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Abstract Background Iodine is an essential nutrient for human health throughout the life cycle, especially during early stages of intrauterine life and infancy, to ensure adequate neurocognitive development. The growing global reliance on desalinated iodine-diluted water raises the specter of increased iodine deficiency in several regions. The case of Israel may be instructive for exploring the link between iodine status and habitual iodine intake in the setting of extensive national reliance on desalinated water. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between iodine intake, including iodized salt and iodine-containing supplements intake, and iodine status among pregnant women residing in a sub-district of Israel that is highly reliant on desalinated iodine-diluted water. Methods A total of 134 consecutive pregnant women were recruited on a voluntary basis from the obstetrics department of the Barzilai University Medical Center during 2018. Blood was drawn from participants to determine levels of serum thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroglobulin (Tg). An iodine food frequency questionnaire (sIFFQ) was used to assess iodine intake from food, IS and ICS. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and health characteristics. Results A total of 105 pregnant women without known or reported thyroid disease were included in the study. Elevated Tg values (≥ 13 μg/L), were found among 67% of participants, indicating insufficient iodine status. The estimated iodine intake (median, mean ± SD 189, 187 ± 106 μg/d by sIFFQ) was lower than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization and the Institute of Medicine (250 vs. 220 μg/day respectively). The prevalence of iodized salt intake and iodine containing supplement intake were 4 and 52% (respectively). Values of Tg > 13 μg/L were inversely associated with compliance with World Health Organization and Institute of Medicine recommendations. Conclusions While the Israeli Ministry of Health has recommended the intake of iodized salt and iodine containing supplements, this is apparently insufficient for achieving optimal iodine status among Israeli pregnant women. The evidence of highly prevalent probable iodine deficiency in a sample of pregnant women suggests an urgent need for a national policy of iodized salt regulation, as well as guidelines to promote iodine containing supplements and adherence to them by caregivers. In addition, studies similar to this one should be undertaken in additional countries reliant on desalinated iodine-diluted water to further assess the impact of desalinization on maternal iodine status.

A growing body of literature in low- and middle-income countries is challenging the long-held assumption that the respondent and interviewer should be strangers. We conducted a qualitative study in Burkina Faso comprised of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to explore interviewers' experiences of collecting data on sexual and reproductive health indicators in their communities, and their perceptions of how familiarity with the respondents influences measurement error and nonresponse. We found that interviewers perceive familiarity to affect the process of collecting data but has minimal impact on responses obtained. Rather, interviewers perceived the personality of the respondent and her willingness to disclose personal information to be of greater influence. This study illustrates the complexities of interviewer--respondent exchange, provides context for the hiring practices of future surveys, and suggests specific variables to check when assessing data quality.

IntroductionImmune checkpoint inhibitors have made a paradigm shift in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, clinical response varies widely and robust predictive biomarkers for patient stratification are lacking. Here, we characterize early on-treatment proteomic changes in blood plasma to gain a better understanding of treatment response and resistance.MethodsPre-treatment (T0) and on-treatment (T1) plasma samples were collected from 225 NSCLC patients receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based regimens. Plasma was profiled using aptamer-based technology to quantify approximately 7000 plasma proteins per sample. Proteins displaying significant fold changes (T1:T0) were analyzed further to identify associations with clinical outcomes using clinical benefit and overall survival as endpoints. Bioinformatic analyses of upregulated proteins were performed to determine potential cell origins and enriched biological processes.ResultsThe levels of 142 proteins were significantly increased in the plasma of NSCLC patients following ICI-based treatments. Soluble PD-1 exhibited the highest increase, with a positive correlation to tumor PD-L1 status, and, in the ICI monotherapy dataset, an association with improved overall survival. Bioinformatic analysis of the ICI monotherapy dataset revealed a set of 30 upregulated proteins that formed a single, highly interconnected network, including CD8A connected to ten other proteins, suggestive of T cell activation during ICI treatment. Notably, the T cell-related network was detected regardless of clinical benefit. Lastly, circulating proteins of alveolar origin were identified as potential biomarkers of limited clinical benefit, possibly due to a link with cellular stress and lung damage.ConclusionsOur study provides insights into the biological processes activated during ICI-based therapy, highlighting the potential of plasma proteomics to identify mechanisms of therapy resistance and biomarkers for outcome.

