High Occurrence Research Articles

Prevalence, response and associated factors of needlestick injury among health care workers in Orotta National Referral Hospital, Eritrea

BackgroundHealthcare workers are at risk of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids after sustaining needlestick injury which constitutes a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus or Human Immune-deficiency Virus.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence, response, and associated factors of needlestick injury by medical sharps among healthcare workers in Orotta National Referral Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea.MethodsCross sectional study was conducted between September and December 2017 among healthcare workers. This was a census study whereby a total of 383 healthcare workers who had contact with sharp medical equipment were taken as study population. An aided self-administered questionnaire, checklist and key informant interviews were used as data collection tools. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out and the level of significance was set at P < .05.ResultsThe prevalence of needlestick injury 12 months preceding the study was 37.1% (134/361). Midwives had the highest occurrence (45%) among others while adult intensive care unit were found to have higher prevalence of needlestick injury (61.5%) as compared to the other sections. As an immediate response to needlestick injury, only 15.7% washed the injured part with soap and water. The factors associated with needlestick injury include age > 40 years (AOR = .314, p = .05), marital status (married (AOR = 0.595, p = .05)), additional duty that made healthcare workers rush during working hours (AOR = 2.134, p = .002) and back bone problem (AOR = 2.239, p = .002).ConclusionThe overall finding of the study indicated that there was a great risk of contracting blood-borne infections among the healthcare workers especially midwives. Therefore, there is need for adequate supply of safety engineered devices, Hepatitis B vaccine, better reporting, and surveillance of needlestick injury cases at the hospital. Moreover, further research on assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward occupational safety and health, particularly needlestick injury, is necessary.

Occurrence of aflatoxins in organic rice produced and commercialized in Brazil

Since rice is one of the most important cereals for the human diet worldwide, and its organic production has increased over the last years, the objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of aflatoxins in samples of organic rice produced and sold in Brazil, and to determine the average probable daily intake (APDI) of aflatoxins due to the consumption of organic rice. Sixty samples were analyzed for aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results demonstrated that 8.3% of brown rice samples showed levels from 0.13 to 1.24 μg/kg considering the sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, while one sample (8.33%) of polished rice and one sample (33.34%) of red rice presented levels of 0.11 μg/kg and 0.16 μg/kg for AFB1 and AFG2, respectively. According to the Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD), AFB1 and AFG1 had the highest occurrence in samples, and the rice type was the qualitative variable with the greatest intensity, showing that the rice manufacturing process can influence the levels of aflatoxins found in grains. The APDI value was 0.004 μg/kg b.w./day for the sum of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2, indicating that daily consumption of contaminated rice may pose a risk of hepatocarcinogenicity. Although the concentrations of aflatoxins found in the present study did not exceed the maximum tolerable limit recommended by Brazilian regulations (5 μg/kg for cereals), additional studies are necessary to obtain a vast database for the occurrence of aflatoxins in organic rice and, thus, to establish new tolerable limits avoiding risks for consumer health.

Urban Fire Risk Dynamics and Mitigation Strategies in Shanghai: Integrating Spatial Analysis and Game Theory

In recent decades, the increasing frequency of urban fires, driven by urban functional enhancements and climate change, has posed a growing threat to metropolitan sustainability. This study investigates the temporal and spatial characteristics of fire incidents in Shanghai from 2019 to 2023. Using satellite fire point data and official government records, kernel density analysis and wavelet analysis were employed to analyze the time series and spatial distribution of fire data. Subsequently, eleven primary factors influencing urban fire occurrence were identified, encompassing probability, regional characteristics, and hazard sources. A combined methodology of subjective and objective weights with game theory was used to generate a fire risk assessment at a 1 × 1 km2 grid scale. Furthermore, the spatial distribution characteristics of the assessments were analyzed. The results reveal that the downtown area exhibits the highest intensity of urban fires in terms of spatial domain, with a decreasing intensity towards the suburbs. Temporally, fire frequency demonstrates significant periodicity at an 18a time scale, while clear seasonal fluctuations and periodicity are observed at a 16-22a time scale, with higher occurrences in spring and winter. The study identifies typical aggregation patterns of urban fires, with high-risk centers in downtown Shanghai. Considering the impact of climate change and human activities, high-risk areas may gradually expand to adjacent urban suburbs, presenting a concerning future scenario. By examining the dual attributes of “combustibles and fireproof space” within urban greening systems, this research offers recommendations for the future strategies of disaster prevention and mitigation of green systems in Shanghai.

