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Abstract Background Breast and prostate tumors are known to be less responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Tissue-based tumor mutation burden (tTMB) has emerged as a predictive biomarker of response to ICIs, including in these “cold tumors”. In clinical practice, when tTMB is not available, blood-based TMB score (bTMB) can be used to consider treatment with ICIs. Methods This retrospective, real-world study included a final cohort of metastatic breast and prostate cancer patients treated with an ICI following a liquid biopsy test. Multiple bTMB-High cut-offs were assessed. Clinical, genomic, and outcomes data were collected. We hypothesized that a cut-off of bTMB ≥10 mut/Mb is not a strong predictor of response to ICIs in this setting. The Guardant Health genomic database (GHGD) was then queried (N = 13,992) for associations of bTMB with genomic alterations. Results In the clinical cohort (N = 48), ICI treatment is offered after a median of 3 (1–9) lines of treatment. The median bTMB is 16.4 (10–186) mut/Mb. The median time on ICI and PFS is 2.1 (0–1.7) and 3.1 months (95%CI, 1.6–4.6) respectively; no difference by MSI/MMR status (p = 0.152). Response rate among eligible patients (n = 36) is 16.7%; only N = 1/6 in bTMB

Experimental and numerical studies are implemented in this work to investigate the modal characteristics of three-layered viscoelastic sandwich beams and plates with a natural rubber core and distinct isotropic face layers. In this study, the material of face layers in both beams and plates is varied with uniform face thickness by keeping the core constant to maintain the constant volume. Through the use of the Impact Hammer Modal Testing technique, experimental modal analysis is carried out with SAMURAI and ME' Scope software. The beams and plates are subjected to numerical analysis using ANSYS 19.2 Mechanical APDL Software, a finite element analysis (FEA) tool to evaluate the modal characteristics. The modal characteristics including natural frequencies and mode shapes of both beams and plates are evaluated under various boundary conditions, such as Clamped-Free (C–F), Simply-Supported (S–S), Clamped–Simply Supported (C–S), and Clamped-Clamped (C–C) for beams. Other plate boundary conditions that are taken into consideration for plates in this inquiry include C-F-F-F (Cantilever), S-S-S-S (All edges simply-supported), C-F-C-F (opposite edges clamped and other edges free), and C-C-C-C (All edges clamped). Ultimately, an excellent agreement is established when the outcomes of the experimental modal analysis are compared to those from ANSYS. The research also investigates how varying face layer material densities and end conditions affect natural frequencies at constant volume.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become increasingly popular, opening vast application possibilities in different fields including smart cities, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, etc. IoT comprises resource-constrained devices deployed in Low Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs). To satisfy the routing requirements of these networks, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) created a standardised Routing Protocol for low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL). However, this routing protocol is vulnerable to routing attacks, prompting researchers to propose several techniques to defend the network against such attacks. Machine learning approaches demonstrate effective ways to detect such attacks in large quantities. Therefore, this paper systematically synthesised 17 publications to compare the performance of traditional and advanced machine learning algorithms to identify the best algorithm for detecting RPL-based IoT routing attacks. The findings of this paper show that machine learning algorithms are capable of effective detection of many routing attacks with high accuracy and a low False Positive Rate. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that on average, advanced machine learning algorithms can achieve an accuracy of 96.03% compared to traditional machine learning algorithms which achieved 91.67%. Traditional machine learning algorithms demonstrated the best performance on average False Positive Rate by achieving 2.75% compared to their counterparts which gained 4.79%. However, Random Forest showed the best performance and outperformed all the algorithms in the selected publications by achieving over 99% accuracy, precision and recall.

Therapeutic benefit to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is currently limited to the subset of cancers thought to possess a sufficient tumor mutational burden (TMB) to allow for the spontaneous recognition of neoantigens (NeoAg) by autologous T cells. We explored whether the response to ICB of an aggressive low-TMB squamous cell tumor could be improved through combination immunotherapy using functionally defined NeoAg as targets for endogenous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We found that, whereas vaccination with CD4+ or CD8+ NeoAg alone did not offer prophylactic or therapeutic immunity, vaccines containing NeoAg recognized by both subsets overcame ICB resistance and led to the eradication of large established tumors that contained a subset of PD-L1+ tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (tCSC), provided the relevant epitopes were physically linked. Therapeutic CD4+/CD8+ T cell NeoAg vaccination produced a modified tumor microenvironment (TME) with increased numbers of NeoAg-specific CD8+ T cells existing in progenitor and intermediate exhausted states enabled by combination ICB-mediated intermolecular epitope spreading. We believe that the concepts explored herein should be exploited for the development of more potent personalized cancer vaccines that can expand the range of tumors treatable with ICB.

