Improper Handling Research Articles

Investigation of Carriers of Salmonella and Other Hydrogen Sulphide-Positive Bacteria in the Digestive Content of Fish from the Atlantic Area of Macaronesia: A Comparative Study of Identification by API Gallery and MALDI-TOF MS

Salmonella spp. are known pathogens in fish, with their presence potentially resulting from the contamination of the aquatic environment or improper handling. Accurate bacterial identification is crucial across various fields, including medicine, microbiology, and the food industry, and thus a range of techniques are available for this purpose. In this study, Salmonella spp. and other hydrogen sulphide-positive bacteria were investigated in the digestive contents of fish destined for consumption from the Atlantic area of Macaronesia. Two identification techniques were compared: the traditional API method and the MALDI-TOF MS technique. For the identification of Salmonella spp. carriers, 59 samples were processed following ISO 6579–1:2017. A total of 47 strains of Gram-negative bacilli were obtained. No Salmonella spp. isolates were detected. The most frequent genus was Enterobacter (76.50%), followed by Shewanella (10.63%). The MALDI-TOF MS technique showed a high concordance with the API technique, with 72.34% concordance at the species level. Both techniques demonstrated a high degree of concordance in the identification of Enterobacter cloacae, with 87.23% genus-level concordance and 12.76% non-concordant identifications. This study highlights the limitations of the API technique and the speed and precision of MALDI-TOF MS. The identified bacteria could pose a health risk to humans.

Neurorights, Neurotechnologies and Personal Data: Review of the Challenges of Mental Autonomy

Objective: to present the results of a systematic review of research on the impact of neurotechnology on legal concepts and regulatory frameworks, addressing ethical and social issues related to the protection of individual rights, privacy and mental autonomy.Methods: The systematic literature review was based on the methodology proposed by a renowned British scholar, a professor emerita of computer science at Keele University Barbara Kitchenham, chosen for its flexibility and effectiveness in obtaining results for publication. Thorough searches were carried out with the search terms “neurotechnology”, “personal data”, “mental privacy”, “neuro-rights”, “neurotechnological interventions”, and “neurotechnological discrimination” on both English and Spanish sites, using search engines like Google Scholar and Redib as well as databases including Scielo, Dialnet, Redalyc, Lilacs, Scopus, Medline, and Pubmed. The focus of this research is bibliometric data and its design is non-experimental with a cross-sectional and descriptive, using content analysis based on PRISMA model.Results: the study emphasizes the need to establish clear ethical principles to protect individual rights and promote responsible use of neurotechnologies; a number of problems of mental autonomy were identified, such as improper handling of information, lack of legal security guarantees, violation of rights and freedoms in the medical sphere. The author shows the need to adapt the existing regulatory legal framework to address the ethical and social problems arising from the new neurotechnologies. It is noted that a broad study of neurotechnology issues will contribute to the protection of human rights.Scientific novelty: an expanded understanding of the five neurorights within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is proposed; neurorights are viewed as a new category of rights aimed at protecting mental integrity against the misuse of neurotechnologies. The author justifies the adoption of such technocratic principles as personal identity, free will, mental privacy, equal access and protection against bias.Practical significance: the obtained results are relevant for understanding modern legal concepts related to neurorights and for adapting the existing normative legal acts to solve ethical and social problems arising from the emergence of new technologies, protection of human neurorights and liability for their violation. The study of these issues is key for provision of further responsible development and use of neurotechnologies.

Cost of Productions and Partial Budget Analysis of Coffee (<i>Coffea arabica</i> L.) Seedling Across Various Pot Sizes and Biochar-Based Media Preparations

Coffee cultivation mainly lies in the production of coffee seedlings with desirable characteristics under the recommended nursery management operations. Any improper handling made at early stage would remain to cause poor field performances. Biochar is considered as a soil conditioner and a carrier for plant nutrients, which improve the different soil functions, as an amendment to improve soil fertility, soil pH, available phosphorus, organic carbon, and water retention. The experiment was conducted to provide detail information on production costs and gross net profits of reduced sizes poly bag and biochar application used for coffee seedling production under small scale farmers. Biochar to topsoil blended at 1:3 ratio was found to increase (SVI) over the local and standard practice by 66.50% and 7.50%, respectively. Hence, combined effects of reduced pot size (13x19cm) with biochar mixed topsoil 1:3 noticed to significantly improve soil chemical conditions and growth response of coffee seedlings under nursery conditions at the study area. Besides, the result of simple partial budget analysis indicated the cost effectiveness with reduced polybag sizes as compared to the conventional pot sizes, especially for production, transportation and early stage field transplanting of quality coffee seedlings in large quantities. However, it is imperative to assess the effects of the present promising pot size and pot media treatments under field performance by considering growth, yield, and quality performances and profitability to smallholder coffee farmers over locations and year in the study area and other similar agro ecological zones in the country.

