Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) is currently used to monitor not only the spread of the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 but also for other viruses in endemic conditions, particularly in the absence of syndromic surveillance. Continuous monitoring of sewage requires high costs and significant time investment, highlighting the need for standardized methods and structured monitoring strategies. In this context, we conducted weekly wastewater monitoring in northwestern Italy, targeting Human Adenovirus (HAdV), Norovirus Genogroup II (NoVggII), Enterovirus (EV), and SARS-CoV-2. Samples collected at the entrance of treatment plants were concentrated using PEG/NaCl precipitation and viral nucleic acids were extracted and detected by real-time (RT-)qPCR. NoVggII resulted the most identified target (84.4%), followed by HAdV, SARS-CoV-2, and EV. Only HAdV and EV exhibited seasonal peaks in spring and summer. SARS-CoV-2 results compared with data previously collected in the same study area (February 2021 to September 2021) revealed a shift from an epidemic to a pandemic status, likely due to the evolution of variants. In conclusion, WBE, using standardized methods and an efficient monitoring strategy, proves valuable for virus surveillance in pandemic and epidemic scenarios, enabling the identification of temporal-local distribution patterns that are useful for making informed public health decision.

The study investigated the application of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) as a tool for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in a city in Northern Italy from October 2021 to May 2023. Starting from a widely applied deterministic model, this study proposed a variation to take into account population characteristics and virus biodegradation in the sewer network. The model calculated virus loads and corresponding COVID-19 cases over time in different areas of the city and was validated with healthcare data while considering viral mutations, vaccinations, and testing variability. The correlation between the predicted and reported cases was high across the three waves that occurred in the considered period, demonstrating the model’s capacity to predict relevant fluctuations in the number of cases. Population characteristics did not substantially influence the predicted and reported infection rates. Conversely, biodegradation significantly reduced the virus load reaching the wastewater treatment plant, resulting in a 30% reduction in the total virus load produced in the study area. This approach can be applied for comparing virus load values across cities with varying population demographics and sewer network structures, enhancing the comparability of WBE data for effective surveillance and intervention strategies.

Asymmetric lithium salts, such as Lithium (difluoromethanesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiDFTFSI), have been demonstrated to surpass traditional symmetric lithium salts with improved Li+ conductivity and the capacity to generate stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) while maintaining compatibility with aluminum (Al0) current collector. However, the intrinsic reductive mechanism through which LiDFTFSI influences battery performance remains unclear and under debate. Herein, the detailed SEI reactions of LiDFTFSI-based electrolytes were investigated by combining density functional theory and molecular dynamics, aiming to clarify the formation process and atomic structure of SEI. Our results show that asymmetric DFTFSI– weakens the interaction between carbonate solvents and Li+, and substantially alter the solvation structure, exhibiting a well-balanced coordination capacity to bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI–). Nanoseconds hybrid molecular dynamics simulation further reveals that the preferential decomposition of LiDFTFSI produces sufficient LiF and Li2O to facilitate a robust SEI. Moreover, the abundant F– generated from LiDFTFSI decomposition accumulates on the Al surface and subsequently combines with Al3+ from the current collector to form AlF3, potentially inhibiting corrosion of the current collector. Overall, these findings elucidate how LiDFTFSI regulates the solvation sheath and SEI structure, advancing the development of high-performance electrolytes compatible with current collector.

This investigation explores the potential of enhancing aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) through the introduction of a novel cathode material, NH4V4O10 (NVO), combined with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT), it was hypothesized that the incorpora-tion of rGO would increase the interlayer spacing of NVO and diminish the charge transfer in-teractions, thus promoting enhanced diffusion of Zn2+ ions. These theoretical predictions were substantiated by experimental data acquired from hydrothermal synthesis, which indicated a marked increase in interlayer spacing. Significantly, the NVO-rGO composite exhibits remarkable cyclic durability, maintaining 95% of its initial specific capacity of 507 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. The electrochemical performance of NVO-rGO not only surpasses that of pristine NVO but also outperforms the majority of existing vanadium oxide cathode materials reported in the literature. This study underscores the effective integration of theoretical insights and experimental validation, contributing to the advancement of high-performance energy storage technologies.

This study explores the enhancement of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) using ammonium-enhanced vanadium oxide cathodes. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations reveal that NH₄⁺ incorporation into V₆O₁₆ lattices significantly facilitates Zn²⁺ ion diffusion by reducing electrostatic interactions, acting as a structural lubricant. Subsequent experimental validation using (NH₄)₂V₆O₁₆ cathodes synthesized via a hydrothermal method corroborates the DFT findings, demonstrating remarkable electrochemical stability with a capacity retention of 90% after 2000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. These results underscore the potential of NH₄⁺ in improving the performance and longevity of AZIBs, providing a pathway for sustainable energy storage solutions.

The world is struggling with the increasing rate at which water bodies are constantly polluted due to rapid modernization and industrialization. The different types of water contaminants include both anthropogenic and natural contaminants. Environmentalists are mainly concerned about heavy metals such as cadmium ions, as they are considered poisonous and carcinogenic even if they are present at a minimum concentration, and they are considered an immediate concern, according to the World Health Organization. Recently, many methods, such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrochemical precipitation, and reverse osmosis, have been developed to remove heavy metals from wastewater. These methods have been reported to be expensive and inefficient; hence, more cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative strategies are needed. Amidst these challenges, a ray of hope emerges in the form of biosorbents. These abundant, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient materials have shown promise as an alternative method for removing heavy metals from wastewater. They are equipped with functional groups that can effectively absorb metal ions onto their surfaces, offering a potential solution to our water contamination woes. This review is significant as it delves into the potential use of several biosorbents to decontaminate cadmium ions from wastewater. This review is significant as it delves into the potential use of several biosorbents to decontaminate cadmium ions from wastewater

This study presents the synthesis and electrochemical evaluation of nitrogen-doped vanadium oxide (N-V2O3/C) as a cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), using a hydrothermal method. Compared to undoped V2O3/C, N-V2O3/C exhibits enhanced electrical conductivity, capacity, and electrochemical kinetics, attributed to the incorporation of pyridinic and pyrrolic nitrogen. Initial charge-discharge cycles indicate phase transitions to amorphous vanadium oxides, enhancing conductivity. N-V2O3/C shows a high specific capacity of 168.4 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 and remarkable reversibility, highlighted by the transient existence of intermediate species during cycling. Optimal electrochemical performance is achieved with a vanadium to nitrogen molar ratio of 2:3, indicating the significant impact of nitrogen doping concentration on the material’s efficiency. This work underscores the potential of N-V2O3/C as a superior cathode material for AZIBs.

Using density functional theory (DFT), the density of states of NH4V3O8 (NVO) was analyzed pre and post-oxygen defects (Od) formation. The findings revealed a reduced bandgap in NVO after Od introduction, emphasizing the role of Od in enhancing conductivity of the material, thus improving its electrochemical attributes. Through the water bath method, both NVO and its oxygen-deficient counterpart, (NH4)2V10O25⸱8H2O (NVOd), were synthesized as potential cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Experimental outcomes resonated with DFT predictions, highlighting the beneficial role of oxygen defects in boosting electrical conductivity. Notably, the refined material displayed a remarkable capacity of 479.3 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, underscoring its promise for advanced energy storage solutions.

Parents play an important role in shaping the eating habits of their children through: appropriate selection of food products, snacking between meals and appropriate exposure to information from television advertisements, the press or the Internet. The level of parents' knowledge about proper nutrition and substances added to food is therefore crucial in promoting appropriate dietary choices in children and adolescents in order to prevent diet-related diseases. Objectives: Assessment of the consumption of snack foods by children and adolescents according to the surveyed parents and analysis of parents' knowledge about additional substances in food. Methods: The study was conducted among 129 parents of students from selected primary schools. The research tool was an original survey questionnaire consisting of 24 questions. Survey interviews were conducted with parents during meetings at schools. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson ch2 test, the significance level was set to p<0.05. Results: Parents most often indicated sweets, confectionery products and sweetened drinks (25%) and vegetables or fruit (21%) as the form of snack for their children. 46% of children and adolescents drank sweetened drinks at least once a day. Parents had an average level of knowledge about food additives. Significant correlations were found between the level of knowledge of parents of school-age children about food additives and their level of education. Parents' knowledge and education did not significantly influence the level of snack consumption by their children. Children's eating behavior should be considered unsatisfactory. Conclusions: Research has shown the need for parents to be educated about food additives and to pay more attention to reading food labels so that they can reliably prepare their children to make the right food choices. Measures should be implemented to improve the eating habits of children and adolescents.

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a candidate for screening programs, since its prognosis is excellent when diagnosed in an early disease stage. Targeted screening of those at high risk for developing CM, a cost-effective alternative to population-wide screening, requires valid procedures to identify the high-risk group. Self-assessment of the number of nevi has been suggested as a component of such procedures, but its validity has not yet been established. We analyzed the level of agreement between self-assessments and expert assessments of the number of melanocytic nevi in the area between the wrist and the shoulder of both arms based on 4548 study subjects in whom mutually blinded double counting of nevi was performed. Nevus counting followed the IARC protocol. Study subjects received written instructions, photographs, a mirror, and a “nevometer” to support self-assessment of nevi larger than 2 mm. Nevus counts were categorized based on the quintiles of the distribution into five levels defining a nevus score. Cohen’s weighted kappa-coefficient was estimated to measure the level of agreement. In the total sample, agreement between self-assessments and expert-assessments was moderate (raw agreement: 50.29%, weighted κ=0.596). Self-assessed nevus counts were higher than those determined by experts (mean differ-ence: 3.33 nevi). The level of agreement was independent of sociodemographic and cutaneous factors; however, participants’ eye color had a significant impact on the level of agreement. Our findings show that even with comprehensive guidance, only a moderate level of agreement between self-assessed and expert-assessed nevus counts can be achieved. Self-assessed nevus information does not appear to be reliable enough to be used in individual risk assessment to target screening activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant global threat, leading to several initiatives for its control and management. One such initiative involves wastewater-based epidemiology, which has gained attention for its potential to provide early warning of virus outbreaks and real-time information on its spread. In this study, water samples from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located at the south east of Spain (Region of Murcia) namely Murcia, and Cartagena, were analyzed by RT-qPCR, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Machine Learning Approach. The aim was to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 detection in the WWTPs of these two cities could serve as a proxy for the virus's spread in the population. The results confirmed that the levels of SARS-CoV-2 in these wastewater samples changed concerning the number of SARS-CoV-2 cases detected in the population and variant occurrences were in line with clinical reported data. Additionally, the phylogenetic analysis showed that samples obtained in close sampling times exhibited a higher similarity than those obtained more distantly in time. A second analysis using a machine learning approach based on the mutations found in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was also conducted. Hierarchical Clustering (HC) was used as an efficient unsupervised approach for data analysis. Results indicated that samples obtained in October 2022 in Murcia and Cartagena were significantly different, which corresponded well with the different virus variants circulating in the two locations. The proposed methods in this study are adequate for comparing the Accumulated Natural Vector (ANV) of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences as a preliminary evaluation of potential changes in the variants that are circulating in a given population at a specific time point.

This study reports on the development of bio-based hydrophobic coatings for packaging papers through deposition of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) particles in combination with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and plant wax. In a first approach, PHB particles in micrometer range (PHB-MP) were prepared through a phase-separation technique providing internally nanosized structures. The particles were transferred as a coating by dip-coating filter papers in the particle suspension, followed by sizing with a carnauba wax solution. This approach allowed partial to almost full surface coverage of PHB-MP over the paper surface resulting in static water contact angles of 105° to 122° and 129° to 144° after additional wax coating. In a second approach, PHB particles with submicron sizes (PHB-SP) were synthesized by an oil-in-emulsion (o/w) solvent evaporation method, and mixed in aqueous suspensions with 0 to 7 wt% NFC. After dip-coating filter papers in PHB-SP/NFC suspensions and sizing with a carnauba wax solution, static water contact angles of 112° to 152° were obtained. The intrinsic properties of the particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy, indicating higher crystallinity for PHB-SP than PHB-MP. The chemical interactions between the more amorphous PHB-MP particles and paper fibers were identified as an esterification reaction, while the morphology of the NFC fibrillar network was playing a key role as binding agent in the retention of more crystalline PHB-SP at the paper surface, hence contributing to higher hydrophobicity.

Few studies have examined the dietary protein intake and sources in combination with the longitudinal changes in brain structure markers. Our study aimed to examine the association between dietary protein intake and different sources of dietary protein with the longitudinal rate of change in brain structural markers. A total of 2723 and 2679 participants from the UK Biobank were included in the analysis. The relative and absolute amounts of dietary protein intake were calculated through a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. The longitudinal change rates of brain structural biomarkers were computed using two waves of brain imaging data. We utilized multiple linear regression to examine the association between dietary protein and different sources and the longitudinal changes in brain structural biomarkers. Restrictive cubic splines were used to explore nonlinear relationships, and stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Increasing the proportion of animal protein in dietary protein intake is associated with a slower reduction in the total hippocampus volume (THV, β: -0.02524, P<0.05), left hippocampus volume (LHV, β: -0.02435, P<0.01) and right hippocampus volume (RHV, β: -0.02544, P<0.05).Higher intake of animal protein relative to plant protein is linked to a lower atrophy rate in THV (β: -0.01249, P<0.05) and LHV (β: -0.01173, P<0.05) and RHV (β: -0.01193, P<0.05). Individuals with higher intake of seafood exhibit lower longitudinal rate of change in HV compared to those with no consume (THV, β: -0.004514; P<0.05; RHV, β: -0.005527, P<0.05). In subgroup and sensitivity analyses, there was not a significantly alteration. A moderate increase in the intake and proportion of animal protein in the diet, especially from seafood, is associated with a lower longitudinal change rate in hippocampus volume.

