Lower Recovery Rate Research Articles

Evaluating Diagnostic Accuracy and Treatment Efficacy in Mental Health: A Comparative Analysis of Large Language Model Tools and Mental Health Professionals.

Large language models (LLMs) offer promising possibilities in mental health, yet their ability to assess disorders and recommend treatments remains underexplored. This quantitative cross-sectional study evaluated four LLMs (Gemini (Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental), Claude (Claude 3.5 Sonnet), ChatGPT-3.5, and ChatGPT-4) using text vignettes representing conditions such as depression, suicidal ideation, early and chronic schizophrenia, social phobia, and PTSD. Each model's diagnostic accuracy, treatment recommendations, and predicted outcomes were compared with norms established by mental health professionals. Findings indicated that for certain conditions, including depression and PTSD, models like ChatGPT-4 achieved higher diagnostic accuracy compared to human professionals. However, in more complex cases, such as early schizophrenia, LLM performance varied, with ChatGPT-4 achieving only 55% accuracy, while other LLMs and professionals performed better. LLMs tended to suggest a broader range of proactive treatments, whereas professionals recommended more targeted psychiatric consultations and specific medications. In terms of outcome predictions, professionals were generally more optimistic regarding full recovery, especially with treatment, while LLMs predicted lower full recovery rates and higher partial recovery rates, particularly in untreated cases. While LLMs recommend a broader treatment range, their conservative recovery predictions, particularly for complex conditions, highlight the need for professional oversight. LLMs provide valuable support in diagnostics and treatment planning but cannot replace professional discretion.

Ecuadorian Cacao Mucilage as a Novel Culture Medium Ingredient: Unveiling Its Potential for Microbial Growth and Biotechnological Applications.

Cacao mucilage is typically disposed of during processing, yet its abundant content of organic compounds, polysaccharides, and nutrients renders it valuable for various applications. This scientific study investigates the suitability of cacao mucilage as an alternative culture medium for Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger, aiming to provide a viable alternative to traditional media. Through a mixed-design approach, the powdered mucilage, peptone, and yeast extract ingredients were optimized using the recovery rates of each micro-organism as the response variable. The optimal formulation of the medium, consisting of 49.6% mucilage, 30% yeast extract, and 20.9% peptone, resulted in remarkable microbial recovery rates. L. plantarum achieved an outstanding recovery rate of 98.18%, while S. cerevisiae and A. niger exhibited recovery rates of 90.57% and 89.90%, respectively. Notably, these recovery rates surpassed those obtained using conventional culture mediums. Thus, cacao mucilage emerges as an effective component for formulating a natural culture medium that facilitates the growth of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and fungi. The yeast extract peptone mucilage (YPM) medium demonstrated enhanced growth, particularly for yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, with recovery rates exceeding 90%. Conversely, A. niger displayed a relatively lower recovery rate. These findings emphasize the potential of cacao mucilage as a valuable resource for preparing natural culture media that promotes the growth of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and fungi, offering promising prospects for various applications in microbiology and biotechnology.

Analytical review of facial nerve palsy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: comprehensive assessment.

The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination has reduced COVID-19 infection, though facial nerve palsy (FNP) has emerged as a notable side effect of the vaccine. We evaluated the current literature on the clinical presentation and outcomes of FNP related to COVID-19 vaccination. A comprehensive search of seven databases was conducted for studies up to January 2023. We included individually reported patients on FNP following COVID-19 vaccination, while cases with co-existing neurological disorders or secondary causes of FNP were excluded. Pooled descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted, with prognostic factors evaluated through regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. A total of 33 studies were included, with data from 52 patients who developed post-COVID-19 vaccination FNP (PV-FNP). Most cases (71%) followed mRNA vaccines, primarily occurring after the first dose and within the first week post-vaccination. Nearly all cases (98%) were unilateral, with Grade III palsy being most common. Complete recovery was achieved in 55% of patients, significantly lower than pre-pandemic rate (83%). A longer latency period was associated with a reduced likelihood of full recovery, and females experienced faster recovery compared to males. FNP following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination tends to present as mild and unilateral, with a lower full recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic cases. Symptoms often develop within the first week after vaccination, and earlier symptom onset is associated with a higher likelihood of full recovery. Recognizing these patterns provides valuable guidance for clinicians in counseling patients about prognosis and managing follow-up care effectively.