Pathogenic Leptospira interrogans in Jos North Abattoir, Nigeria: Occurrence, serology, and molecular characterization

Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease, adversely affects animal, human health, and socioeconomic conditions, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and molecular identification of pathogenic Leptospira spp. among abattoir workers, cattle, and rats in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional study design, a total of 394 samples were collected, including 149 urine samples from abattoir workers, 125 urine samples from cattle bladders, and 120 bladders from trapped rats. Samples were processed and cultured in Ellinghausen McCullough Johnson Harrison (EMJH) medium and examined under a darkfield microscope. Positive cultures were confirmed using the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (N-PCR) targeted the 16 S rDNA gene. Results revealed a prevalence of 33.76 % for Leptospira spp. across all samples, with the highest occurrence in abattoir workers (13.96 %), followed by rats (13.45 %), and cattle (6.35 %). The MAT showed L. interrogans serovar Hardjo str. Hardjoprajitno as the most prevalent serotype (41.61 %), followed by L. interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae str. RGA (34.31 %). N-PCR confirmed the presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp., showing bands of 1200 bp. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16 S rDNA gene sequences revealed close similarities to known pathogenic Leptospira strains from Brazil and the USA. The study underscores the significant public health risk posed by leptospirosis in Jos North and highlights the need for improved diagnostic capabilities, increased awareness, and effective control measures to mitigate the disease burden. Enhanced surveillance and preventive strategies are crucial to protect both animal and human health in the region.

Temporal and Serotypic Dynamics of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in South African Porcine Populations: A Retrospective Study from 1985 to 2023.

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is a major bacterial pathogen causing porcine pleuropneumoniae, which is a disease of notable economic impact and high fatality rates among pigs worldwide. It has been reported that 19 distinct serotypes of this bacterium exist. Despite its global prominence, there exists a scarcity of information regarding its prevalence and distribution in South Africa. Thus, this study used laboratory records to investigate the serotype diversity, temporal distribution, and seasonal patterns of A. pleuropneumoniae isolated from porcine samples spanning from 1985 to 2023 within South Africa. Data from laboratory registries of 354 cases, obtained from three veterinary laboratories in South Africa, were analyzed. The data were categorized into two-time frames: term 1, covering 1985 to 2001, and term 2, spanning from 2002 to 2023. The dataset identified 11 different serotypes, with serotype 7 being the most prevalent at 22.7% (n = 62), which was followed by serotype 5 at 13.8% (n = 42). The study highlighted variations in the prevalence of serotypes among diseased animals over a 38-year period. Serotypes 3, 5, 7 and 8 were commonly observed during this time, while serotype 4 was absent from 1985 to 2001, and serotypes 1, 6, and 10 were absent from 2002 to 2023. The distribution of serotypes showed a diverse variation in the age of affected animals, clinical manifestation, and seasonal occurrence. Key findings revealed that serotype 7 was the most prevalent across all seasons with the highest occurrence in winter. Additionally, Gauteng province showed the highest prevalence of various serotypes. The information collected during this study will serve as a baseline for future epidemiological studies as well as inform control strategies.