More than 20 years after the discovery of the first anelloviruses (AVs), they still remain a mysterious group of viruses. To date, there is no clear understanding of their impact on the host organism, although information is emerging about their participation in various pathologies. However, it is well known that AVs are an important component of the human virome. In the current study we assessed the abundance of AVs in viromes from four nasal and pharyngeal samples from children with respiratory symptoms using a metagenomic approach. It is worth noting that three patients had known respiratory viruses and one did not have any. Regarding AVs, they were detected in all samples, namely Torque teno mini virus (TTMV). The greatest abundance and diversity of AVs (Torque teno virus (TTV), TTMV and Torque teno midi virus (TTMDV)) were shown in a diseased patient with an absence of respiratory viruses, which may indicate the potential involvement of AVs in the maintenance of respiratory symptoms. An activated immune system to combat the main pathogens, against the background of which the number of AVs decreases, is discussed as a possible reason for the reduced diversity of anellome in other patients. We also compared the results of the metagenomic approach and qPCR for major respiratory viruses, which were in agreement. In addition, metagenomic sequencing made it possible to obtain additional data on viral genomes in order to establish their taxonomic identification and characterize individual viral profiles in patients from the Siberian part of Russia.

In an attempt to reuse fibrous textile waste and, at the same time, to address dye pollution in textile wastewater, waste cotton-based yarn was utilized as both a cheap and sustainable adsorbent and a precursor for carbon adsorbent production. Cotton and cotton/polyester yarn samples underwent thermal modification through carbonization followed by chemical activation with KOH. Various techniques including nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and surface charge determination were employed to analyze the morphological and surface properties of the cotton-based adsorbents. Adsorption properties were evaluated by testing the removal of selected cationic and anionic dyes from water. The impact of temperature, contact time, initial concentration, and pH of the adsorbate solution on adsorption was investigated, with experimental data analyzed using theoretical models. While carbonization alone did not significantly enhance adsorption properties, activated samples exhibited high efficacy in removing both cationic and anionic dyes from water. Despite the negative influence of the polyester component in the carbon precursor on the efficiency of activated samples in removing methyl orange, results indicated that activated cotton and cotton/polyester yarn could be used to prepare highly efficient adsorbents for the rapid removal of methylene blue from real wastewater samples.

Innovation is a crucial issue in healthcare services since it can affect job-related variables such as productivity, satisfaction and burnout. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of innovation support on quiet quitting, innovative behavior and innovation outputs among nurses. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece during April 2024. We employed a convenience sample of nurses. We used the following instruments: (a) the Innovation Support Inventory (ISI) to measure innovation support, (b) the Quiet Quitting Scale (QQS) to measure quiet quitting, (c) the Innovative Behavior Inventory (IBI) to measure innovative behavior, and (d) the Innovation Outputs (IO) scale to measure innovation outputs. Our multivariable analysis identified a negative relationship between innovation support and quiet quitting. Moreover, we found that managerial support and cultural support improved several aspects of innovative behavior, such as idea generation, idea search, idea communication, implementation starting activities, involving others, and overcoming obstacles. Additionally, managerial support improved innovation outputs. Our findings suggested the positive impact of innovation support on quiet quitting, innovative behavior and innovation outputs among nurses. Organizations and nurses’ managers should establish an innovative working environment to improve nurses’ passion, motives and productivity.

Early childhood may be a stressful period for families with a significant impact on parents’ mental health and the child’s healthy development. The goal of the SKKIPPI cohort study was to assess the occurrence and determinants of psychosocial stress and mental health disorders in parents as well as in their offspring in early childhood in three German regions. Based on random samples from three residents' registration offices, parents with infants up to 12 months of age at the time of sampling, were invited to participate in the study. A screening online questionnaire was newly developed, available in four languages, to assess common psy-chosocial stressors and mental health problems of parents with small children. The study enrolled 4,984 mothers and 962 fathers. The most common potential psychosocial stressors at baseline were professional problems (mothers 22%, fathers 33%), lack of social sup-port (20%, 14%), and severe, negative experiences in childhood (22%, 16%). Obses-sive-compulsive thoughts (21%, 16%), depressive (9%, 9%) and anxiety symptoms (11%, 7%) were the most frequently reported mental health problems by both parents. Regulatory prob-lems of the child were reported by between 1.5% and 5.1% of parents. The SKKIPPI study showed that a substantial proportion of parents are burdened by psychoso-cial problems and suffer from mental health problems in the first years after birth. Early pre-ventive and low-threshold support measures should be available in the health and social care system. The newly developed questionnaire can be used to screen in the relevant populations in order to avoid disturbances in the mother-child attachment.

Fabrication of durable materials with excellent oil adsorption capacity and separation performance for the treatment of oily wastewater is meaningful based on smart responsiveness. Herein, a solvent-responsive melamine sponge (MS) was developed via silanization followed by the in-situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8). Detailed characterization of the resultant composite MS was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The multiscale hierarchical MS substrate exhibited highly hydrophobic property in the pH range of 1-11, along with a satisfactory adsorption capacity in the range of 65.4-134.2 g/g for different oils. The modified surface transformed from superhydrophobicity/superlipophilicity to superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity upon ethanol wetting, reverting to its original superhydrophobic state upon drying. The separation flux of the MS substrate was above 1.5×104L/m2h for both oil and water removal, along with the separation efficiency more than 98.7%. No obvious changes of the separation performance after 50 successive immiscible oil/water separation indicated the excellent durability and robustness of the anchored ZIF-8 nanoparticles on the surface of modified MS substrate. More importantly, oil-in-water emulsion separation was successfully carried out via the ZIF-8 MS composite with a high separation efficiency over 99.1%. The developed smart sponge with high oil absorption capacity, excellent chemical stability and fire resistance exhibited a wide range of potential practical applications in the convenient treatment of oily wastewater.

In 2011-2012, Northern Vietnam suffered its first large scale hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemic. Two sets of official guidelines were issued during the outbreak to handle the HFMD crisis. The city of Hai Phong was therefore used as a model to analyze the impact of the guidelines release. 9621 HFMD cases were reported in Hai Phong city from April 2011 to December 2012. Three distinct waves of HFMD occurred. Enterovirus A71 and Coxackievirus A16 were successively associated to the epidemics. Two periods, before and after guidelines realease, could be distinguished which were characterized by different patient patterns Time to admission and severity changed notably. Guideline publication help the health system refocusing on the 0.5-3 years age group with highest incidence of the disease. The three waves showed different special distribution but main routes of infection were rivers and local secondary roads most likely through local trade and occupational movements of people.

National heatwave plans are aimed at reducing the avoidable human health consequences due to heatwaves, by providing warnings to and improving communication between relevant stakeholders. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of key stakeholders within plans in Belgium and the Netherlands on their responsibilities, the partnerships, and the effectiveness of the local implementation in Brussels and Amsterdam. Key informant interviews were held with stakeholders that had an important role in development of the heatwave plan in these countries, or its implementation in Brussels or Amsterdam. Care organisations, including hospitals and elderly care organisations, had a lack of familiarity with the national heatwave plan in both cities, and prioritised heat the lowest. Some groups of individuals, specifically socially isolated individuals, are not sufficiently addressed by the current national heatwave plans and most local plans. Stakeholders reported that responsibilities were not clearly described and that the national plan does not describe tasks on a local level. We recommend to urgently increase awareness on the impact of heat on health among care organisations. More emphasis needs to be given to the variety of heat risk groups. Stakeholders should be involved in the development of updates of the plans.

With the ongoing amendment of the EU legislation on the treatment of urban wastewater, stricter requirements for the removal of pollutants are expected, which calls for the need for innovative wastewater treatment technologies. Biological systems are still the first choice. The survey of typical bioreactors applied in wastewater treatment is presented. Wastewater treatment objective, bio-chemical environment and microbial growth are selected as a main criterion for classification of these bioreactors. Hydraulic and kinetic aspects are considered, advantages and drawbacks of these bioreactors regarding the selection of appropriate type of the reactor as well as regarding operation of reactors are mentioned. The aim of this paper is to provide operators and designers with a brief overview of selected traditional and advanced processes, reactors, and technologies for nutrient removal from municipal wastewater. Another goal is to discuss the possibilities and limitations to comply with more strict effluent standards. From the evaluation of the published papers, it follows that the currently applied traditional methods of nutrients removal have the potential to convey also with the expected stricter limits.

This work presents a novel approach for the study of the movement of droplets on inclined surfaces under the influence of gravity and chemical heterogeneities. The developed numerical methodology uses data-driven modeling to extend the applicability limits of an analytically derived reduced-order model for the contact line velocity. More specifically, while the reduced-order model is able to capture the effects of the chemical heterogeneities to a satisfactory degree, it does not account for gravity. To alleviate this shortcoming, datasets generated from direct numerical simulations are used to train a data-driven model for the contact line velocity, which is based on the Fourier neural operator and corrects the reduced-order model predictions to match the reference solutions. This hybrid surrogate model, which comprises of both analytical and data-driven components, is then integrated in time to simulate the droplet movement, offering a speedup of five orders of magnitude compared to direct numerical simulations. The performance of this hybrid model is quantified and assessed in different wetting scenarios, by considering various inclination angles and values for the Bond number, demonstrating the accuracy of the predictions as long as the adopted parameters lie within the ranges considered in the training dataset.

As a member of smart materials, electrorheological elastomers (EREs) formed by pre-treating active electrorheological particles are attracting more and more attention. In this work, four Mg-doped strontium titanate particles with spherical, dendritic, flake-like and pinecone-like morphorlogies were obtained by hydrothermal and low-temperature co-precipitation. XRD, SEM, Raman and FT-IR were used to characterize the obtained products. The results showed that the sizes of Mg-doped strontium titanates are about 1.5‒2.0 μm, and the phase structure are dominated by cubic crystal. These Mg-doped strontium titanates were dispersed in a hydrogel composite elastic medium. Then, Mg-doped strontium titanate/glycerol/gelatin electrorheological composite hydrophilic elastomers were obtained with or without electric field. The electric field response properties of Mg-doped strontium titanate composite elastomers were investigated. It concluded that dendritic Mg-doped strontium titanate composite elastomers is high-performance EREs. And the maximum value of energy storage modulus of Mg-doped strontium titanate composite elastomers has achieved 8.70 MPa. This high electrorheological performance of the products is helpful for their applications in vibration control, force transducers, smart structures, dampers, and other fields.

This paper numerically investigates a 3D mesh independency study of a straight blade horizontal axis tidal turbine modelled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The solution was produced by employing two turbulence models, the standard k-ε model and Shear Stress Transport (SST) in ANSYS CFX. Three parameters were investigated: mesh resolution, turbulence model, and power coefficient in the initial CFD, analysis. It was found that the mesh resolution and the turbulence model affect the power coefficient results. The power coefficients obtained from the standard k-ε model are 15% to 20% lower than the accuracy of the SST model. It can also be demonstrated that the torque coefficient increases with the increasing Tip Speed Ratio (TSR), but drops drastically after TSR = 5 and k-ε model failing to capture the non-linearity in the torque coefficient with the increasing TSR.

ABSTRACT Background: To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the foremost health concern for humankind in the new millennia. This paper aims to describe the related hospitalizations in Italy during the first two years of the health emergency. Design and methods: This is a retrospective, population-based study of Italian hospitalizations for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 period, extracted from the National Hospital Discharge Registry. The outcome variables considered include hospital admissions, costs, and length of stay, among other hospitalization-level variables. Costs were estimated through the charges associated with the Diagnosis-Related Group and Major Diagnostic Categories coding system, plus an additional cost attributed to COVID-19 admissions. To these charges was added an extra cost defined by the ministry of health. Results: In Italy, there were 357,354 hospitalizations for COVID-19 attributed to 298,856 patients in 2020 and 399,043 hospitalizations for COVID-19 attributed to 333,447 patients in 2021. COVID-19 patients faced a transfer rate thrice that of other patients. Hospitalizations were concentrated predominantly in the northern regions, particularly in the first year. Hospitalization rates varied by age in a sine wave pattern, peaking in the youngest and oldest age groups, with mortality rates escalating with age— tending to remain below 3% for those under 44 but surging to 40% in individuals over 75. The financial impact of COVID-19 hospitalizations was substantial, with total costs reaching €3.97 billion in 2020 and €4.99 billion in 2021. Costs per admission and per day also rose, from €11,112 and €807 in 2020 to €12,503 and €844 in 2021, respectively. Excluding the added financial burden of COVID-19, costs would have been notably lower. Hospitalizations involving continuous invasive mechanical ventilation were particularly costly (about 24.000 euros x admission), reflecting the significant resources required for these treatments. Conclusion: Implementing a protective pad around the entire health system that leverages networks of family doctors and nurses, connected in real time to the entire health system, can be crucial. Such a network, tasked with monitoring the local epidemiological situation, protecting vulnerable individuals also through telehealth visits, and establishing a triage system for infections in the initial phase, may effectively help in managing virus spread and protecting hospitals from unpredictable waves of admission demand. Strengthening primary health care could be a decisive factor for the future and enhance the system's resilience in facing new challenges.

Emotional intelligence may help nurses to cope with demanding work environments. Although it is well known that emotional intelligence is positively related to work performance literature on nurses is limited. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of emotional intelligence on work performance in a sample of nurses in Greece. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece. We collected data from a convenience sample of nurses during January 2024. We measured emotional intelligence with the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF), and work performance with the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). We created multivariable linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, educational level, and work experience. We found that the four streams of emotional intelligence (i.e. well-being, self-control, emotionality, sociability) increases nurses’ work performance. In particular, we found a positive relationship between well-being and task performance and contextual performance. Similarly, there was a positive relationship between self-control and task performance. Additionally, sociability increased task performance and contextual performance. Moreover, emotionality and sociability reduced counterproductive work behavior. Our multivariable models identified a positive impact of emotional intelligence on nurses’ work performance. Nurses managers and healthcare organizations should adopt appropriate interventions to improve nurses’ emotional intelligence.

