Prevention Methods Research Articles

Abstract 4141461: Zonal Coating Application System for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Devices: A Novel Approach to Reduce Peri-Device Leakage and Device Related Thrombus.

Introduction: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an effective method of stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, peri-device leakage (PDL) and device related thrombus (DRT) are common limitations of LAAO. Notably, PDL is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. In order to minimize DRT, the Watchman FLX Pro is coated with PVDF-HFP. We aim to minimize both DRT and PDL with our novel zonal coating application system (ZCAS). ZCAS integrates a two-part thromboresistant and endothelialization promoting coating onto LAAO devices (Figure 1). In order to determine the optimal coating for the endothelialization promoting zone of ZCAS, we validated coating candidates in an in vitro model of LAAO device endothelialization (Figure 2). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh coated with collagen type IV, fibronectin + VEGF, or poly-L-lysine would improve endothelial cell viability and proliferation. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with ATCC’s Endothelial Cell Growth Kit and antibiotics. For the cell viability and proliferation assay, HUVEC cells were cultured in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 2% FBS, 10 mM L-glutamine, and antibiotics. A 96 well plate with PET inserts was coated with three coating candidates. Each coating was applied in three concentrations ([1x], [10x], and [100x]) with triplicates for each concentration. The coatings included collagen type IV ([1x]: 1 ug/cm2), fibronectin ([1x]: 1 ug/cm2) + VEGF ([1x]: 10 ng/cm2), and poly-L-lysine ([1x]: 4 ug/cm2). An MTS assay was performed at 48 hours after plating to assess cell viability and proliferation. Results: MTS absorbance relative to the uncoated control (MTS absorbance coated well/MTS absorbance uncoated well) for collagen type IV at [1x], [10x], and [100x] was 0.81, 1.29, and 0.84 respectively (Table 1). Fibronectin + VEGF at [1x], [10x], and [100x] was 1.31, 1.62, and 0.96. Finally, poly-L-lysine at [1x], [10x], and [100x] was 0.69, 0.90, and 0.91 respectively. Conclusion(s): Among the coating candidates, fibronectin (1 ug/cm2) + VEGF (100 ng/cm2) had the greatest increase in cell viability and proliferation compared to the uncoated PET control. The significance of this finding lies in the potential for ZCAS to improve the endothelial seal between the LAAO device and LAA orifice, which may significantly reduce PDL post-implantation.

Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra as a dual-functional probiotic for aquaculture: enhancing microalgae growth and antagonizing Vibrio pathogens

Vibrio disease is a prevalent bacterial infection in aquaculture, and using bacteria with antagonistic properties against Vibrio species as probiotics has emerged as a promising method for disease prevention. Additionally, low biomass productivity of microalgae feed remains a significant bottleneck in bivalve aquaculture. Therefore, it is essential to screen for bacteria that both enhance microalgae growth and inhibit Vibrio pathogens. In this study, seven bacterial strains capable of promoting microalgae growth were screened for their ability to inhibit three Vibrio pathogens, i.e., Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae, and thus serve as a dual-functional probiotic for aquaculture. The antagonistic mechanism of these bacteria was further investigated by analyzing the inhibitory effects of their extracellular products (ECP) on Vibrio species. Results indicated that Pseudoalteromonas flavipulchra exhibited antagonistic effects against all three Vibrio species tested. The ECP of P. flavipulchra displayed stable antibacterial activity, though this ability was lost after the ECP was treated with heat, alkali, or proteinase K. The proteinaceous fraction isolated from the ECP by precipitation with 90% saturated ammonium sulfate demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that P. flavipulchra could serve as a promising dual-functional probiotic for aquaculture, warranting further research to optimize its application in this field.