Impact of antiphospholipid antibodies on cardiac valve lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis assesses antiphospholipid antibodies’ (aPLs) impact on heart valve disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science up to January 2024 for comparative studies of heart valve disease in aPL-positive versus aPL-negative SLE patients. Fixed-effect or random-effect models were used to synthesize data, with I2 and sensitivity analyses for heterogeneity and the trim-and-fill method for publication bias. Including 25 studies with 8089 patients, of which 919 had valvular changes, aPLs significantly increased the risk of heart valve disease (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.58–3.18, p < 0.001). Lupus anticoagulant (LA) indicated the highest risk (OR = 4.90, 95% CI: 2.26–10.60, p < 0.001), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) doubled the risk (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.47–4.93, p = 0.001), and anti-β2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) showed a 70% increase (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.17–2.45, p = 0.005). Valve-specific analysis indicated the mitral valve was most commonly involved (26.89%), with higher occurrences in aPL-positive patients (33.34% vs. 15.92%, p = 0.053). Aortic and tricuspid valve involvements were 13.11% vs. 5.42% (p = 0.147) and 12.03% vs. 8.52% (p = 0.039), respectively. Pulmonary valve disease was rare and similar across groups (1.01% in aPL-positive vs. 1.52% in aPL-negative). Significantly, only tricuspid valve disease showed increased risk in aPL-positive patients (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.05–6.75, p = 0.039). APLs notably increase the risk of heart valve disease in SLE patients, with a pronounced effect on tricuspid valve involvement. Regular cardiac assessments for aPL-positive SLE patients are crucial for timely intervention and improved prognosis.

Dynamic evolution characteristics and hazard assessment of compound drought/waterlogging and low temperature events for maize

Hazard assessment is fundamental in the field of disaster risk management. With the increase in global warming, compound water and temperature events have become more frequent. Current research lacks risk assessments of low temperatures and their compound events, necessitating relevant hazard assessment work to improve the accuracy and diversity of maize disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. This study comparatively analyzed the dynamic evolution characteristics and hazards of compound drought/waterlogging and low temperature events (CDLEs and CWLEs) for maize in the Songliao Plain during different growth periods from 1981 to 2020. First, composite drought/waterlogging and low temperature magnitude indices (CDLMI and CWLMI) were constructed to quantify the intensity of CDLEs and CWLEs by fitting non-exceedance probabilities. Next, static and dynamic hazard assessment models were developed by fitting probability density and cumulative probability density curves to CDLMI and CWLMI. The results showed that the correlations between SPRI and LTI across different decades were mainly negative during the three growth periods. The hazard ratings for both CDLEs and CWLEs were relatively high in the northern part of the study area, consistent with the higher occurrence, duration, and severity of both CDLEs and CWLEs at higher latitudes. Relative to 2001–2010, the center of gravity of hazard shifted southward for CDLEs and northward for CWLEs in 2011–2020. The mean duration, frequency, and hazard were generally higher for CWLEs, but CDLEs were associated with more severe maize yield reductions. This study provides new insights into compound disaster risk assessment, and the research methodology can be generalized to other agricultural growing areas to promote sustainable development of agricultural systems and food security.

Outcome of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Retrospective Tertiary Center Experience From Basrah, Iraq.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is regarded as a common endocrine disorder that is biochemically identified and could be symptomatic or asymptomatic. A detailed history and a thorough evaluation with regular follow-ups are required until a definite diagnosis is made. The study aims to evaluate the characteristics of patients and the performance of a tertiary endocrine center in managing the disease in Basrah, Iraq. A retrospective study was conducted at the Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center in Basrah, southern Iraq, on 106 patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism between 2012 and 2023. The patients' general characteristics were assessed, and those who underwent parathyroidectomy were evaluated post-surgery, and the cure rate was determined. The mean age of presentation was 47.5 ± 14.6 years, with a median of 50 years. The highest occurrence is in the sixth decade. Females comprised 79 (75%) of the patients, and the female-to-male ratio was 3:1. Symptomatic patients were 84 (90%), 30 (70%) of the patients had nephrolithiasis, and 52 (68%) had osteoporosis. The cure rate was 15 (83%). In our single-center study, the frequency of primary hyperparathyroidism has increased with time. The disease's highest occurrence was seen in the sixth decade. Females were substantially higher than males. Most patients were symptomatic. The cure rate was 83%.

Persistent hypoglycemia in patients with liver cancer.

