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Abstract:Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is important for all individuals. Immigrant women and girls frequently experience barriers to accessing SRH services and encounter discrimination in educational settings. Thus, it is critical to evaluate if the needs of immigrant women and girls are met with the current SRH education. In this study, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with immigrant women (n = 10) living across Canada, with the goal of identifying key barriers and areas of improvement for the SRH curriculum. Our FGDs revealed four main themes: (1) barriers to accessing SRH education, (2) limitations of mainstream SRH, (3) alternative means of accessing SRH information, and (4) features of more inclusive SRH education. Main barriers to effective and inclusive SRH education in this group included language and cultural aspects. Moreover, the current Canadian SRH curriculum was experienced by participants as Western-centric, heteronormative, and disconnected from other aspects of health and wellness. Participants emphasized the need for consideration of safety and accessibility when creating educational spaces and resources. We recommend that our findings be used by the respective Minister of Education in each province of Canada, in order to improve Canadian SRH educational programmes and to better meet the needs of diverse populations.

Lignans and neolignans, commonly found in plants, are generally composed of two phenylpropane (C6-C3) units with a marked diversity of molecular structures and biological activities of therapeutic interest. They serve as lead compound for organic synthesis of derivatives intended to optimize the pharmacological activity, and, also, for studying structure-activity relationships. Piperaceae species are one of the richest natural sources of lignans and neolignans. In the leaves of Piper rivinoidesKunth, Piperaceae, some biologically active neolignans with leishmanicidal, antibacterial, and antitumor effects have been identified. Furthermore, it had been shown that the neolignans conocarpan, eupomatenoid-5, and eupomatenoid-6, isolated from P. rivinoidesleaves inhibited CYP1A1/2 activity in the rat liver microsomes. The present study extends these observations and finds that the crude hydroalcoholic extract of P. rivinoidesleaves (100 µg/ml) and conocarpan, eupomatenoid-5, and eupomatenoid-6 (100 µM) inhibited the 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase and 7-methoxyresorufin-O-demethylation activities catalyzed by the cytochrome P450 isoforms rhCYP1A1 and rhCYP1A2. Molecular docking analysis has suggested that π-π stacking interactions involving residues Phe123, Phe224, and Phe258 in CYP1A1, and Phe125, Phe226, Gly316, Ala317, Ile386, and Leu497 in CYP1A2, are crucial for the stabilizing interactions of these neolignans with the active sites of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2.

High energy density materials have complex intermolecular interactions which influence their stability and performance. We used a combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction, synchrotron infrared spectroscopy, and Raman vibrational spectroscopy, supplemented by density functional theory calculations, to probe pressure-induced changes in structure and intermolecular interactions of 1H,4′H-[3,3′-bis(1,2,4-triazole)]-4′,5,5′-triamine as a model high energy density material up to 40 GPa. We find that compression of the triamine is accompanied by increased intermolecular interactions that give rise to an interesting evolution of the structure and bonding with pressure. Analysis of the equation of state determined from the X-ray diffraction indicates a change in compression mechanism near 19 GPa consistent with changes in vibrational spectra that provide evidence for a structural rearrangement associated with changes in hydrogen bonding near that pressure. The overall compressional behavior calculated theoretically agrees with that observed experimentally though differences are found that indicate the need for improved treatment of the intermolecular interactions including hydrogen bonding under pressure.