A review of biogas upgrading technologies: key emphasis on electrochemical systems.

Biogas, consisting mainly of CO2 and CH4, offers a sustainable source of energy. However, this gaseous stream has been undervalued in wastewater treatment plants owing to its high CO2 content. Biogas upgrading by capturing CO2 broadens its utilisation as a substitute for natural gas. Although biogas upgrading is a widely studied topic, only up to 35% of produced raw biogas is upgraded in the world. To open avenues for development research on biogas upgrading, this paper reviews biogas as a component in global renewable energy production and upgrading technologies focusing on electrochemically driven CO2 capture systems. Recent progress in electrochemical CO2 separation including its energy requirement, CO2 recovery rate, and challenges for upscaling are critically explored. Electrochemical CO2 separation systems stand out for achieving the most affordable technology among the upgrading systems with a low net energy requirement of 0.25 kWh/kg CO2. However, its lower CO2 recovery rate compared to conventional technologies, which leads to high capital expenditure limits the commercialisation of this technology. In the last part of this review, the future perspectives to overcome the challenges associated with electrochemical CO2 capture are discussed.

Comprehensive evaluation of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) tablets as a novel solid-state alternative to conventional membrane cleaning agents in gravity-driven filtration systems.

Gravity-driven membrane (GDM) systems are increasingly recognized as sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for decentralized water treatment. However, membrane fouling, particularly by organic matter, remains a significant operational challenge, necessitating regular chemical cleaning to maintain performance. The present study was undertaken to investigate the cleaning efficiency of sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) tablets, a novel solid-state alternative to conventional liquid cleaning agents such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), acetic acid, and citric acid. NaDCC tablets, originally developed for drinking water disinfection, offer advantages in terms of transport, storage, and safety compared with conventional liquid formulations. A comparative evaluation of cleaning agents was conducted on hollow fiber membranes used in GDM systems, with the concentration and contact times optimized for each chemical. NaOCl demonstrated the highest permeability recovery, reaching 48.29% at 500 mg L-1 after 12 h, followed closely by NaDCC, with a recovery of 46.55% under similar conditions. Conversely, SLS, acetic acid, and citric acid presented significantly lower recovery rates, with maximum flux restorations of 14.57%, 14.90%, and 16.73%, respectively. These results highlight the comparable performance of NaDCC and NaOCl in addressing organic fouling while offering practical advantages such as greater stability and reduced chemical handling risks. This study highlights the efficacy of NaDCC as a viable detergent for GDM systems, and also provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the water permeability performances of commercial detergents such as NaOCl, which cause various ecotoxicities, and suggests the feasibility of NaDCC as a chemical detergent in practical membrane processes. Our findings contribute to the development of more sustainable and cost-effective membrane-cleaning protocols that enhance long-term operational efficiency and minimize environmental impacts.

Construction of a risk assessment and prediction model for athlete doping use based on bioinformatics

A suitable approach to identifying doping behavior among athletes is to use advanced techniques. Bioinformatics can analyze large biological databases. It has potential approaches for mapping out decision models. Doping substances can severely distort an athlete’s biomechanical performance. For example, stimulants may enhance short-term power output but disrupt the natural rhythm and coordination of muscle contractions, leading to imbalanced forces and increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. This abnormal biomechanical loading can affect joint stability and movement efficiency. n training, doping gives a false impression of enhanced capacity. Athletes might overtrain, ignoring proper recovery periods. Their bodies, under the influence of doping, can’t follow the normal adaptive process of training, leading to a breakdown in the physiological systems. Recovery is also hampered. Doping can disrupt the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance, slowing down tissue repair and regeneration. Genetic predispositions, which might make an athlete more receptive to doping’s effects, along with lower recovery rates and high competitive stress levels, are identified as key doping risk factors. Bioinformatics collects multi-source data like genomic profiles, hormone levels, and metabolic markers. Advanced tools analyze these to expose patterns and correlations related to doping risks. Machine learning trains a prediction model using historical doping data and biological signatures. Validated via simulations and real-world tests, it predicts doping risks. Sports authorities can use the resulting risk matrix to detect potential dopers early, promoting clean sports.

