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Abstract Background Operators in the obituary and necropsy sectors are exposed to various environmental hazards during specific tasks. Despite this exposure, occupational risks have often been underestimated, resulting in a lack of substantial evidence. The primary objectives of this study were to identify sources of chemical risk, establish procedures for monitoring and quantifying exposure during necropsy activities, and recommend adjustments to regulatory guidelines to protect the health of the operators. The study was conducted at the Legal Medicine Unit of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, focusing on the quantitative measurement of particulate matter (PM) exposure among at-risk operators during necropsy activities. Environmental levels of total suspended particles, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1 were assessed by evaluating the average, minimum, and maximum instantaneous indoor concentrations using an airborne analyzer. Results The monitoring activities revealed that the PM concentrations were significantly lower than the recognized reference values. However, bone sawing, body removal, and cleaning were identified as high-risk maneuvers for dust suspension. Conclusions Our study highlighted specific risks associated with necropsy activities, particularly concerning timing and certain maneuvers. These results may lead to interventions for improving current prevention procedures, implementing good practices, and developing specific guidelines to enhance operator safety.

Under the background of the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals”, the salt cavern is an important place for geological storage and carbon sequestration. The limited knowledge of the quantity and quality of the salt cavern and immature investigation technology constrains the development and utilization of salt cavern. After analyzing the geological exploration reports on major salt mines, reserves reports, enterprise annual reports, and research articles, a scientific understanding and basic judgment of the amount and utilizability of salt caverns in China are obtained; a technical system of salt cavern resource survey is established through a test with comprehensive detection technology in the concentrated area of salt cavern. The results show that salt cavern resources in China are characterized by abundant reserves, wide distribution, feasible burial depth, and convenient utilization on large scale. The most abundant salt cavern resources occur in the east and central regions. The national salt cavern resources are divided into levels I, II, and III by using an availability evaluation method system of salt cavern resource. Level I accounting for about 29.4%, is mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Hubei, Henan, and other provinces in east and central China. Salt cavern resources in level I are preferred for development and utilization. Level II accounting for about 65.4%, is widely distributed in southwest, northwest, and centra China, and can be used as a prospective area for development and utilization. Salt cavern resources in level III accounting for about 5.2%, are not suitable for development and utilization. Ground geophysical exploration, which can identify the characteristics of the regional geology, salt layer geology, hydrogeology, and salt cavity distribution of the salt mining area, guides the site selection on the salt cavern construction; geophysical exploration of high precision, which can obtain the information of salt mine levels and cavity structure, benefit the construction and operation detection of storage. This study provides the basic data and technical support for the planning and development of salt cavern resources in China.

Background: Operators in the obituary and necropsy sectors are exposed to various environmental hazards during specific tasks. Despite this exposure, occupational risks have often been underestimated, resulting in a lack of substantial evidence. The primary objectives of this study were to identify sources of chemical risk, establish procedures for monitoring and quantifying exposure during necropsy activities, and recommend adjustments to regulatory guidelines to protect the health of the operators. The study was conducted at the Legal Medicine Unit of the Umberto I General Hospital in Rome, focusing on the quantitative measurement of particulate matter (PM) exposure among at-risk operators during necropsy activities. Environmental levels of total suspended particles, PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1 were assessed by evaluating the average, minimum, and maximum instantaneous indoor concentrations using an airborne analyzer. Results: The monitoring activities revealed that the PM concentrations were significantly lower than the recognized reference values. However, bone sawing, body removal, and cleaning were identified as high-risk maneuvers for dust suspension. Conclusions: Our study highlighted specific risks associated with necropsy activities, particularly concerning timing and certain maneuvers. These results may lead to interventions for improving current prevention procedures, implementing good practices, and developing specific guidelines to enhance operator safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology / Shuiwendizhi Gongchengdizhi is the property of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background The objective was to summarize the methodology used to reach consensus for recommended minimum data elements that should be collected and reported when conducting injury surveillance research in military settings. This paper summarizes the methodology used to develop the international Minimum Data Elements for surveillance and Reporting of Musculoskeletal Injuries in the MILitary (ROMMIL) statement. Methods A Delphi methodology was employed to reach consensus for minimum reporting elements. Preliminary steps included conducting a literature review and surveying a convenience sample of military stakeholders to 1) identify barriers and facilitators of military musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) prevention programs, 2) identify relevant knowledge/information gaps and 3) establish future research priorities. The team then led a sequential three-round Delphi consensus survey, including relevant stakeholders from militaries around the world, and then conducted asynchronous mixed knowledge user meeting to explore level of agreement among subject matter experts. Knowledge users, including former and current military service members, civil servant practitioners, and global-wide subject matter experts having experience with policy, execution, or clinical investigation of MSKI mitigation programs, MSKI diagnoses, and MSKI risk factors in military settings. For each round, participants scored each question on a Likert scale of 1-5. Scores ranged from No Importance (1) to Strong Importance (5). Results Literature review and surveys helped informed the scope of potential variables to vote on. Three rounds were necessary to reach minimum consensus. Ninety-five, 65 and 42 respondents participated in the first, second and third rounds of the Delphi consensus, respectively. Ultimately, consensus recommendations emerged consisting of one data principle and 33 minimum data elements. Conclusions Achieving consensus across relevant stakeholders representing military organizations globally can be challenging. This paper details the methodology employed to reach consensus for a core minimum data elements checklist for conducting MSKI research in military settings and improve data harmonization and scalability efforts. These methods can be used as a resource to assist in future consensus endeavors of similar nature.

