WHO Standards Research Articles

Comparative Approach of Staphylococcus Abundance in 3 Different AquaticEnvironments in Kribi (Coastal Area, Cameroon, Central Africa), andPotential Role of Some Abiotic Factors

A study to compare bacterial populations in sea, ground and stream waters and to assess the importance of some abiotic factors on these populations was carried out in the town of Kribi (on the Cameroonian coast) from January to March 2024. The bacteria sought were Aerobic Mesophilic Heterotrophic Bacteria (AMHB) and staphylococci. They were isolated using the surface spreading technique on Petri dishes on PCA media (Rapid Labs, ref CM-PCASP051) and the membrane filtration technique on Chapman mannitol medium (HIMEDIA, ref MH118-500G), for AMHB and staphylococci respectively. Isolated bacteria were identified by standard methods. Some abiotic parameters were measured using standard analytical techniques. These analyses showed that the abiotic variables varied overall from one sampling period to the next and from one point to the next. It was noted that the water was neutral with low mineral content. The high nitrogen values recorded at all the sampling points attest to the high organic matter content of the water analyzed. Bacteriological analyses revealed that the water contains a high-density bacterial microflora consisting of AMHB and bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus. The average densities of AMHB in log (CFU/100 mL) were 5.62, 5.86 and 5.30 in groundwater, stream waters and seawaters respectively. The waters of this coastal area of Cameroon are populated by Staphylococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with mean densities of 2.66 (log (CFU/100 mL)), 3.30 (log (CFU/100 mL)) and 5, 36 (log (CFU/100 m)) for Staphylococcus aureus and 1.66 (log (CFU/100mL)), 1.06 (log (CFU/100mL)) and 5.02 ( log (CFU/100 mL)) for Staphylococcus epidermidis in groundwater, stream waters and seawaters respectively. Comparatively, the densities of staphylococci in seawaters were more abundant and diverse than those in groundwater and stream waters. The deterioration in the quality of these coastal waters seems to be encouraged by their proximity to point sources of pollution linked to discharges of ballast water without prior treatment. These waters are therefore not recommended for human consumption according to WHO standards.

ADHERENCE TO THE WHO CRITERIA ON DRUG PROMOTION LITERATURE: AN EVALUATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL ADVERTISING AT A TERTIARY HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN NORTH INDIA

Objective: This research seeks to evaluate how closely drug promotional materials at a tertiary care center in North India follow the WHO’s ethical standards. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out, involving the organized gathering of drug promotion literatures (DPLs) from the healthcare institution over a specific timeframe. A checklist, derived directly from the WHO’s guidelines for ethical drug promotion, was used to evaluate the DPLs’ content. The data were thoroughly examined to determine the degree of adherence to the WHO standards. Results: In an analysis of 149 DPLs, all included both generic and brand names. Information on the amount of active ingredient and therapeutic applications was present in 91% and 86% of the DPLs, respectively, and dosage forms appeared in 91%, with the remainder depicted pictorially. Only 32% of DPLs described the pharmacological mechanism. Details about side effects and significant adverse drug reactions, as well as precautions and warnings, contraindications, and major drug interactions, were included in 19%, 16%, 18%, and 11% of DPLs, respectively. The manufacturer’s name was mentioned in 72% of the documents, while the manufacturer’s address appeared in 26%. References to scientific literature were included in just 29% of the DPLs. Conclusion: This research highlights the need for improved oversight and regulation of drug promotion activities within the healthcare facility. Less than 20% of DPLs provide information on drug safety. Compliance with the WHO standards is crucial for ethical drug promotion, protecting patient care, and maintaining the integrity of healthcare services. Cooperative initiatives among healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical firms, and regulatory agencies are urgently required.

Heavy metal intrusion and geospatial analysis of groundwater resources in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria.

