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Abstract An investigation into Cu(II) adsorption from contaminated water utilizing a trickle tray column that has been upscaled from batch-scale adsorption was performed to understand the efficacy of the adsorbent when used in a continuous system—which is more common in actual use in an industry. The size of the functionalized fabric adsorbent selected in a pilot-scale is about four times larger than a batch-scale. The continuous Cu(II) adsorption was analyzed using three parameters: initial Cu(II) concentration in solution; inlet solution flow rate and number of adsorbent sheets in the column to estimate the adsorption process’s breakthrough curve results. The breakthrough curve results were fitted with three mathematical models by Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart to comprehend the mechanisms of the adsorption process. All three mathematical models can be used to reliably describe the continuous adsorption process using diverse conditions applied in this study. Overall results showed that PBMEP-g-PE/PP adsorbent using the trickle tray column demonstrated as high as 97% efficiency of Cu(II) adsorption during the first 6 h. Three-cycle reutilization of the adsorbent through a process of adsorption-desorption revealed that Cu(II) removal efficiency surpassed 70% after 6 h of each cycle, confirming the suitability of this system for practical application.

Infection with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (Bandavirus dabieense) virus poses a substantial public health threat because of its high mortality rates and severe complications. The virus is prevalent in Asia, although data from Thailand are scarce. Our study confirmed the virus in 1.6% of acute febrile illness patients and specific antibodies in 3% of archived samples since 2015 in Thailand. Nationwide zoonotic surveillance identified the virus in 8 rodent species and 4 chigger genera. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness among healthcare providers and the general public about the symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies associated with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection. Ongoing surveillance of the virus in human and animal populations is essential for monitoring its prevalence, distribution, and potential for emergence.

Abstract Background Studies of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) with the Melody valve have demonstrated good clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. Our study analyzes the midterm clinical and hemodynamic outcomes for patients who underwent Melody valve implantation in Southeast Asia. Methods Patients with circumferential conduits or bioprosthetic valves and experiencing post-operative right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction were recruited for Melody TPVR. Results Our cohort (n = 14) was evenly divided between pediatric and adult patients. The median age was 19 years (8–38 years), a male-to-female ratio of 6:1 with a median follow-up period of 48 months (16–79 months), and the smallest patient was an 8-year-old boy weighing 18 kg. All TPVR procedures were uneventful and successful with no immediate mortality or conduit rupture. The primary implant indication was combined stenosis and regurgitation. The average conduit diameter was 21 ± 2.3 mm. Concomitant pre-stenting was done in 71.4% of the patients without Melody valve stent fractures (MSFs). Implanted valve size included 22-mm (64.3%), 20-mm (14.3%), and 18-mm (21.4%). After TPVR, the mean gradient across the RVOT was significantly reduced from 41 mmHg (10–48 mmHg) to 16 mmHg (6–35 mmHg) at discharge, p

In this research, cockleshell waste from food processing is developed into a humidity adsorbent using a simple technique. Cockleshells were first heated at 1,000°C. The crystal structure, functional group, and morphology of cockleshells before and after heat treatment were investigated. Cockleshells before heat treatment had the aragonite phase of CaCO3 compound, but it transformed into the CaO phase after heat treatment. Next, fried fish crackers, Keropok, were selected for humidity testing. The behavior of the humidity adsorbent and fried fish crackers was investigated for 0–180 days. After humidity testing, the CaO phase of the humidity adsorbent reacted with the humidity or water molecules and transformed into the Ca(OH)2 phase. The amount of crack and roughness on the humidity adsorbent surface increased with the increase in humidity testing time. The humidity adsorbent underwent a high humidity reaction and transformed into Ca(OH)2 after 30 days. The water activity, crispness, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) of fried fish crackers were analyzed. The water activity of fried fish crackers rapidly decreased, whereas the crispness slowly decreased in the range of 0–30 days. The humidity adsorbent controlled the TBARS value by increasing slowly. Based on these results, cockleshell waste can be developed as a humidity adsorbent and used to prolong the shelf-life of local food products to at least 90 days.

