter distribution inhomogeneities, and we also consider the cosmic fluid to be viscous. In this work, we investigate the cumulative effect of inhomogeneities and viscosity of the cosmic-fluid on the observables associated with the sources of the gravitational waves. Employing Buchert's averaging procedure in the backreaction framework, we consider a model of spacetime in which matter is distributed in-homogeneously across space. Using the modified redshift versus distance relation, through the averaging process in the context of the model, we study the variation of the redshift-dependent part of the observed gravitational wave amplitude for different combinations of our model parameters while simultaneously considering damping of the gravitational wave amplitude due to viscosity of the cosmic-fluid. Then, we investigate the differences occurring in the variation of the redshift-dependent part of the observed gravitational wave amplitude due to consideration of viscous attenuation. We show that there are significant deviations after the inclusion of viscous attenuation in our analysis, depending on the chosen value of the coefficient of viscosity. Our result signifies the importance of the effect of viscosity, within the model of an inhomogeneous Universe, on precision measurements of parameters of compact-binary sources of gravitational waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this Letter, we examine the cosmological viability of a light mass galileon field consistent with local gravity constraints. The minimal, , massless galileon field requires an additional term in order to give rise to a viable ghost free late time acceleration of Universe. The desired cosmological dynamics can either be achieved by incorporating an additional terms in the action such as – the higher order galileon Lagrangians or by considering a light mass field à la galileon field potential. We analyze the second possibility and find that: (1) The model produces a viable cosmology in the regime where the non-linear galileon field is subdominant, (2) the Vainshtein mechanism operates at small scales where the non-linear effects become important and contribution of the field potential ceases to be significant. Also the small mass of the field under consideration is protected against strong quantum corrections thereby providing quantum stability to the system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We investigate cosmological scenarios of generalized Chaplygin gas in a universe governed by Hořava-Lifshitz gravity. We consider both the detailed and non-detailed balance versions of the gravitational background, and we include the baryonic matter and radiation sectors. We use observational data from Type Ia Supernovae, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, and Cosmic Microwave Background, along with requirements of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, to constrain the parameters of the model, and we provide the corresponding likelihood contours. We deduce that the present scenario is compatible with observations. Additionally, examining the evolution of the total equation-of-state parameter, we find in a unified way the succession of the radiation, matter, and dark energy epochs, consistently with the thermal history of the universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We study brane inflation in a warped deformed conifold background that includes general possible corrections to the throat geometry sourced by coupling to the bulk of a compact Calabi–Yau space. We focus specifically, on the perturbation by chiral operator of dimension 3/2 in the CFT. We find that the effective potential in this case can give rise to required number of e-foldings and the spectral index consistent with observation. The tensor to scalar ratio of perturbations is generally very low in this scenario. The COBE normalization, however, poses certain difficulties which can be circumvented provided model parameters are properly fine tuned. We find the numerical values of parameters which can give rise to enough inflation, observationally consistent values of density perturbations, scalar to tensor ratio of perturbations and the spectral index . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] Electrohydrodynamic atomisation (EHDA) technologies have evolved significantly over the past decade; branching into several established and emerging healthcare remits through timely advances in the engineering sciences and tailored conceptual process designs. More specifically for pharmaceutical and drug delivery spheres, electrospraying (ES) has presented itself as a high value technique enabling a plethora of different particulate structures. However, when coupled with novel formulations (e.g. co-flows) and innovative device aspects (e.g., materials and dimensions), core characteristics of particulates are manipulated and engineered specifically to deliver an application driven need, which is currently lacking, ranging from imaging and targeted delivery to controlled release and sensing. This demonstrates the holistic nature of these emerging technologies; which is often overlooked. Parametric driven control during particle engineering via the ES method yields opportunistic properties when compared to conventional methods, albeit at ambient conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure), making this extremely valuable for sensitive biologics and molecules of interest. Furthermore, several processing (e.g., flow rate, applied voltage and working distance) and solution (e.g., polymer concentration, electrical conductivity and surface tension) parameters impact ES modes and greatly influence the production of resulting particles. The formation of a steady cone-jet and subsequent atomisation during ES fabricates particles demonstrating monodispersity (or near monodispersed), narrow particle size distributions and smooth or textured morphologies; all of which are successfully incorporated in a one-step process. By following a controlled ES regime, tailored particles with various intricate structures (hollow microspheres, nanocups, Janus and cell-mimicking nanoparticles) can also be engineered through process head modifications central to the ES technique (single-needle spraying, coaxial, multi-needle and needleless approaches). Thus, intricate formulation design, set-up and combinatorial engineering of the EHDA process delivers particulate structures with a multitude of applications in tissue engineering, theranostics, bioresponsive systems as well as drug dosage forms for specific delivery to diseased or target tissues. This advanced technology has great potential to be implemented commercially, particularly on the industrial scale for several unmet pharmaceutical and medical challenges and needs. This review focuses on key seminal developments, ending with future perspectives