(1) Background: This study evaluated the clinical implications of a new measurement technique for muscle mass using discrete multi-wavelength near-infrared spectroscopy (DMW-NIRS) compared with multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in older adults. (2) Methods: In a cross-sectional study involving 91 participants aged 65 years, the agreement of total lean mass for each measurement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Pearson's correlation analysis. The study was conducted at a university hospital from 10 July 2023 to 1 November 2023. (3) Results: A total of 45 men (mean age, 74.1) and 46 women (mean age, 73.6) were analyzed. In the comparisons of total lean mass between DMW-NIRS and BIA, ICC (2.1) was 0.943 and Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.949 (p < 0.001). Across all segments of lean mass, we found excellent agreement with the ICCs (>0.90) and acceptable values of the correlation coefficients (>0.6) between DMW-NIRS and BIA. (4) Conclusions: This study confirmed agreement in the measurements of muscle mass between portable devices using DMW-NIRS and BIA among community-dwelling older adults. A simple screening of muscle mass in a home setting would help to detect early decreases in muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: To create a protocol for performing minimally invasive autopsies (MIA) in detecting deaths from arboviruses and report preliminary data from its application in Ceará state, Brazil. Methods: Training was provided to medical pathologists on MIA. Results: A protocol was established for performing MIA, defining criteria for sample collection, storage methods, and diagnoses to be carried out according to the type of biological sample; 43 MIAs were performed in three months. Of these, 21 (48.8%) arrived at the Death Verification Service (SVO) with arboviruses as a diagnostic hypothesis, and seven (16.3%) were confirmed (six chikungunya cases and one dengue case); cases of COVID-19 (n = 9), tuberculosis (n = 5), meningitis (n = 4), cryptococcosis (n = 1), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (n = 1), breast cancer (n = 1), and human rabies (n = 1) were also confirmed. Conclusion: The protocol implemented enabled identification of a larger number of suspected arbovirus-related deaths, as well as confirmation of other diseases of interest for surveillance.

The INFOMEC 2023 organized by the Management and Science University (MSU) is proud to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the International Conference on Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine, and Criminology. This is a premier gathering of experts from around the world who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest advancements and techniques in the field. The conference features a diverse range of topics related to forensic science, forensic medicine, and criminology, including forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, forensic DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, forensic psychology, and criminal profiling, among others. Participants will have the opportunity to attend keynote presentations, poster sessions, and network with colleagues and peers from academia, government, and industry. The conference is an excellent platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to present their research findings and gain valuable feedback from experts in the field. Overall, the International Conference on Forensic Science, Forensic Medicine, and Criminology is an essential event for anyone involved in the fields of forensic science, forensic medicine, and criminology, providing an opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, and contribute to the advancement of the field.