Modeling of Wildfire Digital Twin: Research Progress in Detection, Simulation, and Prediction Techniques

Wildfires occur frequently in various regions of the world, causing serious damage to natural and human resources. Traditional wildfire prevention and management methods are often hampered by monitoring challenges and low efficiency. Digital twin technology, as a highly integrated virtual simulation model, shows great potential in wildfire management and prevention. At the same time, the virtual–reality combination of digital twin technology can provide new solutions for wildfire management. This paper summarizes the key technologies required to establish a wildfire digital twin system, focusing on the technical requirements and research progress in fire detection, simulation, and prediction. This paper also proposes the wildfire digital twin (WFDT) model, which integrates real-time data and computational simulations to replicate and predict wildfire behavior. The synthesis of these techniques within the framework of a digital twin offers a comprehensive approach to wildfire management, providing critical insights for decision-makers to mitigate risks and improve emergency response strategies.

Common Faults and Maintenance of Three-phase AC Asynchronous Motors

Application of three-phase AC asynchronous motor in industrial applied in many aspect following function that need to use. In operation use, many troubles may cause motor equipment not to operate or break down by the motor itself or caused by a system including protection, control system, interlocking device, and others causes. Aiming at the actual situation that three-phase AC asynchronous motors are widely used and have a high failure rate, this paper focuses on analyzing the common failures and abnormal phenomena of three-phase AC asynchronous motors and their main causes. This Research Method is reinforced by the actual monitoring of the locality where the equipment is installed. At the same time, some specific preventive measures and treatment methods are proposed to timely discover and eliminate the potential accidents of motors as much as possible and ensure the safe operation of motors. In conclusion, the aspects that need to be considered are one by one. There are 2 general classifications to determine possible faults, the first is about the operating conditions that the equipment motor should monitor and take the scheduled data to know about the actual conditions including power quality, temperature rise, vibration analysis, and physical abnormalities during the operation of the unit.

Abstract 4137975: 9-Year Longitudinal Assessment of the 12-lead Electrocardiogram of Volunteer Firefighters

Introduction: In the US, the most common cause of death among active-duty firefighters is sudden cardiac death (SCD). Underlying heart diseases are important propagator of ventricular tachyarrhythmias that cause SCD. The objective of this abstract is to assess the incidence of underlying heart disease, identified on 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG), that may place firefighters at greater risk of SCD. Methods: We digitalized 12-lead ECGs recorded among firefighters who visited a firefighter health screening program at least 4 times from 2011-2019. We extracted the interval measurements (Heart Rate, T-axis, QRS-axis, QRS duration, QTc duration) and interpretation statements from each of the 12-lead ECGs and grouped potential propagators of ventricular tachyarrhythmias including left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiac conduction disease. We used simple mean imputation to handle missing data. Descriptive statistics including means and frequencies were used to analyze the sample. Results: Among 465 firefighters (90.1% male) with a mean age of 47.1 (±13.6) whom 1,296 12-lead ECGs were analyzed, 21.5% (n=278) of Heart Rate, 0.39% (n=5) T-axis, 26.4% (n=342) QRS-axis, 40.0% (n=518) QRS duration, 5.40% (n=70) QTc duration were abnormal. In addition to intervals, the 12-lead ECGs generated 1,970 interpretation statements of which 28.2% (n=555) were deemed possible pathoanatomical substrates including 3.1% (n=34) LVH, 24.7% (n=137) CAD, and 69.2% (n=384) cardiac conduction diseases. Among cardiac conduction diseases, intraventricular conduction disease was the most prevalent (n=204, 36.8%), followed by vertical axis (n=70, 12.6%), right bundle branch block (n=59, 10.6%), left anterior fascicular block (n=34, 6.1%), and left bundle branch block (n=17, 3.1%). Interestingly, we did not observe a temporal relationship regarding the number of pathoanatomical substrates over the screening period. Conclusions: Nearly 30% of the interpretation statements generated from 12-lead ECGs were indicative of possible pathoanatomical substrates that cause SCD, which reflects the apparently negative effect of fire suppression activity on one’s cardiopulmonary health. Our result justifies the imperative need of effective prevention method for cardiac conduction diseases among firefighters. Further research is needed to collect 12-lead ECG systematically amongst other measures such as diet and BMI which reflect work culture and lifestyle of firefighters.