In this paper, carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode (CNTs/SPE) was prepared and the CNTs/SPE was employed for the electrochemical determination of antioxidant substance Chlorogenic acids (CGAs). A pair of well-defined redox peak of CGA was observed at the CNTs/SPE in 0.10 mol∙L^-1 acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.2) and electrode process is adsorption-controlled. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method for the determination of CGA were proposed based on the CNTs/SPE. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method exhibited linear ranges from 4.73×10^-7 to 4.45×10^-5 mol∙L^-1, the linear regression equation was Ipa(µA) = 4.1993 C (mol∙L^-1)+1.1039 (r = 0.9976) and the detection limit for CGA could reach 3.25×10^-6 mol∙L^-1. The recovery of matrine was 94.74~106.65% (RSD = 2.92%) in coffe beans. The proposed method is quick, sensitive, reliable, and can be used for the determination of CGA.

The COVID-19 pandemic halted progress in global vaccine coverage and disrupted routine childhood vaccination practices worldwide. While there is ample evidence of vaccination declines experienced during the pandemic, it is less clear how low-income countries were affected. We executed a systematic review to synthesize the current literature on impacts to routine childhood vaccinations in low-income countries from January 1, 2020 to February 8, 2023. We collected data using an extraction form on Covidence and assessed the quality of studies included in the review using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Effect estimates for changes in vaccination during the pandemic were reported and summarized. Factors that influenced changes were grouped into descriptive themes. Thirteen studies, encompassing 18 low-income countries and evaluating 15 vaccines at varying doses, were included in the final review. We found that routine childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic varied considerably by vaccine type, location, and phase of the pandemic. Nine different themes were identified as factors that influenced changes in vaccination. Documenting past experiences and lessons learned is crucial for informing preparedness efforts in anticipation of future public health emergencies. Failure to effectively address these things in the next public health emergency could result in a recurrence of declining routine childhood vaccinations.

Nurses have experienced several psychological and work-related issues during the COVID-19 pandemic including pandemic burnout and job burnout. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social support and resilience on COVID-19 pandemic burnout and job burnout among nurses. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Greece. Study population included 963 nurses. We measured social support, resilience, COVID-19 pandemic burnout, and job burnout with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Brief Resilience Scale, COVID-19 burnout scale, and single item burnout measure respectively. Nurses received high levels of social support, while their resilience was moderate. Additionally, nurses experienced moderate levels of COVID-19 burnout and job burnout. Increased social support (adjusted beta = -0.075, 95% CI = -0.125 to -0.024) and increased resilience (adjusted beta = -0.399, 95% CI = -0.491 to -0.308) were associated with reduced COVID-19 pandemic burnout. We found a negative relationship between social support and job burnout (adjusted beta = -0.263, 95% CI = -0.405 to -0.121). A similar negative relationship was found between resilience and job burnout (adjusted beta = -0.529, 95% CI = -0.785 to -0.272). Social support and resilience can act as protective factors against COVID-19 pandemic burnout and job burnout among nurses. Policy makers should develop and implement appropriate strategies to improve nurses’ social support and resilience since they are the backbone of healthcare systems worldwide.

The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of digital image analysis as a tool to identify microplastic (MP) particles in surface waters and to facilitate their characterisation in terms of 2D and 3D morphology. Digital image analysis preceded by microscopic analysis was used for an exhaustive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of MPs isolated from the Vistula river. Using image processing procedures, 2D and 3D shape descriptors were determined. The Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to interpret the relationships between the parameters studied, characterising MP particle geometry, type and colour. This multivariate analysis of the data allowed 3 or 4 main factors to be extracted, explaining approximately 90% of the variation in the data characterising MP morphology. It was found that the first principal component for granules, flakes and films was largely represented by strongly correlated with 2D shape descriptors (area, perimeter, equivalent area diameter) and 3D shape descriptors (CSF, Compactness, Dimensionality). Considering the scraps, PC1 was represented by only five of the above descriptors, and the Compactness variable had the largest contribution to PC2. In addition, for granules, flakes and films, a relationship between 2D shape and the colour of their particles could be observed. For the most numerous MP group identified of multicoloured scraps, no such association was found. The results of our study can be used for further multivariate analysis regarding the presence of microplastic floating on the river surface, with a particular focus on particles of secondary origin. This is of key importance for optimising future efforts in conducting small-scale and multidimensional monitoring of and reducing plastics in the aquatic environment.

Estimating parameters for multiple datasets can be time consuming, especially when the number of datasets is large. One solution is to sample from multiple datasets simultaneously using Bayesian methods such as adaptive multiple importance sampling (AMIS). Here we use the AMIS approach to fit a von Misses distribution to multiple datasets for wind trajectories derived from a Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model driven from a 3D meteorological data. The primary objective is to characterise the uncertainties in wind trajectories in a form that can be used as inputs for predictive models of wind-dispersed insect pests and pathogens of agricultural crops for use in evaluating risk and in planning mitigation actions. Our results show that AMIS can significantly improve the efficiency of parameter inference for multiple datasets.

Workplace bullying is common among nurses affecting negatively several work-related variables, such as job burnout and job satisfaction. However, no study until now has examined the impact of workplace bullying on quiet quitting among nurses. Thus, our aim was to examine the direct effect of workplace bullying on quiet quitting and to investigate the mediating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between workplace bullying and quiet quitting in nurses. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 650 nurses in Greece. We collected our data during February 2024. We used the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, the Quiet Quitting Scale and the Brief COPE to measure workplace bullying, quiet quitting and coping strategies, respectively. We found that workplace bullying and negative coping strategies were positive predictors of quiet quitting, while positive coping strategies was a negative predictor of quiet quitting. Our mediation analysis showed that positive and negative coping strategies partially mediated the relationship between workplace bullying and quiet quitting. In particular, positive coping strategies caused competitive mediation, while negative coping strategies caused complimentary mediation. Nurses’ managers and policy makers should improve working conditions by reducing workplace bullying and strengthening positive coping strategies among nurses.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) is a malignant epithelial neoplasm characterized by biliary differentiation within the liver. ICCA is molecularly heterogeneous and exhibits a broad spectrum of histopathological features. It is a highly aggressive carcinoma with high mortality and poor survival rates. ICCAs are classified into two main subtypes: small duct type and large duct types. These two tumor types have different cell origins and clinicopathological features. ICCAs are characterized by numerous molecular alterations, including mutations in KRAS, TP53, IDH1/2, ARID1A, BAP1, BRAF, SAMD4, and EGFR, and FGFR2 fusion. Two main molecular subtypes–inflammation and proliferation–have been proposed. Recent advances in high-throughput assays using next-generation sequencing have improved our understanding of ICCA pathogenesis and molecular genetics. The diagnosis of ICCA poses a significant challenge for pathologists because of its varied morphologies and phenotypes. Accurate diagnosis of ICCA is essential for effective patient management and prognostic determination. This article provides an updated overview of ICCA pathology, focusing particularly on molecular features, histological subtypes, and diagnostic approaches.

Background: Circulating rare cells participate in breast cancer evolution as systemic components of the disease and thus, are a source of theranostic information. Exploration of cancer-associated rare cells is in its infancy. We determined the validity of a rare-cell detection platform and demonstrated the usefulness of a certain rare cell subset as a novel approach to characterize the breast cancer system. Methods: Linearity of the Rarmax® platform was established using a spike-in approach. The platform includes red blood cell lysis, leukocyte depletion and high-resolution fluorescence image recording. Rare cell analysis was conducted on 28 samples (before and after surgery) from 14 patients with breast cancer, 20 healthy volunteers and 9 non-cancer control volunteers. In-depth identification of rare cells, including circulating tumor cells, endothelial-like cells, erythroblasts and inflammation-associated cells, was performed using a phenotype and morphology-based classification system. Results: The platform performed linearly over a range of 5-950 spiked cells, with an average recovery of 84.6%. Circulating epithelial and endothelial-like cell subsets have been demonstrated to be associated with or independent of cancer with tumor presence. Furthermore, certain cell patterns may be associated with treatment-related adverse effects. The sensitivity in detecting tumor-presence and cancer-associated abnormality before surgery was 50% and 85.7%, respectively and the specificity was 100% and 96.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The present study supports the idea of a cancer-associated rare cell abnormality to represent tumor entities as well as systemic cancer. The latter is independent of the apparent clinical cancer.

Some medical professional organizations have advocated for including the menstrual cycle as a vital sign in adolescence, but not in adulthood. However, documenting menstrual cycle patterns is not routine clinical or research practice. Vital signs are used to predict health outcomes, indicate needed treatment, and monitor a clinical course. They can help identify pathologies, affirm wellness, and are responsive to exposures. Here we review the scientific evidence showing how the menstrual cycle meets these criteria and should therefore be treated as a vital sign. Using key words and controlled vocabulary terms, we carried out multiple literature searches, prioritizing the inclusion of systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines. This review describes how the menstrual cycle is a health indicator, can cyclically impact health conditions, and its associations with long-term post-menopausal health outcomes. We review exposures influencing the menstrual cycle, evidence underlying its use to optimize wellness, and available tools for documenting cycles. Supplementary materials include patient handouts on menstrual cycle tracking, and an index of related clinical practice guidelines and reviews by subject. The menstrual cycle is a vital sign from menarche through menopause, an underutilized but powerful tool for understanding gynecological and general health.

Brucellosis is a zoonoses caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, which causes economic losses in livestock and threatens public health. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucella species and risk factors in smallholder dairy cattle in six regions of Tanzania from July 2019 to October 2020. Dairy cattle (n=2048) were sampled from 1371 farms. DNA ex-tracted from blood and vaginal swabs was tested for Brucella using qPCR targeting the IS711 gene and positives were tested for the alkB marker for B. abortus and BMEI1172 marker for B. melitensis. The molecular prevalence was 3.5% (95% CI: 2.8-4.4) with the highest prevalence 8.1% (95%CI: 4.6-13.0) in Njombe region. B. melitensis was the predominant species detected (66.2%). Logistic regression revealed PCR positivity in dairy cattle was higher in the animals with a history of abortion (OR: 3.17, 95%CI: 1.05-9.62) and farms without dogs around (OR: 2.68, 95%CI: 1.12-5.90). Further studies are recommended to understand the source of B. melitensis and the implications to veterinary public health. Livestock keepers should be informed of the risks and biosecurity practices to reduce introduction and control Brucella. Cattle and small ruminant vaccination pro-grams could be implemented to control brucellosis in high-risk populations in the country.

Background and Objectives: Wilson disease (WD) is a disorder of copper metabolism caused by genetic muta-tions in the ATP7B gene which lead to the accumulation of copper in the body. The aim of the present study is to investigate the severity of WD in patients in Romania. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted us-ing an online questionnaire consisting of 32 questions in a group of patients suffering from Wilson disease. Results: The study included 67 people aged 7 to 56 with WD. The most common symptoms of the participants were hepatic and neurological in 22 cases (32.8%). The most common neurological symptom in the assessed cases was muscle stiffness (49.5%), followed by tremor (45%), and speech disorders (40.5%). The Kay-ser-Fleischer ring was present in 50.7% of the participants. The most commonly used drug treatment in the participants was D-penicillamine (77.61%). Conclusions: The severity of WD is based on many aspects, the most important being early diagnosis and access to treatment throughout the year. The prognosis is favorable with early diagnosis and treatment, but it is crucial to diagnose individuals before they develop major symp-toms. Therefore, advances in WD screening can lead to an earlier diagnosis and better results.

Micropollutants belongs to various groups of chemicals. One of the most diverse and large group of them are pharmaceuticals. The presence of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater poses a significant challenge to water quality and environmental health. This paper provides an overview of recent advancements in the removal of pharmaceuticals from water, focusing on various treatment processes and their effectiveness in eliminating micropollutants. Through a review of literature, including studies on ozonation, UV irradiation, sulphate radical-based tech-nologies, and photocatalytic processes, insights into degradation mechanisms and optimal con-ditions for their removal are synthesized. Additionally, with new legislation mandating the monitoring of selected micropollutants and the implementation of quaternary treatment in wastewater treatment plants, the paper discusses prospects for future research and recommen-dations for effective pharmaceuticals removal. Key actions include conducting comprehensive laboratory and pilot trials, implementing quaternary treatment of wastewaters, continuously monitoring of water quality, investing in research and development, and promoting collabora-tion and knowledge sharing among stakeholders. By embracing these strategies, we can work towards safeguarding water resources and protecting public health from the adverse effects of pharmaceutical contamination.

Since the 20th century, numerous studies have detected or isolated parasites from the Trypanosomatidae family in various tick species. However, the status of ticks as vectors of medically or veterinary important Trypanosoma and Leishmania remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to pro-vide new insights into the potential vector status of Leishmania and Trypanosoma, which have medical and veterinary significance. We searched three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) from 1912 to June 30, 2023, resulting in 94 and 86 papers included in the qualitative and quantitative analyses, respectively. All identified field studies were conducted in endemic areas and investigated the presence of Trypanosoma and Leishmania parasite, DNA, or antigen in ticks. We recorded a pooled prevalence of Trypa-nosomatidae detection in ticks at 15.48% [7.99-24.61%], with significant variations depending on the year, detection method, and geographical area. Most of positive tick species belonged to the genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus. Experimental laboratory work on transmission routes proved potential vector competence in both the Argasidae and Ixodidae tick families. Although our systematic review and meta-analysis provide unambiguous evidence of the natural infection of ticks by Trypanosomatidae para-sites with some evidence of non-traditional transmission routes, it does not provide conclusive evidence on the role of ticks as biological or mechanical vectors for veterinary and medically interest protozoan Trypa-nosomatidae species. All these unambiguously demonstrates the need of additional investigations to address this point.