BackgroundHIV disproportionately impacts Black men who have sex with men (MSM), and targeting the primary relationship (ie, couples) using mobile technology for health holds promise for HIV prevention. Web-based recruitment of MSM is commonly employed in HIV prevention and intervention research. However, little known about recruiting Black MSM couples on the internet in the United States.ObjectiveThis study describes the process of recruiting Black MSM couples over social networking and dating apps frequented by MSM. We describe the activities for recruiting, screening, and enrolling participants as part of a randomized trial employing a multipronged recruitment approach.MethodsBlack MSM in couples were recruited via three apps (ie, Jack'd, Adam4Adam, and Growlr) between May 2020 and March 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Black MSM couples were eligible if one or both partners are Black, MSM, and living with HIV, and if both partners were 18 years or older, and have been together for at least 2 months in what they both consider a primary relationship (ie, one in which both partners reported feeling most committed to over any other partner or relationship).ResultsA total of 10 Black MSM couples (n=20) were enrolled via social networking apps. App recruitment activities were a combination of passive (eg, in-app advertisements) and active (eg, direct messaging of users) engagement. Recruitment approaches varied by the social networking app owing to differences in app features. A full-time recruiter experienced challenges such as bugs (ie, technical errors in computer program or system), navigating technical requirements specific to each app, and web-based harassment.ConclusionsDespite challenges, it was possible to recruit Black MSM couples virtually into research as part of a multipronged recruitment strategy. We identify tips for using web-based dating and other social networking apps as part of a recruitment strategy in future research with Black MSM couples.

Objective: To analyze and map the national and international scientific production on IRAMuTeQ® use software in scientific research in health in the historical series from 2012 to August 2022. Methods: This is a descriptive bibliometric and scientometric research and exploratory. Collection was carried out in August 2022 through institutional online access to the CAPES Journals Portal, in the Scopus database (Elsevier). To guide the research, the keyword “IRaMuTeQ” was used. After the selection process of included studies, data set was saved in a single file in CSV Excel format and later exported to the VOSviewer® software. Results: It was observed a greater number of articles on the topic in 2021 (127; 34.70%). In Brazil, there is the largest number of authors who publish using IRaMuTeQ® (271; 74.04%). Social sciences and nursing are the two professional areas that most use the software in their articles. Of the 15 authors who most publish with IRaMuTeQ®, 12 are Brazilian. Conclusion: IRaMuTeQ® use assessment in scientific research allows us to point out the expressive role of Brazil in using this tool in scientific research.

Mental health promotion aligns its professional actions from the ideological perspectives that influence it and even determine it, mainly by health and disease conceptions. The present critical essay proposed problematizing and discussing aspects of individuals' experiences that interfere with mental health promotion. Although such actions have been enhanced by the expansion of scientific knowledge linked to the axis of diagnosis, intervention, and care, the scientific technology associated with the field of mental health promotion has produced gaps in the capture of the individuals' experience; bringing direct or indirect consequences on their living conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the need to broaden the understanding of the individuals' experience based on the idea that mental health development is not linear but multifaceted, complex, and even contradictory depending on the lens that observes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Larq Journal for Philosophy, Linguistics & Social Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Galicia Clínica is the property of Sociedad Gallega de Medicina Interna and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare cancer currently affecting over 11,736 patients across Europe. Since PMP is so uncommon, collaboration between scientific centers is key to discovering the mechanisms behind the disease, efficient treatments, and targets pointing to a cure. To date, no consensus has been reached on the minimum data that should be collected during PMP research studies. This issue has become more important as biobanking becomes the norm. This paper begins the discussion around a minimum data set that should be collected by researchers through a review of available clinical trial reports in order to facilitate collaborative efforts within the PMP research community.

The serum level of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite associated with diabetes, cancer, inflammatory and neurological diseases, can be determined by the micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. However, we had problems obtaining accurate standard curves with the original kit protocol from Bioassay Technology Laboratory. We aimed to acquire proper standard curves by modifying the kit protocol in this study. First, we evaluated the human TMAO ELISA kit protocols and other human ELISA kits. We maintained the incubation times longer and increased the wash cycle. Moreover, we incubated the standards containing biotinylated antibody in the wells alone. Then we washed the wells and added streptavidin-HRP for the second incubation step. The data of original and modified ELISA kit protocol were analyzed with Student's t-test. We measured higher absorbance with lower standard solution concentration in experiments that followed the original kit protocol. After investigating other human TMAO ELISA kits, we noticed that the SunRed Biotechnology Company and MyBioSource companies suggested similar protocols to the Bioassay Technology Laboratory company. The ELK Biotechnology ELISA protocol was different from others. However, since there is no biotinylated antibody in the standard solution in the ELK biotechnology kit, we changed some steps by examining other human ELISA protocols from different companies. After performing the modified protocol, we found that the absorbances of the standard solutions were consistent with their concentrations, and we obtained an accurate standard curve. Higher R2 values and lower absolute difference of standard concentrations were found in the modified kit protocol. The human TMAO ELISA protocol, which we modified in this study, will enable researchers to obtain more reliable results and prevent them from failing time and resources.