Abstract Background Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) in childhood is rare and can manifest as a life-threatening episode. We present 2 children with restrictive dietary habits with severe pulmonary hypertension secondary to scurvy and iron deficiency anemia with treatment and outcome. Case presentation The first case is a 2-year-old boy who presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. After rehydration, he had recurrent episodes of hypotension with intermittent abdominal pain. Fluid resuscitation and inotropic medication were given. Then he suddenly collapsed. After 4-min cardiopulmonary resuscitation, his hemodynamic was stabilized. Most of the medical workup was unremarkable except for PH from the echocardiogram with estimated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) at 67 mmHg. Transient PH was diagnosed, and milrinone was prescribed. Since he had restrictive dietary habits and sclerotic rim at epiphysis in chest films, his vitamin C level was tested and reported low-level result. The second case is a 6-year-old boy with acute dyspnea, a month of low-grade fever, mild cyanosis, and a swollen left knee. Echocardiogram indicated moderate TR with estimated systolic PAP at 56 mmHg (systolic blood pressure 90 mmHg). Milrinone was given. Right cardiac catheterization showed PAP 66/38 (mean 50) mmHg and PVRi 5.7 WU.m2. Other medical conditions causing PH were excluded. With a history of improper dietary intake and clinical suspicion of scurvy, vitamin C was tested and reported undetectable level. Administration of vitamin C in both cases rapidly reversed pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion Pediatric PH related to vitamin C deficiency can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, varying from mild and nonspecific to severe life-threatening episodes characterized by pulmonary hypertensive crises. PH associated with scurvy is entirely reversible with appropriate investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. Our report highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies as potential confounding factors in pediatric PH, emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation and management of these patients.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural phytochemical agent and one of the most abundant found in Cannabis sativa. It is known to exhibit pharmacological properties on various condition such as relieving-inflammation, pain, epilepsy, and anxiety effect. There has been an increasing trend globally in the use of CBD as a supplement in pets. Consequently, there are various CBD products being marketed that are specifically available for pets. Veterinarians and pet owners are concerned that following ingestion, different CBD formulations may result in a CBD level circulating in the blood that may affect the safe use and efficacy of CBD in pets. Several pharmacokinetics studies in animals have been mainly conducted with an oily form of CBD. To date, there is a lack of data regarding direct comparisons in animals among the CBD plasma kinetic profiles from an oral administration of the various preparation forms. Therefore, the current study evaluated and compared the plasma CBD levels from a single oral administration using four different CBD preparations—liquid (an oil-based form, a nanoemulsion form, or a water-soluble form) or a semi-solid form (as CBD mixed in a treat) in dogs. In total, 32 healthy, crossbreed dogs were randomly assigned into 4 groups and treated according to a 1-period, 4-treatment parallel-design. The three liquid forms were dosed at 5 mg/kg body weight, while the single semi-solid form was given at 50 mg/treat/dog. The results showed that the CBD plasma profile from the administration of a water-soluble form was comparable to that of the oil-based group. The nanoemulsion-based form tended to be rapidly absorbed and reached its peak sooner than the others. However, the CBD in all preparations reached the maximum plasma concentration within 3 h post-dose, with an average range of 92–314 μg/L. There were significant differences among certain parameters between the liquid and semi-solid forms. This was the first study to provide pharmacokinetics data regarding CBD in water soluble, nanoemulsion-based, and semi-solid forms for dogs as companion animals. The current data should facilitate the scrutiny of CBD plasma profiles based on different formulations via an oral route in dogs.