Abstract This study examined the spatial variation in the intrusion of heavy metals in underground water resources of Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, where it conducted a comparative study from ten (10) spatially distributed boreholes, for possible intrusion of the pathogen. The data that was produced were subjected to Heavy Metal Index (HMI) technique to analyse the significant contamination rate in the samples extracted from the study area (using the World Health Organisation Standard and the Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality as the Control Variable). The result of the analysis showed that the undergroundwater there has slightly higher concentrations of Iron and lead than any other parameters. Lead (Ppm) has a range of values of 0.11 to 0.18, with areas like Owhelogho (0.18), Iyede (0.18) and Ellu (0.17) having higher values than others. The range of value for Iron (Ppm) is 0.31 to 0.43, with all the areas having significant values slightly higher than the WHO and NSDWQ standard of 0.3. The study identified places where heavy metals intrusion is prevalent, also a substantial association between pollutant from host rocks and groundwater supplies. The heavy metal index evaluation revealed a class "II" grade, indicating the presence of lead and iron oxide in modest quantities, although its presence is a cause for concern for the well-being of borehole water consumers.The statistics are quite close to the next class on the indexing chart, which is "slightly affected". Any small infiltration raises the stakes to the next level.

Statistical approach to the monitoring of groundwater quality for drinking in Northern Algeria

The scarcity of surface water during prolonged droughts makes the Mitidja quaternary aquifer in north-central Algeria essential for drinking water supply. This study aims to improve understanding of the hydrochemical behavior of this aquifer using multivariate statistical analysis. The main objective is to identify the factors influencing the chemical composition of the water and determine its suitability for domestic use. To this end, water samples were taken from 20 boreholes and analyzed for electrical conductivity, pH, and significant ions during the dry and wet seasons. The results showed significant spatial variations in salinity, particularly in the plain's extreme eastern and western regions, where several parameters exceeded WHO standards. Chemical quality was higher in the western and central boreholes than in those to the east, which were deemed unsuitable for human consumption. Various chemical facies result from the dissolution of dolomitic and evaporitic formations, leading to increased mineralization. In addition, human activity has affected water quality, notably through the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and the discharge of untreated wastewater. This study underlines the need for sustainable environmental management to preserve water quality in the Mitidja quaternary aquifer, which is essential for guaranteeing local communities' drinking water access.

Electromagnetic intensity investigation of emitted non-ionizing radiation from base transcriptive stations in the urban region of southern Iran

ABSTRACT Their monitoring in urban regions is essential for policymakers and the population. In this study, the electromagnetic intensity (EMI) was measured around 30 stations of base transcriptive stations (BTS) at both distances lower than 20m and higher than 200m using real-time equipment SMP2-dual in summer and winter. Results have shown that EMI in summer (range: 2-6500 mW/m2) was more than in winter (1.5-5000), and the intensity of about 93% of samples exceeded WHO standards. EMI has consistently decreased with the increasing distance from BTS. There was a negative correlation between the temperature and EMI in summer and humidity and EMI for both distances. The mapping of EMI depicted the highest value of EMI across the central region from south to eastern north at a distance lower than 20 m in winter. The clustering of the EMI in this region was influenced by the geographical location of BTS.

A review of particulate matter (PM) in Indonesia: trends, health impact, challenges, and options.

This study reviews particulate matter (PM) research in Indonesia, focusing on current trends, health impacts, challenges, and future research directions. As the largest archipelago country, Indonesia faces severe pollution annually due to rapid urbanization, industrial activities, vehicle emissions, and forest fires. PM levels often exceed WHO and NAAQS standards, especially in urban areas and during forest fire seasons, posing significant health risks to vulnerable populations. Most PM studies have been conducted in major cities, primarily concentrated on Java Island. While there are several studies in Sumatra and Borneo, they commonly focus on the effects of peatland fires, and research in the eastern part of Indonesia remains limited. Substantial gaps in PM studies have been highlighted, including limited monitoring infrastructure, technology, data inconsistencies, and socio-economic challenges. Recent studies emphasize the need for more research on size-segregated PM, including ultrafine particles (UFPs), to fully understand their behavior in the atmosphere, sources, distribution, and health impacts. Chemical analysis and source apportionment studies are also crucial but currently limited due to equipment and analytical challenges. To improve PM management, the study proposes strategic options, including adopting advanced monitoring technologies along with low-cost samplers, increasing funding and technical training, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and fostering international collaboration. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and community-based monitoring are essential for effective air quality management.