Background: Childbirth is a major life event with expected positive outcomes, yet for some women postnatal psychopathological symptoms may harm women’s interpersonal relationships. We hypothesized that higher levels of postnatal depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms, and fear of childbirth would be associated with mother-baby bond disorders and relationship dissatisfaction in couples. Method: A cross-sectional self-report online questionnaire was used to survey partnered women who had delivered in the year prior to the study. We used a convenience sample of 228 women recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Childbirth experience, PTSD symptoms, attachment style, depression, mother-baby bond disorders, and couple relationship dissatisfaction were measured. Results: Women with higher PTSD and postnatal depression scores reported higher levels of mother-baby bond disorders—a relationship fully mediated by postnatal depression symptoms. Women who perceived childbirth as fearful or anxiety provoking had higher levels of PTSD and postnatal depression symptoms. Fearful and anxious birth perception was positively associated with mother-baby bond disorders—an association partly mediated by PTSD symptoms. Insecure attachment style was not found to be significantly associated with fearful or anxious perceptions of childbirth. Limitations: Women who have postnatal PTSD/depression are less inclined to participate in a study of this nature. Also, online surveys prevented the use of clinical diagnoses of PTSD and depression. Discussion and conclusions: Our results suggest that PTSD and postnatal depression affect women’s mental health and family bonding. Women should be assessed for negative traumatic birth experiences, PTSD, and depression, to allow targeted observation for psychopathologies and therapeutic interventions.

BackgroundA clinical decision support system (CDSS), the European Society of Radiologists (ESR) iGuide, was developed to address gaps in the availability and use of effective imaging referral guidelines.AimThis study aimed to assess the appropriateness of computed tomography (CT) exams with and without ESR iGuide use, as well as the usability and acceptance of the physician systems.MethodsA retrospective single-center study was conducted in which data from 278 consecutive CT tests referred by physicians were collected in the first phase (T1), and physicians used the ESR iGuide system for imaging referrals in the second phase (T2; n = 85). The appropriateness of imaging referrals in each phase was assessed by two experts, and physicians completed the System Usability Scale.ResultsThe mean appropriateness level on a scale of 0–9 was 6.62 ± 2.69 at T1 and 7.88 ± 1.4 at T2. When using a binary variable (0–6 = non-appropriate; 7–9 = appropriate), 70.14% of cases were found appropriate at T1 and 96.47% at T2. Surgery physician specialty and post-intervention phase showed a higher likelihood of ordering an appropriate test (p = 0.0045 and p = 0.0003, respectively). However, the questionnaire results indicated low system trust and minimal clinical value, with all physicians indicating they would not recommend collegial use (100%).ConclusionThe study suggests that ESR iGuide can effectively guide the selection of appropriate imaging tests. However, physicians showed low system trust and use, indicating a need for further understanding of CDSS acceptance properties. Maximizing CDSS potential could result in crucial decision-support compliance and promotion of appropriate imaging.

The time for the climatic benefits of afforestation via carbon-sequestration to offset the warming effects of reduced albedo and longwave radiation emission varies greatly across short distances, according to a study of paired forested and non-forested ecosystems along an aridity gradient.

With the growing awareness for the need of sustainable environment, the importance of synthesizing and the application of green nanoparticles has gained special focus. Among various metal nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gain significant attention. AgNPs are synthesized conventionally by physical and chemical methods using chemicals such as reducing agents, which are hazardous to environment due to their toxic properties, provoking a serious concern to create and develop environment friendly methods. Thus, biological alternatives are emerging to fill gaps, such as green syntheses that use biological molecules taken from plant sources in the form of extracts, which have shown to be superior to chemical and physical approaches. These biological molecules derived from plants are assembled in a highly regulated manner to make them suitable for metal nanoparticle synthesis. The current review outlines the wide plant diversity that may be used to prepare a rapid and single-step procedure with a green path over the traditional ones, as well as their antifungal activity.

This study describes the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) leaf extract. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy with (SEM-EDS). The AgNPs showed an average size of 10–20 nm, spherical shape, and crystalline nature. The application of these synthesized AgNPs to dye degradation showed that the AgNPs removed the two organic pollutants methylene blue (MB, 93.47%) and congo red (CR, (78.57%). In vitro investigation of the antifungal activity of the AgNPs against Fusarium oxysporum, a phytopathogenic fungus, showed a maximum percent radial growth inhibition of 82.00 ± 1.00% and a spore percent inhibition of 73.66 ± 3.94 for 150 μg/ml of biosynthesized AgNPs.

The P. longifolia mediated silver (PL-AgNPs) nanoparticles are very stable and efficient. UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the produced AgNPs. UV–Vis analysis showed a characteristic peak at 435 nm corresponding to surface plasmon resonance. The synthesis process was spectrophotometrically optimized for various parameters. After optimization, highly stable AgNPs were prepared using 3.0 ml of P. longifolia leaf extract, pH 7.0, 1.0 mM AgNO3, and 60 °C. The zeta potential was measured by DLS, which showed −20.8 mV and the PDI value was 5.42. TEM and SEM analysis shows a spherical shape of the synthesized nanoparticles, and the size was measured between 10 and 40 nm. EDX analysis showed intense peaks from silver and oxygen and small peaks from various metal atoms such as Na, P, S and Al indicating their presence in trace amounts. The average size of the PL-AgNPs was 14 nm. The phytochemical analysis shows that the presence of alkaloids, essential oils and saponins seems to be responsible for the synthesis of nanoparticles. PL-AgNPs were further investigated for their antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and effect of nanoparticles on cytomorphology of A. alternata have also been reported. Biosynthesized nanoparticles have proven to be inexpensive, environmentally friendly, stable, easily reproducible, and highly effective against plant-pathogenic fungi.