Rola Muhammad Shadid1,2 1Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Arab American University, Jenin, Palestinian Territory; 2Private Practice, Palestine, Palestinian TerritoryCorrespondence: Rola Muhammad Shadid, Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Arab American University, P.O Box: 240, Jenin, Palestinian Territory, Tel +970 594494066, Email rola.shadid@aaup.eduPurpose: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the facial-palatal ridge dimensional changes that occurred at 8– 10 months following flapless dual-zone (DZ) immediate implant placement and socket-shield (SS) immediate placement in the maxilla.Materials and Methods: A total of 19 patients who received 20 implants were included, with 10 implants (MegaGen AnyRidge) placed for each treatment, DZ and SS. Cast models were made at 8– 10 months after implant placement to assess the dimensional ridge changes by measuring the facial-palatal ridge width on implant sites (T) at six designated points starting from the gingival margin (0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7) and comparing it with the corresponding measurement on the contralateral tooth site (C).Results: All 20 implants demonstrated successful osseointegration at 8– 10 months follow-up (survival rate 100%). Two out of ten cases of SS group presented with minor manageable complications of external shield exposure. DZ group showed an average of 0.3 mm facial-palatal ridge width reduction, while SS group revealed a mean gain in ridge width of approximately 0.2 mm at 8– 10 months follow-up.Conclusion: When comparing between two treatments, there was a significant difference in ridge width change at 8– 10 months following implant placement, indicating better preservation of the ridge contour for socket shield technique.Keywords: follow-up studies, investigative techniques, dental implantation, osseointegration

The serum level of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite associated with diabetes, cancer, inflammatory and neurological diseases, can be determined by the micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. However, we had problems obtaining accurate standard curves with the original kit protocol from Bioassay Technology Laboratory. We aimed to acquire proper standard curves by modifying the kit protocol in this study. First, we evaluated the human TMAO ELISA kit protocols and other human ELISA kits. We maintained the incubation times longer and increased the wash cycle. Moreover, we incubated the standards containing biotinylated antibody in the wells alone. Then we washed the wells and added streptavidin-HRP for the second incubation step. The data of original and modified ELISA kit protocol were analyzed with Student's t-test. We measured higher absorbance with lower standard solution concentration in experiments that followed the original kit protocol. After investigating other human TMAO ELISA kits, we noticed that the SunRed Biotechnology Company and MyBioSource companies suggested similar protocols to the Bioassay Technology Laboratory company. The ELK Biotechnology ELISA protocol was different from others. However, since there is no biotinylated antibody in the standard solution in the ELK biotechnology kit, we changed some steps by examining other human ELISA protocols from different companies. After performing the modified protocol, we found that the absorbances of the standard solutions were consistent with their concentrations, and we obtained an accurate standard curve. Higher R2 values and lower absolute difference of standard concentrations were found in the modified kit protocol. The human TMAO ELISA protocol, which we modified in this study, will enable researchers to obtain more reliable results and prevent them from failing time and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Early developmental impairment (EDI) is common and has many aetiologies and, therefore, potential investigations. There are several published guidelines recommending aetiological investigations, and paediatricians’ views of them varies. Little is known on the thought processes underlying clinical decisions in investigating EDI. This study aimed to describe the thought processes affecting clinical decisions on the investigation of EDI within a nationalised health care system. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured qualitative interviews performed in person or via video link with paediatricians who see children with EDI in England. As part of the interview, a case study of a fictional disease, Cavorite deficiency, modelled on biotinidase deficiency, was given to participants with the cost of testing, incidence and likelihood it would respond to treatment. This allowed exploration of cost without encumbrance from predisposing views and training on the condition. Thematic analysis was performed by iterative approach. Where participants stated they wanted to redirect money from investigations to treatment, were that even possible, we asked which services they would like to be better funded in their area. Results Interviews were conducted with 14 consultant paediatricians: 9 Community / Neurodisability, 2 General paediatricians, and 3 Paediatric Neurologists. Two themes were identified: the value of an aetiological diagnosis to families and managing risk and probability when investigating EDI. The latter contained 4 subthemes: ‘circumspection’ involved blanket investigations chosen irrespective of phenotype and high regard for guidelines; ‘accepting appropriate risk’ involved participants choosing investigations based on clinical phenotype, recognising some aetiologies would be missed; consultants found they ‘transitioned between practices’ during their career; and ‘improved practice’ was thought possible with better evidence on how to stratify investigations based on phenotype. Services that were most frequently reported to need additional funding were therapy services, early community developmental services, management of behaviour, sleep and mental health, and educational support. Conclusions There are many factors that influence paediatricians’ choice of aetiological investigation in EDI, but clinical factors are the most important. Paediatricians want better evidence to allow them to select the right investigations for each child without a significant risk of missing an important diagnosis.