Trehalose Cryopreservation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Cord Tissue.

Adequate hypothermic storage of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is of fundamental importance since they have been explored in several regenerative medicine initiatives. However, the actual clinical application of hMSCs necessitates hypothermic storage for long periods, a process that requires the use of non-toxic and efficient cryo-reagents capable of maintaining high viability and differentiating properties after thawing. Current cryopreservation methods are based on cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) containing dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), which have been shown to be toxic for clinical applications. In this study, we describe a simple and effective trehalose (TRE)-based solution to cryo-store human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) in liquid nitrogen. Cells viability, identity, chromosomal stability, proliferative and migration capacity, and stress response were assessed after cryopreservation in TRE as CPA, testing different concentrations by itself or in combination with ethylene glycol (EG). Here we show that TRE-stored UC-MSCs provided lower cell recovery rates compared with DMSO-based solution, but maintained good functional properties, stability, and differentiating potential. The best cell recovery was obtained using 0.5 M TRE with 10% EG showing no differences in the osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacity. A second cycle of cryopreservation in this TRE-based solution had no additional impact on the viability and morphology, although slightly affected cell migration. Furthermore, the expression of the stress-related genes, HSPA1A, SOD2, TP53, BCL-2, and BAX, did not show a higher response in UC-MSCs cryopreserved in 0.5 M TRE + 10% EG compared with DMSO. Together these results, in addition to ascertained therapeutic properties of TRE, provide sufficient evidence to consider TRE-based medium as a low-cost and efficient solution for the storage of human UC-MSCs cells and potentially substitute DMSO-based cryo-reagents.

Sectoral insights into corporate insolvency: a comprehensive analysis of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) outcomes in India

Purpose This study aims to analyse the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) in India, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by different sectors. It highlights that 45.23% of admitted cases result in liquidation or resolution, underscoring the need for sector-specific provisions in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). The current framework’s limitations lead to higher haircuts and lower recovery rates. Sector operates under general provisions of IBC, which do not include specific clauses designed to address their particular requirements. The implementation of sector-specific strategies is essential for improving outcomes for both distress companies and their creditors. This approach will significantly enhance the efficacy of the insolvency resolution process. Design/methodology/approach This study uses data from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) through March 2024. It analyses 7,567 cases admitted under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, focusing on sectoral insolvency across various industries such as manufacturing, real estate, constructions, hotels and restaurants, wholesale and retail trade, electricity, transport, storage, communications and others. It analyses data-driven decision-making approach by using formulas to calculate the key metrics such as insolvency rate, recovery rate and haircut rate from a large data set. Findings The overall insolvency rate is recorded at 45.23% with nearly half of the cases resulting in either liquidation or resolution plans. Out of the total cases, 2,476 resulted in liquidation, while 947 were resolved through approved plans. The recovery rate is 32.08%, indicating that less than one-third of admitted cases have been recovered. The average haircut rate is 67.89%, indicating substantial reductions in claims to facilitate resolutions. This sectoral analysis reveals that certain industries such as real estate and manufacturing are disproportionately affected, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions. Originality/value This study’s lies in its sector analysis and use of comprehensive data, from March 2016 to March 2024 from the IBBI. This paper caters to a unique sector and brings a novel viewpoint and valuable insights to the existing literature on insolvency processes in India.

Prolonged venous transit is associated with lower odds of excellent recovery after reperfusion in anterior large-vessel occlusion stroke.

Acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO) remains a leading cause of disability despite successful reperfusion therapies. Prolonged venous transit (PVT) has emerged as a potential prognostic imaging biomarker in AIS-LVO. We aimed to investigate whether PVT is associated with a decreased likelihood of excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0-1 at 90 days) after successful reperfusion. In our prospectively collected, retrospectively reviewed database, we analyzed data from 104 patients with AIS-LVO who achieved successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b/2c/3) between September 2017 and September 2022. PVT was defined as a time to maximum (Tmax) of ≥10 s in the superior sagittal sinus and/or torcula on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging. Patients were categorized into PVT-positive (PVT+) and PVT-negative (PVT-) groups. The primary outcome was excellent functional recovery at 90 days. Of the 104 patients, 30 (29%) were PVT+. Excellent functional outcome was achieved in 38 patients (37%). PVT+ patients had a significantly lower rate of excellent recovery compared to PVT- patients (11% vs. 39%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for possible confounders, PVT positivity was independently associated with lower odds of excellent recovery (adjusted odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.02 to 0.48; p = 0.006). Among patients with AIS-LVO who achieved successful reperfusion, PVT positivity was independently associated with a decreased likelihood of excellent functional outcome at 90 days. Assessment of PVT on CTP may provide valuable prognostic information and aid in clinical decision making for patients with AIS-LVO.

Ora-pro-nobis mucilage as a structuring ingredient in 3D printing formulations

3D food printing technology allows for the customization of food textures, shapes, and compositions, but challenges arise from the diverse properties of food matrices. Ink formulations must balance flowability during extrusion with structural stability. This study investigates the potential of Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) mucilage to enhance the structural integrity and printing precision of 3D-printed food by examining its impact on printing precision and rheological behavior. Food inks were formulated with varying proportions of protein (P), OPN mucilage (M), and starch (S), with total solids ranging from 13.7% to 42.7%. Of the formulations tested, seven were deemed printable. All printable inks exhibited non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior. Thixotropic analysis showed that mucilage was crucial in preventing structural collapse after printing. The absence of mucilage (80P0M20S) resulted in the lowest recovery rate (∼25%), while increasing mucilage concentration improved the recovery rate, reaching 96% with 10% of its mucilage solids (70P10M20S). Similar trends were observed in printing accuracy. Reducing mucilage from 10% to 2% in samples 70P10M20S and 70P2M28S decreased printing accuracy from 95.5% to 89.34%, and 73.38% without mucilage (80P0M20S). Incorporating OPN mucilage in formulations enhanced ink elasticity, viscosity recovery rate, and printing accuracy, underscoring its crucial role in 3D food printing.

Clinical Profile and Outcomes of All Admitted COVID-19 Positive Patients with Primary Lung Cancer in a Tertiary Government COVID-19 Referral Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. COVID-19 infection poses a continuing challenge especially to those already with prior lung disease. To analyze such patients’ profile is essential in today’s health care management. Objective. The study aimed to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 confirmed patients with and without primary lung cancer in terms of hospital stay, recovery, and mortality. Methods. The study employed a retrospective cohort design. Chart review of all adult COVID-19 patients in Philippine General Hospital from January 2021 to June 2021 was done. A matched cohort study was conducted between COVID-19 patients with and without primary lung cancer. Results. Among the 953 COVID-19 patients, there were 14 patients with primary lung cancer. In terms of length of hospital stay, patients with primary lung cancer had shorter days from 1.32 to 15.1 days compared to 2.28 to 18.36 days in patients without primary lung cancer (p-value 0.271). Furthermore, they had 64% recovery rate compared to 78% in those without primary lung cancer (p-value 0.118). In terms of overall mortality rate, primary lung cancer patients had 36% rate as compared to 22% in the non-lung cancer group (p-value 0.119). Diabetes mellitus, mild to severe COVID, Remdesivir, and antibiotic use were associated with longer hospital stay while oxygen support via nasal cannula and invasive ventilation led to shorter hospital stay. Age above 50 years, chronic liver disease, other malignancy, shortness of breath, oxygen support via face mask, high flow nasal cannula, invasive ventilation, antibiotic use, hemoperfusion and nebulization showed a decrease chance of recovery while on contrary, Remdesivir showed an increase chance of recovery. An increase mortality rate was seen among age above 50 years, chronic liver disease, other malignancy, shortness of breath, oxygen support via facemask, high flow nasal cannula, invasive ventilation, antibiotics, hemoperfusion, and nebulization, in contrast to a decrease in Remdesivir therapy. Conclusions. Among all admitted COVID-19 patients, primary lung cancer patients were associated with shorter hospital stay (8.21+6.89days), lower rate of recovery (64%), and higher mortality rate (36%) as compared to those without primary lung cancer. However, based on the computed p-values for each outcome, these differences are not statistically significant.