Prior to the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, scrub typhus was not recognized as a highly endemic disease in the country. This contrasted with neighboring India, where scrub typhus is endemic and there have been sporadic outbreaks of severe forms. This discrepancy underscores the limitations in our comprehensive understanding of the scrub typhus epidemiological patterns in Nepal, especially before 2015. To better understand the dynamic and current status of scrub typhus, this study investigated its prevalence among patients with acute febrile illness in two hospitals located in Pokhara city, Kaski district and Bharatpur city, Chitwan district during 2009–2010. Our findings revealed that 31.5% (239 of 759 patients) of the cases were positives for scrub typhus based on serological and pathogen detection assays. These results provide crucial insights into the pre-earthquake endemicity of scrub typhus in Nepal, implying its long-standing presence in the region prior to the significant environmental transformations caused by the 2015 earthquake. This study also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities to effectively manage and control scrub typhus, which remains a significant public health concern in Nepal.

Abstract Transition metal nitrides (TMN) are promising material alternative to replace noble metals in the field of plasmonic applications, especially surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Here we demonstrate a practical surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate using zirconium nitride (ZrN) thin films grown by reactive gas‐timing (RGT) rf magnetron sputtering. The tailored properties of ZrN thin film exploited for SERS activity could be achieved to obtain a highly sensitive ZrN thin film SERS substrate with the enhancement factor (EF) of 1.24 × 106 and 4.8 %RSD at 1626 cm‐1 toward methylene blue (MB) analyte which are comparable to the optimized Au sputtered thin films (EF=1.18 × 106 and with 5.1%RSD). We find that the spatial plasmonic hotspots on the surface of ZrN SERS substrate controlled by the turn‐on timing of Ar:N2 sputtered gas sequence, leading to the discrete conductive surface profile, strongly relates to non‐stoichiometric composition and the degree of (200)‐oriented texture at the surface of ZrN thin film. Furthermore, ZrN thin film SERS substrates exhibit an excellent recyclability more than 30 cycles with simple cleaning process and a storage time longer than 6 months. The detection and reusability of ZrN SERS substrate on the low concentration of trinitrotoluene (TNT) for homeland security are also performed.

This study investigated the possibility of using asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) to produce healthy snacks using vacuum frying. The tip and middle part of asparagus Grade C were soaked in 0.1% Calcium chloride solution and blanched at 95–98°C for 45 s, immediately soaked in water at 30°C for 2 min and packed in the bags to freeze at −18°C before vacuum frying. The samples were fried at 80°C and 986 mbar for 38, 40 and 42 min, and then excess oil in the sample was removed by a centrifuge before being measured properties. The effects of different frying times on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the vacuum-fried asparagus were analysed. A scanning electron microscope was used to study the structure of the vacuum-fried product. The result reveals that increasing frying time decreased moisture content, aw, yield, greenness value and crispiness of vacuumed snacks but increased lightness and yellowness values. SEM showed that vacuumed snacks with increasing frying time resulted in a gradual increase in the size of pores inside the product. When the frying time increased to 42 min, collapsed pores were observed, indicating a breakdown structure. A sensory evaluation of seasonings on vacuum-fried asparagus found that fried asparagus with truffle seasoning had the highest preference levels for all sensory attributes. The truffle seasoned fried asparagus at 80°C under vacuum at a pressure of 986 mbar for 40 min contained protein and fibre content of 14.21 and 15.55%, respectively, vitamin A and beta-carotene of 2.717 μg and 16.30 μg, respectively, and calcium and iron of 182.68 mg and 2.88 mg, respectively. Microorganisms found are under the regulated amount according to the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health. This study demonstrates that asparagus Grade C can be used to produce healthy and acceptable fried snacks.