Hypoglycemia is one of the paraneoplastic syndrome manifestations that arise from primary and secondary liver cancer. Hypoglycemia usually presents in the late stage of the disease and indicates a poor prognosis. This case series displays the characteristics profile of patients with primary and secondary liver cancer who are presented with hypoglycemia in a tertiary referral hospital in Indonesia. The study included 41 liver cancer patients who were presented with hypoglycemia. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 51.2% of patients, metastatic liver disease in 14.6% of patients, and undiagnosed liver cancer in 34.1% of patients. The mean age was 47.7 years with male predominance (65.9%). Jaundice was found in 58.5% and hepatomegaly in 70.7% of patients. The mean (± S.D.) initial blood glucose was 42.15 ± 17.11 mg/dL and the Child-Pugh score was 9.93 ± 2.11. Based on imaging, tumor diameter was 12.6 ± 6.9 cm, multiple (61%), and involving both lobes (61%). Treatments for hypoglycemia included oral/enteral feeding, intravenous dextrose, and steroids. No treatment was given for the cancer because all patients were in an advanced stage. The treatment resulted in 41.5% blood glucose being controlled, 56.1% refractory, and 2.4% persistent. Mortality was 70.7% and in average occurred 5.76 ± 4.99 days after hypoglycemia. The mainstay of treatment in these cases is treating the tumor with cytoreduction. However, it was difficult to do cytoreduction because the tumor was already in an advanced stage. Beneficial supportive treatments for maintaining normal blood glucose are frequent meals, dextrose infusion, steroids, and glucagon. Hypoglycemia in liver cancer occurs due to the failure of the liver to fulfill body glucose demand because the liver parenchyma has been largely replaced by the tumor, in addition to the high production of insulin growth factor (IGF). Hypoglycemia is often caused by islet cell and non-islet cell tumors, with a higher occurrence in non-islet cell tumors due to paraneoplastic syndrome and the high metabolic requirements of the tumor. The mainstay of NICTH treatment is treating the tumor with cytoreduction. However, in an advanced stage, cytoreduction therapy is often challenging to conduct. Beneficial supportive treatments for controlling blood glucose are frequent meals, dextrose infusion, and the injection of steroids and glucagon. Steroids play a beneficial role in the treatment of persistent hypoglycemia in hepatocellular carcinoma by stimulating gluconeogenesis and increasing lipolysis. Steroids also have roles in the inhibition of peripheral glucose intake, suppression of big IGF-2 production, and modulation of the GH-IGF axis.

Assessment of the Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Physicochemical Parameters and Phytoplankton Compositions of Kalgo River, Kebbi State

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study comprehensively assesses the impact of washing, fishing, and agricultural activities on the physicochemical parameters and phytoplankton composition in the Kalgo River, revealing critical insights into anthropogenic effects on aquatic ecosystems. The research identified 341 phytoplankton species across seven classes, with chlorophyceae being the dominant class, and documented significant seasonal variations in water quality parameters such as pH, EC, and nutrient concentrations. The findings underscore the need for further investigation into the specific impacts of these activities on individual phytoplankton species and their health, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of aquatic ecology and environmental management. Full Abstract Anthropogenic activities can have significant and often detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, including water quality, biodiversity, and the overall ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the impact of washing, fishing, and agricultural activities on physiochemical parameters and phytoplankton composition in the Kalgo River. Water samples were collected from stations A (farming and irrigation), B (fishing activities), and C (washing site) using plankton nets and one-liter plastic bottles following standard methods. Phytoplankton species were identified through comparative morphological examination using a binocular light microscope (Olympus BH2) at a magnification of 100x after centrifuging the water samples. In August, higher values of pH (7.90±0.23), EC (793.91±3.56 µs/cm), P (0.31±0.05 mg/l), NH4 (0.63±0.23 mg/l), and TDS (529.27±0.13) were recorded. The highest temperature (29.66±1.50°C) and maximum concentrations of DO (7.52±0.25 mg/l), BOD (22.4±10.29 mg/l), Ca2+ (164.0±13.21 mg/l), and Cl- (15.40±0.59 mg/l) were found in June. A total of 341 phytoplankton species distributed across 37 genera and belonging to seven classes were identified. The dominant class was chlorophyceae (31.43%), followed by Bacillariophyceae (25.72%) and Cyanophyceae (20.00%), with Rhodophyceae recording the lowest percentage (2.86%). Station B exhibited the highest species composition (41.35%), while station C had the lowest (26.96%). No significant difference (P&gt;0.05) was observed in phytoplankton composition variations between the stations. Crucigenia sp. had the highest occurrence (8.50%), followed by Navicula digitoradiata (7.33%), Volvox sp. (6.16%), and Craticula sp. (5.28%). Asterionella sp., Vaucheria sp., and Melosira variants each accounted for 0.88% of the composition. Despite the diverse phytoplankton assemblage in the Kalgo River, further studies are necessary to evaluate the specific impacts of anthropogenic activities on different phytoplankton species and their overall health in the river.