UiO-67 metal-organic framework loaded on hardwood biochar for sustainable management of environmental boron contaminations

Boron contamination in water poses significant potential risks to human health and the environment, necessitating the development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable remediation technologies. This study introduces a novel composite material combining a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-67) and a low-cost carbonaceous material (hardwood biochar, BC) with synergetic efficiency to address boron-polluted waters. The UiO-67-biochar (UBC) composite exhibits effective surface chemistry and a remarkably high specific surface area of approximately 881.9m²/g, substantially increasing from the 19.7m²/g of biochar. Our experimental results demonstrate that UBC removed up to 88.5% of boron from 20 ppm polluted water, achieving levels compliant with the WHO standards. The composite also showed excellent reusability, maintaining 95% efficiency over multiple cycles without loss of crystallinity. Life cycle assessment and cost analysis indicate that an optimal MOF to biochar ratio of approximately 60wt% minimises CO2 emissions and costs while maximising the boron removal efficiency. The UiO-67-biochar composites proposed here offers a promising scalable solution for boron contamination and potentially other environmental pollutants, combining the high functionality of UiO-67 with the practical and economic advantages of biochar.

Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of gingival inflammation

BackgroundStudies have identified a possible link between obesity, overweight, and gingival inflammation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether overweight and obesity are associated with a higher prevalence of gingival bleeding among university students. MethodsData were collected from 2,089 students in 2016 through a self-administered questionnaire. Gingival inflammation was assessed with the question, “Does your gum bleed when you brush your teeth?” Responses were classified as “yes” or “no”. Body mass index (BMI) was assessed based on self-reported weight and height, following WHO standards: Normal (<25), Overweight (25-30), and Obesity (>30). A Poisson regression model was applied to analyze the association between BMI categories and gingival bleeding prevalence. ResultsThe prevalence of gingival inflammation was 50.8% and the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 8% and 23%, respectively. Obese individuals demonstrated a 32% higher prevalence of gingival bleeding compared to those with a normal BMI (PR=1.32, 95%CI[1.17–1.49]). Overweight students showed no significant association with gingival bleeding (PR 1.01, 95%CI[0.91–1.13]). ConclusionObesity was associated with a higher prevalence of gingival bleeding, while overweight status showed no significant association. These results suggest that obesity, rather than overweight, is associated with increased gingival inflammation.

Investigation of the physicochemical parameters of drinking water in Herat province and its comparison with World Health Organization standards

AbstractThe physical, chemical, and microbial parameters of drinking water are the basis for judging if it is potable. Undesirable changes in these parameters can threaten the users’ health. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical qualities of drinking water in Herat Province and compare them with the WHO standards. 45 drinking water samples were collected from Herat Province to undergo physicochemical tests. This study was conducted in 2023. The mean values measured for parameters such as temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), fluoride, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, and total hardness (TH) were 26.3℃, 0.93 NTU, 1328 μS/cm /cm, 7.32, 576.8, 0.26, 12.014, 6.8, 11.25, and 58.33 mg/L, respectively. The turbidity, TDS, and EC of some samples were higher than the highest desirable limit (HDL) but lower than the Maximum allowable limit (MAL). Also, there is a shortage of fluoride in samples. The Water Quality Index (WQI) shows that the quality of drinking water in Herat Province is classified as Poor.

An innovative approach for quality assessment and its contamination on surface water for drinking purpose in Mahanadi River Basin, Odisha of India, with the integration of BA-WQI, AHP-TOPSIS, FL-DWQI, MOORA, and RF methodology