Si3N4 photonic integrated circuits have gain significant and rapid interest in different photonic applications thanks to its superior passive performance. Nevertheless, optical integration between Si3N4 and Ge-based optical components remains critically challenging especially for optical modulation. In this paper, via 3D-FDTD calculations we investigate the optical integration between Si3N4 and Ge-based waveguides using vertical coupling configuration employing amorphous Si ( $\alpha $ -Si) as an optical bridge showing efficient and robust coupling efficiency, which can be maintained according to the tolerant analysis with respect to the variations in optical wavelengths and critical parameters of the coupling structure. In addition, with respect to the recent theoretically-optimized SOI waveguide-integrated and also laterally-coupled Si3N4 waveguide-integrated Ge-based optical modulators, we found that the studied coupling structure could be employed to enable a low-voltage Si3N4 waveguide-integrated Ge-based optical modulator with a competitive extinction ratio/insertion loss performance, increasing the prospect of Si3N4-based photonic integrated circuits for low-energy optical interconnects.

Introduction Intentional self-harm in adolescents and young people included both suicidal behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious issue in mental health systems. However, the majority of studies on self-harm in adolescents and young people focused on quantitative methodology which might has limitations to explain this complex phenomenon of intentional self-harm. Objectives This study aimed to describe the subjective experiences of adolescents and young people who presented with intentional self-harm in order to provide better understanding of this behavioral phenomenon. Methods This is an exploratory qualitative study used phenomenological processes and thematic analysis. Results Twenty subjects aged 13-29 years were included in this study. The results revealed 6 themes regarding predisposing child - rearing environments and 9 themes regarding factors related to cessation of intentional self-harm. - 6 themes regarding predisposing child - rearing environments 1. Lack of emotional responsiveness/emotional neglect 2. Negativity, criticism and harsh punishment 3. High academic expectations 4. Comparison with siblings 5. Superficial responsiveness 6. Enmeshment and over involvement - 9 themes regarding factors related to cessation of intentional self-harm 1. Negative perception to self-harm and desire to stop 2. Increase of adaptive coping 3. Finding life purposes 4. Improvement of psychiatric symptoms 5. Supportive relationships and verbalization 6. Treatments / interventions 7. Unwanted consequences of self–harm 8. Situations related to positive feelings 9. Behavioral control Moreover, this study demonstrated the important functions of self-harm as an intrapersonal strategy for emotional regulation. Conclusions This study underscored the importance to view self-harm as a complex phenomenon and it is essential to understand the developmental pathways as well as the pathways to cessation of these complex behaviors. Moreover, various internal and external factors related to cessation of intentional self-harm were demonstrated and verbalization in safe and supportive atmosphere tended to be an important process to promote the cessation or decrease of intentional self-harm. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

IntroductionIntentional self-harm in adolescents and young people, including both suicidal behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is a serious issue in mental health systems. However, the majority of studies on self-harm in adolescents and young people focused on a quantitative methodology which might have limitations in explaining this complex phenomenon of intentional self-harm. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the subjective experiences of adolescents and young people who presented with intentional self-harm in order to provide a better understanding of this behavioral phenomenon.MethodsThis is an exploratory qualitative study that uses phenomenological processes and thematic analysis. Twenty subjects aged 13–29 years were included in this study.ResultsThe results revealed six themes regarding predisposing child-rearing environments and nine themes regarding factors related to the cessation of intentional self-harm. Moreover, it demonstrated the important functions of self-harm as an intrapersonal strategy for emotional regulation.DiscussionIn conclusion, this study underscored the importance of understanding the developmental and cessation pathways of these complex behaviors.