Arterial blood to the human uterus is provided by a pair of uterine arteries (UA) and supported by terminal branches of ovarian (OA) and vaginal arteries (VA). Literature reports the existence of ipsilateral and contralateral anastomoses between these arteries and the UA, but data on the prevalence of such anastomoses are discrepant. The aim of this trial is to study whether contralateral and ipsilateral anastomoses exist. We studied nine human uterine specimens, which were obtained from (i) human cadavers (n = 6), (ii) uterine transplant recipients (n = 2), and (iii) one altruistic uterine donor (n = 1). We injected India ink into the graft through the UA of each specimen (n = 8) or OA (n = 1). We semiquantitatively observed and evaluated the extent of the injection on horizontal, vertical, and transmural levels. The dye permeated beyond the midline in 9/9 (100 %) cases. Nearcomplete/complete permeation to the contralateral side was observed in 6/9 (66 %) cases. The dye permeated ipsilaterally throughout all uterine levels in 8/8 cases (100 %) of UA injection. The entire wall of the myometrium was permeated in 2/9 (22 %) cases. In 7/9 (78 %) cases, the wall of the myometrium was permeated less than halfway through. In conclusions, the preliminary results of this study prove the existence of ipsilateral and contralateral anastomoses. Complete transmural injection was observed in only 22 % of cases; however, this finding does not provide information about the functional capacity of these anastomoses. More data and studies are necessary to make definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Public health officials provide an important public service responding to community concerns around cancer and often receive requests to investigate patterns of cancer incidence and communicate findings with citizens. In this study, we identified procedures Canadian public health officials followed when investigating reports of cancer clusters, and explored the challenges officials faced conducting risk communication with communities. Methods: Thirteen interviews were administered by telephone with 15 officials across Canadian jurisdictions and analyzed using thematic analysis. A content analysis of procedural documents received from five provinces was also undertaken. Results: A third of provinces/territories in this study did not use any consistent guidelines to investigate reports of cancer clusters, a third used their own guidelines and a third used guidelines from other countries. Each Canadian jurisdiction identified a different agency or individual responsible for investigating cluster inquiries. Officials in most interviews considered public education to be the primary objective of risk communication during an investigation. Officials in only 4 of 13 interviews cited an overall positive response from the public after investigating reports of a cancer cluster. Conclusion: Differences in practices used to investigate suspected cancer clusters by public health officials were revealed in this work. Establishing pan-Canadian cancer cluster guidelines could improve procedural consistency across jurisdictions and offer enhanced opportunities to compare cluster responses for evaluation. A reporting system to track reported clusters may improve information sharing between federal, provincial/territorial and local investigators. During formal investigations, face-to-face participatory communication approaches should be explored to improve citizen engagement and manage community concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of skin cancer is rising continuously. The time of diagnosis is decisive for the morbidity and mortality risk of patients. An optimal screening procedure has yet to be established. Non-contact imaging methods are of great interest but have not yet been sufficiently developed and investigated for large-scale use. Compared to digital photography, infrared thermography offers the additional information of heat radiation from the skin surface, which correlates strongly with malignant changes. Literature on the current scientific status of screening, diagnosis and monitoring of skin cancer using thermographic procedures was identified in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. From a technical and information technology point of view, infrared thermography is very well suited for use as a non-invasive, cost-effective, time-saving, and easy-to-use screening instrument. However, there is still a lack of reliable evidence and practical implementation in 3D systems suitable for mass use. Research in this area should be intensified in order to develop, test and establish applicable systems on a large scale., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft.)

Background: The concept of lifestyle-based risk scores is known but not evaluated in most rural communities of low- to mid-income countries. This study investigated the correlation of lifestyle scores with health indices., Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional investigation. A total of 203 participants (141 females and 62 males), 18-90 years, had anthropometric assessments and lifestyle scores determined from a 12-item framework. Data analysis included average age in different health conditions, lifestyle scores in age groups, and correlations with age., Results: Average age of healthy subpopulation was 39 years while diabetes, hypertension, and obesity subpopulations were 58, 64, and 56 years, respectively. The percentage of participants whose activities of daily living (ADL) were unaffected by ill-health decreased with age ( P < 0.0001), and lifestyle scores also decreased with age ( P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with physical activities., Conclusion: This report contributes to diabetes cardiovascular complications management. Sedentary ADL factors need integration in healthy lifestyle education especially among the elderly.