Assessing foodborne outbreak risk in Chinese households: A national survey analysis of pork handling practices

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the risk of foodborne outbreaks associated with household food handling practices in China and identify the consumer groups that are at higher risk for foodborne outbreaks. MethodsA national survey of household pork handling practices was conducted in China. The risk of foodborne outbreaks stemming from consumers’ improper handling practices was assessed utilizing the Weighted Harmonic Outbreak Prevention Index (WHOPI). The index categorized these practices into three levels of good hygienic practice (GHP): low (WHOPI≤0.35), medium (WHOPI: 0.36–0.70), and high (WHOPI>0.70). Logistic regression analyses were used to identify groups at higher risk for foodborne outbreaks. ResultsA total of 2730 households from seven provinces in mainland China were analyzed. Based on WHOPI, only 0.4 % of households demonstrated a high level of GHP, while 55.4 % showed a low level of GHP. The primary non-conforming stage was separation practices, followed by cooking and purchasing practices. Nearly two-thirds of households (64.8 %) didn’t have a separate cutting board for raw meat, and 44.9 % of them claimed to use the same board to handle ready-to-eats afterward. Logistic regression indicated more attention is required for those living in southern and rural areas, working in non-public institutions, possessing lower levels of education, and being single or widowed. ConclusionThe household food handling practices of Chinese consumers involve serious food safety risk. Education programs and interventions concerning safe handling practices in households are urgently needed.

Construction of a Fluorescence/Phase-Change Dual-Mode Sensor Based on Carbon Dots/Poly(acrylic acid) for Highly Selective and Sensitive Detection of Ferric Ions.

Fe3+ is one of the crucial metal ions in biological systems, and its excess or deficiency in the body can trigger various diseases, posing a serious threat to human health. Moreover, improper handling or disposal of Fe3+ can lead to water pollution, thereby harming the environment. Therefore, the development of highly selective and sensitive Fe3+ detection probes is particularly urgent. In this paper, a dual-mode sensor based on sol-gel and fluorescence signal responses was developed for the visual detection of Fe3+. The visual sensing method based on the simultaneous response of Fe3+-triggered dual signals can minimize the interference from false-positive signals and enhance detection accuracy. The dual-mode sensor, denoted as PAA@CDs, was constructed by incorporating high-brightness (high fluorescence emission intensity) green-yellow carbon dots (CDs) into poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), which possesses a large number of carboxyl functional groups. Based on the interaction of Fe3+ with the surface functional groups of CDs, nonfluorescent complexes are formed, leading to nonradiative electron transfer, which induces fluorescence quenching and produces a fluorescence signal visible to the naked eye. Additionally, the interaction of Fe3+ with the carboxyl groups of PAA triggers the cross-linking of PAA, causing a sol-gel phase change signal. Consequently, the PAA@CDs exhibit a dual-response signal in Fe3+ detection. Based on the fluorescence method, the linear detection range of PAA@CDs for Fe3+ is 0.05-2.60 mM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.14 μM. Meanwhile, using the sol-gel method, the linear detection range is 0.02-2.20 mM, and the LOD is 42.5 μM. Furthermore, the PAA@CDs probes can be successfully applied to the detection of Fe3+ in real water samples, demonstrating their potential value in the analysis of real samples containing multiple ions.