This study explores the potential of indigenous non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated from Vitis vinifera L. grape skins to improve the quality of regional wines by enhancing their physicochemical and sensory characteristics. Five promising yeast strains were identified at different stages of fermentation: Hanseniaspora opuntiae (J1Y-T1), H. guilliermondii (Y5P-T5), H. uvarum (JF3-T1N), Pichia kudriavzevii (Y8P-T8), and Starmerella bacillaris (WMP4-T4). Among these, H. uvarum and S. bacillaris were particularly noteworthy due to their superior alcohol production, achieving levels of 8.16 ± 0.05% and 8.04 ± 0.04% (v/v), respectively, and demonstrating higher alcohol tolerance even in later fermentation stages. Hanseniaspora uvarum also showed exceptional resilience, with a half-life of 3.34 ± 0.03 days and a Km value of 1.0200 ± 0.0100 mol L⁻¹, achieving the highest biomass even in the later stages of fermentation. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed that while tartaric acid levels remained constant, malic acid content decreased, and acetic acid was produced by all strains. Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry identified ethyl acetate as the dominant volatile compound, with H. uvarum producing the highest concentration (43.411 ± 1.602%), contributing to a fruitier aroma and flavor. The combined attributes of H. uvarum higher alcohol content, enhanced fruity notes, improved clarity, lower acetic acid (0.52 ± 0.03 g L⁻¹), and significant residual sugar (162.37 ± 2.48 g L⁻¹) make it a promising candidate for improving the overall quality of regional wines. Incorporating H. uvarum into mixed starter cultures with specific Saccharomyces strains could further optimize the wine fermentation process.

Identifying lake reference conditions is a crucial task for successful lake restoration. A common method is the paleolimnological approach. However, lakes can be influenced by multiple stressors over time, making it necessary to consider possible combined effects.In this study, we aimed to untangle the interpretation of subfossil Cladocera in relation to different environmental parameters in lakes of Baltic states. To determine indicator species that could be used for reconstructing past environmental conditions, we developed a 78-lake surface sediment training set. Lakes were selected to cover gradients of different lake sizes, depths, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and trophic states. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified pH, trophic state and EC as significant parameters influencing subfossil Cladocera species composition. Using IndVal.g analysis, we distinguished species that are indicative of a combination of parameters such as pH6 and EC>100 µS/cm (Disparalona rostrata, Leydigia leydigi, Pleuroxus uncinatus, Pleuroxus trigonellus), pH>6 and oligotrophic/mesotrophic conditions(Monospilus dispar). We identified species that can be indicative of several parameters that do not necessarily combine (for example, Alonopsis elongata for pH6; Pleuroxus aduncus EC>100 µS/cm). These findings add to the understanding of subfossil Cladocera species interpretation in paleolimnological samples, enabling better assessment of anthropogenic influence and reference conditions of lake ecosystems.

Introduction: Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) represents a severe form of peripheral arterial disease characterized by ischemic rest pain, non-healing wounds, and/or gangrene. Deep Venous Arterialization (DVA) is an option when there is inadequate distal inline flow to allow for wound healing (No Option CLTI). There is a paucity of data on DVA; which prompted our interest in presenting our experience with DVA. Methods: We performed a retrospective review on all patients undergoing DVA from January 2022 through February 2024. The procedure was indicated for patients with CLTI as a last resort for limb salvage. Patient demographics, surgical techniques, and postoperative variables were recorded. Outcomes included were mortality, time to wound healing, minor and major amputations. All other operative complications were also recorded. Outcomes: There were eleven patients with a total of thirteen DVAs performed. Two DVAs were performed on the same limb. The mean age was 67.4 ± 11.3 years, with seven patients (63.6 %) being male. Comorbidities included were hypertension in nine (81.8 %), coronary artery disease in seven (63.6 %), hyperlipidemia in six (54.5 %), and type 2 diabetes mellitus in three (27.3 %) patients, respectively. At a median follow-up of 112.5 days (range: 76- 742 days), limb salvage was achieved in eight (66.7 %) and complete wound healing in four limbs (33.3 %). Seven (58.3 %) limbs required minor amputations. Four (33.3 %) limbs required major amputation including two (16.7 %) due to occluded bypass and two (16.7 %) due to uncontrolled infection. Two (18.2 %) deaths were recorded during the follow-up period. Conclusion: DVA has acceptable short outcomes with good limb salvage and wound healing rates. Timing to achieve mobility with associated deconditioning, quality of life, and cost are areas to be explored in larger studies in comparison to those patients undergoing primary amputation with immediate rehabilitation.