Limited preemergence herbicides are registered for new blackberry (Rubus subgenus Rubus) plantings. This greenhouse experiment was designed to investigate the effects of a broad selection of preemergence herbicides at multiple rates on blackberry transplants. Screening was initiated Aug 2021 and repeated Mar 2022 in Fayetteville, AR, USA, in a greenhouse at the Milo J. Shult Agricultural Research and Extension Center. 'Ouachita' blackberry plugs were transplanted into utility pots that contained field soil and growth media treated with preemergence herbicides. After transplanting, plant height was measured from the substrate to the highest apical meristem of 25 representative plants. Initial blackberry plant heights were 13.5 and 9.2 cm in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Twenty-five treatments were evaluated, consisting of 12 preemergence herbicides at 1× and 2× field rates, and one untreated control. Herbicide treatments included diuron, flumioxazin, halosulfuron, indaziflam, mesotrione, napropamide, oryzalin, pendimethalin, rimsulfuron, S-metolachlor, simazine, and sulfentrazone applied to substrate in containers at their respective 1× or 2× field rates. Data were collected on plant height, blackberry injury ratings, internode length, leaf chlorophyll content, and destructive harvest, including leaf count, leaf dry biomass, and aboveground dry biomass. Specific leaf areas and leaf area-to-dry matter ratios were calculated. When observed, plant injury tended to increase from 7 days after treatment (DAT) until 42 DAT. Greater injury levels were observed in response to treatment with mesotrione at the 1× (78%) and 2× rates (90%), halosulfuron at the 1× rate (58%), halosulfuron at the 2× rate (68%), and diuron at the 2× rate (73%). Injury from diuron was rate dependent, with the 1× rate causing relatively low injury (19%). At both the 1× and 2× rates, flumioxazin, indaziflam, napropamide, S-metolachlor, and pendimethalin treatments exhibited similar responses to the untreated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by predominantly eosinophilic infiltration of the squamous epithelium. European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published a guideline in 2014; however, the rapid evolution of knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options have made an update necessary. A consensus group of pediatric gastroenterologists from the ESPGHAN Working Group on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (ESPGHAN EGID WG) reviewed the recent literature and proposed statements and recommendations on 28 relevant questions about EoE. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from 2014 to 2022. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. A total of 52 statements based on the available evidence and 44 consensus-based recommendations are available. A revision of the diagnostic protocol, options for initial drug treatment, and the new concept of simplified empiric elimination diets are now available. Biologics are becoming a part of the potential armamentarium for refractory EoE, and systemic steroids may be considered as the initial treatment for esophageal strictures before esophageal dilation. The importance and assessment of quality of life and a planned transition to adult medical care are new areas addressed in this guideline. Research in recent years has led to a better understanding of childhood EoE. This guideline incorporates the new findings and provides a practical guide for clinicians treating children diagnosed with EoE. There is a discrepancy between symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features.Allergy testing is of no value in deciding which foods to eliminate.Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) may cause esophageal stenosis even in pediatric patients.Maintenance therapy after induction is necessary There is a discrepancy between symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features. Allergy testing is of no value in deciding which foods to eliminate. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) may cause esophageal stenosis even in pediatric patients. Maintenance therapy after induction is necessary Validated tools are available for assessing symptoms and quality of life and should be incorporated in the management of children with EoE.Systemic steroids may be helpful in the treatment of severe esophageal strictures.A discrepancy between eosinophil depletion and symptomatic improvement requires reassessment of non-eosinophil-dependent inflammation.Implementation of programs for transition to adult care must be considered and started well before patients reach adulthood. Validated tools are available for assessing symptoms and quality of life and should be incorporated in the management of children with EoE. Systemic steroids may be helpful in the treatment of severe esophageal strictures. A discrepancy between eosinophil depletion and symptomatic improvement requires reassessment of non-eosinophil-dependent inflammation. Implementation of programs for transition to adult care must be considered and started well before patients reach adulthood.

Shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced fluorescence (SHINEF) is a variation of surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) that involves the use of core–shell nanostructures to enhance fluorescence signals. This increase in signals is achieved due to the enhanced local electric field produced by light stimulation toward the plasmonic metal core of the core–shell nanostructure. In SHINEF, a thin insulating shell is introduced around a plasmonic metal core, creating a structure that enhances the fluorescence of nearby molecules while minimizing the unwanted interactions with the metal core, such as energy transfer events. In this study, we explore the fluorescence enhancement produced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) coated with SiO2for two triphenylamine–thiophene aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens, 5-(4-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)thiophene-2-carbaldehyde (TTY) and 5'-(4-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)-[2,2'-bithiophene]-5-carbaldehyde (TTO), deposited on glass substrates. The results derived from emission and extinction spectra reveal that enhancement depends mainly on the concentrations of both molecules and AgNPs on the substrate as well as the selected excitation wavelength to carry out the measurement. A maximum experimental enhancement factor of 8.0 is achieved when the molecular concentration is at its lowest level, in combination with a higher AgNP concentration. These results are also rationalized in terms of computational simulation based on Mie theory. Simulated optical extinction spectra and the enhanced local external electric field around AgNPs have been carried out to compare with the obtained experimental results. This enhancement induces a significant decrease in lifetimes when the molecules are in the proximity of the nanostructured surface. These findings underscore the potential use of plasmonic nanoparticles as an effective alternative for enhancing the fluorescence of molecules with AIE characteristics.