Impact of prolonged embryo storage on reproductive and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To analyze the influence of embryo storage on reproductive and neonatal results in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and BioMed Central databases were searched from inception up to June 2024 for studies comparing reproductive and neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer within 12months from embryo storage versus more than 12months after embryo storage. Data were pooled by meta-analysis using a random effects model. A total of 16 studies, involving 233,315 embryos were included. Patients undergoing frozen embryo within 12months from embryo storage were associated with higher rates of live birth (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.09-1.26, I2 = 78%) biochemical pregnancy (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.08-1.47, I2 = 77.8%) clinical pregnancy (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.38, I2 = 86.3%) and multiple pregnancy rate (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.55, I2 = 69%). No significant differences between groups were shown in terms of survival rate (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.65-3.58, I2 = 98.5%), miscarriage (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.91-1.27, I2 = 77%), implantation rate (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90-1.52, I2 = 91.7%) and ectopic pregnancy (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80-1.20, I2 = 0%). In addition, prolonged embryo storage was not associated with higher rates of preterm delivery (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.67-1.09, I2 = 8.3%), low weight at birth (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.88-1.38, I2 = 24.3%) or congenital malformations (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.65-1.25, I2 = 0.8%). Prolonged embryo storage over 12months is associated with lower rates of live birth, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and multiple pregnancy. However, important covariates such as reasons for delay of transfer, embryo quality, and improper handling of embryos could not be ruled out as causes of this reduction. Given these limitations, these conclusions should be viewed with caution.

Anxiety, inhibitory control, physical activity, and internet addiction in Chinese adolescents: a moderated mediation model

BackgroundAdolescents may have anxiety due to a series of events such as school work and social interaction. Improper handling of anxiety often leads to some negative consequences, such as Internet addiction. Therefore, this study further explored the relationship between anxiety and Internet addiction, as well as the mediating role of inhibitory control between the two, and also considered the moderating role of physical activity between anxiety and inhibitory control.MethodsA total of 1607 adolescents, comprising 664 boys and 943 girls with an average age of 15.86 years (SD = 0.73), from Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, and Hunan provinces completed a self-report survey on physical activity, anxiety, inhibitory control, and Internet addiction. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation test were conducted.ResultsThe results revealed a significant positive correlation between anxiety and adolescent internet addiction (r = 0.413, p < 0.001), and a significant negative correlation with inhibitory control (r = -0.423, p < 0.001). Inhibitory control was found to be significantly positively correlated with physical exercise (r = 0.143, p < 0.001) and significantly negatively correlated with internet addiction (r = -0.368, p < 0.001). After controlling for demographic variables, anxiety significantly positively predicted Internet addiction (β = 0.311, p < 0.001) in adolescents, and it also indirectly predicted Internet addiction through inhibitory control (β = -0.231, p < 0.001). Physical activity significantly weakened the predictive effect of anxiety on inhibitory control (β = -0.092, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study further explored the issue of psychological mechanisms between anxiety and Internet addiction in adolescents, and added that physical activity alleviates the negative effects of anxiety on adolescents. Schools and families are encouraged to promote physical exercise among adolescents to alleviate the influence of negative emotions on their psychological and behavioral health.

Child Preparedness for Infertility Disclosure: A Diagnostic Tool for Supporting Parent and Child Mental Health

Infertility, often perceived as an adult issue, can also manifest in childhood, presenting unique challenges. Improper handling of infertility disclosures can strain parent–child relationships and potentially lead to significant psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and long-term impacts on self-image. Despite the critical nature of these conversations, parents often report receiving little or no guidance from professionals on how or when to disclose this information to their child. This article introduces the Child Readiness for Infertility Disclosure (CRID) Assessment Tool, designed to empirically guide parents and marriage and family counselors in assessing a child's readiness for receiving information about infertility. The CRID tool integrates the concepts of Tiered Priming and Cognitive Preparedness strategies, providing structured recommendations grounded in Erickson's Stages of Psychosocial Development for age-appropriate and developmentally suitable disclosure along with an applied case study.

Reutilization of Fruit Waste as Potential Prebiotic for Probiotic or Food-grade Microorganisms in Food Applications: A Review.