Influence of climatic factors on spatio-temporal variabilities in the occurrence of aflatoxins in major food grains available at retail shops in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, little is known about the role of climatic factors influencing spatio-temporal occurrence among different food grains of aflatoxins, which have been linked to liver cancer cases and other health hazards. In this study, 252 food grain samples of 10 types were collected from retail markets at 18 districts, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons during February-September, 2018. Occurrence and concentration of total aflatoxins in the samples were analysed by a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and compared with climatic data (temperature, humidity, rainfall, and sunshine hours). Contamination of aflatoxins was found in approx. 38% (n=96) of the total samples, with highest occurrence in groundnuts (82%), followed by corn grains (70%), chick pea (54.5%), wheat grain (50%) and green gram (42.9%). Aflatoxins occurrence was moderate in split chick pea (30.8%), yellow pea (28.2%), black gram (27.8%), and lentils (27.6%), while the lowest in grass pea (17.6%). Aflatoxins concentration was found to exceed the European Union permissible limit (≤5 µg kg-1) in 33 (13.1%) samples. Overall, approximately 5.6%, 7.5%, and 25.0% samples were contaminated with high (10-19 ppb), medium (5-9 ppb) and low (1-4 ppb) concentrations of aflatoxins, respectively. High level concentration of aflatoxins was more frequent in groundnut (36%) and wheat grain (20%), in comparison to other types. Occurrence of aflatoxins during pre-monsoon was detected among 21% (19/91) samples, which increased to ca. 30% (36/119) during monsoon, and 98% (41/42) during post-monsoon. However, aflatoxins mean concentration during post-monsoon was comparatively low than the other seasons. Variations in aflatoxins monthly prevalence correlated significantly with relative humidity (p ≤ 0.01) and rainfall (p≤ 0.05), when a 1-month time lag was considered. Therefore, predisposing climatic conditions, i.e., rainfall incidences and persistence of higher relative humidity in the previous month(s), have salient influence on aflatoxins occurrence, potentially impacting both pre-harvest and stored food grains. This study underscores the need of a more holistic monitoring of aflatoxins in agricultural products for a longer term, and adoption of proper intervention measures for food grains while being stored and before consumption. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2024, 8(2), 32-47

Revealing macrozoobenthos diversity of Java coral reefs, Indonesia: a review on research trends and species assemblages

Macrozoobenthos communities play significant ecological roles in coral reef ecosystems. However, they are frequently overlooked due to their cryptic appearance, and their diversity remains undiscovered, particularly in Indonesia. This comprehensive review of publications on the macrozoobenthos in the coral reef ecosystems of Java - the most populated island in Indonesia, was conducted to compile a species list and gain an overview of its community composition. We also assessed the existence of species that are frequently reported, endemic, protected, and threatened. Data analysis was performed with data from 53 publications appearing from the 1980s to 2022. In total, 482 species belonging to 4 phyla and 9 classes have been recorded. Mollusca is the most speciose phylum (n = 321), followed by Echinodermata (n = 106), Arthropoda (n = 49), and Platyhelminthes (n = 6). Generally, the northern part of Java is well studied and has larger numbers of recorded phyla and species. The highest species number (n = 266) has been recorded off the northern coast of West Java, while there are around 25–99 species in other regions. Echinoderms species such as Culcita novaeguineae, Diadema setosum, Echinothrix calamaris, and Holothuria atra had relatively higher occurrences than other taxa. We also noted the occurrence of giant clam Hippopus hippopus, which is protected by Indonesian law. This review provides fundamental knowledge of macrozoobenthic diversity in the coral reefs of Java, making it available to global audiences. However, it revealed a lack of research on benthic fauna in several areas with moderate to good coral cover conditions. Further research is needed to explore macrozoobenthic species richness in this region thoroughly, and periodic monitoring is essential to provide early warnings of possible changes and biodiversity loss.