Disease coding is the process of assigning one or more standardized diagnostic codes to clinical notes that are maintained by health practitioners (e.g. clinicians) to track patient condition. Such a coding process is often expensive and error-prone, as human medical coders primarily perform it. Automating diagnostic coding using Artificial Intelligence is seen as an essential solution in Hospital Information Management Systems and approaches built on Convolutional Neural Networks currently perform best. In this work, a neural model built on unstructured clinical text for enabling automatic diagnostic coding for given patient discharge summaries is proposed. We incorporate a structured self-attention mechanism designed to boost learning of label-specific vectors and the significant clinical text snippets associated with a certain label for this purpose. These vectors are then combined with a novel code description pipeline leveraging the descriptions provided for each standardized diagnostic code. The proposed model achieved best performance in terms of standard metrics over the MIMIC-III dataset, outperforming models based on Longformers and Knowledge graphs. Furthermore, to leverage structured clinical data to enhance the proposed model, and to enable improved diagnostic code prediction, model ensembling is considered. A neural model built on structured data by leveraging supervised machine learning algorithms such as random forest and boosting, is designed for multi-class code classification. Experimental results revealed that the proposed ensemble models show promising performance compared to traditional models that rely solely on unstructured or structured clinical data, emphasizing their suitability for real-world deployment.

Objective: Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine in low and middle-income countries are limited. We evaluated the BBIBP-CorV vaccine's effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 symptomatic disease, hospitalisation, severe disease, and mortality during the third wave of the pandemic in Sri Lanka. Methods: We conducted a test-negative case-control study in North Central Province from May 2021 to February 2022. Evidence of vaccination was obtained from the national registry. The PCR-positive patients were cases, while negative individuals were controls. Adjusted vaccine effectiveness (aVE) was computed for fully, partially, and non-vaccinated groups in reducing symptomatic disease, hospitalisation, severe disease, and mortality. Results: Our study involved 3305 cases and 3418 controls. The overall aVE for preventing PCR-positive infection in fully vaccinated was 30·8 % (95 % CI:17·9–41·6). In fully vaccinated over 60 years, the overall aVE was 72·3 % (95 % CI: 49·7–84·8). Full vaccination with BBIBP-CorV is effective in reducing hospitalisation, severe COVID-19 disease, and death, with aVE rates of 70·3 % (95 % CI: 57·9–79·0), 88·9 % (95 % CI: 81·8–93·2), and 92·3 % (95 % CI: 84·8–96·1) respectively. Conclusion: Individuals who have received two doses of the BBIBP-CorV vaccine are protected against hospitalisation, severe COVID-19 disease, and death. Duration of protection against hospitalisation, severe COVID-19, and fatal COVID-19 sustained at least 121 days, with no sign of waning during that time.

Sri Lanka is a small-scale industry in the Global South. The hegemonic patriarchy of the industry, accelerated by various industrial, socio-political, and cultural matters directly affects the representation of women’s cinema in the country. This study aims to look at the female representation throughout the entire evolution of Sri Lankan women’s cinema and the state of their filmmaking practices, which is a rare study area. Further, the examination of the historical context and current trends of this paper will further seek to provide insights into the future development of the representation of women in Sri Lankan cinema.

Procedures used to elicit both behavioral and neurophysiological data to address a particular cognitive question can impact the nature of the data collected. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess performance of a modified finger tapping task in which participants performed synchronized or syncopated tapping relative to a metronomic tone. Both versions of the tapping task included a pacing phase (tapping with the tone) followed by a continuation phase (tapping without the tone). Both behavioral and brain-based findings revealed two distinct timing mechanisms underlying the two forms of tapping. Here we investigate the impact of an additional-and extremely subtle-manipulation of the study's experimental design. We measured responses in 23 healthy adults as they performed the two versions of the finger-tapping tasks either blocked by tapping type or alternating from one to the other type during the course of the experiment. As in our previous study, behavioral tapping indices and cortical hemodynamics were monitored, allowing us to compare results across the two study designs. Consistent with previous findings, results reflected distinct, context-dependent parameters of the tapping. Moreover, our results demonstrated a significant impact of study design on rhythmic entrainment in the presence/absence of auditory stimuli. Tapping accuracy and hemodynamic responsivity collectively indicate that the block design context is preferable for studying action-based timing behavior.

Abstract Background Pathogenic parasites are responsible for multiple diseases, such as malaria and Chagas disease, in humans and livestock. Traditionally, pathogenic parasites have been largely an evasive topic for vaccine design, with most successful vaccines only emerging recently. To aid vaccine design, the VIOLIN vaccine knowledgebase has collected vaccines from all sources to serve as a comprehensive vaccine knowledgebase. VIOLIN utilizes the Vaccine Ontology (VO) to standardize the modeling of vaccine data. VO did not model complex life cycles as seen in parasites. With the inclusion of successful parasite vaccines, an update in parasite vaccine modeling was needed. Results VIOLIN was expanded to include 258 parasite vaccines against 23 protozoan species, and 607 new parasite vaccine-related terms were added to VO since 2022. The updated VO design for parasite vaccines accounts for parasite life stages and for transmission-blocking vaccines. A total of 356 terms from the Ontology of Parasite Lifecycle (OPL) were imported to VO to help represent the effect of different parasite life stages. A new VO class term, ‘transmission-blocking vaccine,’ was added to represent vaccines able to block infectious transmission, and one new VO object property, ‘blocks transmission of pathogen via vaccine,’ was added to link vaccine and pathogen in which the vaccine blocks the transmission of the pathogen. Additionally, our Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of 140 parasite antigens used in the parasitic vaccines identified enriched features. For example, significant patterns, such as signal, plasma membrane, and entry into host, were found in the antigens of the vaccines against two parasite species: Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii. The analysis found 18 out of the 140 parasite antigens involved with the malaria disease process. Moreover, a majority (15 out of 54) of P. falciparum parasite antigens are localized in the cell membrane. T. gondii antigens, in contrast, have a majority (19/24) of their proteins related to signaling pathways. The antigen-enriched patterns align with the life cycle stage patterns identified in our ontological parasite vaccine modeling. Conclusions The updated VO modeling and GSEA analysis capture the influence of the complex parasite life cycles and their associated antigens on vaccine development.