Enclosed public spaces are the hotspots for airborne disease transmission. To measure and maintain indoor air quality in terms of airborne transmission, an open source, low cost and distributed array of Particulate Matter Sensors has been developed and named as Dynamic Aerosol Transport for Indoor Ventilation or DATIV system. This system can use multiple Particulate Matter Sensors (PMS) simultaneously and can be remotely controlled using a Raspberry Pie based operating system. The data acquisition system can be easily operated using the GUI within any common browser installed on a remote device such as a PC or Smartphone with corresponding IP address. The software architecture and validation measurements are presented together with possible future developments.

The experience gained over the last hundred years clearly indicates that two groups of viruses represent the main risk for the development of highly transmissible epidemics and pandemics in the human species: influenza viruses and coronaviruses (CoV). Although the search for viruses with pandemic potential in the environment may have an important predictive and monitoring role, it is still based on empirical methodologies, mostly translated from the clinic and not fully validated for environmental matrices.As far as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, currently underway, is concerned, environmental monitoring activities aiming at checking the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can be extremely useful to predict and control the diffusion of the disease. For this reason, the present study aims to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 diffusion by means of a wastewater-based environmental monitoring developed in Piedmont, N-W Italy, during the pandemic second and third waves. Sampling strategies, sampling points, sample pre-treatments and analytical methods have been developed and validated to give representative and reliable results. The outcomes highlighted by the present paper demonstrate a strong correlation between SARS-CoV-2 concentration in untreated wastewater and epidemic evolution in the considered areas as well as a predictive potential that could provide decision-makers with indications for establishing effective policies to mitigate the effects of the ongoing pandemic and to prepare response plans for future pandemics that could certainly arise in the decades to come.Moreover, the study highlights the potential of wastewater treatment plants to degrade the genetic material referable to SARS-CoV-2 as well.In conclusion, the preliminary data reported in the present paper, although they need to be complemented by further studies considering other geographical regions as well, are very promising.

This study delves into the dynamic field of medical education research, emphasizing the integration of research training within medical curricula. It seeks to understand the impact of such integration on the competencies of future medical professionals. The primary aim is to systematically categorize and analyze the current trends and future directions in medical education research. This involves assessing the influence of research training on medical students' skills and the methodologies used in such research. Methods: The research employs an extensive bibliographic literature review across multiple databases. It classifies studies into categories like experiential or case studies, editorials, and original research articles. This classification is based on criteria such as geographical location, research objectives, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies. Results: Findings reveal a diverse landscape in medical education research, with a significant emphasis on research training. The research showcases varying methodologies and approaches used globally, highlighting the thematic focus and geographical distribution of these studies. Conclusion: Medical education research is a globally expansive and evolving field. It underscores the importance of continuous investigation, particularly focusing on integrating research elements at curricular levels and exploring innovative educational strategies. The study also points out potential gaps in research, especially in underrepresented regions, indicating directions for future research efforts.

In the case of a Cu-Mo-W polymetallic ore, the wastewater from the scheelite cleaning flowsheet contains large amounts of residual flocculants and metal ions, and the separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite require a large number of environmentally harmful depressants. Therefore, it is necessary to find new methods to reduce the environmental and cost pressures of wastewater treatment and the use of depressants. In this work, the flotation wastewater from scheelite cleaning flowsheet for the separation of chalcopyrite and molybdenite by selective surface passivation was investigated for the first time. Flotations of single minerals and artificially mixed minerals with or without immersion pretreatment in the presence and absence of aeration were performed. The results showed that pulp pH had no effect on the flotation of either mineral, and a molybdenite recovery of 93.22% with chalcopyrite recovery of 10.77% was achieved under the conditions of 10 days of immersion pretreatment with aeration, 350 mg/L of kerosene, and 100 mg/L of MIBC. By combining the electrochemical cyclic voltammetry analysis and characterization by XRD and SEM, the selective surface passivation mechanism of chalcopyrite was discussed, which could be due to the coverage of the insoluble oxidation products, especially jarosite. This work has simultaneously achieved the depressant-free flotation separation of molybdenite and chalcopyrite and the reuse of scheelite flotation wastewater, which is of great significance for environmental protection and cost saving.

Dearth of information on extent of genetic variability in cassava limits the genetic improvement of cassava in Sierra Leone. This study aimed at assessing the genetic variability and relationships within 103 cassava genotypes using agro-morphological and culinary markers. A field trial was conducted in the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences research site. The experiment was laid in an augmented randomized block design. Morphological classification based on qualitative and quantitative traits categorized the germplasm into three different groups. A total of ten principal components (PCs) in the qualitative and six PCs in the quantitative trait sets accounted for 66.74% and 67.27% of the total genetic variation, respectively. Traits with significantly strong and positive correlations included presence of fruit (PFRT) and presence of seed (PSE)(r = 0.86***),root yield per plant (RYPP) and number of storage root (NSR) (r = 0.76***), RYPP and number of commercial root (NCR) (r = 0.68***), length of leaf lobe (LLL) and width of leaf lobe (WLL) (r = 0.66***),and between NSR and NCR (0.84***). Cooking time, cooking percentage, texture, mealiness, taste and aroma varied widely among the accessions. Findings established that the cassava germplasm possess useful genetic variability that could be exploited through selection for short term release programme, genetic conservation of valuable germplasm and genetic improvement of the crop.

Electrochemical methods are used for the treatment of both municipal and industrial wastewater, either independently or in conjunction with biological methods. This conjunction is used for pretreatment or posttreatment of biologically treated wastewater. In our work, we focused on the combination of these processes, where pre-electrolysis was used to produce dissolved iron before the activation process. Electrolysis was also directly introduced into the activation using either iron or carbon electrodes. The surface of one iron electrode was 32.2 cm2, the applied voltage was 21 V, and the supplied current was 270 mA. The surface of one carbon electrode was 7.54 cm2, the supplied current was 82.5 mA, and the applied voltage was 21 V. From laboratory research on the treatment of synthetic municipal wastewater using a combination of electrolysis and activation processes, it resulted that the use of iron electrodes increased the efficiency of phosphorus removal compared to its precipitation with iron salts. The electrolysis had a positive effect on the sedimentation properties of sludge and the destruction of filamentous microorganisms. Electrolysis negatively affected the respiration rates of activated sludge and the efficiency of denitrification. However, it did not have a negative impact on the nitrification activity of the sludge.

In this paper, inspired by Jleli and Samet [journal of inequalities and applications 38 (2014) 2 1–8] we introduce two new classes of auxiliary functions and utilize the same to define (q, y)R-weak 3 contractions. Utilizing (q, y)R-weak contractions, we prove some fixed point theorems in the setting 4 of relational metric spaces. We employ some examples to substantiate the utility of our newly proved 5 results. Finally, we apply one of our newly proved results to ensure the existence and uniqueness of 6 solution of a Volterra-type integral equation.

An HFMD outbreak spread over the city of Hải Phòng from Summer 2011 to Autumn 2012. This epidemic was chosen because it was the very first HFMD epidemic in North Vietnam, eliminating thus interferences with previous outbreaks. This epidemic displayed 3 separate waves. A complete dataset was collected for more than 9500 patients during this period, which enabled us to analyze this epidemic at different scales. Access to the healthcare system was crucial during this period, with a reorganization of the system in February-March 2012. An analysis at commune level enables us to track the epidemic along certain communication routes. The three-waves structure reveals a wide disparity at district level. We develop a mathematical model showing high accuracy at the adjustment of data for both the total number of cases and for the number of cases per week. As a consequence, the model was able to accurately determine the dates of beginning and end of each wave and to show that they overlapped. Using mathematical functions associated with this model, it was possible to calculate the probability for a patient to belong to a specific wave.

Human monkeypox, caused by monkeypox virus, has spread unprecedentedly to more than 100 countries since May 2022. Here we summarized the epidemiology of monkeypox through a literature review and elucidated the risks and elimination strategies of this outbreak mainly based on the summarized epidemiology. We demonstrated that monkeypox virus became more contagious and less virulent in 2022, which could result from the fact that the virus entered a special transmission network favoring close contacts (i.e., sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men outside Africa) and the possibility that the virus accumulated a few adaptive mutations. We gave the reasons to investigate whether cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs are susceptible to monkeypox virus and whether infection with monkeypox virus could be latent in some primates. We listed six potential scenarios for the future of the outbreak (e.g., the outbreak could lead to endemicity outside Africa with increased transmissibility or virulence). We also listed multiple factors aiding or impeding the elimination of the outbreak. We showed that the control measures strengthened worldwide after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) could eliminate the outbreak in 2022. We clarified eight strategies, i.e., publicity and education, case isolation, vaccine stockpiling, risk-based vaccination or ring vaccination, importation quarantine, international collaboration, and laboratory management, for the elimination of the outbreak.

Effective prediction of wastewater treatment is beneficial for precise control of wastewater treatment processes. The nonlinearity of pollutant indicators such as COD and TP makes the model difficult to fit and has low prediction accuracy. The classical deep learning methods have been shown to perform nonlinear modeling. However, there are enormous numerical differences between multi-dimensional data in the prediction problem of wastewater treatment, such as COD above 3000 mg/L and TP around 30 mg/L. It will make current normalization methods challenging to handle effectively, leading to the training failing to converge and the gradient disappears or exploding. This paper proposes a multi-factor prediction model based on deep learning. The model consists of a combined normalization layer and a codec. The combined normalization layer combines the advantages of three normalization calculation methods: z-score, Interval, and Max, which can realize the adaptive processing of multi-factor data, fully retain the characteristics of the data, and finally cooperate with the codec to learn the data characteristics and output the prediction results. Experiments show that the proposed model can overcome data differences and complex nonlinearity in predicting industrial wastewater pollutant indicators and achieve better prediction accuracy than classical models.

The per capita availability of freshwater resources on a global scale is gradually decreasing due to population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and modern lifestyles. In this situation, wastewater management becomes a major concern. Conventional treatment processes used to treat wastewater discharges are not adequate for the advanced removal of pollutants, especially refractory organic pollutants, which are mainly organic compounds that are not easily biodegradable in the environment. The use of photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) for tertiary wastewater treatment has attracted much interest in recent periods, and various configurations have been investigated. The performance of a PMR using an iron doped titanium photo catalyst and Polysulfone-based polymeric membrane for municipal wastewater treatment was evaluated under natural and simulated solar light. Obtained results proved that solar driven PMRs can remove organic loading (COD) with high efficiencies and may represent a suitable alternative for the tertiary treatment step of municipal wastewater.

Despite significant prevention efforts, the numbers of physically inactive individuals, chronic illnesses, exhaustion syndromes and sick leaves are increasing. A still unresolved problem with exercise promotion is the low participation of sedentary persons. This collective term covers heterogeneous subgroups. Their engagement with movement campaigns and resistance to change are influenced by numerous factors. Our aim was to analyse survey data on health, performance, lifestyle habits and the approachability to physical activity campaigns obtained from the Germany-wide ActIv survey. From 2,888 study participants aged 50-60 years, 668 persons were categorised into the subgroups "never-athletes", "sports-dropouts", "always-athletes" and "sports-beginners". Large and significant group differences were found for BMI, assessment of quality of life, health and fitness, risk factors and health problems. 42.5% of "never-athletes" and 32.5% of "sports-dropouts" did not state any barriers to sport. There are substantial disparities between the non-athlete groups in terms of their motivation to exercise. In contrast, there are comparatively minor differences in motivation between "sports-dropouts" and "sports-beginners", whose health and fitness are the primary motivators for sport. Our analyses suggest that (i) negative health and performance trends cannot be compensated by appeals for voluntary participation in exercise programmes and (ii) powerful incentive systems are required.

Advanced 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry and diffusometry methods and VIS-nearIR spectroscopy combined with pH, electric conductivity (EC) and totally dissolved solids (TDS) measurements were used to assess the properties of wastewater collected from a chicken slaughterhouse in each step of the treatment process (wastewater before treatment, biologically treated wastewater, chemically treated wastewater and discharged wastewater) and from sludge. The 1H NMR Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) and Pulsed-Gradient-Stimulated-Echo (PGSE) decay curves recorded for all samples of wastewater were analyzed by inverse Laplace transform (ILT) to obtain the distributions of transverse relaxation times T2 and diffusion coefficient D. The VIS-nearIR total absorbance, T2-values, D-values, pH, EC and TDS parameters were used for statistical analysis in principal component analysis (PCA). The 1H T2-distributions measured for the slaughterhouse wastewater lie in two main regions reflecting the amount of dissolved solids or the distribution of undissolved solids mobility. The PCA analysis successfully differentiates between polluted and less polluted types of wastewater and sludge. The wastewater treatment applied by the slaughterhouse is efficient. The recommended methods for wastewater monitoring are the NMR T2- and D-distributions and EC, TDS and NMR-D diffusion coefficient. Finally, Machine Learning AI-algorithms are used to provide prediction maps of wastewater treatment stage.