Food waste has been a global issue with 2.5 billion tons generated globally in 2021. Approximately 46% of the food waste is contributed by fruit and vegetable waste. Due to improper waste handling, these fruit by-products have a negative impact on the environment through soil and water pollution, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and eutrophication. However, research has shown the potential to reuse fruit waste in various applications for sustainability owing to their high source of valuable components and potential health benefits. In recent years, researchers have also explored the potential of reutilizing fruit waste as a prebiotic. Hence, literatures from the past 10years has been critically analyzed and presented in this review. This review focused on the potential of fruit waste as a prebiotic for probiotic and gastrointestinal microorganisms and its food applications. The nutritional composition and bioactive compounds of the fruit wastes had been introduced to reflect their potential as prebiotics. Moreover, the increase in bioactive compounds and bioactivities in probiotics with the presence of fruit wastes has been reviewed. The impact of fruit by-products on the growth of the probiotic and its survivability in food matrices as compared to established prebiotic and the absence of prebiotics have also been extensively discussed in this review. This review also highlighted some of the factors that might contribute to the negative effect of fruit waste on probiotics. The safety concerns and future prospects of reutilizing fruit wastes for food applications have been emphasized. The review article is beneficial for researchers exploring fruit wastes as prebiotics and industrialists who are interested in incorporating fruit wastes as an added-value ingredient for food applications.

Insights into Drug Donation Practices and Public Perceptions in Saudi Arabia

Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement. Method: A cross-sectional survey conducted in October and November 2023 targeted the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study employed convenience sampling to explore medication usage, storage, disposal practices, and awareness of donation procedures. Data were analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: This study involved 430 respondents. Of these, 73.0% held a university degree, yet 66.3% were unaware of drug donation programs, and 84.2% lacked knowledge about proper medication disposal. Despite this, 71.4% believed that drug donation programs positively impact healthcare, and 87.9% saw them as reducing drug waste and environmental pollution. However, 48.1% expressed concerns about the potential misuse of donated medicines. Awareness and knowledge were significantly higher among participants aged 30 and above. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced public awareness, clear medication disposal guidelines, and ethically governed donation practices in Saudi Arabia. These measures can improve healthcare outcomes, protect the environment, and support global health and sustainability goals.

Microbial and Heavy Metal Evaluation of Sachet Drinking Water in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

Aim: To study microbial and heavy metal composition in sachet drinking water in the Hohoe municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Hohoe Municipality in the Volta region of Ghana and laboratory analyses were carried out at the Microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology between June 2018 and May 2019. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methodology: The study was conducted on three samples each of eight different brands of sachet water randomly selected across various towns from street vendors in the Hohoe Municipality for microbial and chemical analyses. 10ml of each sample was aliquoted under sterile conditions and cultured overnight in nutrient media. Enumeration and qualitative analyses of bacteria were performed using the pour plate method. For heavy metal analysis, 5 ml of concentrated HNO3 was added to 40 ml of each sample and heated at 100 °C for 20–30 minutes to reduce the volume to 20 ml. 30ml of distilled water was subsequently added and the mixture was analyzed using flame atomic absorption Spectroscopy. Results: Out of total twenty-four samples analyzed, 50% of the sachet water was contaminated with total and fecal coliforms with the highest average coliform forming unit (cfu/ml) being 16.2 x 105 cfu/ml and the least 0.01 x 105 cfu/ml. There were Klebsiella spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination in 50% of the sachet drinking water but Salmonella spp and E. coli were absent in all brands. Chromium was detected to be within the range of 0.40mg/L - 0.56mg/L in the sachet water while zinc was in the range of 0.03mg/L– 0.94mg/L. Chromium concentration in all sachet brands were above the WHO standard while zinc was within the acceptable range. Cadmium and lead were below detectable limits (BDL). Conclusion: This study indicated that some of the sachet drinking water sold in the Hohoe Municipality is impure for human consumption. Inappropriate water purification procedures and improper handling of sachet water play a significant role in determining the overall quality of sachet drinking water.

A-057 Assessing Direct Renin Stability in EDTA Plasma Prior to Separation from Cells and Post-thaw