Water is essential for life, as it supports bodily functions, nourishes crops, and maintains ecosystems. Drinking water is crucial for maintaining good health and can also contribute to economic development by reducing health-care costs and improving productivity. The present study evaluated the surface water quality of Mahanadi River (Odisha, India). Hence, to evaluate the hydro-chemical processes, sources of contamination, and water quality, a methodical examination was conducted using an integrated approach, namely Bayesian Approximation (BA), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)-Technique of Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), Fuzzy Logic (FL), Multi-Objective Optimization on the Basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA), and Random Forest (RF) method. For this, water samples from 16 locations were taken for a period of 2018–2024, to test 21 physicochemical parameters in the selected sampling sites. From the assessment of parameters, with respect to WHO standards, pH indicates alkaline, TKN, and TC in all samples surpassed the prescribed drinking water limit. However, major ion and hardness spatial interpolation maps typically show that the quality of the water declines from upstream to downstream, with extreme values found in the downstream. The index for BA-WQI value revealed that 50% of samples belong to unsatisfactory water quality. This was also accompanied by several parameter’s high values, namely TDS, NO3−, Cl−, and SO42−, which were also highest among all the locations. Again, it is noticed that 12.50% of sites come under the zone of excellent water. However, 37.50% of samples indicated a good water class. As a result, a renowned MCDM model, such as AHP-TOPSIS, was presented, which makes use of rough set theory and Bayesian weights to provide a trustworthy and objective assessment of the total pollution levels at each sample site. Hence, this innovative technique depicted that W-(9) was the most polluted region if compared to other places, followed by W-(8), (16), (2), and (7), respectively. Based on FL-DWQI values, 12.5% of monitored specimens point towards excellent category, and rest 18.75% indicated as good quality. The remaining samples, or 68.75%, consist of ‘poor, very poor, and unsuitable qualities'. However, it was relevant that the degree of pollution at these stations was more closely linked to a variety of expanding human activities, such as excessive water use, fertilizer effects, agricultural runoff, and industrial activity in and around the river corridor. Additionally, MOORA has been conducted and performance scores were extracted. These four polluted sites such as W-(9), (8), (16), and (4), which contain higher performance scores, were 0.89, 0.093, 0.06, and 0.04. The major four places containing variables that exceeded the WHO limits, which account for TKN, coliform, and EC properties, were named accordingly. It was discovered that the main causes of the river’s water quality adulteration were agricultural runoff and home waste water. Furthermore, a RF analysis of the 16 sites was carried out and five critical variables such as Cl−, TH, TDS, EC, and TC were obtained on the basis of R2 and RMSE score. Here, the first four RF factors were sufficient to explain 83.86%, 84.27%, 84.14%, and 85% of the model accuracy for correlation matrix. In the end, the target TC suggests about 89% of the total accuracy. Afterwards, water quality at all sampling locations was expressed in terms of RF-WQI. The value obtained varied between 15 and 243, denoting good to poor water. The main finding of the investigation was that at eight inadequate water sites, the main sources of adulteration of the river’s water quality were agricultural runoff, illegally deposited municipal solid waste, and deteriorating household water supplies. This work highlights the viability and dependability of integrating these techniques for monitoring and evaluating river water quality. Hence, these findings are essential for comprehending surface water sustainability, for human consumption in the research area.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Fluoride Contamination in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACTFluoride is highly threatening to human health, and it is a serious issue worldwide, especially in India, because several states in India are at high risk of fluoride contamination in drinking water. In this study, the groundwater from Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts was chosen for estimation of quality and fluoride level. The 20 samples were collecetd from two districts, water quality and fluoride were estimated using standard protocols. The results showed that in Dharmapur districts, including Dharmapuri and Morappur, the water quality was very poor and the water was in bad condition, and also the water quality and fluoride levels were above the acceptable limits of WHO and TWAD board norms. In Krishnagiri district, such as Hosur, and Larger domestic water samples were highly polluted. The Pochampalli and Hangar, Anjetti, and area ground waters were in poor condition, the rest of the area's water quality and fluoride level are moderate, and may increase in the upcoming years. The quality of water and fluoride levels have crossed the permissible limits of WHO and TWAD board standards in several sites of Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts. Frequent monitoring, more awareness programs, fluoride removal advanced eco‐friendly, and highly efficient technologies are needed to manage these pollutants issues.

Cross-Generational Impact of Maternal Exposure to Low Level of PM2.5 on Kidney Health

Introduction: Inhaled fine and ultrafine particulate matter may affect organs other than the lung, including the kidney. Recent studies have consistently shown the possibility of air pollution in highly polluted countries to be nephrotoxic. However, in countries like Australia, where air quality generally adheres to or remains below the WHO standards, the subtle yet consequential impacts of chronic exposure to seemingly safe levels of traffic PM2.5, are a subject of increasing significance. However, how such exposures in the peri-pregnancy period affect kidney health in mothers and the offspring is unclear, which formed the aims of this study. Methods: Female Balb/c mice were exposed to PM2.5 (5 μg/day) delivered nasally for 6 weeks prior to mating, during gestation and lactation (PM group). In a subgroup, PM2.5 was switched to saline from mating until offspring were weaned to model mothers moving to areas with clean air. Kidneys were analysed in dams and adult offspring at 13 weeks of age. Results: PM2.5 induced oxidative stress without histological changes in the dam’s kidney. However, male PM offspring displayed in utero underdevelopment, characterised by reduced body weight and kidney-to-body weight at birth compared to control offspring, and lower glomerular numbers, with a marked increase in albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial injury. Female PM offspring had delayed postnatal development, lower glomerular numbers, increased glomerulosclerosis, and oxidative stress injury markers. Removal of PM2.5 from conception significantly reduced DNA oxidation and kidney damage in the offspring. Conclusion: There is no safe level of ambient PM2.5 for kidney health when exposed in utero. Maternal PM2.5 exposure equally impacts the kidney health of male and female offspring. Removal of PM2.5 from conception was overall protective to the offspring.