Developmental, clinical, and epidemiological research have demonstrated the salience of perceived racial discrimination (PRD) as a contributor to negative mental health outcomes in adolescence. This article summarizes secondary analyses of cross-sectional data from a large-scale youth survey within a predominantly rural state to estimate the prevalence and strength of association between PRD and serious psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and prior suicidal attempts. Data from 93,812 students enrolled in Grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 within 129 school districts across Kentucky were examined to determine prevalence rates for subgroups within the cohort. Logistic regression analyses assessed differences and established comparative strength of association among these variables for racial/ethnic subgroups. PRD was self-reported at high rates across several demographic subgroups and was most evident among Black (24.5%) and Asian (22.1%) students. Multiracial students experienced the highest rates of both SPD and suicidality. Both for the entire cohort and for each racial/ethnic subgroup, PRD was significantly associated with increased likelihood of negative mental health outcomes, although the strength of these associations varied across subgroups and developmental levels. Implications for early intervention and prevention are discussed.

Sewage surveillance can be used as an effective complementary tool for detecting pathogens in local communities, providing insights into emerging threats and aiding in the monitoring of outbreaks. In this study using qPCR and whole genomic sewage surveillance, we detected Mpox virus along with other viruses, in municipal and hospital wastewaters in Belo Horizonte, Brazil over a 9 months period (from July 2022 till March 2023). MPXV DNA detection rates varied in our study, with 19.6% (11 out of 56 samples) detected through the hybrid capture method of whole genome sequencing and 20% (12 out of 60 samples) through qPCR. In hospital wastewaters, the detection rate was higher at 40% (12 out of 30 samples), compared to 13.3%(4 out of 30 samples) in municipal wastewaters. This variation could be attributed to the relatively low number of MPXV cases reported in the city, which ranged from 106 to 341 cases during the study period, and to dilution effects, given that each of the two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) investigated serves approximately 1.1 million inhabitants. Additionally, nine other virus families were identified in both hospitals and municipal wastewaters including Adenoviridade, Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Picornaviridade, Polyomaviridae, Coronaviridae (which includes SARS-CoV-2), Herspesviridae, Papillomaviridae and Flaviviridae (notably including Dengue). These findings underscore the potential of genomic sewage surveillance as a robust public health tool for monitoring a wide range of viruses circulating in both community and hospitals environments including MPXV.

Background and Objectives: Recent studies have focused on the association between the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and rs1501299 and rs2241766 polymorphisms of the ADIPOQ gene, whereas their results remain inconclusive. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis was car-ried out to clarify the role of these polymorphisms in the development of DR. Materials and Methods: A systematic research of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) was conducted until June 16, 2023, and a reference list of relevant articles was collected, which explored the association between rs1501299 and rs2241766 polymorphisms of the ADIPOQ gene and the risk of DR. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated via random-effects model and the meta-analysis was implemented by using Review Manager 5.4. Results: In total, 6 out of 178 studies, with 1,888 cases (DR) and 2,285 controls (without DR), were included in the meta-analysis. A statistically significant association between rs1501299 poly-morphism and DR risk was recorded in G vs. T in the overall analysis (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.72-0.99, p=

Introduction: Management of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) has been the subject of international recommendations. However, some aspects remain within the realm of service practices and appear to vary greatly from one center to another. Objectives: To achieve a multidisciplinary consensus in France regarding management of HIE newborns that are not covered by international and national guidelines. Methods: This is a prospective, multicenter study using the Delphi method from April 21, 2021, to July 15, 2021. Perinatal professionals were contacted through professional societies. Participants received a questionnaire in three successive rounds. Each proposal was rated using a Likert scale from 1 (completely disagree) to 8 (completely agree). An item was considered consensual if at least 70% of responses were in agreement or disagreement. Results: 58 french neonatal professionals participated. A consensus was reached in the first round concerning the use of passive hypothermia in maternity ward, with 84% agreement and to define the target temperature between 35.0°C and 35.5°C at the third round. Regarding hypoglycemia in the delivery room, 79.2% agreed in the first round to correct blood glucose levels below a threshold of <2.2 mmol/l. Parenteral route was the preferred correction method for 91.4% of respondents, while enteral route via nasogastric tube did not reach consensus. Conclusion: This study highlights the variability in definitions and practices among professionals in the management of HIE. Consensus was found regarding certain care practices performed without formal guidelines. The work to harmonize definitions and practices for the management of HIE likely needs to continue.

Background The incidence of congenital cholesteatoma (CC) has rarely been discussed, particularly from the demographic viewpoint. Therefore, we conducted an epidemiological study of CC using local medical characteristics. Materials and methods The participants were 100 patients (101 ears) who underwent initial surgical treatment at university hospitals in two rural prefectures between 2006 and 2022. Sixty-eight percent of the patients were males and 32% were females, with a median age of 5 years. We reviewed the medical records for the date of birth, date of surgery, stage of disease, and first symptom of the disease. Result The total incidence of CC was calculated to be 26.44 per 100,000 births and tended to increase. No significant difference was found between the incidences in the two prefectures. The number of surgeries performed was higher in the second half of the study period. No difference in the stage of progress was observed based on age. Conclusion The incidence of CC was estimated to be 26.44 per 100,000 new-born births. The number of patients with CC has tended to increase; however, this can be attributed to an increase in the detection rate rather than the incidence.

We provide a summary of various epidemiological parameters related to COVID-19 such as incubation period, serial interval and other parameters. Understanding these parameters is important for developing prevention strategies. SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted by droplets and close contact, but there is evidence of airborne transmission. Aerosol-generating procedures have been identified as one of the specific risk factors for healthcare workers. Super-spreading events refer to situations where a small number of individuals cause the majority of infections. The basic reproductive number (R0) and the spread parameter (k) are used to characterise the transmissibility of the disease. Estimated values for R0 range from 2 to 3 and the estimated value for k is 0.1.The duration of infectiousness depends on viral load and shedding. Viral load varies according to factors such as clinical spectrum, type of variant and vaccination status. The relationship between viral load and infectivity is not fully understood.With regard to the frequency of symptoms and signs of COVID-19, fever, cough, fatigue and dyspnoea are common. The prevalence of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD) varies between studies and countries. Age and comorbidities are factors associated with olfactory dysfunction.Estimates of the proportion of asymptomatic patients range from 6% to 96%. Asymptomatic transmission is considered likely and is important for control measures.We reviewed the quantitative semiology of COVID-19 is reported on sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of signs.Finally, we also review risk factors for COVID-19 (including health care workers), co-infections, and epidemiology of variants..

The EASY-NET network program (NET-2016-02364191 - Effectiveness of Audit and Feedback (A&F) strategies to improve health practice and equity in various clinical and organizational set-tings), piloted a new and more structured A&F strategy. This study compared the effectiveness of the new strategy versus the periodic publication of indicators alone in improving the appropri-ateness and timeliness of emergency health interventions in patients with Acute Miocardial In-farction (AMI) and ischemic stroke in the Lazio Region. Efficacy was evaluated according to a prospective quasi-experimental design of pre-post (2021-2022) intervention type with control group. The exposed are hospitals in the Lazio Region where professional teams voluntarily par-ticipated in the intervention. The control group is involved only in the usual reporting activities. Effectiveness analysis was conducted at the patient level. Regional health information systems were used to calculate process and outcome indicators. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed with Difference In Difference models, comparing pre-post intervention periods between exposures and controls. Estimates were calculated in terms of the difference in percentage points (pp) between absolute risks. Sixteen facilities for the IMA pathway and 13 for the stroke pathway joined the intervention. The intervention reduced the proportion of 30-days readmissions after a hospitalization for ischemic stroke by 0.54 pp in the exposed patients with a significant difference of -3.80 pp (IC95% -6.57; -1.03; 5453 patients, 63.7% cases) in the exposed compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences attributable to the implemented A&F interven-tion in the other indicators considered. The results show, for the first time in Italy, the impact of A&F interventions in an emergency setting using aggregated data from hospitals involved in the Lazio Region emergency network.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Patient treatment and management pose a challenge for healthcare systems. The prognosis of these patients may be influenced by factors such as sex. This study aims to describe the clinical parameters of patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Spanish hospital due to Trauma Brain Injury and to establish differences based on sex. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted from March 2015 to December 2019. All patients admitted to the ICU during this period who presented isolated significant Traumatic Brain Injury, defined as an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥ 3, were included. Data on baseline characteristics, mechanism of injury, substance use, and acute management in the prehospital and hospital stages (including the need for hospitalization) were recorded. A descriptive and in-ferential analysis was conducted using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 950 patients were ultimately included. The majority of the patients were men (723) with a mean age of 45.16 (± 17.55). There were statistically significant differences in terms of the mechanism of injury (p

The global issues of overweight and sedentary lifestyles demand comprehensive responses from health systems, yet health education still needs to be more cohesive and less sporadic. This study focuses on primary school children as a specific target for instilling healthy habits, employing ac-tive learning strategies to address healthy diet and physical activity. Through Problem-Based Learning projects, the study engaged fourth-grade primary students in acquiring healthy habits. The study was carried out over four consecutive years at a school with two lines, allowing the employment of an opportunity sample and evaluating intervention and control groups by com-paring their corresponding scores. Control groups integrated a total of 54 students, while the in-tervention group included a total of 159 students. A pre-test and post-test questionnaire were used for data collection. Evaluation differential scores revealed statistically significant higher scores in the intervention groups: 3.62 points in control groups and 6,94 in intervention groups, particu-larly in attitudinal competences. These strategies not only facilitated the development of crucial skills such as information search, synthesis, representation, analysis, decision-making, teamwork, and intrapersonal awareness but also significantly broadened the knowledge acquired in aspects related to healthy habits. This approach proved effective in helping children comprehend the im-portance of healthy choices and encouraged integrating such habits into their daily lives.

Despite global efforts to improve vaccination coverage, the number of zero dose and under immunized children has increased in the African continent, particularly in Nigeria where more than 2.3 million unvaccinated children currently reside, making it the country with highest number of unvaccinated children on the African continent. It is thus imperative to identity barriers and facilitators of immunization in Nigeria with a view to formulate and design targeted interventions that can effectively bridge the immunization gap in Nigeria. In this review, we systematically mapped and summarized existing literature and data on key barriers to vaccine uptake, and facilitators influencing immunization practices in Nigeria. The electronic databases were systematically searched and articles that reported determinants of routine immunization uptake in Nigeria from inception of the databases up till October 2023 were included. The eligible articles were evaluated using a set of pre-defined criteria and the extracted data were analysed and visualized. This scoping review identified barriers spanning logistical, socio-economic, cultural, and healthcare system-related aspects, highlighting the need for a multi-pronged approach to address these challenges. While considerable progress has been made over the years, persistent barriers like distance between area of residence of caregivers and immunization centers, vaccine shortages, poor interpersonal relationship between healthcare workers and caregivers and cultural/religious influences persist. Lastly, collaborative efforts among stakeholders and communities remain paramount in ensuring improved routine immunization coverage across the Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural landscape.

The growing population in Yucatan has led to the expansion of construction in the Mayan jungle for tourist spaces, residential areas, and agriculture. Recently, rabies cases in cats (Felis catus) have increased. This study aimed to perform the antigenic and genetic characterization of the RABV and to try to identify factors contributing to the increased transmission of rabies virus from wildlife to cats in the State of Yucatan. The ArcGIS software was employed to generate maps depicting the geographic locations of rabies outbreaks in cats. A mixed-effects Poisson regression model was applied to investigate the association between cat rabies cases and sociodemographic and ecological variables. A total of nine feline rabies cases occurred, three antigenic variants were detected: RVV1 (n=1); (RVV3) (n=1), and the canine-originated atypical variant (n=7). Rabies cases were spatially distributed at the urban-jungle interface, which may favor contact between cats and wildlife. No statistically significant associations with sociodemographic/ecological variables were observed. Urban areas with low (0-2%) to moderate (2-4%) changes in land cover showed a substantial increase in the probability of feline rabies cases. This study highlights the concerning resurgence of rabies infections in cats, emphasizing the looming threat of its reintroduction in dogs should vaccination rates diminish. The genetic affinity between the atypical variant and the canine virus underscores the urgent need for vigilance in maintaining high vaccination coverage across all susceptible species.

Mozambique is endemic to aflatoxigenic Aspergillus but the country has to heavily rely on foreign research to deduct what is happening locally. There is some information produced by local scholars and institutions but it needs to be “tied” together. This review briefly synthetizes the country’s major findings in relation to the toxin’s etiology, epidemiology, detection and control, discussing and meta-analyzing them as far as they allow. The causes and foods affected are the same as in most tropical countries, the toxin is widespread and the level of exposure is high. Regarding the control, it is still marginal but some institutions have driven efforts in this direction. Learning from other countries is still the best approach to take, as the solutions are probably the same for most places.

Vermicomposting is one of the most important waste management techniques in the process of vermiculture. In this study, a Neural Network-assisted novel paradigm is proposed to predict waste from vermicomposting. The proposed Neural Network Skeleton is based on a Gallium Arsenide Processing Schema, which is used to separate wastes. By comparing the proposed sys-tem with existing methods, it was found that the proposed approach had the highest average prediction ratio of 91.32%, outperforming other techniques like ERD, RNN, and Deep LSTM. The separation ratio analysis also demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method, with a range of 45-94%. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of chemical equilibrium and the effectiveness of our proposed Gallium Arsenide Processing Schema in achieving high prediction and separation accuracies, showcasing its potential for practical application in waste management processes. Lastly, the prediction of the process evolution stages is detailed, indicating the efficiency of the proposed system in achieving various levels of waste separation. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the potential of the proposed methods in op-timizing wastewater management processes, paving the way for more effective and sustainable vermicomposting practices.

