Browse Articles

Can we Comment on the Weapon and Age of the Stitched Wound? A Case Series

Context: The role of Forensic Expert plays a vital role in the examination and preparing wound certi𿿿cate of every Medico-Legal cases.1 Many times, the victims get the initial treatment in the Private hospital or the casualty, then comes for the medico-legal examination after 3 to 5 days.2 In such cases the problem arises as how to comment upon the contact surface/ weapon when the healing has already started, and margins have become regular. In stitched wounds, many a times the surgeon wound have cleaned the margins, and this further adds the complication to comment upon the weapon. The approximation of the margins depends upon the surgeon’s skills, area of injury, the size of needle used.3 The edges or tailing cannot be made out from the stitched wound most of the times. Many times, the police also seek help from the Medico-legal expert to decide on which IPC section is involved. It relies on the report of Medico-legal expert whether the wound is simple/Grievous caused by non-Dangerous weapon or Dangerous weapon.4 Aims: Through this case series we tried to study the stitched wound of different duration about their margins and edges, and how reliable it is to comment upon the contact surface/ weapon in the stitched wound. Material & Method: Descriptive Observational type of study done at Department of Forensic Medicine, MBS Hospital associated with Governmental Medical College, Kota (Rajasthan), on 10 cases of Stitched wound. Results & Conclusion: we have observed that it is dif𿿿cult to comment upontheweapon from the Stitched wound and the solution is CFMU.5

US investment in African food systems will have global benefits

Effects of digital health counseling and behavioral interventions on weight management during pregnancy and postpartum: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of digital health counseling or behavioral weight management interventions for preventing excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) among pregnant individuals of all body mass index (BMI) categories, compared to routine care. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations/Theses, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, up to February 2024. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) wherein pregnant women received counseling or behavioral interventions through digital health compared to routine care. Pairs of reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted data from eligible RCTs. Data were pooled using inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses. We applied the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the magnitude and certainty of the effects. Results We included 18 trials. Moderate certainty evidence showed 0.78 kg lower GWG in the weight management digital health intervention group, compared with routine care (95% CI: −1.40 to −0.16 kg). This reduction was higher in individuals with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Digital health interventions likely reduce the risk of excessive GWG (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.95) and may result in little to no difference in the rate of cesarean birth (CB) (RR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.81 to 1.48). Low-certainty evidence suggested that digital health weight management interventions may reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.12), pre-eclampsia (RR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.33), and preterm birth (RR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.28). High-certainty evidence showed that digital health weight management interventions have little to no effect on birthweight (MD = 0.00; 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.08). Conclusions Digital health interventions are effective in reducing GWG and excessive GWG based on BMI. Additionally, evidence suggests that these interventions may lower the risk of GDM, pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth. However, their impact on birthweight, GWG across all BMI categories, and the risk of CB is trivial.

Broken Piece of Ceramic Cup Causing Fatal Accidental Cut Throat Injury in a Child: A Rare and Tragic Case Report

Accidental cut throat injuries are common usually in home or workplace. However, accidental cut throat injuries leading to death have been of rare occurrence in forensic literature. In present case,𿿿ve years old male who was carrying mpty eramic cups, used for serving tea, accidentally slipped, leading to fall of ceramic cups causing its breakage, followed by fall of child over broken pieces of cup causing cut throat injury. He succumbed to death after around 22 hours of incidence, due to aspiration of blood subsequent to cut throat injury. We hereby report the case in view of its rarity in forensic literature, as well as to document the unknown and potentially preventable hazard from ceramic objects in the pediatric population

Training processes of World Masters Orienteering Championship medalists

The study aimed to capture the relationships between sports performance and workouts in different foot orienteer age groups. The preparation process of 49 World Masters Orienteering Championship (WMOC) medalists (aged 35–75) was surveyed using a questionnaire. The respondents were asked about the number of training sessions, time devoted to training and competitions, and the characteristics of the training measures used (including the number of specialized training sessions and competitions) during the preparation and competition periods. The data underwent non-parametric statistical analysis, with the Mann-Whitney U test used to assess differences between two structural indicators. Men trained more frequently than women (p = 0.015), and younger subgroups (WM35-WM55) trained more often than older ones (WM60-WM75) (p = 0.021). During preparation, men trained longer than women (p = 0.045), while younger masters trained more hours than older ones. No significant gender differences were found in training volume during the competition period (p = 0.74). Sixty-two percent of medalists used over 10 specialized training sessions within six months of WMOC, with younger male veterans (M35-M55) reporting the highest number. More men (92.9%) than women (54.5%) competed over 10 times in the six months preceding WMOC (p = 0.002). WMOC medalists trained optimally, considering age-related decline, and frequently prepared by participating in orienteering competitions. Some training work-out differences were observed among medalists based on age and sex. The study observations provide the first insight into the preparation of master category orienteering competitors for international competition. Indeed, most are very professional in their preparation and devote much time to training and participating in competitions, especially younger competitors.