Portable Mini-Electrochemical Cell: Integrating Microsampling and Micro-Electroanalysis for Multipurpose On-Site Nitrite Sensing.

In modern analytical chemistry, one of the primary goals is to develop miniaturized, easy-to-use sensing tools, particularly those with multitasking capabilities. In this work, we designed a mini-voltammetric cell that integrates a modified Au microelectrode (Au/Au NPs as the working electrode) and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode installed within a micropipette tip. This combined tool not only enables portable and on-site microvolume sampling─requiring only a microvolume (around 20-40 μL) or a single droplet─but also facilitates direct micro-electroanalysis in a short time. To evaluate its capabilities, the mini-voltammetric cell was optimized for trace analysis of nitrite ions and demonstrated linear responses in the ranges of 20-150 and 150-1200 μM, with an acceptable limit of detection (LOD) of 18.40 μM, meeting both WHO and EPA standards for nitrite levels. Furthermore, it exhibited high selectivity, stability (up to 36 continuous measurements with only a 3.24% signal drop), and acceptable repeatability (RSD of 2.98%, n = 15). The analytical performance of this miniaturized tool was further assessed through the sampling and detection of nitrite ions in various real samples with different matrixes: (1) urine samples, for the fast diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs), where nitrite ions are detected as biomarkers of UTIs; (2) river water polluted with agricultural waste, where nitrite ions serve as pollutants from nitrogen fertilizers; and (3) on the hands and in forensic investigations, where nitrite ions are detected as indicators of gunshot residue, crucial in crime scene examinations. All real samples were analyzed using the standard addition method and recovery tests, yielding acceptable results. Additionally, the proposed mini-analytical tool was evaluated for its sustainability and applicability using two recognized metrics: The Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI). The results confirmed that this method can be classified as both a green analytical method and highly applicable. Finally, the practical results demonstrated that the proposed miniaturized electroanalytical tool exhibits reliable performance, high sensitivity and selectivity, and fast response in the on-site microanalysis of nitrite, without the need for any reagents or complex sampling steps, across different real samples (such as clinical, forensic, and environmental samples). We believe the proposed mini-voltammetric cell could be used as an alternative to current detection methods, and with suitable modifications, it could be adapted for the microanalysis of other applications and (bio)targets with small volumes in the near future.

Assessment of groundwater quality and public health risks: physicochemical and bacteriological analysis in the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco

ABSTRACT This study reports groundwater contamination in Morocco’s Casablanca-Settat region and observes groundwater quality trends, using Moroccan, EU and WHO standards. High mineralisation was attributed to soil composition and extensive agriculture. Bacteriological analysis indicated significant faecal contamination, with a positive correlation between bacterial load (TC, EC, IE) and physicochemical parameters (NO3–, NH4+, and oxidisability), as nitrates and ammonium provide nutrients for bacterial growth, thus explaining the direct correlation. The study highlights the region’s deteriorating groundwater quality.