Sustainable fungi-based protein extraction from agro-waste mushroom stem using deep eutectic solvents

This study evaluated the nutritional and functional qualities of the mushroom stem (MS) powder and its protein concentrates, which were extracted using alkaline and deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based methods. MS powder is rich in protein (23.02 %) and carbohydrates (63.01 %). Alkaline extraction yielded the highest protein content (45.90 %) but lower recovery rates (15.39 %) compared to DES extractions using a 1:2 molar ratio of choline chloride: glycerol (DES-CG) and choline chloride: lactic acid (DES-CL), which had recovery rates of 22.04 % and 21.47 %, respectively. DES solvents provided strong hydrogen bonding, as indicated by FTIR analysis, and produced uniform, smooth particles according to SEM imaging. Both DES and alkaline methods achieved similar protein solubility values (72–75 %). However, DES methods better preserved emulsion capabilities and balanced foaming properties, enhancing foam capacity and maintaining stability. The findings suggest that DES methods are more sustainable and efficient for extracting proteins from MS powder, optimizing both functional properties and environmental sustainability in food applications.

Predictors of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity among racially and ethnically diverse patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

BackgroundWhile trastuzumab has been shown to improve disease-free and overall survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, it may also cause trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC). Although racial and ethnic minorities are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), limited data exists on TIC incidence in diverse multi-ethnic populations. Our objective was to assess racial and ethnic differences in TIC and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery among patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients diagnosed with stage I-III HER2-positive breast cancer between 2007 and 2022 who had received adjuvant trastuzumab. We analyzed associations between sociodemographic factors, tumor characteristics, treatment regimens, and CVD risk factors with the primary outcomes of TIC and LVEF recovery, using multivariable logistic regression models. TIC was defined as > 10% decrease in LVEF to an overall LVEF < 50%; LVEF recovery as a return to a LVEF > 50%.ResultsAmong 496 evaluable patients, median age was 53 years (IQR: 45.0–62.0) with 36.6% NHW, 15.8% non-Hispanic Black (NHB), 27.8% Hispanic, and 19.8% Other. Fifty-three (10.6%) patients developed TIC, half of whom experienced LVEF recovery. Compared to NHW, NHB had a higher rate of TIC (9.3% vs. 17.7%, respectively) and lower rate of LVEF recovery (70.6% vs. 21.4%, respectively), however, race/ethnicity was not a significant predictor of TIC after adjusting for confounders. Increasing age, lower baseline LVEF, anthracycline use, and presence of hypertension or coronary artery disease were significantly associated with TIC in multivariable analysis.ConclusionsTIC was more common among NHB compared to NHW, however, Black race was not consistently associated with TIC after adjustment for CVD risk factors. This suggests that CVD comorbidities (e.g., hypertension) that more frequently affect racial and ethnic minorities and are modifiable may explain differences in TIC incidence and recovery.

Clinical evaluation of greater palatine artery hemodynamics in Le Fort I osteotomy