(1)Background: Fascioliasis is considered a neglected tropical disease affecting an estimated 17 million people in more than 70 countries worldwide. The highest prevalence of human fascioliasis is found in regions where livestock farming and consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater plants are common, such as parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It is responsible for over 90,000 disability-adjusted years of life due to associated abdominal complications. We conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of human fascioliasis through a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available literature in Sun-Saharan Africa.(2). Methods: We screened a total of 126 publications using pubmed online search engine databases; Web of Science and CAB for articles published within a 20-year period between 2000 and 2022. We used a comprehensive search method using a combination of terms, parasite and disease names. The initial search resulted in a screening of articles by title, abstracts and full texts. The relevant information on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa was extracted. Of the 126 publications, 33 articles were selected for meta-analysis. The essential information required was extracted from these documents and determined through statistical analysis in Microsoft Excel for calculating the prevalence of human fascioliasis in sub-Saharan Africa. The variance of each study was assessed using a bimodal distribution and heterogeneity assessment using a I2 index. Analysis was performed using random effects models.(3)Results: A total of 271 articles were searched through the database search and 33 articles were eligible studies that provided qualitative information on the prevalence of human fascioliasis in Africa. These make up 12.17% (n=33). The pooled prevalence estimates for human fascioliasis are 0.032% (IVhet PPE: 0.032% (95%CI 1.4-6.53). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Egypt with a prevalence of 100%. The prevalence of human fascioliasis is very high in some sub-Saharan countries, partly due to neglect of diagnostics, demonstrating the bias of available information for decision-making in human fascioliasis across Africa, given the spatial presence, scarcity and incompleteness are region.(4)Conclusions: The prevalence of Human fascioliasis is very high in some Sub-Saharan Countries partly due to neglect in diagnostics. This presents how highly focal with spatial occurrences, scarcity and patchy the available information for decision making is on Human fascioliasis across the Sub-Saharan African region.

This work aimed to develop an anionic cellulose nanofiber (CNF) bio-adsorbent from palm date tree waste and to investigate its removal efficiency against cationic methylene blue dye from contaminated water. Palm date pulp was first prepared from palm date leaves through acid hydrolysis using H2SO4, followed by hydrolysis in a basic medium using KOH, in which the process completely removed the components of hemicellulose, lignin, and silica. To obtain anionic CNF, the resulting pulp was further treated with H2SO4, followed by centrifugation. Biogel formation of the CNF suspension was promoted by sonication, where its removal efficiency of methylene blue dye was studied as a function of dye concentration, temperature, contact time, and pH value. Two equilibrium models, the Langmuir and Freundlich models were employed, and the Langmuir model was found to be consistent with the experimental data. The highest removal efficiency was obtained at 60oC and was 5mg/gm. Furthermore, several kinetic models were used to gain insight into the adsorption mechanism. The pseudo-second-order model provided an accurate description of the adsorption process, while the Elovich equation suggested a chemical reaction between methylene blue dye and CNF. The study’s findings were in agreement with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating general chemical reactions. The study indicates that CNF adsorbents derived from renewable natural waste sources such as palm date leaves can be effective in removing cationic contaminants such as methylene blue dye.

Elevated ammonium (NH4+) concentrations in untreated waterways contribute to eutrophication and dissolved oxygen depletion, which cause severe degradation of water quality. Ion exchange processes are a robust, low operational cost and efficient option for ammonium removal with zeolites being the most widely used. Geopolymers are a sustainable and low-cost option compared to zeolites that follows the same ion exchange technology. In the present study, a metakaolin-based porous geopolymer was synthetized, characterised and validated as adsorbent material. The laboratory batch tests showed a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 18.35 mg/g being 27% higher than reference zeolites. Kinetics followed the Weber-Morris rate equation being the intraparticle diffusion the limiting process and continuous experiments indicated a maximum removal of 97% in the first hours. The material was validated in a wastewater treatment pilot plant where values in pH, electrical conductivity and NH4+ concentration were monitored. The obtained data indicated that the material achieved up to 80% NH4+ removal which is similar to traditional zeolites. The results demonstrate that this sustainable, low-cost and easy-to-install metakaolin-based geopolymer can be used effectively for NH4+ treatment.

In the era of mounting water scarcity, particularly in arid regions, the agricultural sector is striving to optimize the water resource management practices. Treated wastewater (TWW) has emerged as a viable alternative to freshwater for irrigation, offering a sustainable solution to water conservation. However, ensuring the safety and quality of TWW is paramount to safeguard for both crop health and environmental integrity. Electrical conductivity (EC), a critical factor in assessing TWW suitability for irrigation, can significantly impact crop yields and soil health since it is directly linked to the concentration of dissolved salts and ions. Therefore, this study delves into the development of advanced predictive models for EC assessment by employing supervised machine learning (ML) techniques like the Support Vector Regression (SVR), Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The TWW samples collected from Al-Qatif area, Saudi Arabia were assessed in the lab through a sensor-based real-time monitoring system integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) network and a multiprobe device. The key water quality parameters assessed involved, temperature (T), pH, Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), Resistivity (RES), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Salinity and Turbidity which served as the foundation for these models, given their profound influence on and their anticipated impact on EC levels. Following feature selection, two distinct model combinations were identified for the SVR, ANFIS and MLR models. Furthermore, to evaluate prediction performance, four statistical criteria, including coefficient of determination (R²), correlation coefficient (R), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE), were employed. Overall, the comparative performance results proved that ANFIS-M2 indicated the strongest predictive capability with the R² value of 0.99572 and 0.75145 and the RMSE values of 0.00965 and 0.01134, respectively in both calibration and verification stages.

Wastewater genomic surveillance is an efficient and economic approach to track infectious diseases and can help detect unusual epidemiological events. The current study uses this approach for the first time in Morocco to monitor the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A, B and RSV virus infections during the third wave of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant. The virome was concentrated from wastewater collected from two sewer sheds of two cities, Agadir and Inezgane, using the PEG/NaCl method. The viral copy number was determined using qRT-PCR. All 26 samples in both cities were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at various viral loads. For Influenza A virus, two samples were tested positive in Inezgane. The estimated SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA copy numbers observed were then used to estimate the number of infected individuals using the SEIR model. The number of viral copies of SARS-CoV-2 for Agadir and Inezgane varied from 82932 ± 15479 to 507865 ± 58759 copies/L and 61244 ± 8552 to 497506 ± 18061 copies/L, respectively. The estimated number of cases correlates positively with the number of reported cases. Next Generation Sequencing showed that samples contain the following two variants: BA.1 and BA.2 that have been detected in clinical samples. This study demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of wastewater genomic surveillance in monitoring pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 in Morocco.

This study aimed to determine the impact of a novel formulation of a supplement composed of the natural ingredients: bromelain, quercetin, and Lentinula edodes, on the gut microbiota of healthy adult dogs. Adult healthy female dogs were administered either a placebo (CTR, n = 15) or the supplement (TRT, n=15) over 28 days. Stool samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing before supplement administration (T0), at completion of supplement administration (T28), and one week after the end of supplement administration (T35) to characterize changes in the gut microbial communities. QIIME was used to determine both alpha- and beta-diversity and ANCOM-BC was used to identify differences in taxonomic abundances before and after supplementation. We found a significant decrease in overall diversity in CTR group, but no significant differences in overall diversity in the TRT group over time. Furthermore, we found differences in the abundance of several taxa in both CTR and TRT groups but differences in abundance of beneficial bacteria were more pronounced in TRT group. Specifically, we found increases in the abundance of sequences belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus at T28 in the TRT group with significant increases in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus persisting at T35 when compared to T0. Importantly, members of these genera are known to be pro anti-inflammatory and associated with a healthy gut microbiota in dogs. The results of our study show the potential of our supplement to selectively enhance specific beneficial bacterial taxa, offering a targeted approach to modulating the gut microbiome without causing disruptions to the overall equilibrium.

Background: Endometriosis is a female chronic inflammatory disease in which endometrial tissue develops outside the uterine cavity. It is a complex pathology, that significantly contributes to morbidity in premenopausal women, leading to chronic pain, infertility, and subfertility negatively impacting the physical, and emotional well-being and overall quality of life. The public health burden of endometriosis remains elusive and challenging to determine, and this uncertainty can lead to inadequate healthcare services and treatments. Objective: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of endometriosis in Italy using the hospital discharge records database. Population-based retrospective study. Nationwide between 2011 and 2020. Methods: From the National Hospital Discharge Database were selected all admissions with a diagnosis of endometriosis (ICD-9-CM, codes 617.x), supported by the presence of a procedure code of laparoscopy or any other surgical procedure allowing direct visualisation of the lesions. Main outcomes measures Incidence and prevalence of endometriosis were estimated for the entire 2010-2020 period and by individual year, analysing the time trend and variability in different geographical areas of Italy. Results: A total of 134,667,646 women aged 15–50 years with one or more hospitalisations for endometriosis in all Italian hospitals. The incidence of endometriosis in Italy during this period was 0.839 per 1000 women (CI95% 0.834-0.844), exhibiting a statistically significant decreasing trend over the years. A discernible north-south gradient was observed, with higher rates documented in the northern regions. The prevalence rate stood at 14.0 per 1000 during the same period, and a similar north-south geographical gradient was identifiable in the prevalence rates as well. Conclusions: The utilization of national-level hospital data enables the generation of incidence and prevalence data for endometriosis without variations in methods and definitions, facilitating the evaluation of temporal trends and regional comparisons. Understanding and quantifying this phenomenon is essential for appropriate healthcare planning in various Italian regions.

Patients with predominantly antibody deficiencies (PAD) display hypogammaglobulinemia with a high prevalence of infections, along with autoimmune manifestations, benign and malignant lymphoproliferation and granulomatous disease. It is noteworthy that PAD patients, even those with defects in the same causative genes display a variable clinical phenotype, suggesting that additional genetic polymorphisms, located in either immune-related or non-immune-related genes, may affect their clinical and laboratory phenotype. In this context, we analyzed 80 PAD patients, including 70 with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) for SERPINA1 defects, in order to investigate their possible contribution to PAD clinical phenotype. Eight CVID patients carried heterozygous pathogenic SERPINA1 defects with normal alpha-1 antitrypsin levels. Interestingly, the presence of the Z allele (rs28929474) which was found in three patients, was significantly associated with liver disease; hepatic complications were also observed in patients carrying the p.Leu23Gln (rs1379209512) and the p.Phe76del (rs775982338) alleles. Conversely, no correlation of SERPINA1 defective variants with respiratory complications was observed, although patients with pathogenic variants exhibit a reduced probability of developing autoimmune diseases. Therefore, we recommend SERPINA1 genetic analysis in PAD, in order to identify patients with a higher risk for liver disease.

We construct a Bayesian estimator for the dilution of a wastewater sample. When wastewater is diluted by rainwater an estimate of the level of dilution is required if we are to normalise sample measurements of disease markers such as SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We consider the situation where flow measurements are available, but will regularly be unreliable because of the action of combined sewer outflows (CSOs) and wastewater storage tanks, which divert wastewater away from treatment plants when the flow is excessive. However, we also have proxies for the flow from various chemical markers (e.g.\ phosphate, ammonium, electrical conductivity), whose level per unit of population is fixed. The new flow estimator has multiple advantages compared to existing procedures: credible intervals for the estimates; optimal weighting of the chemical markers; systematic handling of missing and censored values; and model based smoothing without lags.

This review article focuses on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming healthcare in Africa, specifically in combatting infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and antimicrobial resistance. We provide a comprehensive overview of the significance of AI in the healthcare industry, highlighting its urgency and importance in addressing these specific health challenges in Africa. We begin by discussing the role of AI in infectious disease surveillance and outbreak detection. We explore how AI technology can be employed for real-time tracking and prediction of outbreaks, providing examples of successful AI applications in infectious disease surveillance within the African context.Next, we examine the potential of AI-enabled diagnosis and treatment for faster and more accurate diagnoses of infectious diseases and NTDs. We highlight specific examples of AI applications in diagnosing and treating these diseases in Africa, showcasing the potential of AI to improve clinical outcomes and save lives.Furthermore, we focus on how AI-driven drug discovery and development can expedite the search for new treatments for infectious diseases and combat antimicrobial resistance. We present examples of AI applications in drug discovery within the African context, illustrating the potential for AI to revolutionize the development of effective therapeutics.In addition, we delve into how AI-powered public health interventions can enhance the design and implementation of targeted interventions. We explore how AI can optimize resource allocation and facilitate data-driven decision-making processes, providing examples of AI applications in public health in Africa.Finally, we address the challenges and limitations of implementing AI in combatting infectious diseases, NTDs, and antimicrobial resistance in Africa. We discuss potential barriers and ethical concerns surrounding AI applications in healthcare, aiming to encourage informed and responsible utilization of AI technologies.Overall, this review emphasizes the importance and potential of AI in combatting infectious diseases, NTDs, and antimicrobial resistance in Africa. It positions AI as a catalyst for revolutionizing healthcare in the region, leading to more effective disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, drug discovery, and public health interventions.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe, rare protozoal infection of the cornea. Acanthamoeba can survive in diverse habitats and at extreme temperatures. AK is mostly seen in contact lens wearers, whose lenses have become contaminated, or a history of water exposure, and in those without contact lens wear, who have experienced recent eye trauma involving contaminated soil or water. Infection usually results in severe eye pain, photophobia, inflammation, and corneal epithelial defects. The pathophysiology of this infection is multifactorial, including the production of cytotoxic proteases by Acanthamoeba that degrades the corneal epithelial basement membrane and induce the death of ocular surface cells, resulting in degradation of the collagen-rich corneal stroma. AK can be prevented by avoiding the risk factors, which include avoiding water contact such as swimming or showering in contact lenses, and wearing protective goggles when working on the land. AK is mostly treated with an antimicrobial therapy of biguanides alone or in combination with diaminidines, although the commercial availability of these medicines is variable. Other than anti-amoeba therapies, targeting host immune pathways in Acanthamoeba disease may lead to the development of vaccines or antibody therapeutics which could transform the management of AK.

