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Background We aim to use intermarriage as a measure to disentangle the role of exposure to virus, susceptibility and care in differences in burden of COVID-19, by comparing rates of COVID-19 infections between immigrants married to a native and to another immigrant. Methods Using data from the Norwegian emergency preparedness, register participants (N =2 312 836) were linked with their registered partner and categorized based on own and partner's country of birth. From logistic regressions, odds ratios (OR) of COVID-19 infection (15 June 2020–01 June 2021) and related hospitalization were calculated adjusted for age, sex, municipality, medical risk, occupation, household income, education and crowded housing. Results Immigrants were at increased risk of COVID-19 and related hospitalization regardless of their partners being immigrant or not, but immigrants married to a Norwegian-born had lower risk than other immigrants. Compared with intramarried Norwegian-born, odds of COVID-19 infection was higher among persons in couples with one Norwegian-born and one immigrant from Europe/USA/Canada/Oceania (OR 1.42–1.46) or Africa/Asia/Latin-America (OR 1.91–2.01). Odds of infection among intramarried immigrants from Africa/Asia/Latin-America was 4.92. For hospitalization, the corresponding odds were slightly higher. Conclusion Our study suggests that the excess burden of COVID-19 among immigrants is explained by differences in exposure and care rather than susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A class of complex breather and soliton solutions to both KdV and mKdV equations are identified with a Pöschl-Teller type $$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$ P T -symmetric potential. However, these solutions represent only the unbroken- $$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$ P T phase owing to their isospectrality to an infinite potential well in the complex plane having real spectra. To obtain the broken- $$\mathscr{P}\mathscr{T}$$ P T phase, an extension of the potential satisfying the $$sl\left( 2,\mathbb {R}\right)$$ s l 2 , R potential algebra is mandatory that additionally supports non-trivial zero-width resonances.

In recent times, the use of aluminum alloy-based Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites (HMMCs) is being increased in aerospace and automotive applications. HMMCs compensate for the low desirable properties of each filler used. However, the mechanical properties of HMMCs are not well understood. In particular, microstructural investigations and wear optimization studies of HMMCs are not clear. Therefore, further studies are required. The present study is aimed at fabricating and mechanical and wear characterizing and microstructure investigating of Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Graphite (Gr) added in Aluminum (Al) alloy Al6061 HMMCs. The addition of SiC particles was in the range from 0 to 9 weight percentage (wt.%) in steps of 3, along with the addition of 1 wt.% Gr in powder form. The presence of alloying elements in the Al6061 alloy was identified using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). The dispersion of SiC and Gr particles in the alloy was investigated using metallurgical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The gain in strength can be attributed to the growth in dislocation density. The nature of fracture was quasi-cleavage. The microstructure examination reveals the uniform dispersion of the reinforcement. Density, hardness, and Ultimate Tensile Strength values observed to be increased with increased contents of SiC reinforcement. Besides, wear studies were performed in dry sliding conditions. Optimization studies were performed to investigate the effect of parameters that affecting the wear. The sliding wear resistance was noticed to be improved concerning higher amounts of reinforcement leading to a decrease in delamination and adhesive wear. The predicted values for the wear rate have also been compared with the experimental results and good correlation is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Commonly recommended drugs for adults and children include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), proven effective for treating peptic diseases like stomach ulcers, GERD, and Helicobacter pylori infections in children over 1-year-old. Yet, prolonged PPI use carries higher risks of adverse reactions, prompting this study’s analysis. Methods. We have performed a systematic review of 30 articles, which include a total of 762 505 pediatric patients. Results. Adverse effects were encountered in 6.98% of the population. The 5 most common adverse effects were respiratory tract complications, gastrointestinal complications, urinary tract infections, asthma, and ENT infections. Conclusion. Hence, PPIs should be prescribed only when necessary, and physicians should prioritize patient education when considering their use.