Profile of Head Injury Cases Reported in Western India: An Autopsy Study

Introduction: Head injuries, especially those resulting fromroad traf𿿿c accidents (RTAs), are a signi𿿿cant public health concern in India, particularly amongtheyoung population. This autopsy-based study aimed to evaluate the demographic pro𿿿le, causative factors, survival times, and the pattern of skull fractures infatal head injury cases reported in a tertiary care hospital in Western India. Results: A total of 350 autopsied cases of fatal head injuries were analyzedover one year. The majority were males (84.29%), with the most affected age group being 21–30 years (24%). Accidental head injuries accounted for 90.57% of cases, and RTAs were the leading cause (67.14%). Two-wheeler occupants represented the most common victim group, with 82% of them not wearing helmets. Headon collisions were the most frequent RTA type. Most deaths (over 60%) occurred within 12 hours of injury. Skull base and vault fractures were signi𿿿cantlymorecommon among non-helmeted riders. Discussion: The𿿿ndings indicate a strong association between lack of helmet use nd fatal skull fractures. Young adult males are at greater risk due to increased xposure to outdoor and vehicular activities. Delays in emergency response and limited trauma care infrastructure contribute to early mortality following head injury.

High-density LD-based structural variations analysis in ten Native and Mestizo Mexican populations

The main objective of this study was to perform a genome-wide characterization of Structural Variations (SV) based on the deviation of the expected short-range Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in 10 Native and Mestizo Mexican populations. We used a panel of 785,663 SNP genotypes, sampled from 383 individuals, of which 71 belonged to ethnic populations and 312 belonged to mestizo populations. The total number of variations found among all populations was 4,375, involving an average of 19,438 SNPs per population, which corresponds to the 3.14% of the total average of SNPs per population. The mean SV size varied from 2,845–8,646 kb across populations (with a mean SV size of 6,161 kb over all populations) and an average of 50.14 SNPs per SV. By grouping all variations across all populations in the sample we defined 506 regions, from which in 54 (11%) regions the 10 populations coincided. The total number of genes covered by these variations was 8,443. And, from all genes we identified some specifically related to Mexican health, as the genes FTO and ABCA1 associated with obesity, with the adipose tissue function, and with the distribution of fat in Mexican population; the gene ELMO1 associated with the susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy and diabetes type II, among others. In summary, our results add new evidence in support of the hypothesis that SVs based on the deviation of the expected short-range LD between SNPs capture the structure and the demographic history of populations, and represent potential targets for association of SVs with population-specific diseases.

Long-standing marine reserves need continued support

Design and control of a novel pneumatic soft robot based on the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm

Inspired by the flexible structures found in soft organisms in nature, researchers have developed a variety of novel soft robots using flexible materials. Compared to traditional rigid robots, soft robots offer advantages such as lighter weight, greater flexibility, higher degrees of freedom, and improved safety in human-robot interaction. However, designing and controlling soft robots remains a significant challenge. This paper proposed a novel design approach for a bio-inspired quadruped soft robot. Firstly, a hexagonal mesh structure for a quadruped soft robot was proposed, and the pneumatic actuator suitable for the soft structure was designed to enable the robot’s leg movements, such as extension and bending. The body and overall structure of the robot were also systematically designed. Furthermore, a data-driven modeling method for the soft actuator was introduced, alongside an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm for fine-tuning PID control parameters. Finally, the prototype of the quadruped soft robot was constructed, and the control system was implemented. The proposed soft actuator model was validated, and the effectiveness of the proposed optimized algorithm was evaluated. Experimental results demonstrated that the application of the soft control model and the control parameter optimization algorithm reduced tracking angle errors by more than 50%, resulting in improved control accuracy and greater stability.