Abstract Background Renin is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys responsible for blood pressure regulation through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. Direct renin measurements are frequently used to investigate underlying causes of hypertension, including primary aldosteronism (PA), which is screened for using an aldosterone:renin ratio (ARR). Appropriate handling of renin samples in the preanalytical phase is critical, as cryoactivation of prorenin can occur when samples are refrigerated or cooled for extended periods of time, falsely elevating results. Manufacturer instructions for renin handling are often poorly defined and there is currently no consensus as to best handling practices. Two variables that frequently lead to renin sample rejections in our laboratory are time to centrifugation after collection and time kept at room temperature (RT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of direct renin under ambient and freeze-thaw conditions in an effort to reduce test cancellations due to improper handling. Methods Plasma samples collected from five volunteers with consent in K2EDTA tubes were used for renin stability studies. Baseline renin samples were kept at RT for two hours after collection, centrifuged, measured, and subsequently frozen for post-thaw studies. To assess stability before separation from cells, samples kept at RT for two and four hours prior to centrifugation were assayed in triplicate for direct renin. For post-thaw stability studies, plasma samples were split into two aliquots each and frozen at -20⁰C for at least 24 hours, but no longer than 30 days. After removal from -20⁰C, one set of aliquots was thawed on the benchtop at RT and the second set was thawed in an RT water bath for up to one hour. Samples were centrifuged and assayed for direct renin in triplicate at baseline and six hours post-thaw. Direct renin was measured using the LIAISON XL chemiluminescent immunoassay (Diasorin). Bias was assessed after each treatment. The total allowable error (TEa) was ±2 pg/mL or ±20%. Results Measured renin concentrations ranged from 6.8-29.7 pg/mL. The percent bias in direct renin concentrations when comparing samples stored for two-hour and four-hour timepoints before centrifugation was 2.0% on average. Post-thaw studies comparing renin concentrations at the baseline and six-hour timepoints revealed an average percent bias of 13.1% and 12.2% for RT and water bath thawing methods, respectively. All samples tested were within the TEa. Conclusions Direct renin is stable in lavender K2EDTA tubes at RT for up to four hours, prior to centrifugation and separation from cells. Renin concentrations remained stable after storage at -20⁰C and thawing at RT for up to six hours, regardless of thawing method. By expanding direct renin stability criteria, we hope to reduce the number of cancellations due to preanalytical handling errors and prevent redundant phlebotomy for patients.

B-208 Room Temperature Stable PCR Reagents Preparation Using Capillary-Mediated Vitrification Process

Abstract Background Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a sensitive, and most used molecular technique for the disease diagnosis. Reagents used for PCR is available as a one-step and ready-to-use PCR Master Mix, which contains Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, MgC12, PCR reaction buffer. However, to preserve bioactivity, PCR reagents must be stored and distributed as frozen. Desiccation of PCR reagents can avoid cold storage and improper handling of wet reagents and its associated errors. We discovered capillary-mediated vitrification (CMV) processes can stabilize different biomolecules and allow them to be stored at ambient temperature. Here, we hypothesized that the CMV process can preserve and improve PCR reagents thermal stability, which will reduce PCR processing time and improve the testing throughput. Methods The CMV process was performed by mixing PCR Master Mix individual or all reagents such as Taq DNA polymerase or Hot Start Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, 16S rRNA primers, MgC12, and PCR reaction buffer with an excipient buffer and adding the mixture to a porous scaffold. The loaded scaffolds were placed into our vitrification chamber and dried for 30 min. After drying, the CMV-stabilized sample was tested or packed in Mylar pouches and were stored at ambient and elevated temperatures for 42 days. On the day of testing, the stabilized samples were eluted with nuclease-free water and E. coli genomic DNA was added, and the 50 uL reaction was tested by conventional PCR. The PCR product was visualized under agarose gel electrophoresis. Results To assess whether the CMV process maintains PCR reagents activity and not interfering with the assay, the individual PCR reagents and as a Master mix are preserved. The CMV stabilized polymerase enzyme, primer, or dNTPs amplified DNA similar to frozen reagents and produced comparable PCR products. Notably, CMV stabilized PCR Master Mix which contains either Taq DNA polymerase or Hot Start Taq DNA polymerase enzyme, dNTPs, primers, MgC12, and reaction buffer yielded intact amplified PCR product, which is comparable to frozen reagents. Likewise, a high intense PCR product was observed in the stabilized PCR Master Mix reagents when stored at room and elevated temperatures for 42 days. Conclusions The study results indicate that the CMV process stabilized and improved the PCR Master Mix reagents activity. The study suggests that the CMV technology has the potential to enable ambient storage and shipping of PCR reagents for molecular diagnostic and other related applications.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards poultry handling and Salmonella risk among households in Beirut, Lebanon

