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Public-health experts should be more political, not less
A public health community health worker-delivered intervention to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes in India: A protocol paper
The objective of this study is to evaluate an intervention designed to reduce human trafficking among Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in two regions of India. We will conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial utilizing a participatory-designed, community health worker (CHW)- delivered public health intervention. CHWs will be trained to conduct anti-human-trafficking advocacy and psychological first aid (humane, supportive and practical assistance to people who are distressed) to DNT community members, and mobilize resources to ensure access to health and mental health services, education, livelihoods, and government benefits. This project leverages known effective, systemic, and sustainable approaches to reducing vulnerabilities to trafficking among DNT communities, through increased economic alternatives, health and mental health services guided by the trafficking-survivor-informed treatment protocols.
Multi-domain Urdu fake news detection using pre-trained ensemble model
Continuous-variable multipartite entanglement in an integrated microcomb
Assessment of the diagnostic performance of the SD Bioline Malaria antigen test for the diagnosis of malaria in the Tombel health district, Southwest region of Cameroon
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are commonly used for the diagnosis of malaria in resource-limited settings. However, the sensitivity of RDTs may vary depending on the brand. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance the SD Bioline Malaria Plasmodium falciparum antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag P.f RDT) for the diagnosis of malaria in the Tombel Health District (THD). This was a cross-sectional community-based study targeting persons living within the THD from 30th April to 20th June 2023. A consecutive sampling technique was used to collect blood samples among 250 symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and tested using the SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f RDT and microscopy. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the RDT. Microscopy identified 133 (53.2%) symptomatic and asymptomatic participants with malaria and the mRDT identified 60 (24%) cases with 52 (20.8%) low parasites density and 8 (3.2%) moderate parasites density. The sensitivity of Malaria Ag P.f RDT was 45.0%, the test correctly identified 60 (45%) of true positive P. falciparium cases. The specificity of 100% showed that the test correctly identified all negative cases. PPV was 100%, there is a very high likelihood that all the positive cases are truly infected. The lower NPV of 61.5%, there is still a chance the negative cases might be infected. The Area Under the Curver (AUC) = 0.78 with moderate diagnostic suggesting that there is 22% chance that the test can produce a false positive result. The overall accuracy of mRDT in the THA is moderate. This level of accuracy may be acceptable in some contexts, but it is not ideal for a screening test, particularly for a disease like malaria that can have serious health consequences if left untreated.
Association between dietary protein intake and bone mineral density based on NHANES 2011–2018
Science diplomacy can help to heal global rifts — if research is respected
Tumour-wide RNA splicing aberrations generate actionable public neoantigens
Abstract T cell-based immunotherapies hold promise in treating cancer by leveraging the immune system’s recognition of cancer-specific antigens 1 . However, their efficacy is limited in tumours with few somatic mutations and substantial intratumoural heterogeneity 2–4 . Here we introduce a previously uncharacterized class of tumour-wide public neoantigens originating from RNA splicing aberrations in diverse cancer types. We identified T cell receptor clones capable of recognizing and targeting neoantigens derived from aberrant splicing in GNAS and RPL22 . In cases with multi-site biopsies, we detected the tumour-wide expression of the GNAS neojunction in glioma, mesothelioma, prostate cancer and liver cancer. These neoantigens are endogenously generated and presented by tumour cells under physiologic conditions and are sufficient to trigger cancer cell eradication by neoantigen-specific CD8 + T cells. Moreover, our study highlights a role for dysregulated splicing factor expression in specific cancer types, leading to recurrent patterns of neojunction upregulation. These findings establish a molecular basis for T cell-based immunotherapies addressing the challenges of intratumoural heterogeneity.