Results of a Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial of CAYA: A Nurse Case Management HIV Prevention Intervention for Youth Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract Youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) face challenges that increase their susceptibility to HIV/STIs. Nurse case management is effective in managing the complex needs of populations experiencing homelessness and reducing HIV risk. A randomized wait-list control study conducted between September 2019 to May 2023 evaluated the CAYA “Come As You Are” intervention. This nurse-led HIV prevention for YEH aged 16–25 years focused on the uptake of HIV prevention methods: pre- and post-HIV exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, nPEP), HIV/STI testing and treatment, sober sex, and condom use. Secondarily, we examined intervention impact on housing stability. Descriptive statistics were calculated by study arm. Multiple imputation (m = 10) was used for missing values and intervention effects were estimated from Bayesian multilevel models with noninformative priors. Participants (N = 450) were 21.1 years old on average, 62% Black, 11% Hispanic, 11% White, and 10% other race and reported being homeless for an average of 3 years. An intervention effect was found for PrEP use, which showed a larger increase from baseline to first follow-up (OR = 3.27; 95% Cr.I.: 1.13 to 10.14). No intervention impact was found for nPEP use, HIV and STI cases, sober sex, or condom use. Sheltering arrangements improved from baseline to the first follow-up in both groups with increase in shelter stability (OR = 3.85; 95% Cr.I.: 1.61 to 10.30) and decreased shelter transiency (OR = 0.29; 95% Cr.I.: 0.14 to 0.60). This study demonstrates that a personalized, nurse-led HIV prevention approach increased uptake of some but not all HIV prevention strategies among YEH. Clinical Trial Registration number NCT03910218.

A Systematic Review Evaluating Methods for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Dental Erosions

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of this systematic review was to investigate the quality of evidence for methods used to diagnose, restore and prevent dental erosions, by evaluating and summarising clinical controlled studies and in situ studies covering this field.Material and MethodsThree databases, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane database, were searched for studies published until October 2023. Studies fulfilling the selection criteria were selected, and the risk of bias of the included studies was assessed. Two authors independently reviewed the studies, evaluated their risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. The certainty of evidence of the findings in the studies was determined using GRADE.ResultsThe literature search identified 7176 records. Out of these, 19 studies were included in this review, three revolving diagnostics, three revolving treatment and 13 revolving prevention. However, due to the fact that only few studies with a small number of participants have investigated the same methods on the same outcome, the studies do not constitute any body of evidence.ConclusionThis systematic review highlights the shortage of data on methods used for diagnostics, restorative treatment and prevention of dental erosions. More knowledge is needed to strengthen the scientific evidence regarding methods used for dental erosions.

Harm reduction techniques among cisgender gay, bisexual, and queer men using anabolic androgenic steroids: a qualitative study

BackgroundAnabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic forms of testosterone frequently used as performance enhancing drugs among gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ) men. Despite widespread use, associated harms, and the likely existence of an AAS use disorder, there is no medical consensus on standards of care for people who use AAS, with most medical providers focusing exclusively on abstinence. Individuals using AAS have developed community-based harm reduction strategies to mitigate these harms.MethodsThis paper is a sub-analysis of qualitative data obtained through semi-structured interviews with GBQ men using AAS for 8 or more weeks recruited through convenience and snowball sampling from clinical sites and LGBTQ + venues in New York City as well as through social media. Interviews were coded with themes developed using reflexive thematic analysis. Data related to harm reduction techniques were then re-analyzed through a prevention strategies framework lens of primary, secondary, and tertiary harm prevention.ResultsThematic saturation was reached at twelve interviews in the primary analysis, with men reporting frequent use of multiple harm reduction techniques. For primary prevention, men avoided oral steroids and simultaneous substance use, tried to obtain AAS from reputable sources, used “cycling” to dose steroids, and practiced sterile injection techniques. Secondary prevention methods included patient-directed lab testing for hematocrit, liver and kidney function, cholesterol, prostate specific antigen, testosterone, and self-performed blood pressure checks. Tertiary prevention included donating blood and the use of medications without a prescription, including aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor blockers, aspirin, statins, angiotensin receptor blockers, clomiphene, and human chorionic gonadotropin.ConclusionsDespite many GBQ men experiencing harms from anabolic androgenic steroids, community members have often sought harm reduction techniques in lieu of abstinence. Though many of these techniques embrace clinical reasoning and may be more broadly applicable, additional research is needed to understand the impact of each intervention on the overall health of individuals using AAS.