Heavy metals concentration and health risk assessment in peanut and date palm from Jigjiga City Markets, Ethiopia

Heavy metals in food can pose significant health risks, necessitating regular monitoring and assessment of their concentrations in commonly consumed foods. This study aims to assess the levels of essential and heavy metals and conduct health risk assessments in peanuts and date palms. Using wet acid digestion, the concentrations of heavy metals: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) were measured in six each sample of peanuts and date palms, via Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). To assess the health risks for adult males and females, the study calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) based on Maximum Recommended Daily Intake (MRDI) of each metal. The average concentrations of heavy metals in peanuts were: Fe 12.6 ± 0.54, Zn 5.3 ± 0.1, Cu 3.53 ± 0.33, As 0.001 ± 0.0, Pb 0.01 ± 0.0, and Cr 0.02 ± 0.0 in mg/kg. For date palms, the average concentrations were: Fe 40.23 ± 2.5, Zn 48.31 ± 0.8, Cu 10.65 ± 0.05, As 0.05 ± 0.002, Pb 0.2 ± 0.01, and Cr 0.5 ± 0.03 in mg/kg. All measured concentrations were below WHO standards. The estimated daily intake of metals from both food was found to be below the Maximum Recommended Daily Intake (MRDI). The hazard index for peanuts was within safe limits, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risks. In contrast, the hazard index for date palms exceeded 1, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic health risks. Incremental lifetime cancer risks were within allowable limits. In conclusion, the concentrations of heavy metals in peanuts and date palms from the Jigjiga market are within safe limits set by the WHO.

BIOM-35. COMPREHENSIVE IDENTIFICATION OF MRNA ISOFORMS AND THEIR DIAGNOSTIC POTENTIAL IN GLIOMAS

Abstract Most genes generate multiple mRNA isoforms which may differ in their protein-coding capacity. Also, cancer and its prognosis are associated with the altered expression of specific isoforms of a variety of genes as cancer cells can manipulate regulatory mechanisms to express isoforms that provide a survival advantage and/or resistance to therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms behind their pathology are poorly understood. Fifty seven glioma samples that could be categorized unambiguously into Astrocytoma (n=17), Oligodendroglioma (n=16) and Glioblastoma (n=24) based on pathology reports and according to WHO standards were selected for this analysis. Total RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on RNA isolated from these 57 samples. RNA-Seq data analysis was performed using the DRAGEN RNA application in Illumina BaseSpace and transcript counts were generated after alignment. From these counts, isoforms that were significantly differentially expressed in Astrocytoma (Astro) vs Oligodendroglioma (Oligo), and Astrocytoma vs Glioblastoma (GBM) were identified using the R package, IsoformSwitchAnalyzeR. Approximately 93,000 transcripts were screened in both comparisons of which 4388 and 44 transcript switches were identified as significant at FDR&amp;lt;0.05 in the Astro vs GBM and Astro vs Oligo comparisons, respectively. Applying an additional cut-off based on the difference in isoform fraction or dIF of a transcript between the two groups being compared (dIF&amp;gt;1.0 and dIF&amp;lt;-0.1), the most significant top switches were identified.. Similarly, in the Astro vs GBM comparison, the isoform switch in genes such as MDF1 and RER1 whose overexpression is known to be involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis were among the 155 top switches. Among the six top switches in the Astro vs. Oligo comparison were transcripts of the RENBP and GCNT2 genes which play an important role in the progression of melanoma, gastric and lung cancers. These results indicate that there may be isoform-specific dysregulation within gliomas, and further suggest that their biological significance and diagnostic potential can be explored.

Highly efficient and robust oxygen vacancy-rich molybdenum trioxide aerogel evaporator for Photothermal conversion and clean water generation

Interfacial evaporation of seawater and other wastewater is used to produce clean water by the infinite solar energy which attracts an intense interest and displays a great prospect. An efficient and robust photothermal evaporator is a key to solar-driven interfacial evaporation. Herein, the oxygen vacancy-rich MoO3 aerogel evaporator is designed to purify seawater and wastewater. Hydrogen etching is used to construct oxygen vacancies of MoO3, which regulate its optical and thermophysical properties. MoO3* possesses stronger broadband absorption and lower reflectance than MoO3 across the wavelength ranges of 200 nm–2500 nm, which insures more energy input. Besides, band gap energy of MoO3* decreases from 2.90 eV of MoO3 to 1.92 eV, which is more beneficial for the visible light absorption and its degradation of organic pollutant. As a result, the MoO3*-based evaporator displays a higher evaporation rate of 1.78 kg m−2 h−1 as well as 92.6 % of efficiency for pure water at 1 sun illumination, in contrast to the MoO3-based evaporator with an evaporation rate of 1.04 kg m−2 h−1 and 60.0 % efficiency, suggesting that oxygen vacancies induced by hydrogen etching improve photothermal conversion efficiency. In practical application, the MoO3*-based evaporator also displays an excellent purification performance for seawater, heavy metal wastewater and tetracycline wastewater, in which the evaporation rates are close to pure water, and the quality of the purified water is better than drinking water specified by WHO standard. In addition, the defected MoO3*-based aerogel evaporator not only possesses an excellent thermal management, but also offers an excellent salt self-cleaning ability. This work convincingly demonstrates that the “defect chemistry” is perfect for constructing the defected MoO3* aerogel evaporator for sustainable production of clean water from seawater, heavy metal wastewater and tetracycline wastewater by means of the solar-driven interfacial evaporation.