Objective: This article presents a study comparing the responses of two AI chatbots, ChatGPT and ChatSonic, regarding inquiries about epilepsy. Overall, ChatGPT and ChatSonic are very similar in terms of their capabilities and limitations and they are the most widely used AI software. However, there are some key differences, such as their training data, supported languages, and pricing model. The study aims to assess the potential application of AI in patient counseling and decision-making regarding epilepsy treatment. Methods: The study categorized the inquiries of patients about epilepsy into two groups: patient counseling and judgment. Ten questions were formulated within these categories. Two specialized doctors evaluated the reliability and accuracy of the chatbot replies using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and a modified version of the DISCERN score. Results: The median value for GQS of 4.5 was given by Evaluator JC, and a median value for GQS of 4.0 was given by Evaluator VV. Furthermore, a median for RS of 5.0 was given by Evaluator JC, and a median for RS of 4.0 was given by Evaluator VV. The GQS data from Evaluators JC and VV have a Spearman correlation coefficient of -0.531, indicating an inversely proportional association, and a p-value of 0.016, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the variables. However, the correlation coefficient of RS between data by Evaluator JC and Evaluator VV is 0.368 which indicates the correlation is a directly proportional relationship, with a p-value of 0.110 which is not statistically significant, does not establish a relation between the variables. Weighted Kappa was used to study the agreement between the data. With a weighted kappa value of -0.318 and a 95 %CI of -0.570, -0.065 was obtained for GQS. This can help reject the null hypothesis indicating that the values by the Evaluator JC and Evaluator VV are statistically significant and has a negative agreement. However, a weighted kappa value of 0.1327 with a 95 %CI of -0.093, 0.359 obtained for RS, fails to reject the null hypothesis indicating that the values by the Evaluator JC and Evaluator VV are not significant and no agreement exists between the Evaluators. The results of this study suggest that both ChatGPT and ChatSonic have the potential to be valuable tools for epilepsy patients and their healthcare providers. However, it is important to note that the two evaluators had better agreement on the GQS scores than on the RS scores, suggesting that the GQS may be a more reliable measure of the quality of chatbot responses. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of collaboration among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and AI designers to ensure appropriate and safe utilization of AI chatbots in the healthcare domain. While AI chatbots can provide valuable information, it is crucial to acknowledge their limitations, including reliance on the training data and occasional factual errors. The study highlights the need for further testing and validation of AI language models in the management of epilepsy as it concludes.

Citizens of the world are bracing themselves to combat and mitigate cataclysmic climate crisis. Recurrent climate accidents are leaving behind millions of climate refugees, who flock to urban centers in search of safety and security. Overcrowded metropolitan cities are highly vulnerable due to their high human densities and absolute numbers of residents and migrants. A well-connected network of urban green zones (UGZs) provides multiple values that enable sustainable climate mitigation and adaptation. The metropolis of Mumbai, with over 24 million humans (Mumbaikars), is fortunate to also have a network of large UGZs and protected areas (PAs), viz. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey Milk Colony (AMC), Tungareshwar, Thane, Tansa, and Karnala Wildlife Sanctuaries, along with mangrove forests and public parks. However, most PAs restrict entry and climate mitigation actions. AMC, spread over 12.5 km2 provides a unique “mosaic” landscape, inhabited by indigenous communities (Warli and Mahadev Koli), locals, and migrants. The hills, farms, artificial meadows, and built-up complexes, with a good road network and proximity to Mumbai’s suburbs, provide numerous opportunities to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals set out by members of the United Nations Conference of the Parties. The path to achieve climate and resource stability, in the economic capital of the nation, is a precarious one and needs planning and engagement of all stakeholders. Long-term protection of AMC will provide socioeconomic equity as well as ecological and health security to current and future generations of Mumbaikars.

Byline: K. Prasad, G. Ashok, C. Raghu, G. Shivamurthy, P. Vijayan, S. Aradhya Efforts are being made to develop anticancer agents from natural sources by many workers. In the past, [...]