ObjectiveLe Fort I osteotomy (LIO) is a widely known standard orthognathic surgical treatment. However, complications such as osteonecrosis of the jaw due to poor postoperative blood flow to tissues of the maxilla have been reported. This study measured the hemodynamics of the greater palatine artery (GPA) in patients who underwent LIO to explore the factors that affect postoperative blood flow. MethodsWe included 15 patients who underwent LIO and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), and 8 patients, who only underwent SSRO, were included as controls. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative blood flow in the oral mucosa anterior to the foramen magnum was measured with a laser Doppler blood flow meter. ResultsOn average blood flow at immediately after downfracture in LIO patients reduced to 24.8 % of baseline blood flow and patients who underwent anterior maxillary movement had a lower recovery rate at any time. Multiple regression analysis showed that the greater the maxillary anterior shift and the longer the time from maxillary disarticulation to fixation (mandibular fracture time: DFT), the more delayed was the blood flow recovery. ConclusionsSince blood flow decreased after downfracture and recovered only to around 85.4 % of baseline after 6 months in LⅠO, preserving blood vessels is important. Furthermore, the recovery rate was lower in patients who underwent anterior movement, and blood flow reduced more in patients with longer DFT, suggesting the importance of determining the direction and distance of movement preoperatively, and repositioning and fixing the maxilla as quickly as possible during surgery.

The Accelerating Loss of Resilience in Suburban Woodlands Can Largely Be Attributed to the Changes in Urban Precipitation Patterns.

Vegetation resilience holds significant importance for stabilizing ecosystem service functions in a changing climate. While global land surface vegetation resilience changes have been extensively studied, the impact of urbanization on the resilience of suburban woodlands remains inadequately understood. In this study, we utilized two critical slowing down (CSD) indicators, namely lag-one autocorrelation (LOA) and variance (VA), to assess the vegetation resilience, its long-term trends, and influencing factors in suburban woodlands across 1356 cities worldwide. The recovery rates estimated by LOA ( ) and VA ( ) showed close alignment in suburban woodlands with low suburban forest coverage (SFC) areas (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.95). However, a notable divergence was observed in areas with high SFC (r = 0.73). Suburban woodlands with high SFC typically exhibited lower recovery rate estimates, thus indicating greater vegetation resilience compared to areas with lower SFC. From 1986 to 2022, the recovery rates of suburban woodland areas in over 83% of the cities demonstrated a significant upward trend, with an average of 3.23 × 10-3 year-1 for both and , signifying a widespread decline in vegetation resilience. The accelerating pace of urbanization led to higher rising rates of and during 2010-2022 (5.11 × 10-3 year-1) compared to 1986-1999 (0.49 × 10-3 year-1). The notable decrease in resilience of forestland was primarily attributed to reduced precipitation in urban suburbs, which can be explained by urbanization-induced heat island and building barrier effects, causing a shift of precipitation center from urban suburbs to central cities. In summary, this study revealed that urbanization diminishes the vegetation resilience of urban suburban woodlands by altering urban precipitation patterns. These findings underscore the necessity of augmenting water availability in urban suburbs to restore resilience in these woodlands, thereby enhancing their ecosystem service value.

Childhood and adult socioeconomic status influence on late-life healthy longevity: evidence from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey.

Older people in low- and middle-income countries are more susceptible to the impact of childhood experiences. This study comprehensively examines how childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and adult SES collectively influence late-life healthy longevity from a life course perspective, providing insights for shaping health-related policies. This study analyzed data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (1998-2018) with 37,264 individuals aged 65 and above. Using R software, we applied continuous-time multi-state models incorporating the Rockwood frailty index with 38 indicators to assess participants' health. Childhood SES or life course SES trajectories were core explanatory variables, while age and gender were controlled. Multinomial regression estimated annual transition probabilities between different states, and the multi-state life table method calculated total and frailty-specific life expectancy (LE). (1) Social mobility among older people in China showed an upward trend from childhood to adulthood. (2) Transition probabilities for robust-frailty, robust-dead, and frailty-dead increased with age, while frailty-robust decreased. Transition probabilities and LE varied across different childhood SES (low, medium, high) or life-course SES trajectory categories (low-low, low-medium, low-high, medium-low, medium-medium, medium-high, high-low, high-medium, high-high), with probabilities of robust-frailty, robust-dead, and frailty-dead decreasing sequentially across different categories, and frailty-robust increasing sequentially across different categories. Total LE, robust LE, and robust LE proportion increased sequentially across different categories, while frailty LE decreased sequentially across different categories. (3) Women had higher total LE and frailty incidence, but lower recovery rate, mortality risk, robust LE, and robust LE proportion compared to men. Favorable childhood SES and lifelong accumulation of SES advantages protect against frailty morbidity, improve recovery rate, reduce mortality risk, and increase total LE, robust LE, and robust LE proportion. High childhood SES has a stronger protective effect than high adult SES, indicating the lasting impact of childhood conditions on healthy longevity. Systematic interventions in education, food supply, and medical accessibility for children from impoverished families are crucial.