Neck Circumference as A Screening Tool for Obesity in Pre- and Primary School Children in Puducherry India – A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity has become the 21st Century’s greatest challenge and threat. Around 50% of the obese children become obese adolescents, of which 80% become obese adults. Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical study was done on 930 pre- and primary school children. Neck circumference, weight, height, waist and hip circumference was recorded. Overweight/obese identified according to WHO standards. Age-specific percentile charts for boys and girls were drawn with data from the apparently normal children in the study population. Results: The Neck Circumference measurements ranged from 23.64(±1.16) to 28.49(±2.87) in boys and 23.59(±1.63) to 27.6(±2.67) in girls. ROC analysis derived cut-offs for overweight and obesity in each age group/gender were found to have high sensitivity (80-100%) and specificity (60-95.9%). Using the reference percentile data/curves, and the cut –offs obtained by ROC analysis, a neck circumference above the 75th percentile for age and gender can be regarded as overweight and above the 90th percentile as obese in both boys and girls. Conclusion: The study concludes that the Neck circumference is a valid and effective screening tool for overweight/obesity in pre and primary school children.

Analysis Of The Quality Of Family Planning (Kb) Health Services On Children's Nutritional Status At Sigambal Public Health Center, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency

Background: Family planning services play an important role in supporting reproductive health and family well-being, especially in ensuring adequate nutrition for children. Objectives: to investigate the relationship between the quality of family planning (FP) health services and children's nutritional status at the Sigambal Health Center, Rantau Selatan District, Labuhanbatu Regency. Research method: structured interviews with mothers who participated in the family planning program and anthropometric measurements of their children.Results: there was a significant relationship between the quality of family planning services and children's nutritional status. High-quality family planning services have a positive impact on children's nutritional outcomes, as evidenced by improvements in weight and height indicators according to WHO standards. Factors determining service quality include the availability of contraception, the expertise of health workers, and community involvement in family planning initiatives.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of improving family planning services by ensuring adequate resources, ongoing training for health personnel, and encouraging community participation. These efforts are critical to improving children's nutritional status in the region

Distribution of air quality data across stratified areas of Port Harcourt metropolis

Distribution of Air Quality Data across seven stratified areas of Port Harcourt Metropolis was carried out. The study utilized a total of 18 parameters from four different air quality datasets obtained from 24 sampling points during field data collection. The sampling points were structured and stratified into residential, industrial, commercial, recreational, transport, dumpsite and abattoir areas. Air quality data were acquired using a multi-digital potable tool, Aerosol Gas Monitor and TESTO Gas Analyser for meteorological data, particulate matters (PM), gaseous emissions and heavy metals. Results showed that the concentrations of air quality data were not evenly distributed across the seven stratified areas, an indication of the influence of location-based activities on the distribution of air quality parameters. The minimum and maximum values of wind speed, temperature and relative humidity were obtained within Residential and Transport Areas, Abattoir and Dumpsite Areas, and, Industrial and Recreational Areas with numerical values of 1.1ms-1 and 3.7ms-1, 27.20C and 350C, and, 67.8% and 923% for wind speed, temperature and relative humidity respectively. The values of TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 ranged from 53 to 255 μg/m3, 13 to 90 μg/m3 and 40 to 169μg/m3 for TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 respectively with the lowest and highest values obtained within Residential and Dumpsite Areas respectively. The concentrations of NO2 and SO2 exceeded the standards of WHO, NAAQS and FMEnv in Industrial, Dumpsite and Abattoir Areas. Lead ( Pb) showed very high values within Dumpsite Area (0.954mg/kg), Industrial Area (0.372mg/kg) and Transport Area (0.077mg/kg).