Food-Borne Disease (FBD) is defined as an illness resulting from consuming foods contaminated with bacteria, their toxins, viruses, or parasites. Food poisoning due to improper food handling is a major global public health problem. In Lebanon, numerous challenges affect safe food consumption, with poultry being a common vehicle for many pathogens, such as Salmonella spp. This bacterium can cause serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis, characterized by abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. This study aimed to examine the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs) towards poultry handling among households in Beirut, Lebanon, and identify factors influencing KAP levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 125 households in different areas of Beirut. The interview was divided into four main parts: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The results showed that consumers’ knowledge and practices were inadequate, though their attitude was positive. Participants aged 43-55 had higher odds of having a good knowledge level than those aged 18-29 (OR = 3.889, p = 0.02). Additionally, those with a college education were 7.442 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards food safety compared to those with no formal education (p = 0.005). Most participants (91.2%) do not regularly check their refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Furthermore, significant associations (p < 0.001) existed between the different KAP levels. This study aimed to raise public awareness regarding the handling of chicken to minimize food-borne illnesses by evaluating food handlers’ knowledge and behaviors. Insights from this study can used in campaigns to raise awareness about Salmonella and transmission risks among households. Moreover, findings may guide policymakers to create regulations for safe handling of poultry.

Bacillus cereus in rice: A review on food poisoning, antimicrobial resistance, and control measures.

Rice is often associated with Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) food poisoning. This review aims to explore the food poisoning activity, antimicrobial resistance, and control measures of B. cereus in rice from 1974 to October 2023. We searched for eligible studies from the PubMed database based on explicit criteria following the PRISMA checklist. A total of 117 articles were collected, and the final analysis included 29 studies. Quality appraisal was performed using AMSTAR 2, SANRA 2, and Critical Appraisal Tool standards. B. cereus can grow and multiply in food to cause emetic vomiting or diarrheal syndrome. The primary etiology of B. cereus contamination is improper food handling and storage temperature during the cooking, cooling, and reheating stages of rice. The alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance in B. cereus to beta-lactam antibiotics necessitates alternatives from natural antimicrobial preservatives such as carvacrol, chitosan, or trans-cinnamaldehyde to prevent microbial infestation and toxin production. Implementing food safety strategies tailored to specific food settings, such as restaurants and factorymanufactured ready-to-eat rice, is critical for preventing food contamination by B. cereus. Given the heat-resistant spores and intoxication properties of B. cereus, it is important to develop effective interventions and hygienic protocols from farm to fork.

Implementing multiple imputations for addressing missing data in multireader multicase design studies

BackgroundIn computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) studies utilizing multireader multicase (MRMC) designs, missing data might occur when there are instances of misinterpretation or oversight by the reader or problems with measurement techniques. Improper handling of these missing data can lead to bias. However, little research has been conducted on addressing the missing data issue within the MRMC framework.MethodsWe introduced a novel approach that integrates multiple imputation with MRMC analysis (MI-MRMC). An elaborate simulation study was conducted to compare the efficacy of our proposed approach with that of the traditional complete case analysis strategy within the MRMC design. Furthermore, we applied these approaches to a real MRMC design CAD study on aneurysm detection via head and neck CT angiograms to further validate their practicality.ResultsCompared with traditional complete case analysis, the simulation study demonstrated the MI-MRMC approach provides an almost unbiased estimate of diagnostic capability, alongside satisfactory performance in terms of statistical power and the type I error rate within the MRMC framework, even in small sample scenarios. In the real CAD study, the proposed MI-MRMC method further demonstrated strong performance in terms of both point estimates and confidence intervals compared with traditional complete case analysis.ConclusionWithin MRMC design settings, the adoption of an MI-MRMC approach in the face of missing data can facilitate the attainment of unbiased and robust estimates of diagnostic capability.

Analysis of Nutritional Profiles, Mineral Content, and Contaminants in Palm Oil from Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria: Assessing Quality and Safety Standards

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional profiles, chemical compositions, and potential contamination of palm oil samples from different locations in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, to assess their quality and safety. Study Design: An analytical investigation was conducted, using proximate analysis, mineral content determination, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the palm oil samples' composition and contamination levels. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, from January to October 2023. Methods: Palm oil samples were collected from three distinct locations within Yenagoa Metropolis. Proximate analysis quantified moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Mineral content was assessed for potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. GC-MS was employed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds and potential contaminants in the samples. Results: Moisture content ranged from 0.00% in sample C to 3.00% in sample A. Ash content was highest in samples B and C, at 20.06%, while sample C had the highest fat content at 47.0%. Potassium (10.9%) and phosphorus (0.53%) were also highest in sample C. GC-MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, such as n-hexadecanoic acid and squalene, but also detected harmful contaminants especially in samples A and B. Presence of Isobutylene glycol and various oxiranes can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, with prolonged exposure leading to severe health issues. Benzene, toluene, Trimethylamine compound with Borane, Pentane 3-ethyl-2-methyl and Heptane 2-methyl are associated with respiratory problems, neurological damage, and potential long-term organ effects. Contaminants in the oil samples were attributed to inadequate refining, contaminated raw materials, improper handling, and environmental pollution. This study emphasizes the nutritional value of palm oil while highlighting the need for improved quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of palm oil products.