Analgesic effect of diluted nitrous oxide in rehabilitation training of patients with burn scar contracture: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Burn patients experience severe pain when undergoing rehabilitation after skin grafting, which negatively affects their recovery. Traditional analgesic methods (such as opioids) have the risk of addictiveness and side effects. Nitrous oxide, which has rapid analgesic and sedative effects, is commonly used for conscious analgesia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether diluted nitrous oxide reduces pain compared to Placebo(oxygen) during rehabilitation after burn surgery. Method This single-center, randomized, double-blind, and controlled trial will enroll 80 patients. Patients ≥ 18 years of age who underwent rehabilitation 1 month after burn surgery with acute pain (VAS ≥ 4) were included. The main exclusion criteria included: pulmonary disease (pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax), intestinal obstruction, etc. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1: 1 ratio to intervention (A) and control (B) groups. Doctors, therapists, patients, and data collectors were unaware of the assignment outcomes. Rehabilitation will be performed by a therapist. The nurse performing the intervention handed the envelope with the patient code and the A or B assignment to the physician. Group A will receive diluted nitrous oxide inhalation plus conventional therapy (without analgesics) 30 minutes once daily for 4 weeks, and Group B will receive oxygen plus conventional therapy (without analgesics) under the same conditions. Assessments will be performed before the intervention (T0), 2 minutes (T1) and 5 minutes (T2) after the start of the intervention, and 5 minutes (T3) after the start of the intervention. The primary outcome was pain score. Secondary outcomes included vital signs, side effects, quality of life score, scar score, need for adjuvant analgesia, therapist and patient satisfaction, and willingness to receive the same gas again. Discussion If the experimental results show that diluted nitrous oxide can bring good analgesic effects without serious side effects, it can improve patients’ compliance with rehabilitation treatment and quality of life, and it is even widely implemented in hospitals and rehabilitation institutions.

Is every comparison a thief of joy? Polish validation of the Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure and the indirect role of social comparisons in the relationship between emotional stability and the impostor phenomenon

Social comparisons play an integral role in shaping people’s self-perceptions and how they view their accomplishments. The first purpose of our research was to introduce a Polish version of a social comparison measure. The second aim of our studies was to examine the indirect effect of frequent social comparisons — both ability and opinion-related — in the relationship between emotional stability and the impostor phenomenon (IP). Through two studies with a total of 1,466 participants we examined the factor structure of the Polish Iowa-Netherlands Comparison Orientation Measure (INCOM-PL). The results of the confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) supported a two-factor solution of ability and opinion comparisons. The scale showed scalar measurement invariance between men and women. In Study 1 (N = 465), we validated the INCOM-PL and found that social comparisons negatively correlated with age and self-compassion, and positively with maladaptive perfectionism. In Study 2 (N = 1,001), we found an indirect effect of ability, but not opinion comparisons, in the relationship between emotional stability and IP. This suggests that people low in emotional stability tend to frequently compare their abilities with others, which in turn may reinforce their self-perceived intellectual phoniness. Conditional process analysis revealed that these effects were independent of participants’ gender. Our findings point to a potentially promising direction of targeting maladaptive patterns of social comparisons in interventions aimed at reducing the IP.

NNMT inhibition in cancer-associated fibroblasts restores antitumour immunity

Acceptability and feasibility of a multicomponent intervention to improve acute myocardial infarction care in Northern Tanzania: The MIMIC pilot trial

Background The Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Acute Myocardial Infarction Care (MIMIC) was developed to increase the uptake of evidence-based care for acute myocardial infarction in Tanzania. MIMIC consists of five components: triage cards, pocket cards, an online training module, patient educational pamphlets, and clinical champions. Our aim was to determine the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention among emergency department (ED) providers in Tanzania. Methods During a one-year pilot of the MIMIC intervention at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in northern Tanzania, ED physicians and nurses were approached and invited to complete a survey eliciting their perspectives on MIMIC. The survey included the four-item Acceptability of Intervention Measurement (AIM) and four-item Feasibility of Intervention Measurement (FIM) tools. Mean AIM and FIM scores were generated by assigning scores of 1–5 for each response (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neutral, 4 = agree, 5 = strongly agree), and dividing by four. Results Sixty-four participants were enrolled, including 27 (42%) physicians and 37 (58%) nurses. The mean AIM score was 4.82 (sd = 0.31) out of a maximum possible score of 5. The mean FIM score was 4.61 (sd 0.47). Of participants, 63 (98%) reported using the pocket cards and 54 (84%) reported completing the training module, which took a mean of 16.5 (sd 13.3) minutes to complete. Of 36 nurses who worked in triage, all (100%) reported using the MIMIC triage cards. Conclusion The MIMIC intervention is highly acceptable and feasible in a northern Tanzanian ED. Use of a co-design approach in the development of the MIMIC intervention likely increased the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention among staff. Additional study is needed to determine the effectiveness of this intervention on clinical care processes and patient outcomes.