Kinetics of Viral Shedding for Outbreak Surveillance of Emerging Infectious Diseases: Modeling Approach to SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Omicron Infection.

Previous studies have highlighted the importance of viral shedding using cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to understand the epidemic trajectories of SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, it is rare to elucidate the transition kinetics of Ct values from the asymptomatic or presymptomatic phase to the symptomatic phase before recovery using individual repeated Ct values. This study proposes a novel Ct-enshrined compartment model to provide a series of quantitative measures for delineating the full trajectories of the dynamics of viral load from infection until recovery. This Ct-enshrined compartment model was constructed by leveraging Ct-classified states within and between presymptomatic and symptomatic compartments before recovery or death among people with infections. A series of recovery indices were developed to assess the net kinetic movement of Ct-up toward and Ct-down off recovery. The model was applied to (1) a small-scale community-acquired Alpha variant outbreak under the "zero-COVID-19" policy without vaccines in May 2021 and (2) a large-scale community-acquired Omicron variant outbreak with high booster vaccination rates following the lifting of the "zero-COVID-19" policy in April 2022 in Taiwan. The model used Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo methods with the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm for parameter estimation. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by varying Ct cutoff values to assess the robustness of the model. The kinetic indicators revealed a marked difference in viral shedding dynamics between the Alpha and Omicron variants. The Alpha variant exhibited slower viral shedding and lower recovery rates, but the Omicron variant demonstrated swifter viral shedding and higher recovery rates. Specifically, the Alpha variant showed gradual Ct-up transitions and moderate recovery rates, yielding a presymptomatic recovery index slightly higher than 1 (1.10), whereas the Omicron variant had remarkable Ct-up transitions and significantly higher asymptomatic recovery rates, resulting in a presymptomatic recovery index much higher than 1 (152.5). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the chosen Ct values of 18 and 25 across different recovery phases. Regarding the impact of vaccination, individuals without booster vaccination had a 19% higher presymptomatic incidence rate compared to those with booster vaccination. Breakthrough infections in boosted individuals initially showed similar Ct-up transition rates but higher rates in later stages compared to nonboosted individuals. Overall, booster vaccination improved recovery rates, particularly during the symptomatic phase, although recovery rates for persistent asymptomatic infection were similar regardless of vaccination status once the Ct level exceeded 25. The study provides new insights into dynamic Ct transitions, with the notable finding that Ct-up transitions toward recovery outpaced Ct-down and symptom-surfacing transitions during the presymptomatic phase. The Ct-up against Ct-down transition varies with variants and vaccination status. The proposed Ct-enshrined compartment model is useful for the surveillance of emerging infectious diseases in the future to prevent community-acquired outbreaks.

Utilization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Breeding Auliekol Cattle: A Comparative Study.

This study evaluates the utilization of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technology for the conservation and breeding of the Auliekol cattle breed, a primary beef breed in Kazakhstan facing population decline due to the cessation of breeding programs and the incursion of transboundary diseases. We assessed the effect of consecutive ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures on oocyte yield and embryo production in Auliekol and Aberdeen Angus cows. A total of 2232 and 3659 oocytes were aspirated from Auliekol and Aberdeen Angus donors, respectively, with significantly higher yields and embryo production observed in Aberdeen Angus cows. The application of a meiotic block using Butyrolactone I (BLI) and subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols was employed, with embryo development monitored up to the morula/blastocyst stage. Results indicated that Auliekol cows exhibited lower oocyte recovery, cleavage, and blastocyst rates compared to Aberdeen Angus cows, likely due to genetic characteristics. Despite the challenges, IVEP presents a valuable tool for the preservation and future propagation of the Auliekol breed, highlighting the need for further research to enhance reproductive outcomes and conservation strategies.