Children with autism are at high risk for experiencing a mental health crisis, which occurs when psychiatric and behavioral symptoms become a danger and caregivers do not have the resources to safely manage the event. Our current mental health systems of care are not fully prepared to manage crisis in autistic individuals, due to the shortage of available mental health providers and programs that are tailored for autistic children. However, new strategies to address crisis are gradually emerging. This article provides a framework to define crisis and implement prevention and intervention approaches that could potentially mitigate risk for crisis.

In athletes with right bundle branch block (RBBB) morphology non-sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), the presence of a non-ischaemic left ventricular scar (NLVS) may be highly suspected if one or more of the following electrocardiogram (ECG) characteristics are present at the 12-lead resting ECG: low QRS voltages in limb leads, negative Twaves in inferior leads, negative Twaves in limb leads I–aVL, negative Twaves in precordial leads V4–V6, presence of left posterior fascicular block, presence of pathologic Qwaves, and poor R-wave progression in right precordial leads. This score should be externally validated in a larger population of athletes with VAs.In athletes with RBBB morphology non-sustained Vas, attention should be placed on the 12-lead resting ECG to suspect the presence of an NLVS.In athletes with RBBB VAs and the presence of one or more of the identified ECG characteristics, a cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement is useful to rule out an NLVS.Graphical Abstract

One of the most difficult tasks when building a routing model for a wireless sensor network (WSN) is energy efficiency. However, the sensor node only uses a small amount of energy when sending data to the sink node. The suggested method makes use of an efficient technique to increase energy efficiency and extend the network life cycle. To select the optimal cluster head, the improved rabbit optimisation algorithm (IROA) is initially used. Levy flight updation is used in this instance to enhance the conventional ROA method. Next, the secondary cluster head is chosen to improve the network's energy efficiency based on weight of sensor node. Finally, the improved rabbit optimisation algorithm (IROA) chooses the best route. In terms of energy efficiency, network lifetime, delivery ratio, and throughput the suggested scheme's performance is evaluated. The average performance metrics obtained by the suggested method are 79% of delivery ratio, 56.8 kbps of throughput, 43.6J of energy, and 6.4 hours of network life.

Recent retellings of Indian epics draw upon science fiction. This article discusses an Indian superhero comic based on the Ramayanain which Rama, the central figure in the epic, is portrayed as the superhero Nagraj. The story uses the figure of the avatara(reincarnated one) to align the world of the epics with the contemporary world by incorporating science-fiction elements into their stories. It may seem that these retellings are drawing on strategies within science fiction to update the epics for the present so as to make mythic figures equivalent to superheroes. However, these strategies are not new. Parallel compositional techniques within folk epics prefigure these science-fictional strategies. This is borne out by the fact that Nagraj is an avatara of Rama, said to be reborn in the dark Kali age to fulfil unfulfilled desires from the past. In other words, instead of being for the sake of the present, superheroes are in the present to complete a quest from another time, drawing the present within the ambit of the mythic. There is a juxtaposition of a cyclical view of time associated with myth with the eventful linear time of superheroes, reorganising assumptions about chronicity in both superhero comics and epics.

Despite compromising women’s health and safety, intimate partner violence (IPV) is among the most underreported crimes, and our understanding of factors that drive police reporting by race/ethnicity is underdeveloped. The purpose of this study is to examine racial/ethnic differences in self-reporting IPV to police. Race/ethnicity-stratified models identified predictors of reporting IPV to police among recent, female survivors (n= 898) in the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS; 2011-15). Focus groups (n= 3) with recent survivors (n= 19) in Baltimore, MD (2018), contextualized results. Black women in the NCVS were twice as likely to report IPV to police relative to White women (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.01–4.15). In race/ethnicity-stratified models, police reporting significantly increased with increasing age between 18 and < 35 years (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05–1.33) for Black women, and with IPV-related injury for Black (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.10–5.71) and Hispanic women (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.22–6.71); Hispanics with less than a high school education were least likely to report (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.91). Focus groups explained racial/ethnic influences on reporting including a culture of silence and discrimination, socioeconomic status, and social desirability. We identified influences on reporting IPV to police that vary by race/ethnicity using national data in context to an urban environment. Results demonstrate the need to enhance equity in survivors’ health and public safety through training and organizational change.