Ochratoxin A in Poultry Supply Chain: Overview of Feed Occurrence, Carry-Over, and Pathognomonic Lesions in Target Organs to Promote Food Safety

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin produced by fungi species belonging to the genera Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. The proliferation of OTA-producing fungal species may occur due to inadequate practices during both the pre-harvest and post-harvest stages of feed. Consequently, poultry species may be exposed to high concentrations of this mycotoxin that can be transferred to animal tissues due to its carry-over, reaching dangerous concentrations in meat and meat products. Therefore, this review aims to propose a comprehensive overview of the effects of OTA on human health, along with data from global studies on the prevalence and concentrations of this mycotoxin in avian feeds, as well as in poultry meat, edible offal, and eggs. Moreover, the review examines significant gross and histopathological lesions in the kidneys and livers of poultry linked to OTA exposure. Finally, the key methods for OTA prevention and decontamination of feed are described.

The Effect of Kinesiology Taping on Posture, Balance, and Gait in Patients Suffering from Low Back Pain

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of lost productivity, absenteeism, disability, and early retirement worldwide. LBP treatment should be comprehensive, including prevention, education, diagnosis, and various treatment methods. Management can be divided into pharmacological and non-pharmacological. The role of physiotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of LBP is very important. Elastic therapeutic tape, also called kinesiology tape or therapeutic kinesiology tape, has been used for about 50 years. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio taping in patients suffering from (LBP), and its possible effect on the swing of the center of pressure (COP), balance, gait, improvement of coordination, and pain reduction. Methods: A total of 60 patients aged 20 to 83 years (54% women) were examined, all of whom fulfilled the requirements for admission and rejection. The L1–L5 spine of the experimental group underwent Kinesio taping in addition to thorough rehabilitation. The control group underwent balance control training based on visual feedback (VFB). The research tools used included the Bohannon single-leg standing test, the FAC (Functional Ambulatory Category) scale, the Podsiadlo and Richardson Standing and Walking Test called “Timed Up and Go” (TUG), evaluation of lumbar spine movement, Lasegue’s test and examination of neurological deficit symptoms, and self-assessment of pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: The effects of Kinesio taping on pain, gait, coordination, postural control, and balance are statistically significant. The main parameter influencing the effects of Kinesio taping was age (below 55 years); this relationship was also observed in the control group. Conclusions: Kinesio taping is an effective method in the treatment of LBP. It improves postural control, balance, gait, coordination, and pain.

Prediction of cardiovascular events after carotid endarterectomy using pathological images and clinical data