Securing Automated Intelligence: Challenges and Solutions in RPA and Generative AI Integration

Integrating Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Generative AI can revolutionize business processes, enabling greater efficiency, scalability, and intelligent decision-making. However, this powerful combination also introduces various security challenges and impacts to governance that organizations must address to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in automation systems. As RPA bots increasingly interact with AI models, vulnerabilities such as unauthorized data access, malicious model manipulation, and improper handling of sensitive information become more pronounced. These risks can lead to cyberattacks, data breaches, and regulatory compliance violations. This paper examines the security challenges inherent in RPA and Generative AI integration, focusing on three key areas: data privacy, model integrity, and automation governance. We assess how improper configurations and lack of security oversight can expose these systems to exploitation. Furthermore, we explore solutions such as implementing robust encryption protocols, secure data access controls, and continuous monitoring of AI model behavior to detect anomalies. By presenting case studies and evaluating emerging best practices, we offer a framework for safeguarding RPA and AI systems, ensuring that automation remains a trusted and secure tool for organizations. The paper also discusses aligning security strategies with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This approach enables organizations to unlock the full potential of RPA and Generative AI while mitigating risks and protecting against evolving cyber threats.

Isolation and characterization of pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae strains from lettuce: a potential source of antibiotic resistance and development of a mathematical model for ANOVA results.

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae contamination in raw lettuce from Risalpur, Pakistan, and to analyze the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolated strains. The presence of foodborne pathogens such as K. pneumoniae poses significant public health risks, particularly in regions with suboptimal hygiene practices and improper food handling. Lettuce samples were collected from various sources in Risalpur and screened for K. pneumoniae. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of various antibiotics against the isolated strains. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and linear regression, were conducted to assess differences in inhibition zones and to predict antibiotic effectiveness based on concentration. The results revealed a significant prevalence of K. pneumoniae in the lettuce samples, highlighting the risks associated with poor hygiene, transportation, storage, and contaminated irrigation water. The isolated strains exhibited high susceptibility to gentamicin but demonstrated notable resistance to doxycycline, vancomycin, and ticarcillin. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains were identified. ANOVA showed significant differences in inhibition zones, and the linear regression model predicted a Zone of Inhibition based on antibiotic concentration (β0 = 10.6667, β1 = 0.4556). The identification of MDR strains of K. pneumoniae underscores the urgent need for enhanced antibiotic stewardship and food safety protocols to manage foodborne pathogens. Improved hygiene practices throughout the food production and supply chain are critical to mitigate health risks and address the challenge of growing antibiotic resistance.

Synthesis and functional mechanism evaluation of novel polymer-graphene oxide-biochar nanocomposite for efficient removal of diethyl phthalate

Phthalates, categorized as a main constituent of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are present in polymeric products. These substances can enter the environment through several pathways, including improper handling, which leads to their presence in toilet water, floor washings, surface runoff, and landfill leachate. This study focuses on the performance analysis of nanocomposite materials made of polymer (polypyrrole), quasi-metal (graphene oxide), and biochar (from palmyra seed) for the elimination of diethyl phthalates (DEP) from aqueous environments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the nanocomposite characteristics. The experimental results supported a chemisorption process by agreeing well with the pseudo-second order. The Langmuir isotherm explained the DEP sorption data, which aligned to monolayer DEP adsorption on the nanocomposite surface. With a binding affinity of −13.36 (kcal/mol) and the highest docking score, Diethyl phthalates and graphene oxide interaction is validated. The produced nanocomposite is suggested as a possible alternative for the sorption of DEP. Future applications could benefit from the higher adsorption capacity, and environmental friendliness of nanocomposites.