Neuroblastoma represents 8–10% of all childhood cancer cases and is responsible for 15% of all cancer-related deaths in infants. Even though patients with low- and intermediate-risk disease have a good prognosis, the 5-year survival rate of the vast majority of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma is 50%. Despite extensive research efforts to find a cure for neuroblastoma, current treatment options are still limited. The aim of our study was to identify novel therapeutic compounds using high-throughput drug screening of a small molecule kinase inhibitor library containing 960 compounds. This screening resulted in the identification of two compounds, ST013381 and ST022328, that showed pronounced cytotoxic effects in six human neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro while having reduced effects in the BJ-5ta control cell line. These effects were observed in both MYCN-amplified and -non-amplified cells, indicating that these compounds can affect a wide range of neuroblastomas. Our experiments also revealed that several signaling pathways underlie the selective elimination of neuroblastoma cells by the ST013381 and ST022328 compounds. In summary, we have identified two novel compounds with a strong cytotoxic effect in vitro as promising agents for the treatment of neuroblastoma.

In Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) and Plasmodium falciparum(Pf), the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway is responsible for isoprene synthesis. This pathway and its products are vital to bacterial/parasitic metabolism and survival, and represent an attractive set of drug targets due to their essentiality in these pathogens but absence in humans. The second step in the MEP pathway is the conversion of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) to MEP and is catalyzed by 1-deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR). Natural products fosmidomycin and FR900098 inhibit DXR, but are too polar to reach the desired target inside some cells, such as Mtb. Synthesized FR900098 analogs with lipophilic substitution in the position α to the phosphorous atom showed promise, resulting in increased activity against Mtband Pf. Here, an α substitution, consisting of a 3,4-dichlorophenyl substituent, in combination with various O-linked alkylaryl substituents on the hydroxamate moiety is utilized in the synthesis of a novel series of FR900098 analogs. The purpose of the O-linked alkylaryl substituents is to further enhance DXR inhibition by extending the structure into the adjacent NADPH binding pocket, blocking the binding of both DXP and NADPH. Of the initial O-linked alkylaryl substituted analogs, compound 6eshowed most potent activity against Pfparasites at 3.60 μM. Additional compounds varying the phenyl ring of 6ewere synthesized. The most potent phosphonic acids, 6land 6n, display nM activity against PfDXR and low μM activity against Pfparasites. Prodrugs of these compounds were less effective against Pfparasites but showed modest activity against Mtbcells. Data from this series of compounds suggests that this combination of substituents can be advantageous in designing a new generation of antimicrobials.

Purpose: User involvement during medical device (MD) development and usability engineering techniques may help reduce serious adverse events due to human error during MD use. This paper reviews the scientific literature on MD usability and critically analyzes the MD design and development (MDDD) process. Literature review: We searched 20 international databases for papers on usability and MDs. After applying exclusion criteria and removing duplicates, we analyzed 144 scientific papers regarding usability aspects and evaluated the target audience and study scope. Among hardware (HW), software (SW), and process (PR) evaluation methods, HW was the most evaluated (49% of papers), while the remainder analyzed HW + SW (15.2%), HW + PR (4.2%), and HW + SW + PR (0.7%). Task analysis, scenario simulation, and questionnaires were the most commonly used techniques (31.6%, 18.4%, and 12.8%, respectively). The target audiences were primarily patients/lay users (62%) and medical staff (14%). Gastroenterology (16.7%), nuclear medicine (13%), and nephrology/urology (9.3%) were the most referred specialties. We found that 48% of all papers did not mention any health facility or service analyzed, while 25.3% analyzed homecare services. Considering the usability scope, product evaluation (32%) and verification or validation trials (29%) were the most common. Usability in MDDD: We present a brief review of the MDDD scenario and argue that better selection of usability methodologies in MDDD should be based around three factors: application of current technical standards on usability, usage of health technology assessment literature, consideration of ethics-related specificities of MD design.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disorders are the most prevalent and life-threatening conditions affecting human beings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cardioprotective effect of P. rubra leaves. Aim: Plumeria rubra L. has been used for ages in alternative/traditional systems of medicine for several conditions, such as arthritis, toothache, pruritus, asthma, dysuria, gonorrhoea, diabetes, and various types of inflammation. Methods: Acute toxicity studies were performed using OECD 423 guidelines, and cardiomyopathy was induced in Wistar albino rats through an intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin hydrochloride. Different groups were established to study the efficacy of doxorubicin-treated P. rubra leaf extract for 7 days. Blood pressure of both systolic and diastolic was recorded with noninvasive blood pressure apparatus, and the mean was considered. Biochemical parameters were analysed for serum and tissue homogenate viz. lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Results: The LD50 cut-off range for the leaf extract was found to be 2,000 mg/kg body weight. P. rubra leaf extract prevented the increase in heart rate (364.8 BPM) and mean blood pressure (122.24 mmHg) and demonstrated good results as an antihypertensive agent. The treatment with the extract was also found to revert the oxidative stress levels, as depicted by the MDA, SOD, and catalase levels in heart tissue in treated rats. Conclusion: P. rubra leaf extract at a higher dose (200 mg/kg) exerted a compelling cardioprotective action against cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin in Wistar rats due to the presence of lignan glycoside, liriodendrin.