Abstract Purpose Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical treatment for carotid artery stenosis. After CEA, some patients experience cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, etc.); however, the prognostic factor has yet to be revealed. Therefore, this study explores the predictive factors in pathological images and predicts cardiovascular events within one year after CEA using pathological images of carotid plaques and patients’ clinical data. Method This paper proposes a two-step method to predict the prognosis of CEA patients. The proposed method first computes the pathological risk score using an anomaly detection model trained using pathological images of patients without cardiovascular events. By concatenating the obtained image-based risk score with a patient’s clinical data, a statistical machine learning-based classifier predicts the patient’s prognosis. Results We evaluate the proposed method on a dataset containing 120 patients without cardiovascular events and 21 patients with events. The combination of autoencoder as the anomaly detection model and XGBoost as the classification model obtained the best results: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score were 81.9%, 84.1%, 79.1%, 86.3%, and 76.6%, respectively. These values were superior to those obtained using pathological images or clinical data alone. Conclusion We showed the feasibility of predicting CEA patient’s long-term prognosis using pathological images and clinical data. Our results revealed some histopathological features related to cardiovascular events: plaque hemorrhage (thrombus), lymphocytic infiltration, and hemosiderin deposition, which will contribute to developing preventive treatment methods for plaque development and progression.

Characterization of Disinfection By-Products Originating from Residual Chlorine-Based Disinfectants in Drinking Water Sources

In this study, samples from the Yangtze River, Han River, and Liangzi Lake in Wuhan City were utilized to characterize the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) from chlorine-based disinfection residues in drinking water sources. The results indicated that the main DBPs in drinking water sources were trichloromethane (TCM) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). The generation of DBPs was significantly positively correlated with oxidative substances, aromatic compounds, pH, and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) content in the water. The concentration of TCAA increased from 0 to 2.45 ± 0.31 mg/L when the reaction time increased to 72 h. As the NaClO concentration increased from 5 mg/L to 15 mg/L, the concentrations of TCAA, TBM, and DCAN increased from 2.03 ± 0.04 mg/L, 0 mg/L, and 0 mg/L to 2.49 ± 0.34 mg/L, 0.21 ± 0.07 mg/L, and 0.10 ± 0.04 mg/L before decreasing to 1.75 ± 0.19 mg/L, 0.17 ± 0.07 mg/L, and 0.04 ± 0.05 mg/L, respectively. The orthogonal experimental results showed that Br−, NH3-N, and pH all had significant influences on the TCM generation, whereas temperature affected the formation of TCAA in the Han River. This work reveals the factors influencing the generation of DBPs from chlorine-based disinfection residues, offering a prevention and control method for DBPs in drinking water sources from a theoretical perspective.

Barriers and Strategies for Rotavirus and Cholera Vaccine Uptake: A Systematic Review of Community-based Interventions in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan

Background: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children and poses a major threat to public health. It is mainly caused by pathogenic organisms of viral, bacterial, or fungal origin, two of which has been preventable via vaccination and has been identified as rotavirus and cholera. In 2020, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were among the top 10 South Asian countries with the highest mortality rates from childhood diarrhea. India and Pakistan are further listed by the WHO among the top five countries with the highest recorded mortality among children under five years old. Bangladesh has experienced the highest number of cholera epidemics. Vaccination is recommended as a potent preventive approach against rotavirus and cholera induced diarrhea and is considered the most cost-effective prevention method. However, despite their proven effectiveness, other factors appear to affect the impact of vaccination strategies in these countries. Therefore, this study aimed to explore these nonclinical factors. Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review which involved the systematic search and selection of qualitative data from primary studies concerning the research topic which was developed using the SPIDER framework. The PRISMA tool was used to carry out this process, and the CASP was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each study. The combined data were then harmonized using meta-synthesis and analyzed thematically. Findings: Four themes emerged from the analysis of the study data: pre-vaccination strategy experience, post-vaccination strategy impact, opportunities for vaccination strategies, and threats to successful implementation of vaccination strategies. This formed the basis of the study discussion and expounded on the impact of vaccine strategies in the selected countries. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that providing the participants with correct information, vaccine education, willingness to learn despite poor knowledge, and access to vaccination are important solutions to the factors that surround the uptake and coverage of cholera and rotavirus vaccines in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan as critical influencers of the prevalence of childhood diarrhea induced by rotavirus and cholera pathogens, respectively.