Scrub typhus (ST) is one of the most neglected tropical diseases, a leading cause of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in areas of the ‘tsutsugamushi triangle’, diagnosed frequently in South Asian countries. The bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi is the causative agent of the disease, which enters to human body through the bite of trombiculid mite (Chigger) of the genus Leptotrombidium deliense.The diagnosis of the disease becomes challenging as its early symptoms mimic other febrile illnesses like dengue, influenza, and corona viruses. Lack of rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic methods further complicates the identification process. Northeast India, a mountainous region with a predominantly rural tribal population, has witnessed a resurgence of scrub typhus cases in recent years. Various ecological factors, including rodent population, habitat characteristics, and climatic conditions, influence its prevalence. Entomological investigations have confirmed the abundance of vector mites, highlighting the importance of understanding their distribution and the probability of transmission of scrub typhus in the region. Proper diagnosis, awareness campaigns, and behavioral interventions are essential for controlling scrub typhus outbreaks and reducing its impact on public health in Northeast India. Further research and community-based studies are necessary to accurately assess the disease burden and implement effective prevention strategies.

Mercury (Hg (II)) contamination is indefatigable global hazard which causes severe permanent damages to human health. Extensive research has been carried out to produce mercury adsorbents however they are still facing certain challenges limiting their upscaling. Herein we reported the synthesis of novel amine impregnated inverse vulcanized copolymer for effective mercury removal. Poly(S-MA) was prepared using sulfur and methacrylic acid employing inverse vulcanization method following by functionalization. The polyethylenime (PEI) was impregnated on poly(S-MA) to increase the adsorption active sites. The developed adsorbent was then characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR confirmed formation of copolymer and successful impregnation of PEI and SEM revealed composite porous morphology of the copolymer. Amine impregnated copolymer (amine@poly(S-MA)) outperformed poly(S-MA) in mercury as it showed 20 % superior performance with 44.7 mg/g maximum adsorption capacity. The adsorption data best fits the pseudo second order which indicates that the chemisorption is most influential mechanism in this case indicating the involvement of NH2 in mercury removal. The adsorption is mainly monolayer on homogenous surface as indicated by 0.76 value of Redlich-Peterson exponent (g) which describes the adsorption nature advent from R2 value of 0.99.

Background: It has shown that meal timing, poor sleep quality and chronotype could play a relevant role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the relationship with macronutrients by eating occasions has not been explored deeply. Objective: Our aim was to estimate the association between chrono-nutrition, sleep quality, chronotype and the prevalence of T2DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a subset of 3465 middle-aged adults (2068 women) from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Spain cohort study. In the 2017-18 follow-up, we assessed chronotype, sleep quality, diet, and sociodemographic data by validated questionnaires. Further, we used blood samples to determinate serum levels of glucose. We defined a case of T2DM when serum glucose concentration was ≥126 mg/dl or when participants self-reported diabetes. Results: Higher prevalence of T2DM was associated with poor sleep quality (ORpoorvsgood=2.90, 95%CI=1.30, 6.28). Carbohydrate intake at breakfast was inversely associated with the prevalence of T2DM (OR=0.75, 95%CI=0.66, 0.85). Finally, lipid intake at breakfast were associated with a 13% higher the prevalence of T2DM (OR=1.13, 95%CI=1.01, 1.26) for each 1 standard deviation (1-SD) increase. We observed no associations between macronutrient intake at lunch or dinner and T2DM. Conclusions: The study concludes that a breakfast with higher content in carbohydrate at breakfast is correlated with a reduced prevalence of T2DM. While higher lipids intake at breakfast was associated with higher prevalence of T2DM. Furthermore, poor sleep quality is as a potential factor associated with an elevated prevalence of T2DM. Our results emphasize the need for prospective studies to validate and strengthen these observed associations.

The platelet count, a component of the full blood count, has been identified as a useful diagnostic marker for cancer in primary care. The reference range for the platelet count is 150 to 400 or 450 × 109/l; this range does not account for natural variation in platelet count by age and sex. This study used three primary care cohorts from England Canada, and Australia. Patients aged 40 years and over with a full blood count were included and stratified by age (in 10-year bands), sex, (male/female), and platelet count group. Cancer incidence within one year of test date was estimated from linked registry data. In all three countries there was a clear upwards trend in cancer incidence with increasing platelet count, for both sexes and at all age groups. Lung and colorectal were the most common sites. These results have important implications for the international application of this work; analysis of local health datasets will be crucial to determine appropriate thresholds. Appropriate upper thresholds will depend on local populations, healthcare needs, and priorities. Further research is needed to assess the likely impact of new recommendations on the healthcare system, on cancer outcomes, and patient benefit.

Agent-based models (ABMs) are computational models for simulating the actions and interactions of autonomous agents in time and space. These models allow users to simulate the complex interactions between individual agents and the landscapes they inhabit and are increasingly used in epidemiology to understand complex phenomena and make predictions. However, as the complexity of the simulated systems increases, notably when disease control interventions are considered, model flexibility and processing speed can become limiting. Here we introduce SamPy, an open-source Python library for stochastic agent-based modeling of epidemics. SamPy is a modular toolkit for model development, providing adaptable modules that capture host movement, disease dynamics, and disease control interventions. Memory optimization and design provide high computational efficiency allowing modelling of large, spatially-explicit populations of agents over extensive geographical areas. In this article, we demonstrate the high flexibility and processing speed of this new library. The version of SamPy considered in this paper is available at https://github.com/sampy-project/sampy-paper .

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that significantly impacts both patients and healthcare systems. The management of COPD involves various pharmacological intervention strategies, and addressing the issue of low adherence to these strategies has become a subject of significant interest. In response to this concern, there has been a shift towards utilizing telemedicine and mobile applications. The primary objective of this scoping review is to delineate the usage of mobile applications to enhance pharmacological therapeutic adherence in adult patients with COPD. The study involved a search of databases such as Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrial.gov, focusing on literature published in English and Spanish over the last decade. The selected studies assessed interventions involving mobile applications (mobile apps) designed to improve pharmacological adherence. Four digital aids were identified, available on online platforms, mobile apps, or both: m-PAC, myCOPD, Wellinks mHealth, and Propeller Health. Pro-peller Health, in particular, is an app that directly measures pharmacological adherence through electronic medication monitors attached to participants' inhalers. Opening the app was associated with higher odds of using control medications compared to participants who did not open the app. The findings suggest that these digital interventions serve as valuable tools to enhance patient adherence to treatment. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of different digital devices, such as digital inhalers and mobile applications, that directly measure pharmacological adherence.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a persistent neurodevelopment disorder frequently co-occurring with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and behavior-related disorders. While behavioral therapy is the first-line option to manage ASD core symptoms, pharmacological therapy is sometimes needed to treat acute problems, such as agitation and aggressive behaviors. Recent guidelines recommend neuroleptics to reduce psychomotor agitation in people with ASD. However, since children with ASD are often drug-resistant, alternative treatments are often justified. Reports from literature showed that intra-venous valproate (IV-VPA) can be effective in reducing agitation in psychiatric patients, with lower frequency of adverse events compared to convention-al treatments. However, since findings are occasionally inconsistent, IV-VPA is not an approved option in clinical psychiatry. We aim at improving the knowledge on the IV-VPA treatment option in emergency psychiatry in the pediatric age. Methods: We report the case of a 11-year-old boy suffering from a complex neurodevelopmental condition, who experienced a psychotic episode with severe aggressive and disruptive behaviors, successfully treated with IV-VPA. Besides, we conducted an up-dated literature review on this topic. Conclusion: In our case, first-line therapies proved to be ineffective. On the contrary, IV-VPA led to a safe and prompt clinical success, in line with other reports. Based on our literature review, IV-VPA can be highly effective and can reduce the risk of adverse events that frequently occur with the use of high-dose standard medications in emergency psychiatry.

Novel genetic risk markers have helped to advance the field of cardiovascular epidemiology and refine our current understanding and risk stratification paradigms. Discovery and analysis of variants can help to tailor prognostication and management. However, populations underrepresented in cardiovascular epidemiology and cardiogenetics research may experience inequities in care if prediction tools are not applicable to them clinically. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to outline the barriers that underrepresented populations can face in participating in genetics research, describe current efforts to diversify cardiogenetics research, and outline strategies that researchers in cardiovascular epidemiology can implement to include underrepresented populations. Mistrust, a lack of diverse research teams, improper use of sensitive biodata, and constraints of genetic analyses are all barriers for including diverse populations in genetics studies. Current work is beginning to address the paucity of ethnically diverse genetics research and has already begun to shed light on the potential benefits of including underrepresented and diverse populations. Reducing barriers for individuals, utilizing community-driven research processes, adopting novel recruitment strategies, and pushing for organizational support for diverse genetics research are key steps that clinicians and researchers can take to develop equitable risk stratification tools and improve patient care.

With enhanced life expectancy and ageing global populations, the prevalence of multimorbidity continues to increase. However, there is a dearth of evidence linked to multimorbidity diagnoses, treatments and health outcomes which remains a concern for future proofing optimal healthcare services. Generating evidence is critical to managing multimorbidity, promoting public health and minimizing health inequalities via effective healthcare policies that improve quality of life for vulnerable populations. This study assessed meta-epidemiology of multimorbidity to report the gaps in scientific knowledge and clinical practice. A systematic methodology was designed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42022347308) to report meta-epidemiology analyses using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE for studies published between the 1^st of January 1980 - 31^st December 2022. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of multimorbidity in adults. Forest plots, pooled odds ratios and statistical heterogeneity metrics were used to assess the association between multimorbidity and investigated factors. Funnel plots and Egger’s regression were used to detect and correct for publication bias. Our findings identified women to be 0.32 times more likely to have multimorbidity in comparison to males. In regard to ethnicity, white people were 0.47 times less likely to develop comorbidities than black people. People who identified as a drinker or unmarried were more likely to develop comorbidities than those who are non-drinkers or married, respectively. Regardless of smoking status, people were equally likely to have comorbidity. In terms of environmental influences, people in rural areas were found to be 0.2 times less likely to have comorbidity in comparison to those living in urban areas. Interestingly, people with a higher education level were 0.57 times more likely to develop comorbidities than those with only a high school education. It is evident that multimorbidity has a significant burden globally and impacts the provision of care necessitated across populations given its association with several social determinants of health. Robust research and healthcare policies are required to better manage multimorbidity in patients. An example of such intervention includes employing prevention programs to reduce risk and incidence of multimorbidity within at-risk populations.

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue found inside the brain that consists of cells that grow and multiply without any control and unchecked by the mechanisms that regulate normal cell growth. It is one of the leading causes of death in many different regions worldwide, affecting various ages, sex, race, or ethnicities. Besides being a life-threatening condition, it can also disrupt normal brain function leading to severe cognitive morbidity. Additionally, the cost associated with active treatment and palliative care of the brain tumor most often proves to be out of reach for many people. Over the past decades, even though we have several published literature showing the epidemiology and characteristics of brain tumors, up-to-date epidemiological data is yet to be published. This review will provide comparable recent statistics regarding the incidence of brain tumors in 3 different regions; - the USA, the UK, and Australia. Also, a focus will be given to brain tumor’s key characteristics, classifications, and treatment protocol.

Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) rely on the presence of the metabolic activity of electroactive bacteria for the use of solid-state electrodes for oxidizing different kind of compound, that could lead to the synthesis of chemicals, bioremediation of polluted matrices, the treatment of contaminants of interest, as well as the recovery of energy. Keeping in mind those possibilities, since the beginning of the present century, there has been a growing interest in the use of electrochemical technologies for wastewater treatment, and if possible with simultaneous power generation. In the last years, there has been a growing interest to explore the possibility of merging MET with constructed wetlands, to offer a new option of intensified wetland system that could keep a high performance with a lower footprint. Based on that interest, this paper explains the general principles of MET, and the different known extracellular electron transfer mechanisms ruling the interaction between electroactive bacteria and potential solid-state electron acceptors. Also, the adoption of those principles for the development of MET set-ups for simultaneous wastewater treatment and power generation, and the challenges that the technology face. Ultimately, the most recent developments in set-ups that merges MET with constructed wetlands are presented and discussed.

Enteric infections are a major public health concern. Detecting risk areas requires a strong surveillance system for pathogenic viruses in possible sources such as wastewater. To build an environmental surveillance system, we aimed to identify group A rotavirus (RVA) and human adenovirus (HAdV) in wastewater. We also focused on three different methods of viral concentration to determine suitability for a regular surveillance system. We screened 20 wastewater samples for HAdV and RVA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR). Sixteen posi-tives (18/20) and ten (14/20) positives for HAdV and RVA, respectively, were obtained on qPCR, representing a prevalence of 90% and 70%. Twelve (12) positives were successfully amplified. Bag-mediated filtration system (BMFS) and skimmed milk (SM) flocculation were the most consistent viral concentration methods for HAdV and RVA, respectively. Human adenovirus was identified with nucleotide identity range of 98.48% to 99.53%. Statistical analysis of positives showed that viral burden differed by site (P

This comprehensive review has systematically examined the use of heterogeneous solid acid catalysts in the production of biodiesel from wastewater-derived sludge by using the PRISMA methodology. The manuscript highlighted the composition and characteristics of wastewater-derived sludge, presenting both the opportunities and challenges associated with its use as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Various types of catalysts were dis-cussed, with a detailed exploration of heterogeneous solid acid catalysts, including zeolites, hetero-polyacid (HPA), mixed metal oxides, and sulphonic acid group catalysts. The advantages and limitations of these catalysts were critically analyzed, providing a balanced view of their potential in industrial applications. The application section delved into the catalytic transesterification reaction, mechanisms of biodiesel production, and the effects of catalyst loading on yield. Performance metrics such as catalytic activity, stability, recyclability, cost-effectiveness, and environ-mental impact were thoroughly evaluated, offering a clear understanding of the efficacy of these catalysts. Synthesis and characterization techniques were also reviewed, shedding light on the latest preparation methods and characterization techniques. Recent advances in catalyst development were presented, showcasing the innovative strides made in enhancing catalyst performance. The environmental and economic implications of using solid acid catalysts for bio-diesel production were assessed, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and economic viability.