Tobin's q has been interpreted as a forward looking indicator of firm performance. In this paper, we use it as a lead indicator in period t to find out its effect on firm performance in period t + 2. The conceptual framework used in the paper has Tobin's q as the indicator of expected firm performance which is manifested through asset turnover ratio, gross profit margin, enterprise value/EBITDA, incremental output capital ratio, returns on retained earnings and free cash flow. Further, we do a size class analysis for the relationships. For a sample set of Indian companies, we seek answers to whether did Tobin's q could predict business efficiency, business effectiveness, innovativeness and sustainability. After identifying the partial effects, to improve our understanding of the relationship between the realised variables and Tobin's q in one go, we apply a clustering driven multi criteria decision-making model on the realised variables.

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) contribute to genome instability, a key feature of cancer. DSBs are mainly repaired by homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). We investigated the role of an isoform of the multifunctional cyclin-dependent kinase 9, CDK9-55, in DNA repair, by generating CDK9-55-knockout HeLa clones (through CRISPR-Cas9), which showed potential HR dysfunction. A phosphoproteomic screening in these clones treated with camptothecin revealed that CDC23 (cell division cycle 23), a component of the E3-ubiquitin ligase APC/C (anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome), is a new substrate of CDK9-55, with S588 being its putative phosphorylation site. Mutated non-phosphorylatable CDC23(S588A) affected the repair pathway choice by impairing HR and favouring error-prone NHEJ. This CDK9 role should be considered when designing CDK-inhibitor-based cancer therapies.

In high-risk, 24/7 occupations, stimulants can serve as a countermeasure to acute stressors. However, chronic stimulant use may negatively impact operational readiness and health. Using cross-sectional data from 15,880 U.S. Navy personnel, we assessed relationships between job stress, sleep quantity and disturbance, and daily caffeine and nicotine use on readiness and health in the operational environment. Under operationally-relevant conditions of mid-high stress and poor sleep, use of caffeinated beverages (coffee/soda/tea), energy drinks, caffeine supplements (gum/pill), combustible tobacco (cigarette/cigar/pipe), electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; e-cigarettes/vape), and smokeless nicotine (chew/snuff/patch/gum) associated with either no effects or significant decrements in functional performance capacity. Caffeinated beverages benefit physical and mental health under moderate job stress and low sleep quantity (< 5 h/day), but decrement under high stress; energy drinks and supplements were neutral or detrimental to health. Combustible tobacco benefits physical health under high sleep disturbance, but decrements mental health under low sleep quantity. ENDS use was neutral to physical health, with benefits in mental health under high sleep disturbance but decrements under low sleep quantity. Smokeless nicotine was neutral to health. Overall, under high operational stress conditions, caffeine associated with significant benefits to readiness and health in 4% of conditions vs. decrements in 68% of conditions; nicotine associated with benefits in 7% vs. decrements in 11% of conditions. These data indicate that in high-risk work environments, chronic stimulant use has limited benefits as a sustained countermeasure, and may be more counterproductive by compounding the detrimental effects of occupational stressors on operational readiness and health.

ABSTRACTObjectivesSexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis is complicated as these infections can present with lower genitourinary tract symptoms (LGUTS) that overlap with other disorders, i.e. urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study's objective was to determine potential missed STI diagnoses from patients presenting with LGUTS in the US between January 2010 and December 2019.MethodsThe de-identified insurance claims data from the IBM® MarketScan® Research Databases were collected from patients (14–64 years old) who presented with LGUTS, which could be caused by an STI. A ‘GAP’ cohort was created, consisting of episodes with potentially delayed STI (Chlamydia trachomatis[CT]/Neisseria gonorrhoeae[NG]) treatment. The intention was to capture episodes where an STI was not initially suspected. Four subgroups were defined depending on the treatment received (fluoroquinolone; azithromycin and/or doxycycline; cephalosporins; gentamicin and azithromycin).ResultsThe GAP cohort consisted of 833,574 LGUTS episodes from the original cohort (23,537,812 episodes). Post-index CT/NG testing was carried out for 4.6% and 5.4% of the episodes from men and women, respectively. There were ≥2 return visits for 16.1% and 15.8% of the episodes from men and women, respectively. A substantial percentage of episodes from men (52.1%) and women (68.3%) were diagnosed with a UTI and/or acute cystitis at the index prior to receiving post-index STI treatment. Other top conditions diagnosed at index for men were dysuria (25.8% of the episodes), orchitis/epididymitis (14.3% of the episodes), and acute prostatitis (10.1% of the episodes), and for women were dysuria (24.2% of the episodes), vaginitis/vulvitis/vulvovaginitis (11.7% of the episodes), and cervicitis (3.3% of the episodes).ConclusionThese findings highlight delayed STI antibiotic treatment and low rates of CT/NG testing, suggesting late STI consideration and suboptimal diagnosis. Additionally, our study illustrates the importance of accurately diagnosing and treating STIs in patients with LGUTS and associated conditions, to avoid antibiotic misuse and complications from delayed administration of appropriate treatment.

Noise is added by privacy-preserving methods or anonymization processes to prevent adversaries from re-identifying users in anonymous networks. The noise introduced by the anonymization steps may also affect the data, reducing its utility for subsequent data mining processes. Graph modification approaches are one of the most used and well-known methods to protect the privacy of the data. These methods convert the data by means of vertex and edge modifications before releasing the perturbed data. In this paper we want to analyze the vertex and edge modification techniques found in literature covering this topic. We empirically evaluate the information loss introduced by each of these methods not only using generic metrics related to graph properties, but also using some specific metrics related to real graph-mining tasks. We want to point out how these methods affect the main properties and characteristics of the network, since it will help us to choose the best one to achieve a desired privacy level while preserving data utility.

Hepatitis B infection affects approximately 262 million people worldwide and is responsible for 900,000 deaths annually. This article reviews the major factors limiting HBV elimination, which includes limited linkage to care and complicated HBV testing and treatment guidelines. The article then provides solutions to these pressing issues.

Abstract:Understanding the unique status of uncommemorated trauma sites requires questioning the practice of referring to such sites solely as "mass graves." Indeed, it is the fact that the people once thrown into the pits have never been buried that generates today's ambivalent memory of the past associated with a given place. The unburied—in grassroots perception—threaten social homeostasis. I compare the findings of anthropologists regarding burial practices with the knowledge provided today by forensic/conflict archaeologists and ethnographers, indicating the special status of sites containing unritualized bodies of victims. This more nuanced approach, differentiating "mass graves" from "burial pits" will allow for more complex readings of contemporary interactions with a site, exhibited by local "implicated" bystander communities. Eastern European Holocaust landscapes especially, may thus be open to renewed scrutiny.

Glyphosate is a systemic, non-selective, pre and post-emergence wide range herbicide. In 2015, IARC classified Glyphosate as “a probable carcinogenic agent for humans”. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the commercial formulation of glyphosate (Roundup® Control Max) at environmentally relevant concentrations and measure the potential effect of this herbicide over the cell capacity to repair DNA damage. HEK293 cells were exposed to 5 concentrations of Roundup® Control Max equivalent to 0.7; 7; 70; 700 and 3,500 μg/L glyphosate acid, for 1, 4 and 24 h. Cytotoxicity was quantified by the Trypan Blue staining method and by the MTT assay, while genotoxicity and evaluation of DNA damage repair kinetics were analyzed through the alkaline comet assay. In all treatments, cell viability was higher than 80%. The three highest glyphosate concentrations—70 μg/L, 700 μg/L, and 3,500 μg/L—increased levels of DNA damage compared to the control at the three exposure times tested. Finally, concerning the kinetics of DNA damage repair, cells initially exposed to 3,500 μg/L of glyphosate for 24 h were unable to repair the breaks in DNA strands even after 4 h of incubation in culture medium. The present study demonstrated for the first time that Roundup® Control Max may induce genetic damage and cause alterations in the DNA repair system in human embryonic kidney cells even at concentrations found in blood and breast milk of people exposed through residues of the herbicide in food, which values have been poorly assessed or not studied yet according to the existent literature.