Implementation of a marketing plan for the dissemination of the WHO SkinNTDs app in Cameroon

Background Skin-related neglected tropical diseases (sNTDs) remain a significant public health challenge in Cameroon, where limited resources, training, and infrastructure hinder early diagnosis and management. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the SkinNTDs app version 3.0 as a digital solution to assist frontline healthcare workers (FHWs) in recognizing and managing sNTDs. As utilization will rely on a high degree of awareness among FHWs, a dedicated and effective marketing plan is required. This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a structured marketing plan to promote the app among FHWs in Cameroon. Methods We conducted a pilot quasi‑experimental before‑and‑after study comparing three 6‑month phases—pre‑campaign, campaign, and post‑campaign. The multi‑channel marketing campaign combined communications via WhatsApp, in‑person training sessions, video presentations, and email outreach. Google Play Console Analytics provided monthly metrics on store listing visits, downloads, installations, uninstalls, and retention. Results During the campaign (1 April 2024–30 September 2024), store page visits totaled 961, yielding 616 downloads (conversion rate = 64.1%) and the app was installed 751 times; new-user acquisition exceeded 81.6%. Net installs surged by 227.3% in April and 140.4% in May, with retention above 88%. ANOVA revealed significant period effects on growth rate (p = 0.007, ε² = 0.591), loss rate (p = 0.011, η² = 0.452), churn rate (p = 0.003, η² = 0.532), and retention rate (p = 0.003, η² = 0.532), with campaign performance superior to pre‑ and post‑campaign phases. Interrupted time series analyses found gradual adoption and sustained retention following intervention start, but significant decrease at campaign end. Conclusion A context‑adapted, multi‑channel marketing strategy markedly improved adoption and retention of the WHO SkinNTDs app among Cameroonian FHWs. Digital (WhatsApp, videos) and face‑to‑face (training) channels were complementary. Sustained integration into routine health activities and automated re‑engagement tools are recommended to maintain long‑term use and inform scale‑up in other endemic settings.

China’s private higher-education sector is at a turning point

Correction: Prospects and limitations of cumate-inducible lentivirus as a tool for investigating VEGF-A-mediated pathology in diabetic retinopathy

Agent-based persuasion model with concessions dependent on emotion and time beliefs

Automated negotiation agents require human-like adaptability in emotionally charged and time-constrained settings. This study introduces an Emotion-Time Dual-Process Framework that integrates the Appraisal Tendency Framework with dynamic temporal modeling. Emotions are decomposed into pleasantness and certainty dimensions and mapped to six emotional persuasion strategies. A variable-rate time function is designed to capture the perceptions of dynamic time pressure. Emotion and time pressure jointly drive a state-dependent concession updating model. The proposed framework was validated through a series of simulation experiments based on different scenarios. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework has significant advantages in improving negotiation success rates, joint utility, and outcome fairness against baseline models. In particular, incorporating emotional factors reduces utility disparity between parties by 28.55%, while the proposed time function improves negotiation efficiency by 12.99% without sacrificing fairness or the success rate. This study provides a theorical basis for developing highly more human-like and adaptive intelligent negotiation systems.

Oestrogen defends against kidney damage caused by iron-dependent cell death

Pattern functions of the Astrometric Gravitational Wave Antenna

A graph neural network-based approach for predicting SARS-CoV-2–human protein interactions from multiview data

The COVID-19 pandemic has demanded urgent and accelerated action toward developing effective therapeutic strategies. Drug repurposing models (in silico) are in high demand and require accurate and reliable molecular interaction data. While experimentally verified viral–host interaction data (SARS-CoV-2–human interactions published on April 30, 2020) provide an invaluable resource, these datasets include only a limited number of high-confidence interactions. Here, we extend these resources using a deep learning–based multiview graph neural network approach, coupled with optimal transport–based integration. Our comprehensive validation strategy confirms 472 high-confidence predicted interactions between 280 host proteins and 27 SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The proposed model demonstrates robust predictive performance, achieving ROC-AUC scores of 85.9% (PPI network), 83.5% (GO similarity network), and 83.1% (sequence similarity network), with corresponding average precision scores of 86.4%, 82.8%, and 82.3% on independent test sets. Comparative evaluation shows that our multiview approach consistently outperforms conventional single-view and baseline graph learning methods. The model combines features derived from protein sequences, gene ontology terms, and physical interaction information to improve interaction prediction. Furthermore, we systematically map the predicted host factors to FDA-approved drugs and identify several candidates, including lenalidomide and pirfenidone, which have established or emerging roles in COVID-19 therapy. Overall, our framework provides comprehensive and accurate predictions of SARS-CoV-2–host protein interactions and represents a valuable resource for drug repurposing efforts.