Assessment of the intensive phase ‘Shakti Divas’ initiative to combatting anemia in Rajasthan, India
Introduction Anemia is a global health concern, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide. Rajasthan state of India launched an intensive phase initiative to combat anemia comprehensively. Objectives To assess the intensive phase anemia control “Shakti Divas” initiative of Rajasthan government through process and outcome valuation, while understanding the challenges and barriers in the implementation. Methods A state-wide mixed methods cross-sectional survey was conducted. Process evaluation was done through data collection in seven identified districts of Rajasthan. This included surveys in Anganwadi centers and government schools, and home visits for out-of-school children, pregnant and lactating women not coming to Anganwadi centres. For outcome evaluation, IFA coverage data was obtained from government web portals one-month before and six-months after the launch of initiative. 38 in-depth interviews were conducted to assess the challenges and barriers. Results Process evaluation - cross-sectional surveys conducted in 1100 Anganwadi centers serving 68,651 beneficiaries, and 1240 government schools serving 1,30,114 students, and home visits to survey 29,960 children and 18,632 pregnant women. 843 Anganwadi centers (76.6%), benefitting 68,651 people and 916 schools (73.8%) with 97,247 beneficiaries, were actively engaged in the initiative. Outcome evaluation - an overall increase in IFA coverage amongst beneficiary groups as well individual districts seen, with maximum increase amongst adolescent girls category (68.6%). Challenges were enlisted as knowledge, budgetary, supply, reporting, compliance, resource, coverage and monitoring constrains. Conclusion The paper discussed the reach and challenges of an intensified initiative to combat anemia. Similar intensified and targeted strategies may serve as the key to achieve the goal of anemia reduction thus creating a healthier future for population with similar socio-demographics in LMICs.
Circulating IL6 is involved in the infiltration of M2 macrophages and CD8+ T cells
I create buildings from mushroom components
Examining perinatal health inequities: The role of disability and risk of adverse outcomes through the U.S. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System
Objective To examine pre-pregnancy characteristics, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes among respondents with self-reported disability compared to those without disability. Methods A cross-sectional weighted sample of 2,006,700 respondents with singleton live births who participated in the United States Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) between 2018 and 2021 provided data on disability, including difficulty in vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, communication, and self-care. We estimated covariate-adjusted odds of differences in pre-pregnancy chronic health conditions, pregnancy intention, intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, adequacy of prenatal care, pregnancy-related health conditions, and birth outcomes by disability status. Results Of the 2,006,700 respondents included, 59.5% reported no disability, 33.9% had moderate disability, and 6.6% had severe disability. Across most outcomes, there was a graded pattern with those with severe disability having the worst outcomes compared to the other two groups. Respondents with severe disability were more likely to report diabetes and hypertension before becoming pregnant than respondents without disabilities. Those respondents with severe disability or moderate disability had an increased odds of reporting IPV and depression than those with no disability. During pregnancy, respondents with severe disability had an increased odds of gestational diabetes (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18, 1.80) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.43, 2.02) as compared to respondents with no disability. Respondents with moderate disability also had an increased odds of both gestational diabetes (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06, 1.34) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17, 1.42) as compared to those with no disability. The odds of reporting an unintended pregnancy were highest in respondents with a severe disability (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.43, 1.94) and were also increased in respondents with moderate disability (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.36, 1.62) as compared to those reporting no disability. Across most birth outcomes, respondents with severe disabilities had worse outcomes with an increased odds of low birth weight infants (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08, 1.52), preterm birth (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11, 1.57), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02, 2.06) as compared to respondents with no disability. There were not differences in being classified as small for gestational age or infants’ length of hospital stay by disability status. Conclusions Across the perinatal period, respondents with moderate or severe disability experienced worse outcomes than those without disability. There is a critical need to improve pre-conception health in an effort to reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, health care providers and systems must provide equitable access to care to persons with disabilities to reduce inequities in outcomes.
Extending homeostasis to thought dynamics for a comprehensive explanation of mind-wandering
Earliest evidence for systematic use of ultrahigh carbon steel in the ancient Aegean in the Archaic Milesia
This study presents the results of archaeometallurgical investigation of iron objects from the Sanctuary of Apollo in ancient Didyma, dating to the Archaic period (7th to the early 5th centuries BCE). The analysed precision work tools and semi-formed objects exhibit distinct material characteristics that differentiate them from other iron-steel artefacts of both small and large formats (weapons, implements, and architectural fittings) so far investigated in the Aegean. They were made of medium, high, and ultra-high carbon steel. Three objects belonging to this latter category consist of remarkably clean, homogeneous, and high-quality steel. After presenting the analytical results, this article discusses various explanatory models for the production of these objects and attempts to answer questions about the motivations for this innovation, highlighting their functional characteristics and context of production and consumption.