Abstract The in vivo diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary disorders (caused for example by emphysema, Covid-19, immature lung tissue in infants) could be effectively supported by the non-invasive sensing of the lung through light. With this purpose, we investigated the feasibility of probing the lung by means of time-resolved diffuse optics, leveraging the increased depth (a few centimeters) attained by photons collected after prolonged propagation time (a few nanoseconds). We present an initial study that includes measurements performed on 5 healthy volunteers during a breathing protocol, using a time-resolved broadband diffuse optical spectroscopy system. Those measurements were carried out across the spectral range of 600–1100 nm at a source-detector distance of 3 cm, and at 820 nm over a longer distance (7–9 cm). The preliminary analysis of the in vivo data with a simplified homogeneous model revealed a maximum probing depth of 2.6–3.9 cm, suitable for reaching the lung. Furthermore, we observed variations in signal associated with respiration, particularly evident at long photon propagation times. However, challenges stemming from both intra- and inter-subject variability, along with inconsistencies potentially arising from conflicting scattering and absorption effects on the collected signal, hindered a clear interpretation. Aspects that require further investigation for a more comprehensive understanding are outlined.

Two L-band passive microwave satellite sensors, onboard the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) launched in 2009 and Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) launched in 2015, are specifically designed for surface soil moisture (SM) monitoring. The first global continuous fused L-band satellite SM product based on SMOS and SMAP observations (SMOS-SMAP-INRAE-BORDEAUX, the so-called Fused-IB) was recently released to the public. Currently, the performance of Fused-IB has only been evaluated collectively over the entire data records in the study period, without specific evaluation for individual seasons. To fill this gap, this study intercompared the Fused-IB and the enhanced SMAP-L3 version 6 (SMAP-E) SM products against in situ SM data from the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) from 2016 to 2020 regarding the whole period and different seasons. We aim to investigate the performance of these two products at different time scales and to explore the potential eco-hydrological factors (i.e., precipitation and vegetation) driving their seasonal variations. Results show that both SM products are in good agreement with the in situ measurements, demonstrating high median correlation (R) and low ubRMSD (median R = 0.70 and ubRMSD = 0.058 m3/m3 for Fused-IB vs. R = 0.68 and ubRMSD = 0.059 m3/m3 for SMAP-E) during 2016–2020. For most land use and land cover (LULC) types, Fused-IB outperformed SMAP-E with higher accuracy and lower errors, particularly in forests, partly due to the advantage of the robust SMAP-IB (SMAP-INRAE-BORDEAUX) algorithm used to generate Fused-IB in forests, which avoids the pronounced saturation effects of vegetation optical depth caused by relying on optical information. Besides, both products had superior performances across most LULC types in summer (JJA) and autumn (SON), yet increased uncertainties were observed in forests, grasslands, and croplands during spring (MAM) and winter (DJF). These uncertainties could be mainly attributed to the effects of vegetation growth in forests, grasslands and croplands, and the interception of water from rainfall events in grasslands. The results of this study can serve as a reference for algorithm developers to enhance the accuracy of SM and thus promote hydro-meteorological applications that benefit from L-band radiometer soil moisture products.

In the past decade, significant European calls for research proposals have supported translational collaborative research on non-communicable and infectious diseases within the biomedical life sciences by bringing together interdisciplinary and multinational consortia. This research has advanced our understanding of disease pathophysiology, marking considerable scientific progress. Yet, it is crucial to retrospectively evaluate these efforts’ societal impact. Research proposals should be thoughtfully designed to ensure that the research findings can be effectively translated into actionable policies. In addition, the choice of scientific methods plays a pivotal role in shaping the societal impact of research discoveries. Understanding the factors responsible for current unmet public health issues and medical needs is crucial for crafting innovative strategies for research policy interventions. A multistakeholder survey and a roundtable helped identify potential needs for consideration in the EU research and policy agenda. Based on survey findings, mental health disorders, metabolic syndrome, cancer, antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution, and cardiovascular diseases were considered the public health challenges deserving prioritisation. In addition, early diagnosis, primary prevention, the impact of environmental pollution on disease onset and personalised medicine approaches were the most selected unmet medical needs. Survey findings enabled the formulation of some research-policies interventions (RPIs), which were further discussed during a multistakeholder online roundtable. The discussion underscored recent EU-level activities aligned with the survey-derived RPIs and facilitated an exchange of perspectives on public health and biomedical research topics ripe for interdisciplinary collaboration and warranting attention within the EU’s research and policy agenda. Actionable recommendations aimed at facilitating the translation of knowledge into transformative, science-based policies are also provided.

Extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is associated with paraplegia secondary to spinal cord ischemia (SCI), with rates reaching up to 37.5 %. Physiological preventive measures include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, hypothermia, and permissive hypertension following TAAA repair. Temporary aneurysm sac perfusion (TASP) can be added as an adjunct procedure to facilitate spinal collateral network development in the post-operative period through an endoleak with subsequent seal. We report of a 70-year-old female patient, who underwent a hybrid TAAA repair using TASP.

Introduction: The thoracic branch endoprosthesis (TBE) is intended for the treatment of proximal descending aortic pathology with preservation of the left subclavian artery blood flow. For the treatment of more extensive pathologies comprising the aortic arch, current devices are limited. We present a case and literature review regarding use of TBE device in a proximal (Zone 0) aortic aneurysm repair. Case report: A 59-year-old male patient with a history of ascending aortic open repair due to a type A dissection presented with an enlarging proximal descending aorta. Due to refusal for further open aortic surgical intervention, a two-staged hybrid repair was performed comprising extra-anatomic bypasses followed by zone 0 TBE repair. Complications related to surgical intervention; but, not to the aortic arch repair included anaphylactic reactions that required rescheduling of surgical procedure. Postoperative follow-up demonstrated a successful repair with patent stent grafts and bypasses. Discussion: TBEs are part of the emerging technologies for the treatment of aortic arch pathologies. This case highlights the use of the device in a patient with complex aortic dissection enlargement secondary to a previously emergent surgical management of a type A aortic dissection. The literature review highlights the emerging use of endovascular technologies and its pitfalls as the risk of stroke and endoleak in the short- and long-term are not insignificant. Conclusion: Despite its off-label use, TBEs can be effective and a feasible solution in patients who either refuse or do not qualify for open aortic surgical intervention. However, close follow-up is necessary, as short- and long-term studies suggest a significant rate of stroke and endoleaks.

Significance: Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data reveal cortical connections and networks across the brain. Motion artifacts and systemic physiology in evoked fNIRS signals present unique analytical challenges, and methods that control for systemic physiological noise have been explored. Whether these same methods require modification when applied to resting-state fNIRS (RS-fNIRS) data remains unclear. Aim: We systematically examined the sensitivity and specificity of several RSFC analysis pipelines to identify the best methods for correcting global systemic physiological signals in RS-fNIRS data. Approach: Using numerically simulated RS-fNIRS data, we compared the rates of true and false positives for several connectivity analysis pipelines. Their performance was scored using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Pipelines included partial correlation and multivariate Granger causality, with and without short-separation measurements, and a modified multivariate causality model that included a non-traditional zeroth-lag cross term. We also examined the effects of pre-whitening and robust statistical estimators on performance. Results: Consistent with previous work on bivariate correlation models, our results demonstrate that robust statistics and pre-whitening are effective methods to correct for motion artifacts and autocorrelation in the fNIRS time series. Moreover, we found that pre-filtering using principal components extracted from short-separation fNIRS channels as part of a partial correlation model was most effective in reducing spurious correlations due to shared systemic physiology when the two signals of interest fluctuated synchronously. However, when there was a temporal lag between the signals, a multivariate Granger causality test incorporating the short-separation channels was better. Since it is unknown if such a lag exists in experimental data, we propose a modified version of Granger causality that includes the non-traditional zeroth-lag term as a compromising solution. Conclusions: A combination of pre-whitening, robust statistical methods, and partial correlation in the processing pipeline to reduce autocorrelation, motion artifacts, and global physiology are suggested for obtaining statistically valid connectivity metrics with RS-fNIRS. Further studies should validate the effectiveness of these methods using human data.