REGISTRY OF TYPES, FACTORS, AND CONSEQUENCES OF MEDICAL ERRORS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES MELLITUS TYPES

Aim. To identify and systematize the types, factors, and consequences of medical errors in diagnosing types of diabetes mellitus (DM) and to create a registry for them.Materials and Methods. A search, collection, evaluation, and synthesis of scientific data regarding the prevalence of diagnostic errors, their significance, types, causes (including general and diabetes-specific factors), and prevention methods were conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Medline, and Embase databases, as well as publications from open sources. The analysis included guidelines from leading medical societies and expert groups. Based on the systematization of literature data and the authors' clinical observations, a «Registry of Types, Factors, and Consequences of Medical Errors in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Types» was created for the first time.Results. General factors contributing to errors in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) include limited access to quality healthcare, a shortage of specialists in diabetology, low levels of teamwork, lack of availability of diagnostic tests for determining DM types, ineffective communication, unsatisfactory care coordination, and follow-up, as well as cognitive biases. Diabetes-specific factors include the heterogeneity of DM, atypical disease progression, comorbidities, environmental factors, and technical errors in DM diagnosis. The most typical diagnostic discrepancies involve the misidentification of type 1, type 2, and other specific types of DM. Implementing the created «Registry of Types, Factors, and Consequences of Medical Errors in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Types» in endocrinology departments has significantly reduced the number of diagnostic discrepancies for DM types. Additionally, incorporating this registry into the educational process at higher education institutions has improved the competence of students and medical professionals on this issue.Conclusions. The «Registry of Types, Factors, and Consequences of Medical Errors in the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Types», created based on a synthesis of literature data and the results of clinical observations, contributes to improving the quality and accuracy of diagnosis, enhances the professional level of healthcare workers, and reduces the number of incorrect diagnoses and treatment prescriptions.

Enhanced Fuzzy Score-Based Decision Support System for Early Stroke Prediction

According to the Global Health Observatory (GHO), stroke ranks second worldwide in causing dementia, right after Alzheimer's disease. The mortality rate linked to dementia resulting from stroke is high because symptoms are often recognized late, and stroke can be misinterpreted as other brain disorders. Early detection and diagnosis of stroke is crucial. Therefore, increasing awareness of stroke symptoms and implementing preventive measures becomes imperative. Prompt intervention by healthcare professionals can improve outcomes and reduce long-term complications of stroke. The research introduces an innovative approach for early stroke prediction using a fuzzy scoring-based Decision Support System. This approach encompasses three main modules: Mind-map based Data Modeling, Fuzzy scoring computing, and ML-based Decision System. By incorporating fuzzy logic, the approach extracts valuable knowledge from imprecise and uncertain data. Combining the fuzzy stroke risk model with a machine learning-based decision support system aims to enhance stroke prediction accuracy and improve preventive measures and patient outcomes. The approach's effectiveness was validated using real clinical data and tested with various machine learning classifiers, including K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The results showed a strong correlation between stroke cases and computed risk-scoring values. In comparison to predictions without fuzzy scoring and other related works, the stroke risk prediction using the proposed approach demonstrated higher accuracy, making it a promising method for early stroke detection and prevention.

Design and fabrication of PCF‐based terahertz sensor for breast cancer cell detection

AbstractBreast cancer is a type of cancer that is common in women worldwide, which emphasises its significance in identification with preventative treatment methods. The invented Photonic Crystal Fibre (PCF) exhibits outstanding performance in detecting Breast Cancer. The suggested model of the authors includes Hybrid layout within clad surface alongside Square Core. Introduced PCF detector exhibits max Relative Sensitivity (RS) of 96.82% as well 96.74% for breast cancer cell MCF‐7 as well MDA‐MB‐231 correspondingly. The authors also investigated the Confinement Loss of 1.642 × 10−10 dB/m, 2.461 × 10−10 dB/m with Effective Material Loss of 0.0473, 0.0565 cm−1 for the mentioned cells. Increased outcomes, customised therapy, plus quick action are made possible by swift identification in breast carcinoma. Timely malignancy detection reduces requirements to severe therapy by enabling simpler medicines. Additionally, making continuous illness detection easier, improving patient treatment. Furthermore, reliable evaluation contributes for investigating advancements that improve worldwide recognition as well as therapy alternatives. The introduced PCF Perhaps crucial in quick identification of these deadly cells as it has an extraordinary sensing ability. In conclusion, it has numerous possibilities in the healthcare sector.