Spatially dependent Raman gain by vortex beam in a four-level N-typed atomic system
Abstract An efficient scheme for controlling the spatial Raman gain is proposed in a cold atomic ensemble with a four-level N -typed configuration. The cold atoms are driven by the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) vortex beams. Considering the control and driving fields are vortex beams and using experimentally achievable parameters, we identify the condition under which the topological charges (TCs) allows us to manipulate the radial distribution of the Raman gain spectra. It is found that the spatial Raman gain can be effectively controlled via adjusting the relevant optical parameters. Furthermore, we show interesting optical properties of vortex-induced transparency(VIT) and vortex-induced gain (VIG) via controlling the spatial Raman-gain spectrum. Finally we show that the azimuthal modulation of the Raman gain profiles can be realized and controlled when the control field consists of a travelling-wave (TW) field and two optical vortex fields. Our scheme may provide a feasible approach for constructing novel vortex beams based on cold atomic ensemble.
Are microplastics bad for your health? More rigorous science is needed
Association of red and processed meat consumption with cancer incidence and mortality: An umbrella review protocol
Background Many meta-analyses have reported the associations between red and processed meat consumption and cancer outcomes, but few have assessed the credibility of the evidence. In addition, the results of dose-effect analyses of the association between red and processed meat consumption and cancer outcomes were inconsistently reported in different articles. Here we propose a protocol for an umbrella review (UR) that be designed to assess these associations and explore the potential dose-response relationships. Methods We will independently search five electronic databases and two registers from inception to July 2024 for systematic reviews with meta-analysis concerning the associations of red and processed meat consumption with cancer incidence and mortality. We will conduct the statistical analysis between August 2024 and December 2024. Also, an up-to-date search for additional primary studies of cancer outcomes that were not included in previously published meta-analyses will be conducted. The main outcomes will include the incidence and mortality of any cancer related to red and processed meat exposure. A series of unique associations will be created based on the cancer outcome, exposure, and clinical or population setting. For each association, we will update the meta-analysis by combining studies included in prior meta-analyses and new studies that were not included in prior meta-analyses, and re-perform the meta-analysis using the random-effects models. According to the credibility of the evidence assessment, all associations with a P value of ≤ 0.05 will be categorized as convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, or weak evidence. All analyses will be performed in R (version 4.2.3). Results The results of this UR are planned to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. Conclusion The main aim of protocol publication is to get feed back from the reviewers to develop a standard protocol before its publication and after publication, it should guide this protocol to take up similar research by any researcher(s) by following meticulously this standard protocol. Registration PROSPERO CRD42023414550.
An enhanced protection scheme for power transformers integrating alpha plane analysis
Association of the TTN, PDK4, and RNF207 mutations with dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermanns from the United Kingdom
A missense mutation in the titin gene (TTN) and a splice-site mutation in the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 gene (PDK4) have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Dobermanns from the United States. Additionally, a missense mutation in the gene RNF207 has been reported in association with DCM from a European Dobermann cohort. Based on this we examined the association of these variants with DCM in United Kingdom (UK) Dobermanns. We hypothesized that the TTN and PDK4 gene variants would not be associated with DCM in UK Dobermanns and that there would be an association between the RNF207 mutation and DCM. We included 74 client owned dogs (30 control dogs and 44 dogs with DCM) in the study. Allele frequencies for each variant were calculated. Chi-square testing was used to assess for differences in allele frequencies and genotype proportions between groups. Overall allele frequency in this cohort was 35% for the TTN variant, 18% for the PDK4 variant, and 37% for the RNF207 variant. There was no difference in allele or genotype frequencies between control and DCM dogs for TTN or PDK4 (p = 0.79 for both allele frequencies, p = 0.91 for TTN and p = 0.78 for PDK4 genotype frequencies). There was a significant difference in the allele frequencies of the RNF207 variant between DCM cases and controls (OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.07 – 5.15), p = 0.03) and genotype frequencies for RNF207, with a homozygous genotype found almost exclusively in DCM dogs (p = 0.034). We conclude that the previously reported RNF207 variant appears associated with DCM in UK Dobermanns, but there was no association with the previously reported TTN or PDK4 mutations. This is important when considering selective breeding in different populations of Dobermanns. However, the small sample size may impact the generalizability of the results.