Background: Social capital is a concept that has been identified to improve health outcomes in many populations. Due to COVID-19 and many other factors, Sri Lanka faced a massive economic crisis that affected the nutrition of communities. Many community engagement initiatives have begun to promote the country’s nutrition during the worst-hit years. The Mothers’ Support Groups initiative is one of the existing community engagement initiatives that is well known for strengthening community social capital. This article discusses how the Mothers’ Support Groups (MSG) initiative in Sri Lanka contributed to improving social capital in Sri Lanka during the economic crisis, focusing on nutrition. Methods: We conducted a case study on the activities undertaken by mothers’ support groups in view of how they focused on social capital. We selected all activities presented by districts that improved social capital related to nutrition promotion captured in the YouTube video stream. We analyzed these qualitative data to identify the main themes related to social capital and nutritional promotion. Two coders transcribed the video recordings. We analyzed the data using the iterative thematic inquiry (ITI) method and initially assessed beliefs about concepts, building new beliefs through encounters with data, listing tentative themes, and evaluating themes through coding. Results: Six major themes were identified (that social capital had been strengthened to promote nutrition): awareness creation of nutrition, home gardening promotion, promoting livestock farming, minimizing food waste, improving the home economy, and psychosocial health promotion. The most common forms of social capital encountered in these themes were bonding, bridging, and linking. Furthermore, strengthening structural social capital is more prominent than strengthening cognitive social capital. Conclusion: Social capital can improve nutritional status during crises. Activities that can be used to achieve this vary from simple awareness creation among communities to more advanced psychosocial health promotion. Overall, social capital contributed to the community development aspect of health promotion to a greater extent.

Abstract Background One-fifth of the Sri Lankan population consists of adolescents, with 71% of them schooling. An extreme need exists in the country for the introduction of evidence-based interventions for the psychosocial well-being of adolescents. The present study assessed the effectiveness of an educational intervention to promote the psychosocial well-being of school-going adolescents in grade nine in Western Province, Sri Lanka. Materials and methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted among grade nine students in Western Province in 2019. Panadura Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area was selected as the interventional area (IA), and Kelaniya MOH area was identified as the control area (CA). Teachers at schools in the IA received training on psychosocial health promotion of adolescents. They delivered the activity-based educational intervention package to the grade nine students as 20-min classroom sessions for three months. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of attitudes and practices related to the psychosocial well-being of adolescents were conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Categorical data were compared using Chi-Square or Fisher’s exact test. Mann–Whitney U test was applied to determine the difference between the medians of the pre-and post-intervention scores on attitude and practices for psychosocial well-being. Results A total of 1040 grade nine students were enrolled. There was a statistically significant increase in median score on attitudes [81.8 (IQR:75.5–85.5) to 82.3(IQR:78.6–87.2] and practices [81.7(IQR: 76.1–85.7) to 83.1(IQR: 79.1–86.9)] in the IA while there was no significant difference in the CA. The proportion of bullied adolescents in the past 30 days reduced significantly from 14.8% (n = 38) to 7.9% (n = 20) in IA(p = .03), whereas there was a slight reduction from 17.1% (n = 44) to 11.3% (n = 26) in CA (p = .17). Conclusions The present psychosocial intervention is effective in improving the psychosocial well-being of school adolescents, though long-term effectiveness was not assessed. It is recommended to utilise study findings in deciding to introduce the present intervention to basic and in-service teacher training packages and school curricula with necessary modifications.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the mind, gut, and sleep is not static and requires proper harmony for optimal emotional health. Recent evidence suggests that gut health is a key player in regulating mental and physical health via bidirectional communication between the brain and gut. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was undertaken on 200 participants aged 25-40 years old for two months at a tertiary care hospital. A community-based method was used to select the participants from in and around Pune. The survey was conducted online with the help of a self-designed well-structured detailed questionnaire that included a demographic profile, medical history, history of sleep pattern, gut health status, emotional well-being status about gut and sleep physiology, and lifestyle-related issues and problems was administered to all the study participants. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation was observed between the duration of sleep; and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including heartburn (P=0.03) constipation (P=0.03), bloating (P=0.04), and indigestion (P=0.051). Specific GI symptoms as mentioned above were found to affect the study participants' emotional well-being significantly. Regular physical exercise demonstrated a significant correlation with an increased duration of sleep (P=0.003). Consumption of tobacco, alcohol; smoking, and consumption of stimulants like tea, coffee, and coke showed a significant effect on both the duration and quality of sleep (P=0.004). Gut and sleep disturbances were more common in north Indian subjects as compared to south Indian subjects (P=0.003). The upper socioeconomic population had more GI; sleep and emotional disturbances as compared to the lower socioeconomic study subjects (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: The relationship between sleep patterns, emotional well-being gut health is bidirectional. Prioritizing good sleep hygiene, managing stress through mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and maintaining a balanced diet that supports gut health are crucial steps in promoting overall well-being.

A lipoma is one of the commonest types of benign tumor and a neurolipoma is one of its rarer variants. It is also called as Neurofibrolipoma (NFL) or lipomatosis of nerve. It can occur in a person with neurofibromatosis. The most common sites of occurrence are the volar aspects of the hands, wrists, and forearms. These NFLs are observed in young people, usually men. The median nerve is most commonly involved. Lower-extremity cases are extremely rare. We report here a rare case involving the lower limb without any skeletal deformities occurring in a young man.