Разнообразие сообществ почвенных диатомовых водорослей Государственного природного заказника «Фролихинский»

The species composition of soil diatoms in Frolikhinsky State Nature Reserve was studied. Flora of diatoms algae was represented with 128 taxa of 4 classes, 12 orders, 23 families and 49 genera. The greatest diversity of species was found on the bank of the Bireya River (77 species), and the lowest – on the Barguzinsky ridge pass (3 species). In most species and intraspecific taxa of diatoms (97%) found in the reserve, the occurrence rate varied from 10 to 40%. An occurrence rate above 40% was noted only in four taxa that were identified as leading: Pinnularia borealis (80%), Adlafia bryophila (50%), Gomphonema parvulum (50%) and Planothidium lanceolatum (50%). The complex of dominant species was diverse and included representatives of 15 families. 36 species and intraspecific taxa were classified as dominants, 20 taxa were classified as subdominants. The complex of associated species included 6 taxa, 67 taxa were found singly and occasionally. Pinnularia borealis Ehrenberg had the highest occurrence at all sites. The families Fragilariaceae, Achnanthidiaceae, Naviculaceae, Ahnanthaceae, Gomphonemataceae, Cymbellaceae, Cocconeidaceae, Eunotiaceae, Pinnulariaceae, Bacillariaceae, Sellaphoraceae were characterized by high species diversity. Comparison of diatoms complexes (DC) in different plots of the reserve revealed similarities and differences of floristic diversity and taxonomic structure. The main reasons of taxonomic heterogeneity of DC in different areas are the conditions defined by their location within the natural reserve. The largest number of species was found on the shores of water bodies characterized by a high degree of moisture. The least abundant and diverse diatoms were represented in shaded and insufficiently moist areas of coniferous forests with abundant coniferous litter and acidic soils.

Inducing mussel beds, based on an aquaculture long-line system, as nature-based solutions: Effects on seabed dynamics and benthic communities

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a promising path to enhance climate-resilient shorelines. For instance, the creation of mussel beds in subtidal sandy shore systems provides a versatile strategy for coastal management, reinforcing coastal defense and fostering biodiversity, ultimately strengthening the resilience and well-being of coastal communities. This study analysed the changes in seabed dynamics and surrounding benthic communities as a result of the formation of mussel beds (Mytilus edulis) using an aquaculture longline system. Therefore, a comprehensive monitoring approach at two sites characterized by distinct hydrodynamic conditions was applied over a three-year period. To assess the effects, a before/after control/impact design (BACI) was employed. Seabed dynamics were evaluated by observing mussel bed persistence, erosion/deposition, and sediment composition. The influence on the benthic community included assessments of community structure and biodiversity. Finally, the impact of mussels, hydrodynamic conditions, and their interactions on seabed dynamics and benthic communities was examined using linear mixed models (LMMs). Factors such as mussel presence, Lanice conchilega abundance, shell cover, and sediment composition played a role in shaping the distinct characteristics observed between two different sites: a site that lies at a location that is more sheltered from hydrodynamic conditions, and a second site that is exposed to higher current and wave conditions. The sheltered site exhibited higher species density, richness, biomass, and diversity compared to the exposed site. In relation to the mussel bed development, mussel patches were found at both sites (with higher occurrence at the sheltered site) in the 2nd and 3rd years (mainly in summer towards early winter). The influence of mussels on sediment deposition was noticeable at the sheltered site, albeit lacking statistical significance, suggesting their potential role in erosion/deposition mechanisms. Also, a higher proportion of very fine sand was observed in the mussel bed compared to the bare sand. However, due to the absence of higher-density permanent mussel beds and irregular sedimentation/erosion patterns throughout the study period, no significant effect of the mussel beds on the community structure or diversity was found. In order to achieve a sustained and dense mussel bed and maximize the potential impact of mussels in combating climate change (e.g., shore protection and biodiversity enrichment), additional measures to increase coastal resilience against harsh hydrodynamic conditions may be necessary.