Prior to the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, scrub typhus was not recognized as a highly endemic disease in the country. This contrasted with neighboring India, where scrub typhus is endemic and there have been sporadic outbreaks of severe forms. This discrepancy underscores the limitations in our comprehensive understanding of the scrub typhus epidemiological patterns in Nepal, especially before 2015. To better understand the dynamic and current status of scrub typhus, this study investigated its prevalence among patients with acute febrile illness in two hospitals located in Pokhara city, Kaski district and Bharatpur city, Chitwan district during 2009–2010. Our findings revealed that 31.5% (239 of 759 patients) of the cases were positives for scrub typhus based on serological and pathogen detection assays. These results provide crucial insights into the pre-earthquake endemicity of scrub typhus in Nepal, implying its long-standing presence in the region prior to the significant environmental transformations caused by the 2015 earthquake. This study also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and improved diagnostic capabilities to effectively manage and control scrub typhus, which remains a significant public health concern in Nepal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on 3-D FDTD simulation of waveguide-integrated plasmonic Ge/SiGe MQWs photodetectors. Despite several significant works on Ge/SiGe MQW optical modulators, Ge/SiGe MQW photodetectors still show improvable performance, limiting the potential to employ them for both optical modulation and detection. In this paper, we investigate the use of plasmonic concept to enhance electromagnetic field confinement inside the Ge/SiGe MQWs absorbing region with a view to having a compact and low-voltage waveguide-integrated Ge/SiGe MQWs photodetectors. Optical responsivities in term of applied electric fields, device dimensions of width and length, optical bandwidth, fabrication misalignment, and number of QWs periods are taken into account. The investigation shows that using plasmonic enhancement, a waveguide-integrated Ge/SiGe MQWs photodetector that is as short as 5 μm could be obtained with comparable responsivity and bias voltage values to some of the state-of-the-art bulk Ge-based devices, increasing the potential usage of Ge/SiGe MQWs for both optical modulation and detection in low-energy optical interconnects.

BackgroundThe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on family well-being and functioning were generally a concern for healthcare providers in many countries.ObjectivesTo explore the changes in family functioning and family happiness during the pandemic in Thailand and to investigate factors associated with the changes in family happiness.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted between November and December 2021. Online questionnaires regarding family functioning, family happiness, domestic violence, and COVID-19-related experiences were used.ResultsA total of 485 participants were included in this study. The perceived family happiness slightly decreased from 8.19 (pre-pandemic score) to 7.62 (post-pandemic score). In contrast, the general family functioning (SCORE-15 index), strength, and communication subscale scores after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly lower than those of the pre-pandemic period. Moreover, the prevalence of verbal and physical violence significantly reduced during the pandemic. In addition, the change in family functioning was the strongest factor associated with the change in family happiness.ConclusionIn general, family functioning slightly improved; however, perceived family happiness decreased during the pandemic. In addition, the change in family functioning was the strongest factor associated with the change in family happiness.

Background: The aim was to determine the effect of pulmonary artery (PA) morphology on the branch pulmonary artery-regurgitation fraction (BPA-RF), the relationship of pulmonary insufficiency (PI) to BPA-RF and PA-distensibility, and factors (BPA-RF and PA-distensibility) associated with right ventricular function (RVF) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). Methods: A total of 182 rTOF patients (median age 17.1 years) were analyzed for length, angle of PA, BPA-RF, PI, and PA-distensibility, using magnetic resonance imaging. Results: The left PA had a significant greater RF than the right PA (median (interquartile range)): LPA 43.1% (32.6–51.5) and RPA 35.2% (24.7–44.7), p < 0.001. The LPA was shorter with a narrower angle than the RPA (p < 0.001). The anatomy of the branch-PA was not a factor for the greater LPA-RF (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: CI, p-value): length 0.44 (0.95–2.00), p = 0.28; angle 0.63 (0.13–2.99), p = 0.56. There was a strong positive correlation between PI and BPA-RF-coefficients (95% CI), p-value: LPA 0.78% (0.70–0.86), p < 0.001; RPA 0.78% (0.71–0.84), p < 0.001 and between BPA-RF and distensibility-coefficients (95%CI), p-value: LPA 0.73% (0.37–1.09), p < 0.001; RPA 1.63% (1.22–2.03), p < 0.001, respectively. The adjusted BPA-RF did not predict RVF, RPA (p = 0.434), LPA (p = 0.268). Conclusions: PA morphology is not a significant factor for the differential BPA-RF. The vascular wall in rTOF patients responds to chronic increased intravascular volume by increasing distensibility. BPA-RF is not a determinant of RVF.