Genome-wide meta-analysis conducted in three large biobanks expands the genetic landscape of lumbar disc herniations

Given that lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent spinal condition that causes significant individual suffering and societal costs, the genetic basis of LDH has received relatively little research. Our aim is to increase understanding of the genetic factors influencing LDH. We perform a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of LDH in the FinnGen project and in Estonian and UK biobanks, followed by a genome-wide meta-analysis to combine the results. In the meta-analysis, we identify 41 loci that have not been associated with LDH in prior studies on top of the 23 known risk loci. We detect LDH-associated loci in the vicinity of genes related to inflammation, disc-related structures, and synaptic transmission. Overall, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the genetic factors behind LDH, potentially paving the way for the development of new therapeutics, prevention methods, and treatments for symptomatic LDH in the future.

Intimate partner violence, behaviours associated with risk of HIV acquisition and condom use in married women in Manicaland, East Zimbabwe: An HIV prevention cascade analysis

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is widespread in the WHO African region with generalised HIV epidemics and may contribute to ongoing HIV transmission through its associations with behaviours associated with HIV acquisition risk and low use of prevention methods particularly in marital relationships.MethodsWe conducted a male condom HIV prevention cascade analysis using data from a general-population survey in Manicaland, Zimbabwe (July 2018-December 2019) to develop an understanding of how interventions that reduce IPV might be built upon to also reduce HIV incidence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure associations between currently-married HIV-negative women’s experience of IPV and: (1) being in the priority population for HIV prevention methods (i.e. married women engaging in behaviours associated with HIV acquisition risk or with a spouse who engages in similar behaviours or is living with HIV), and (2) male condom use by women in this priority population. Male condom HIV prevention cascades, with explanatory barriers for gaps between successive cascade bars (motivation, access and effective use), were compared for women in the priority population reporting and not reporting IPV.ResultsWe found a positive association between IPV and being in the priority population for HIV prevention methods (72.3% versus 58.5%; AOR = 2.26, 95% CI:1.74–2.93). Condom use was low (< 15%) for women in the priority population and did not differ between those reporting and not reporting IPV. The HIV prevention cascades for women reporting and not reporting IPV were similar; both showing large gaps in motivation and capacity to use male condoms effectively. Women reporting motivation and access to male condoms were more likely to report their partner being a barrier to condom use if they experienced IPV (84.8% versus 75.5%; AOR = 2.25, 95% CI:1.17–4.31).ConclusionThe findings of this study support the case for trials of integrated IPV/HIV prevention interventions that are tailored to improve HIV risk perception among HIV-negative married women and to make condom provision more acceptable for this group.

TikTok Challenges—Unintentional Injuries vs Suicide Attempts

This Viewpoint discusses injuries among US children that are attributable to TikTok challenges, addresses the challenge of distinguishing between unintentional injuries and suicide attempts, and explores potential methods of prevention, treatment, and clinical disposition for such injuries.

Larval cyathostominosis in horses

Small strongyles are the most common parasites of horses, capable of surviving different climate conditions. Though the infection is usually asymptomatic, young horses are considered more prone to developing a parasitic syndrome called larval cyathostominosis. In most cases, gastrointestinal symptoms are most prevalent. Treatment is based on the use of fenbendazole and moxidectin. Diagnosis is difficult and serological methods are still under development. The main prevention methods include regular coprological testing, pasture rotation, co-grazing with ruminants, and regular removal of faeces from the pasture.