Bibliometric Analysis: Use of Agricultural Waste in the Generation of Electrical Energy

Scientific reports have diversified enormously in the various thematic areas of the scientific world, generating errors and biases in the searches and directing the various investigations. For this reason, this article provides an approach, from the point of view of bibliometric analysis, to reveal the trends of agricultural waste for its potential use as fuel in generating electrical energy. This research has used the programs RStudio, VosViewer, and Excel for the compilation and analysis of data, whose data were extracted from Scopus during the period from 2013 to 15 March 2024, filtering all types of publications that were not original articles and English language. Scientific reports have found that biodigesters are constantly evolving, improving valves, studying and analyzing different types of agricultural waste, and using microorganisms to accelerate the fermentation process of agricultural waste. The terms biogas (330 occurrences), anaerobic digestion (214 occurrences), and agriculture (212 occurrences) were the words with the highest occurrences. At the same time, the author that stood out was Liu Y., who had an H index of 6 and 117 citations in his six articles published in the Scopus database. Moreover, China (1900 citations) was the country with the highest citation numbers, followed by the United States (1060 citations) and India (967 citations). The designs of biogas production increase efficiency and can increase biodigesters’ performance. The research also reveals the different types of development and trends that stood out and emerged in the last decade, such as the authors who have had the most impact on this topic that has recently emerged and the countries that have obtained the most significant number of publications on the topic.

Comparative analysis of enzymatic profiles and biofilm formation in clinical and environmental Candida kefyr isolates

AbstractThe global landscape of Candida infections has seen a significant shift. Previously, Candida albicans was the predominant species. However, there has been an emergence of non‐albicans Candida species, which are often less susceptible to antifungal treatment. Candida kefyr, in particular, has been increasingly associated with infections. This study aimed to investigate the profiles of enzymatic activity and biofilm formation in both clinical and non‐clinical isolates of C. kefyr. A total of 66 C. kefyr isolates were analysed. The activities of proteinase and phospholipase were assessed using bovine serum albumin and egg yolk agar, respectively. Haemolysin, caseinolytic and esterase activities were evaluated using specific methods. Biofilm formation was investigated using crystal violet staining. The findings indicated that biofilm and proteinase activity were detected in 81.8% and 93.9% of all the isolates, respectively. Haemolysin activity was observed with the highest occurrence (95.5%) among normal microbiota isolates. Esterase activity was predominantly identified in dairy samples and was absent in hospital samples. Caseinase production was found with the highest occurrence (18.2%) in normal microbiota and hospital samples. Phospholipase activity was limited, found in only 3% of all the isolates. These findings reveal variations in enzyme activity between clinical and non‐clinical C. kefyr isolates. This sheds light on their pathogenic potential and has implications for therapeutic strategies.

A Comprehensive Review of Preclinical Models for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive, metabolic, and endocrine disorder with unclear aetiology. PCOS, the most common cause of female reproductive and metabolic disorders, is known to affect more than one in ten women globally. PCOS and associated clinical manifestations are probably underdiagnosed despite their high occurrence. Objective: Alternative animal models have been employed to investigate the causes of PCOS or assess potential treatments. In light of this piece of information, it is challenging to create an animal model that accurately captures all components of this condition; nonetheless, the resemblance of an animal model's biology and/or biochemical characteristics to the phenotypes of PCOS in humans may boost its applicability. Result: The key characteristics of these models are closer to human situations when compared to women with PCOS, as shown by this comparison. The creation and testing of drugs for the treatment of PCOS are necessary. Conclusion:: The overview of PCOS, current preclinical models, and appropriate models chosen in different studies to mimic various phenotypes in PCOS studies are all covered in this review paper. Additionally, we have outlined the benefits and drawbacks of PCOS animal models.

Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in long-tailed macaques at Kosamphi Forest Park, Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, and Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, North-east Thailand.