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their potent application against dye degradation and phytopathogens are attracting many scientists to nanotechnology. An attempt was made to synthesize silver nanoparticles using Plantago ovata leaf extract and test their effectiveness in removing organic dyes and antifungal activity. In the present study, stable AgNPs were synthesized from 0.1 mM AgNO3 and authenticated by observing the color change from yellow to red-brown, which was confirmed with wavelength UV-Vis spectrophotometer detection. The crystalline nature of the particles was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Furthermore, the AgNPs were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope investigations. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectra were also used to confirm the size and structure of the synthesized AgNPs. The elemental analysis and functional groups responsible for the reduction of AgNPs were analyzed by electron dispersive spectroscopy and fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy Fourier transforms infrared, respectively. A new biological approach was taken by breaking down organic dyes such as methylene blue and congo red. The AgNPs effectively inhibit the fungal growth of Alternaria alternata. This could be a significant achievement in the fight against many dynamic pathogens and reduce dye contamination from waste water.

Abstract With growing human culture and industrialization, many pollutants are being introduced into aquatic ecosystems. In recent years, dyes have become a major water pollutant used in the manufacture of paints and other production purposes. In this research, the potential of duckweed (Lemna gibba) plant was investigated spectrophotometrically as an obvious bioagent for the biological decolorization of the organic dye C.I. Basic Green 4 (Malachite Green, BG4). Photosynthetic efficiency analysis showed that the photosynthetic apparatus of L. gibba is very tolerant to BG4. Significant induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes was observed after 24h of biodecolorization process in L. gibba treated with 15 and 30 mg/l BG4. The experimental results showed that L. gibba has a strong ability to extract BG4 from contaminated water and the best results were obtained at 25–30°C and pH 8.0. We conclude that duckweed L. gibba can be used as a potent decolorization organism for BG4.

Acoustic surveys are the standard approach for evaluating many fish stocks around the world. The analysis of such survey data requires the accurate echo-classification of target species. This classification is often challenging as many organisms exhibit overlapping characteristics in terms of shape, acoustic amplitude, and behavior. In this study, a random forest approach was used to distinguish juvenile Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp) from Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) aggregations using the acoustic and morphological characteristics of their echo traces. The acoustic data was collected with an autonomous, multi-frequency echosounder deployed on the seafloor in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia from May to September 2015. The model was able to differentiate juvenile Pacific salmon from Pacific herring with a 98% accuracy. School depth and school mean volume backscattering strength were the most important predictors in determining the school classification. This study supports other publications suggesting that random forests represent a promising approach to acoustic target classification in fisheries science.

Continuous light can be used as a tool to understand the diurnal rhythm of plants and it can also be used to increase the plant production. In the present research, we aimed to investigate the photosynthetic performance of V. radiata under continuous light as compared with the plants grown under normal light duration. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient (OJIP test) technique was used to understand the effect on various stages of photosynthesis and their consequences under continuous light condition. Various Chl a Fluorescence kinetic parameters such as Specific energy fluxes (per QA-reducing PSII reaction center (RC)) (ABS /RC; TR0/RC; ET0/RC; DI0/RC), phenomenological fluxes, leaf model, (ABS/CSm; TR/CSm; ETo/CSm), Quantum yields and efficiencies (φPo; φEo; Ψo) and Performance index (PIabs) was extracted and analysed in our investigation. Conclusively, our study has revealed that continuous light alters the photosynthetic performance of V. radiata at a different point but also improve plant productivity.

Nanobiotechnology provides novel set of tools to manipulate and enhance crop production using nanoparticles, nanofibres, nanoemulsions, and nanocapsules. Nanomaterials provide a platform to deliver agrochemicals and various macromolecules needed for plant growth enhancement and resistance to stresses. Smart delivery of agrochemicals increases the yield by optimizing water and nutrient conditions. Another added advantage is controlled release and site-directed delivery of agrochemicals. Further enhancement in quality and quantity in agriculture can be achieved by nanoparticle-mediated gene transformation and delivery of macromolecules that induces gene expression in plants. Various types of nanomaterials have been tested so far and the results have been promising in terms of productivity and quality enhancement.