Wastewater-based surveillance has emerged as an important method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2. This study investigated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in Zambia. We conducted a longitudinal study in the Copperbelt and Eastern provinces of Zambia from October 2023 to December 2023 during which 155 wastewater samples were collected. The samples were subjected to three different concentration methods, namely bag-mediated filtration, skimmed milk flocculation, and polythene glycol-based concentration assays. Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was conducted using real-time PCR. Whole genome sequencing was conducted using Illumina COVIDSEQ assay. Of the 155 wastewater samples, 62 (40%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, 13 sequences of sufficient length to determine SARS-CoV-2 lineages were obtained and two sequences were phylogenetically analyzed. Various Omicron subvariants were detected in wastewater including BA.5, XBB.1.45, BA.2.86, and JN.1. Some of these subvariants have been detected in clinical cases in Zambia. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis positioned a sequence from the Copperbelt Province in the B.1.1.529 clade, suggesting that earlier Omicron variants detected in late 2021 could still be circulating and may not have been wholly replaced by newer subvariants. This study stresses the need for integrating wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 into mainstream strategies for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Zambia.

The aim of study was to investigate epidemiology aspects of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during COVID-19 pandemic. The study comprised depersonalized residents of Tomsk and Tomsk Region (n = 1714). Invitations to take online survey were sent to 50,000 residents by target SMS with response rate of 1.2% (n = 727, Cohort 1). Cohort 2 comprised retrospective patients (n = 987) who underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI (CMR) in 2019-2022. Referrals, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, gender, age, past COVID-19, MRI study protocols, and MRI data were analyzed. 29% of respondents in cohort 1 received MRI examination within past two years; 26% of respondents considered MRI the most informative imaging modality for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia; 12% of respondents reported MRI unavailable. Proportion of CMR among MRI studies increased during COVID-19 pandemic, and maximum incidence of cardiac diseases detected by MRI was in 2021. Incidence of myocardial fibrosis increased from ~67% in 2019 to ~84% in 2022. The rate of outpatient MRI studies significantly increased in 2020, but returned to pre-pandemic level in 2021. COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for MRI and CMR. Patients with history of COVID-19 had persistent and newly occurring symptoms of myocardial damage suggesting chronic cardiac involvement requiring continuous follow-up.

The study investigated farmers’ perception on pests and diseases management strategies, agricultural practices, production constraints and selection criteria of elite varieties using a survey research design. A total of 700 questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers who were farming for household consumption, those producing for sale and household consumption and those who were mainly producing for sale because their primary goal was to produce for the market. Findings revealed that the most prevalent pests identified were whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), grasshoppers (Zonocerus variegatus), aphids (Aphis gossypii), mealybugs (Phenacoccus manihoti), termites (Isoptera), and grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus). The three most common diseases of cassava limiting growth and yield with mixed infection include viral, bacterial, and fungal. The study also revealed that only 12.5% of farmers cultivated improved cassava varieties. The management practices implemented encompassed field sanitation and the application of pesticides. Lack of capital and no availability of market were the most important production and marketing constraints faced by farmers in the study area, whereas poundability and high storage root yield are the most preferred traits farmers consider in selecting a new variety. Results suggest that smallholder farmers should endeavor to undergo various developmental programs to develop themselves to increase their competitive advantage in their locality and in the local and global agricultural sectors. In addition, governments and other policy makers should strategize plans and programs that would contribute to smallholder farmers’ agriculture, community and national development.

This article compares chemical coagulation with electrocoagulation, two popular methods for the primary treatment of wastewater generated in the process of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG). The primary aim was to determine which method is more effective in the removal of cyanide and sulphide ions, metals and metalloids, as well as organic compounds. In both cases, experiments were conducted in batch 1 dm³ reactors, and the coagulation/flocculation process was carried out using iron ions. Four types of coagulants were tested during the chemical coagulation study: FeCl₂, FeSO₄, Fe₂(SO₄)₃, and FeCl₃. In the electrocoagulation experiments, pure iron Armco steel was used to manufacture the sacrificial iron anode. Both processes were tested under a wide range of operating conditions (pH, time, Fe dose) to determine their maximum efficiency for treating UCG wastewater. It was found that, through electrocoagulation, a dose as low as 60 mg Fe/dm³ leads to >60% cyanide reduction and >98% sulphide removal efficiency, while for chemical coagulation, even a dose of 307 mg Fe/dm³ did not achieve more than 24% cyanide ion removal. Moreover, industrial chemical coagulants, especially when used in very high doses, can be a substantial source of cross-contamination with trace elements.

China is not only short of fresh water resources per capita, but also faces a serious problem of water pollution in recent years, with 190 million people suffering from excessive levels of harmful substances in their drinking water. Such as arsenic poisoning and fluorosis and other endemic water diseases high incidence. As a series of water pollution prevention plan of action by the Chinese government announced that, this paper uses the modified Undesirable Dynamic Network model empirical analysis of China's 31 provincial administrative region economic growth, wastewater treatment, and water disease control efficiency between 2013 and 2017. The results show that the efficiency of water pollution disease in all four regions of China and the total efficiency in the three regions of east, west and central China all show a decreasing trend, and the efficiency scores and rankings of all provinces and cities within the region fluctuate greatly. The eastern region with the most developed economy has the best overall performance, with higher efficiency in Water consumption and Water disease control. However, the efficiency of wastewater treatment in northeast China is stable and better. Given the high level of economic development in China and the results of the above mentioned efficiency in water pollution and water diseases, improving the efficiency and quality of wastewater treatment in China is regarded as an important factor in achieving the strategic goal of green growth.

This research delves into the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of hyperprolactinemia, particularly focusing on prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, or prolactinomas, in Dolj County, a region historically underrepresented in medical literature. Hyperprolactinemia, a prevalent endocrine disorder, arises from excessive prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland's lactotrope cells and presents a diverse clinical picture. The most significant etiological contributors identified are prolactinomas, accounting for approximately 39% of all secretory pituitary tumors. In light of hyperprolactinemia's substantial morbidity and prevalence, this study underscores the necessity of comprehensive understanding of its regional epidemiology and clinical presentations. Our methodology incorporated collecting retrospective data across various medical facilities in Dolj, ensuing a meticulous analysis of clinical features, paraclinical investigation outcomes, and therapeutic responses among patients with prolactinomas. Emphasis was placed on discerning risk factors, demographic characteristics, and associated comorbidities to encapsulate the full spectrum of these tumors' impact within the community. Preliminary results suggest a nuanced incidence rate of prolactinomas within Dolj, with specific demographic and clinical trends potentially distinct from those reported in wider literature. These findings stress the critical role of localized studies in enhancing screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic protocols. Ultimately, this investigation offers critical insights into the epidemiology and symptomatology of prolactinomas in Dolj, significantly augmenting existing literature and informing regional medical practices.

Animal trypanosomiasis (AT) is a complex of veterinary diseases known under various names such as nagana, surra, dourine and mal de caderas, depending on the country, the infecting trypanosome species and the host. AT is caused by parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, and the main species infecting domesticated animals are T. brucei brucei, T. b. rhodesiense, T. congolense, T. vivax, T. evansi and T. equiperdum. AT transmission, again depending on species, is through tsetse flies or common Stomoxys and tabanid flies or through copulation. Therefore, the geographical spread of all forms of AT together is not restricted to the habitat of a single vector like the tsetse fly and currently includes almost all of Africa, and most of South America and Asia. The disease is a threat to millions of companion and farm animals in these regions, creating a financial burden in the billions of dollars to developing economies as well as serious impacts on livestock rearing and food production. Despite the scale of these impacts, control of AT is neglected and under-resourced, with diagnosis and treatments being woefully inadequate and not improving for decades. As a result, neither the incidence of the disease, nor the effectiveness of treatment is documented in most endemic countries, although it is clear that there are serious issues of resistance to the few old drugs that are available. In this review we particularly look at the drugs, their application to the various forms of AT, and their mechanisms of action and resistance. We also discuss the spread of veterinary trypanocide resistance and its drivers, and highlight current and future strategies to combat it.

Viral Encephalitis is a significant public health concern globally, especially west Africa. There are more than 500 known arboviruses with over 100 of them identified to cause encephalitic diseases in humans and animals, giving rise to a tremendous burden of the diseases, and socioeconomic strains in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Despite their importance, few effective preventive and control measures in form of vaccines and therapeutics are available and where they are, usage is limited. These limitations are largely hinged on the paucity of information about the molecular epidemiology and transmission patterns of VE in west Africa. Here, we reviewed the transmission dynamics, ecological drivers, and molecular epidemiology of VE in the region. Collectively, timely and accurate interventions are essential for encephalitic viral disease control. Moreover, the integrated health system approach, combining surveillance, vaccination, vector control, and community engagement could be effective in preventing viral encephalitis globally.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes both acute and chronic disease of the liver that can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancer and liver failure. HCV is characterized by high genetic diversity and substantial variations in prevalence of specific HCV genotypes in different countries of the world. Many effective regimens of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), including pan-genotypic, can successfully treat HCV infection. However, genotype-specific treatments for HCV are being actively employed in the national plans for elimination of HCV infection around the world. Evaluation of HCV genotype prevalence in a country is mandatory for successful implementation of the national plans for elimination of HCV infection and allocation of financial resources to DAAs most effecting for specific HCV genotypes prevalent in a country. Here, we analyzed HCV genotypes, subgenotypes and recombinants in 10,107 serum samples from patients with chronic HCV infection from all Federal districts of Russia collected in 2015-2017. This is the first, largest evaluation of HCV genotypes performed on samples from all territories of Russia, from its Central Federal district to the Far East. Moreover, we have updated retrospective epidemiological analysis of chronic and acute HCV infection in Russia in 2001-2021. We demonstrate that the incidence of acute HCV infection in Russia reduced from 16.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2001 to 0.6 cases per 100,000 population in 2021. The number of cases of chronic HCV infection decreased from 29.5 to 16.4 per 100,000 population during this period. HCV genotype analysis indicated that HCV genotype 1 dominates in Russia (53.6%). Genotypes 3 and 2 were detected in 35.4% and 7.8% of patients respectively. These proportions are virtually identical in all regions of Russia except for Far East, where HCV genotype 2 amounts only to 1%. HCV genotypes 1 and 2 are more widespread in women, while HCV genotype 3 in men. The highest frequency of identification of genotype 3 was found in the age group of 31-40 years old (44.9%, respectively), and genotype 1 was more prevalent in a group of over 70 years old (72.2%). The proportion of HCV genotype 2 is predominant among HCV-infected persons older than 40 years. Discriminating HCV genotype 2 and recombinant RF1_2k/1b, which are frequently misclassified, is important for successful antiviral treatment of such patients. For the first time, we demonstrate the countrywide prevalence of HCV RF1_2k/1b in different regions of Russia. HCV RF1_2k/1b amounts to 3.2% in the structure of HCV genotypes, reaching 30% among samples classified as genotype 2 by some commercial genotyping tests. The highest proportion of HCV RF1_2k/1b was detected in the north-west (60%), southern (41.6%) and central (31.6%) federal district. Its frequency in Far Eastern and North Caucasus Districts was ~ 14.3%. HCV RF1_2k/1b was not detected in the Volga, Ural and Siberian districts. To conclude, this is the first and most complete evaluation of HCV epidemiology and genotype/subgenotype distribution in Russia.

In this work, we analysed human isolates of nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (NTS), which were collected from salmonellosis cases in Armenia from 1996 to 2019. This disease became a leading food-borne bacterial infection in the region, with the younger age groups especially affected. The isolates were characterised by serotyping, Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC-PCR) typing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The main serotypes were S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and S. Arizonae. ERIC-PCR indicated a high degree of clonality among S. Typhimurium strains, which were also multidrug-resistant and produced extended spectrum beta-lactamases. During the study period, the frequency of S. Typhimurium and S. Arizonae isolations were decreasing, but with the increase of S. Enteritidis and other NTS. A total of 42 NTS isolates were subjected to WGS and explored for virulence-related traits and the corresponding genetic elements. Some virulence and genetic factors were shared by all NTS serotypes, while the main differences were attributed to the serotype-specific diversity of virulence genes, SPIs, virulence plasmids, and phages. The results indicated the variability and dynamics in the epidemiology of salmonellosis and a high virulence potential of human NTS isolates circulating in the region.

The ciguatera is a food poisoning caused by the consumption of primarily coral fish; these species exist in large numbers in the seas that bathe the Colombian territory. The underreported diagnosis of this clinical entity has been widely highlighted due to multiple factors, as are among others, ignorance by the primary care practitioner consulted for this condition, clinical similarity with secondary gastroenteric symptoms, to common food poisonings of bacterial, parasitic or viral etiology. Eventually people affected by ciguatotoxin are related to trips to coastal areas hours before the onset of symptoms. Thanks to multiple studies over the years it has been possible to identify the relation of the dinoflagellates in the assembly of said toxin and its introduction into the food chain, starting by fish primarily inhabiting reef ecosystems and culminating in the intake of these by humans. Identifying the epidemiological link, its cardinal symptoms and affected systems such as gastrointestinal, peripheral nervous system and fortunately with a low frequency, the cardiovascular system, leads to a purely clinical diagnostic impression without further complementary studies, performing an adequate treatment primarily symptomatic without underestimating or overlooking any associated complications.