These three parks in North-east Thailand, Kosamphi Forest Park, Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, and Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, are internationally recognized for sheltering long-tailed macaques. Overfeeding by tourists and locals significantly increases the frequency of human-macaque encounters. Being close to each other raises the chances of contracting gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence and range of GI parasite infections in long-tailed macaques among the three major natural habitats. Three hundred fecal samples were collected from long-tailed macaques, with 100 samples from each of the three study sites. The samples underwent Formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique examination. Parasites were identified based on their morphology and size as observed under a light microscope. About 66.67% of the population had GI parasitic infection. Balantidium coli had the highest occurrence (41.66%), whereas Strongyloides spp. (24.33%), Trichuris spp. (18.33%), Entamoeba coli (10.33%), and Endolimax nana (2.33%) followed next in prevalence. A higher rate of single infections (41%) was reported compared to mixed infections (25.66%). At Dong Ling Don Chao Pu Park, the prevalence rate of B. coli in long-tailed macaques was 70%, markedly higher than those reported at the other two study sites. In these areas, the first known case of B. coli infection occurred in long-tailed macaques. In the Kumphawapi Monkey Garden, the prevalence of Strongyloides spp. and Trichuris spp. infections was significantly greater (45% and 28%, respectively) compared to the other two areas. In northeast Thailand, long-tailed macaques are predominantly infected with B. coli, causing GI protozoal infections. In this primate population of the region, Strongyloides and Trichuris species are common helminths. This study offers new knowledge on parasitic loads in Thai long-tailed macaques, essential for devising effective One Health approaches to prevent and manage zoonotic diseases.

Emotion and anxiety interact to bias spatial attention.

Emotional expressions are an evolutionarily conserved means of social communication essential for social interactions. It is important to understand how anxious individuals perceive their social environments, including emotional expressions, especially with the rising prevalence of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety is often associated with an attentional bias for threat-related stimuli, such as angry faces. Yet the mechanisms by which anxiety enhances or impairs two key components of spatial attention-attentional capture and attentional disengagement-to emotional expressions are still unclear. Moreover, positive valence is often ignored in studies of threat-related attention and anxiety, despite the high occurrence of happy faces during everyday social interaction. Here, we investigated the relationship between anxiety, emotional valence, and spatial attention in 574 participants across two preregistered studies (data collected in 2021 and 2022; Experiment 1: n = 154, 54.5% male, Mage = 43.5 years; Experiment 2: n = 420, 58% male, Mage = 36.46 years). We found that happy faces capture attention more quickly than angry faces during the visual search experiment and found delayed disengagement from both angry and happy faces over neutral faces during the spatial cueing experiment. We also show that anxiety has a distinct impact on both attentional capture and disengagement of emotional faces. Together, our findings highlight the role of positively valenced stimuli in attracting and holding attention and suggest that anxiety is a critical factor in modulating spatial attention to emotional stimuli. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Antibiotic resistance pattern of waterborne causative agents of healthcare-associated infections: A call for biofilm control in hospital water systems

BackgroundIn recent years, the global spread of antimicrobial resistance has become a concerning issue, often referred to as a “silent pandemic”. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are a recurring problem, with some originating from waterborne route. The study aimed to investigate the presence of clinically relevant opportunistic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in hospital water distribution systems (WDSs). MethodsWater and biofilm samples (n = 192) were collected from nine hospitals in Isfahan and Kashan, located in central Iran, between May 2022 and June 2023. The samples were analyzed to determine the presence and quantities of opportunistic bacteria and ARGs using cultural and molecular methods. ResultsStaphylococcus spp. were highly detected in WDS samples (90 isolates), with 33 % of them harboring mecA gene. However, the occurrences of E. coli (1 isolate), Acinetobacter baumannii (3 isolates), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14 isolates) were low. Moreover, several Gram-negative bacteria containing ARGs were identified in the samples, mainly belonging to Stenotrophomonas, Sphingomonas and Brevundimonas genera. Various ARGs, as well as intI1, were found in hospital WDSs (ranging from 14 % to 60 %), with higher occurrences in the biofilm samples. ConclusionOur results underscore the importance of biofilms in water taps as hotspots for the dissemination of opportunistic bacteria and ARG within hospital environments. The identification of multiple opportunistic bacteria and ARGs raises concerns about the potential exposure and acquisition of HAIs, emphasizing the need for proactive measures, particularly in controlling biofilms, to mitigate infection risks in healthcare settings.