Impact of Non-Dialysis-Requiring Acute Kidney Injury on Survival Outcomes in Non-critically Ill Hospitalized Medical Patients in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction The severe consequences of acute kidney injury (AKI) have been well-documented in high-risk patient populations. However, the effects of milder forms in non-critically ill patients remain understudied, particularly in resource-limited settings. While the risk of mortality associated with these cases is considered low, it can still lead to various complications including prolonged hospitalization, which may influence long-term renal and patient survival.Hence, the objective of this study was to studythe impact of non-dialysis-requiring AKI (NDR-AKI) on survival outcomes of non-critically ill medical patients admitted to St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia during the period from July 2019 to January 2022. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 300 non-critically ill medical patients, 93 with NDR-AKI and 207 without AKI.Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and median survival times, were employed to summarize the data. Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test were utilized to compare survival experiences of groups. A Cox proportional hazards survival model was fitted to estimate the impact of NDR-AKI on time to recovery. Adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report findings. Results Two hundred four (68.0%) were discharged after improvement and the median recovery time was 16 days (95%CI: 13.5-18.5 days). Having NDR-AKI was associated with a 43% lower rate of achieving recovery (AHR=0.57, 95%CI=0.38, 0.84, p-value=0.004). Females were found to have a 1.41 times higher rate of recovery (AHR=1.41, 95%CI=1.03,1.94, p-value=0.033). Additionally, having tuberculosis (AHR=0.41, 95%CI=0.23,0.72, p-value=0.002) and being on anticoagulant (AHR=0.67, 95%CI=0.47,0.95, p-value=0.027) were associated with a 59% and 33% lower rate of recovery, respectively. Conclusion NDR-AKI significantly delays recovery compared to patients without AKI suggesting that even milder forms of AKI in non-critically ill patients can negatively impact patient outcomes. Early identification, prompt management, and addressing underlying causes are key to improving recovery and reducing long-term morbidity and mortality. Strict screening and monitoring of high-risk groups such as men, patients with tuberculosis, and those on anticoagulants is also crucial.

Lessons learned from a one-year study of Legionella spp. cultivation from activated sludge samples

Risk assessment and management of Legionella spp. contamination in activated sludge in wastewater treatment plants is carried out using the culture method. Underestimation of Legionella spp. is frequently reported in the literature, but a comprehensive long-term study of the performance of the method under comparable conditions is still lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the recovery rate and limit of detection of the culture method for Legionella spp. from activated sludge samples collected during the different seasons of the year. Activated sludge samples spiked with Legionella pneumophila subsp. pneumophila strain Philadelphia-1 (mean concentration 5.2 ± 0.35 logCFU/mL) were analysed monthly for one year using the culture method. Three different sample pre-treatments were compared, namely filtration, acid treatment and thermal treatment, and the recovery rate and limit of detection were assessed for each. The recovery rate of the culture method for Legionella spp. depended on the type of sample pre-treatment and the season of activated sludge sampling, while the limit of detection depended only on the sample pre-treatment. The best performance of the culture method, defined as the combination of the highest recovery rate and lowest limit of detection, was obtained for the filtered acid pre-treated samples (recovery rate: 89 ± 4 %; limit of detection: 1.3 logCFU/mL in 83 % of the samples). The lowest limit of detection was observed for the filtered thermally pre-treated samples (1.0 logCFU/mL in 93 % of the samples). Simultaneously, both thermally pre-treated samples showed up to a third lower recovery rates than the other pre-treatments in winter, while untreated and acid pre-treated samples showed consistently high recovery rates (>80%, logCFU/mL). The recovery rates of the unfiltered and filtered thermally pre-treated samples showed significant weak to strong positive correlations with the organic and phosphorus load in the influent as well as with the water and atmospheric temperatures, indicating that the recovery rate depends on the seasonal variation of the wastewater composition. This study presents new insights into the detection and quantification of Legionella spp. in activated sludge samples and considers seasonal dependencies in analytical results.