On discharge from an acute general hospital after a stroke, 191 patients were in need of, and were appropriate for, multidisciplinary rehabilitation. One-hundred-and-one patients (52.4%) received it in a rehabilitation institution as inpatients (the institutional rehabilitation group (IR) group) and 91 patients received it at home (the home rehabilitation (HR) group). Patients in the HR group had their mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), range of movements, tonus, coordination and sensation determined on admission to home rehabilitation and on discharge from it, 6 weeks to 2 months later. This group contained more women and more patients able to walk with devices and who were partially independent in ADL. The IR group consisted of more men and more patients with diabetes and marked difficulties in ADL and ambulation. In both groups the Barthel index and the Frenchay activities index were determined 1 year after the stroke by way of a telephone interview and no meaningful differences were found between the two groups. IR was considerably more expensive than HR. In Israel there exists a subpopulation of acute stroke survivors in need of, and appropriate for, multidisciplinary rehabilitation that can be provided at home; such rehabilitation was found to be effective in the short and long term, as well as cost effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized via simple and eco-friendly green route using leaf extract of Enicostemma axillare (Lam.). Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) was undertaken. The characteristic absorption peak of CuONPs was in range 264nm in UV–Vis spectrum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the morphological and structural character of green NPs. The mean particle size was calculated to 30nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed high intense metallic peak of copper (Cu), oxygen (O) and low intense peaks of carbon (C), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P) elements due to the capping action of biomolecules of plant extract in CuONPs formation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed distinctive peaks corresponding to (200), (211) and (310) planes revealing the high crystalline nature of synthesized CuONPs with a primitive phase. Zeta potential and size distribution of synthesized green NPs was concluded by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies. Keywords: Enicostemma axillare, Green synthesis, Nanoparticles, Copper sulfate, Characterization

Forestation actions are a major tool for both climate-change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. We address two weaknesses in this approach: the little attention given to the negative effects of reduced albedo associated with forestation in many regions, and ignoring the potential of drylands that account for 40% of the global potential land area for forestation. We propose an approach to identify suitable land for forestation and quantify its ‘net equivalent carbon stock change’ over 80 years of forest lifetime (NESC), accounting for both carbon sequestration and albedo changes. We combined remote-sensing tools with data-based estimates of surface parameters and with published climate matrices, to identify suitable land for forestation actions. We then calculated the cumulative (over 80 years) ‘net sequestration potential’ (ΔSP), the ‘emission equivalent of shortwave radiation forcing’ (EESF) due to changes in surface albedo, and, in turn, the combined NESC = ΔSP−EESF, of planting forests with >40% tree-cover. Demonstrating our approach in a large climatically diverse state (Queensland), we identified 14.5 million hectares of potential forestation land in its semi-arid land and show that accounting for the EESF, reduces the climatic benefits of the ΔSP by almost 50%. Nevertheless, it results in a total NESC of 0.72 Gt C accumulated by the end of the century, and 80 years of forestation cycle. This estimated NESC is equivalent to 15% of the projected carbon emissions for the same period in Queensland, for a scenario of no change in emission rates during that period. Our approach extends restoration efforts by identifying new land for forestation and carbon sequestration but also demonstrates the importance of quantifying the climatic value of forestation in drylands.

Purpose: The use of anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy for AL amyloidosis (AL) is limited owing to patient frailty. HBI0101 anti-BCMA CART was the first proof of concept for its applicability to AL. This report addresses the AL patient cohort treated to date within the phase Ia/Ib clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04720313)., Methods: After lymphodepletion, most AL patients were infused with 800 × 10 6 CARTs., Results: Sixteen patients were treated, with a median of four previous lines of therapy (range, 3-10), 14/16 were triple class refractory, and 6/16 were refractory to belantamab. Most patients (13/16) had cardiac involvement, including five with MAYO stage IIIa/IIIb at study entry. Cytokine release syndrome was frequent (14/16) but mostly low grade (grade 3: 3/16, no grade 4/5). No neurologic toxicity or treatment-related deaths were observed. There were five grade 3 AL-related organ deteriorations resolved quickly with supportive care. The overall hematologic response rate was 15/16 (94%) and complete response (CR) was 12/16 (75%). Minimal residual disease negativity was achieved in 9/14 evaluable patients. Most patients (8/13 evaluable) achieved an objective organ response. Seven patients died during long-term follow-up, three while in CR/very good partial response, and the median overall survival was 10.1 months (95% CI, 5.8 to not reached)., Conclusion: This largest clinical trial of AL patients treated with anti-BCMA CART demonstrates acceptable and manageable toxicity in a highly frail and resistant population with remarkable efficacy, leading to fast organ responses. Among patients with baseline advanced cardiac disease, deaths in the first year were frequent, suggesting that this effective therapy should be considered earlier in the course of therapy. Anti-BCMA CART may become a powerful tool for improving organ function and survival in patients with AL.