Background: Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS), probiotics, rifaximin, and vaccines have been proposed as preventive modalities for patients with travelers’ diarrhea (TD), but their comparative effectiveness for prevention has rarely been studied. We aimed to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to test whether one of these modalities is more effective than the others in reducing the incidence of TD.Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and clinical registries from inception of the databases through 18 November 2023, without language restriction, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of BSS, probiotics, rifaximin, and vaccines in preventing TD. The primary outcome was the incidence of TD and the safety outcome was the incidence of adverse events. The relative ratio (RR) was used to assess the effect of the modalities, and RR estimates between any two of the modalities were calculated and pooled using a frequentist network meta-analysis model.Results: Thirty-one studies (recruiting 10,879 participants) were included in the analysis. Sixteen were judged to have a low risk of bias. In the aggregate analysis, BSS and rifaximin were more effective than placebo and other treatment modalities, which was further confirmed in the individual analysis. The comparison between rifaximin and placebo achieved high confidence, while the comparisons between BSS and placebo, ETEC and probiotics, and rifaximin and vaccines achieved moderate confidence. BSS had a higher rate of adverse events compared with other treatments.Conclusion: Rifaximin had a relative lower TD incidence and lower adverse event rate, and the evidence was with moderate confidence.Systematic Review Registration:https://osf.io/dxab6, identifier.

BackgroundClassical swine fever virus (CSFV) remains one of the most important pathogens in animal health. Pathogen detection relies on viral RNA extraction followed by RT-qPCR. Novel technologies are required to improve diagnosis at the point of care.MethodsA loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) PCR technique was developed, with primers designed considering all reported CSFV genotypes. The reaction was tested using both fluorometric and colorimetric detection, in comparison to the gold standard technique. Viral strains from three circulating CSFV genotypes were tested, as well as samples from infected animals. Other pathogens were also tested, to determine the LAMP specificity. Besides laboratory RNA extraction methods, a heating method for RNA release, readily available for adaptation to field conditions was evaluated.ResultsThree primer sets were generated, with one of them showing better performance. This primer set proved capable of maintaining optimal performance at a wide range of amplification temperatures (60°C - 68°C). It was also able to detect CSFV RNA from the three genotypes tested. The assay was highly efficient in detection of samples from animals infected with field strains from two different genotypes, with multiple matrices being detected using both colorimetric and fluorometric methods. The LAMP assay was negative for all the unrelated pathogens tested, including Pestiviruses. The only doubtful result in both fluorometric and colorimetric LAMP was against the novel Pestivirus italiaense, ovine Italy Pestivirus (OVPV), which has proven to have cross-reaction with multiple CSFV diagnostic techniques. However, it is only possible to detect the OVPV in a doubtful result if the viral load is higher than 10000 viral particles.ConclusionThe results from the present study show that LAMP could be an important addition to the currently used molecular diagnostic techniques for CSFV. This technique could be used in remote locations, given that it can be adapted for successful use with minimal equipment and minimally invasive samples. The joined use of novel and traditional diagnostic techniques could prove to be a useful alternative to support the CSF control.

Abstract Time-domain diffuse correlation spectroscopy (TD-DCS) has been introduced as an advancement of the “classical” continuous wave DCS (CW-DCS) allowing one to not only to measure depth-resolved blood flow index (BFI) but also to extract optical properties of the measured medium without using any additional diffuse optics technique. However, this method is a photon-starved technique, specially when considering only the late photons that are of primary interest which has limited its in vivo application. In this work, we present a TD-DCS system based on a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) with a high quantum efficiency, a narrow timing response, and a negligibly low dark count noise. We compared it to the typically used single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detector. In addition, this system allowed us to conduct fast in vivo measurements and obtain gated pulsatile BFI on the adult human forehead.

A theoretical analysis of an asymmetric roller bearing system with cavitation that is hydro-dynamically lightly loaded and lubricated by a thin, incompressible fluid is presented. The lubricant adheres to the non-Newtonian Bingham plastic fluid concept, in which the viscosity of the fluid should change depending on the mean film temperature. The continuity and momentum equations, which regulate fluid flow, are first solved analytically and then numerically using MATLAB. Through graphs and tables, some key bearing features are addressed and further explained. This leads to the conclusion that there is a discernible difference between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids in terms of pressure, temperature, load, and traction. The findings are good in line with the body of literature.

The progress in the stream of the power electronic converters has led to the expansion of various protection devices for the distribution system. This also has led to an assortment of flexible transmission devices aiming to enhance the stability of the system throughout a variety of power quality issues and, furthermore, for enabling flexible uninterrupted power transmission during turbulences. This paper augments the employment of two Custom Power Devices, namely, Dynamic Voltage Restorer and Distribution Static Compensator for dealing with various power quality issues associated with distributed generation systems. This paper also involves analysis of performance of proposed Custom Power Devices with various algorithms, like gravitational search algorithm, BAT algorithm and ANT colony optimization algorithm for improving the stability of the power system. The proposed system has been tested with various distributed systems, fault conditions, and assessment has been performed among different algorithms in terms of supply voltage, supply current, active power, reactive power, and power factor. The design and analysis of entire system has been executed using MATLAB/Simulink.