addressing obstacles that need to be addressed for future advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The solar system test is a philosophical tool to investigate the astrophysical solutions such as black hole solutions. In the present work, we have obtained the observational constraints on the parameters of dilaton-axion black hole, by the classical tests of general relativity. It provides a deeper understanding of the physical nature and properties of the corresponding astrophysical object and space-time metric. In the present paper we study the static and spherically symmetric dilaton-axion black hole in the testing ground of the Solar system. We constrain the parameters of the string motivated dilaton-axion form of the classical tests of general relativity, viz., the perihelion precession of the planet Mercury and the deflection of light by the Sun. In this case we have two free parameters: the dilaton strength and the point of curvature singularity of black hole. We obtain the permissible range of these two parameters from theoretical analysis based on the model and later compare them with the observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate screening of COVID-19 infection status for symptomatic patients is a critical public health task. Although molecular and antigen tests now exist for COVID-19, in resource-limited settings, screening tests are often not available. Furthermore, during the early stages of the pandemic tests were not available in any capacity. We utilized an automated machine learning (ML) approach to train and evaluate thousands of models on a clinical dataset consisting of commonly available clinical and laboratory data, along with cytokine profiles for patients (n = 150). These models were then further tested for generalizability on an out-of-sample secondary dataset (n = 120). We were able to develop a ML model for rapid and reliable screening of patients as COVID-19 positive or negative using three approaches: commonly available clinical and laboratory data, a cytokine profile, and a combination of the common data and cytokine profile. Of the tens of thousands of models automatically tested for the three approaches, all three approaches demonstrated > 92% sensitivity and > 88 specificity while our highest performing model achieved 95.6% sensitivity and 98.1% specificity. These models represent a potential effective deployable solution for COVID-19 status classification for symptomatic patients in resource-limited settings and provide proof-of-concept for rapid development of screening tools for novel emerging infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current paper we analyse the three classical tests of general relativity, namely, the precession of perihelion, deflection of light, and time delay in Einstein–æther gravity. Einstein–æther gravity has two static, spherically symmetric, charged black hole solutions corresponding to different constraints on its coupling constants c14 and c123. We investigate the aforementioned tests for both these solutions, graphically and analytically. We also tabulate our results and discuss the outcome, which is promising. We evaluate the results, when the coupling constants are varied over a vast range of values, both within the constraints set by the recent observational data, and also beyond, for a comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the potential anti-Alzheimer's and antioxidant activities of 12 analogs of coumarin and flavone compounds. Notably, nitro coumarins 6 and 7 demonstrated noteworthy activity against acetylcholinesterase, although they did not exhibit antioxidant properties. Among the tested compounds, four flavones and one coumarin displayed dual activity as both inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidants. Particularly, flavone 9 exhibited exceptional antioxidant activity as well as substantial anti-cholinesterase activity. Molecular docking techniques were employed to investigate the relationship between the anti-Alzheimer's and antioxidant potential of the compounds. Intriguingly, compound 9 displayed the strongest binding energy values with both monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) enzyme (−15.70 kcal/mol) and acetylcholinesterase enzyme (−21.70 kcal/mol), indicating that its antioxidant activity may be attributed to MAO-B inhibition. The pharmacokinetic and safety profiles of five compounds (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) were examined using pkCSM server, revealing varying characteristics in absorption, CYP enzyme interactions, and toxicity. Compound 8 displays high absorption and lower toxicity, while Compound 6 emerges as a promising candidate due to favorable overall attributes. Nonetheless, comprehensive evaluation, including clinical studies, is crucial for determining their suitability for human use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted at the University of Baghdad / College of Agricultural Engineering / Department of Plant Protection / Mycotoxins Laboratory for the academic year 2019-2020.The study results of Chitosan and Nano Chitosan against the pathogenic fungus showed that all the concentrations led to an increase in the inhibition percentage of fungus compared to the comparison treatment, as the Nano Chitosan achieved high efficiency in inhibiting the pathogenic fungus. Also, it was given the highest inhibition percentage at a concentration of 6 mg/ml reached 93.88. Whereas the Chitosan gave an inhibition percentage at a concentration of 6 mg reached 58.33% 0. The results observed that the inhibition percentage increases with increasing concentration. Furthermore, The results also showed that the concentrations of Phylex 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 ml / 100 ml achieved an inhibition percentage of 82.96 and 100 and 100 respectively, compared with the comparison treatment, in inhibiting the growth of A. solani on a PDA (potato dextrose agar) culture medium. The results in the pots experiment showed a significant decrease in all treatments in the infection percentage and severity for the pathogenic fungus in the tomato plant. It protected the tomato plant and showed the lack of A. solani fungus effect, where the Nano Chitosan treatment was superior in reducing the infection percentage and severity, as the percentage reached 16.66 % and 12.497 %, respectively. However, the results of Chitosan showed an infection percentage and severity reached 33.33% and 16.887 respectively. As well as the Phylex treatment, achieved 16.66% and 10.413% respectively. The statistical results showed that there were significant differences in the biochemical indicators to stimulate the systemic resistance of tomato plants, as it was observed that the treatments used had a positive effect on the peroxidase enzyme (change in absorption/minute/gm fresh weight). The effectiveness of the biochemical indicators of the Nano Chitosan, Chitosan and phylex treatments reached the highest rate after 14 days from adding of the concentration, The results of the chlorophyll test showed the superiority of all treatments in increasing the chlorophyll content over the comparison treatment, The results showed that all of the treatments achieved a significant increase in the studied growth parameters represented by the length of root and shoot, wet and dry weight of root and shoot. Besides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delirium is among the most prevalent harmful events in hospitals that is associated with an elevated risk for severe outcomes such as functional decline, falls, longer length of stay, and increased mortality. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the implementation of a multi-component delirium program on the prevalence of delirium and the incidence of falls among patients staying on general medicine inpatient hospital units. Design: A pre-post intervention study using retrospective chart abstraction and interrupted time series analysis. Cohort: Patients were selected from adult patients that stayed at least 1 day on one of the five general medicine units in a large community hospital in Ontario, Canada. A total of 16 random samples of 50 patients per month for 8 consecutive months pre-intervention (October 2017 to May 2018) and 8 months post intervention (January 2019 to August 2019) were selected for a total of 800 patients. There were no exclusion criteria. Intervention: The delirium program included multiple components: education of staff and hospital leadership, twice per day bed-side screen for delirium, non-pharmacological and pharmacological prevention, and intervention strategies and a delirium consultation team. Measurement: Delirium prevalence was assessed using the evidence-based delirium chart abstraction method, CHART-del. Demographic data as well as fall incidence were also collected. Result: Our evaluation showed that the implementation of a multicomponent delirium program led to a reduction in delirium prevalence and fall incidences. The reduction in both delirium and falls was the largest for patients in the ages between 72 and 83 years old and varied across inpatient units. Conclusion: A multi-component delirium program to improve the prevention, recognition, and management of delirium reduces the prevalence of delirium and fall incidence among patients in general medicine units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the university libraries' response during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine their working practices, services patterns, strategies applied, and role played. This study is a qualitative exploration by collecting data through in-depth interviews of purposely selected Heads of seven university libraries. The interview recordings were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically. The majority of the university libraries were physically closed for patrons in this pandemic but engaged with the users. Libraries revamped their web pages, reassigned resources, and planned robust online offerings. The university portal and other social media tools were less used communication tools during the pandemic. Library staff worked from home and there was a sense of over burden because of 24/7 connectivity and without any formal working policy addressing the new working routines. University librarians felt that digital divide, lack of digital literacy skills, and slow internet speed were the major barriers in their transition from physical to online mode and less use of library's online resources and web portals. Libraries see their individual and collective roles of societal and educational dimensions during these uncertain times. The study also made recommendations for the betterment of libraries' role in such situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meningeal metastases (MM) are a rare progression in advanced prostate. Here we aimed to characterize the incidence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of patients with MM, including dural and leptomeningeal metastases, from primary prostate cancer. A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that included patients who developed MM from primary prostate cancer were abstracted. Assessed outcomes included time from primary cancer to MM and MM to death, and clinical presentation of MM, among others. Case reports were compared qualitatively, while observational studies were pooled for quantitative synthesis. The systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020205378). Our institutional series, 11 observational studies, and 46 case reports were synthesized, comprising a total of 191 patients. From the observational studies, the mean age at developing MM was 63.0 years (range: 58.4, 70.9). Presenting neurological symptoms were variable and largely depended on location of MM. The mean time from prostate cancer to MM was 54.6 months (range: 21.0, 101.5), and the mean time from MM to death was 9.0 months (range: 2.6, 23.0). Patients requiring resection for MM had shorter survival after disease progression compared to patients receiving radiation or supportive therapy. All articles had at least moderate risk of bias. We describe the largest synthesis of patients with progression to MM from prostate cancer. Current evidence is very low-quality and primarily stems from small observational studies. Neurological symptoms in the setting of advanced prostate cancer, especially in high-risk disease, warrants radiographic imaging for MM. Further prospective research on risk factors and treatment for MM is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucorales (Zygomycetes) are among the most ancient groups of fungi. Although they are fast growing in culture but preservation of these cultures is rather sensitive as compared to other filamentous fungi. First Fungal Culture Bank of Pakistan maintained a large number of isolates of this group. Recently viability of members of mucorales was assessed that were isolated and purified from a variety of substrates between the years 2003-2006. Agar slants of pure cultures of these strains were preserved at 4 °C. These include seven species each of the genus Absidia and Mucor, four species of Rhizopus, two of Cunninghamella and one species belonging to genus Phycomyces. Results indicated that most of the strains lost their viability during storage period even none of the species from genus Absidia and Phycomyces survived. Therefore maintaining cultures of mucorales by this method is not recommended for their long term preservation. For long term preservation of fungal cultures, cryopreservation, lyophilization or silica gel preservation could be the alternate methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]