Abstract Procedures used to elicit both behavioral and neurophysiological data to address a particular cognitive question can impact the nature of the data collected. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess performance of a modified finger tapping task in which participants performed synchronized or syncopated tapping relative to a metronomic tone. Both versions of the tapping task included a pacing phase (tapping with the tone) followed by a continuation phase (tapping without the tone). Both behavioral and brain-based findings revealed two distinct timing mechanisms underlying the two forms of tapping. Here we investigate the impact of an additional—and extremely subtle—manipulation of the study’s experimental design. We measured responses in 23 healthy adults as they performed the two versions of the finger-tapping tasks either blocked by tapping type or alternating from one to the other type during the course of the experiment. As in our previous study, behavioral tapping indices and cortical hemodynamics were monitored, allowing us to compare results across the two study designs. Consistent with previous findings, results reflected distinct, context-dependent parameters of the tapping. Moreover, our results demonstrated a significant impact of study design on rhythmic entrainment in the presence/absence of auditory stimuli. Tapping accuracy and hemodynamic responsivity collectively indicate that the block design context is preferable for studying action-based timing behavior.

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was caused by a new strain of the virus SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 emerged as deadly pandemic that affected millions of people worldwide. Factors such as lack of effective drugs, vaccine resistance, gene mutations, and cost of repurposed drugs demand new potential inhibitors. The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 has a key role in viral replication and transcription and is considered as drug target for new lead identification. In this present work, structure-based virtual screening, docking, MM/GBSA, AutoDock, ADME, and MD simulations-based optimization was proposed for the identification of new potential inhibitors against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. The ligand molecules M1, M3, and M6 were identified as potential leads from lead optimization. Induced fit docking was performed for the identification of the best poses of lead molecules. The best docked poses of potential leads M1 and M3 were subject to 100 ns MD simulations for the evaluation of stability and interaction analysis into Mpro active site. The structures of the top two leads M1 and M3 were optimized based on MD simulation conformational changes and isoster scanning, designed as new leads M7 and M8. The MD simulation trajectories RMSD, RMSF, protein-ligand, ligand-protein interaction plots, and ligand torsion profiles were analyzed for stability interpretation. The docked complexes of M7 and M8 of Mpro exhibited equilibrated and converged plots in 100 ns simulation. The lead molecules M1, M3, M7, and M8 were identified as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors for COVID-19 disease. A comparative docking study was carried out using FDA-approved drugs to support the potential binding affinities of newly identified lead inhibitors.

Abstract Industries play a very vital role in the developed nation. Proportional to the higher production capacity of these industries, there is a surge in the quantity of waste material being discharged. This waste material can be put to effective use; a considerable way is by creating a green composite that is long-lasting, and concocted by using natural fibers and environment-friendly materials as reinforcements. In the following study, an attempt is made to investigate the buckling characteristics of a thin geometrical plate of epoxy-based composite reinforced with Sugarcane fiber/ Fly-ash/ Carbon Nanotube. The investigative study was conducted numerically on the plate by applying axially compressive load. To procure an optimized result on the weight percentages of the composition of the fiber in the composite material, the DOE/optimization tool i.e. a mathematical and statistical technique known as the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used. Essential geometrical modeling and the appropriate boundary conditions for the buckling analysis were carried out using the Static Structural and Eigen Buckling standalone systems in the ANSYS software. The analytical tool, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to investigate the influential degree of reinforcement variables on buckling characteristics present in the composite. The results reveal that the critical buckling loads escalate for higher weight percentages for carbon nanotube and fly-ash reinforcements in the composite composition. The optimized parameters obtained can be incorporated to achieve improved critical buckling load and hence many synthetic composites were replaced thus enhancing the sustainability of the environment.

The therapeutic landscape of several genitourinary malignancies has been revolutionized by the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs); however, the utility of immunotherapies in prostate cancer has been limited, partly due to the immunologically “cold” tumor terrain of prostate cancer. As of today, pembrolizumab is the only immune checkpoint inhibitor approved for the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in a select group of patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), deficient mismatch repair (dMMR), or high tumor mutational burden (TMB). Looking ahead, several combinatorial approaches with ICIs involving radioligands, radiotherapy, PARP inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors, and cancer vaccines are exploring a potential synergistic effect. Furthermore, B7-H3 is an alternative checkpoint that may hold promise in adding to the treatment landscape of mCRPC. This review aims to summarize previous monotherapy and combination therapy trials of ICIs as well as novel immunotherapy combination therapeutic strategies and treatment targets in mCRPC.