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Transportation, including the movement of people and freight, accounts for over 60% of all oil con-sumed globally, and the world’s transportation sys-tems are over 90% dependent on oil and oil by-products. Oil represents the single largest item on South Africa’s import account. Gasoline and diesel fuels, which are almost exclusively used for trans-portation services, form a significant proportion of these imports. Globally, transport systems have been built on an over-reliance on cheap oil, allowing towns, cities and the movement of people and goods to be designed around the automobile. People in most South African cities require the use of motorised transport in order to travel efficiently, as public transport systems either do not exist, are too sparse or are difficult to use in many areas. The predicted depletion of oil and thus rising prices will significantly affect the choice of trans-portation systems and their use, as well as increase South Africa’s vulnerability to ‘oil shocks’. Transport planning policies must, therefore, prepare for the likelihood of such shocks and ameliorate them via policy options. A precautionary approach needs to be adopted to reduce our dependency on oil. This paper addresses the global shift towards the reduction of transport’s dependency on, or reduc-tion in, oil consumption and describes potential ways in which South Africa can reduce its oil dependency along with an indication of a timeframe for implementation.

Abstract Background Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are reactive metabolites intrinsically linked with modern dietary patterns. Processed foods, and those high in sugar, protein and fat, often contain high levels of AGEs. Increased AGE levels are associated with increased breast cancer risk, however their significance has been largely overlooked due to a lack of direct cause-and-effect relationship. Methods To address this knowledge gap, FVB/n mice were fed regular, low AGE, and high AGE diets from 3 weeks of age and mammary glands harvested during puberty (7 weeks) or adulthood (12 weeks and 7 months) to determine the effects upon mammary gland development. At endpoint mammary glands were harvested and assessed histologically (n ≥ 4). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to assess cellular proliferation and stromal fibroblast and macrophage recruitment. The Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare continuous outcomes among groups. Mammary epithelial cell migration and invasion in response to AGE-mediated fibroblast activation was determined in two-compartment co-culture models. In vitro experiments were performed in triplicate. The nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare differences between groups. Results Histological analysis revealed the high AGE diet delayed ductal elongation, increased primary branching, as well as increased terminal end bud number and size. The high AGE diet also led to increased recruitment and proliferation of stromal cells to abnormal structures that persisted into adulthood. Atypical hyperplasia was observed in the high AGE fed mice. Ex vivo fibroblasts from mice fed dietary-AGEs retain an activated phenotype and promoted epithelial migration and invasion of non-transformed immortalized and tumor-derived mammary epithelial cells. Mechanistically, we found that the receptor for AGE (RAGE) is required for AGE-mediated increases in epithelial cell migration and invasion. Conclusions We observed a disruption in mammary gland development when mice were fed a diet high in AGEs. Further, both epithelial and stromal cell populations were impacted by the high AGE diet in the mammary gland. Educational, interventional, and pharmacological strategies to reduce AGEs associated with diet may be viewed as novel disease preventive and/or therapeutic initiatives during puberty.

The COVID-19 pandemic made its mark on the entire world, upending economies, shifting work and education, and exposing deeply rooted inequities. A particularly vulnerable, yet less studied population includes our youngest children, ages zero to five, whose proximal and distal contexts have been exponentially affected with unknown impacts on health, education, and social-emotional well-being. Integrated administrative data systems could be important tools for understanding these impacts. This article has three aims to guide research on the impacts of COVID-19 for this critical population using integrated data systems (IDS). First, it presents a conceptual data model informed by developmental-ecological theory and epidemiological frameworks to study young children. This data model presents five developmental resilience pathways (i.e. early learning, safe and nurturing families, health, housing, and financial/employment) that include direct and indirect influencers related to COVID-19 impacts and the contexts and community supports that can affect outcomes. Second, the article outlines administrative datasets with relevant indicators that are commonly collected, could be integrated at the individual level, and include relevant linkages between children and families to facilitate research using the conceptual data model. Third, this paper provides specific considerations for research using the conceptual data model that acknowledge the highly-localised political response to COVID-19 in the US. It concludes with a call to action for the population data science community to use and expand IDS capacities to better understand the intermediate and long-term impacts of this pandemic on young children.

More than 100 proteins necessary for eukaryotic cell growth, differentiation, and morphology require posttranslational modification by the covalent attachment of an isoprenoid lipid (prenylation). Prenylated proteins include members of the Ras, Rab, and Rho families, lamins, CENPE and CENPF, and the γ subunit of many small heterotrimeric G proteins. This modification is catalyzed by the protein prenyltransferases: protein farnesyltransferase (FTase), protein geranylgeranyltransferase type I (GGTase-I), and GGTase-II (or RabGGTase). In this review, we examine the structural biology of FTase and GGTase-I (the CaaX prenyltransferases) to establish a framework for understanding the molecular basis of substrate specificity and mechanism. These enzymes have been identified in a number of species, including mammals, fungi, plants, and protists. Prenyltransferase structures include complexes that represent the major steps along the reaction path, as well as a number of complexes with clinically relevant inhibitors. Such complexes may assist in the design of inhibitors that could lead to treatments for cancer, viral infection, and a number of deadly parasitic diseases.

Trust is a key determinant of whether people rely on automated systems in the military and the public. However, there is currently no standard for measuring trust in automated systems. In the present studies, we propose a scale to measure trust in automated systems that is grounded in current research and theory on trust formation, which we refer to as the Trust in Automated Systems Test (TOAST). We evaluated both the reliability of the scale structure and criterion validity using independent, military-affiliated and civilian samples. In both studies we found that the TOAST exhibited a two-factor structure, measuring system understanding and performance (respectively), and that factor scores significantly predicted scores on theoretically related constructs demonstrating clear criterion validity. We discuss the implications of our findings for advancing the empirical literature and in improving interface design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Surface imaging (SI) offers a nonionizing, near real time alternative to radiographic imaging for intrafraction radiosurgery localization. In this work, we systematically compared a commercial SI system vs a commercial room mounted x‐ray localization system in phantom. Methods: An anthropomorphic head phantom with fiducial markers was imaged with linear accelerator on‐board x‐ray imaging, SI, and room mounted x‐ray imaging (RM) at ±45° and ±90° couch angles for three different head tilts and six different isocenters (72 total positions). The shifts generated by the three systems were compared as functions of couch angle, head tilt, and isocenter position with the on‐board imaging shifts used as ground truth. Two sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests were used to evaluate equivalence of the groups. Results: The magnitude of the displacement vectors for RM minus on‐board imaging and SI minus on‐board imaging over all 72 phantom positions were 0.7 ± 0.3 mm for both cases. The RM and SI showed no significant difference based on couch angle or isocenter position. Both systems showed decreasing accuracy with increasing couch angle, but both systems agreed with ground truth to <=1.1 mm at all couch angles. The exaggerated chin‐up head orientation showed significantly different shifts for SI and RM based on increased variance in the SI measurements, although both had submillimeter accuracy on average. The standard deviation of the real time SI displacement vector was <0.06 mm over all measurements, during which the on‐board imaging panels partially blocked the lateral camera pods for half the time. Conclusions: RM and SI showed similar accuracy over measurements at 72 different phantom positions. SI showed minimal performance loss with camera pods blocked. SI is a feasible option for intra‐fraction radiosurgery localization based on these phantom measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) seem to depend on cultivar, maturity stage, environmental conditions and the part of the fruit. In this work, the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of pulp, whole fruit and peel from fresh dark-purple and white eggplant varieties cultivated in Southern Algeria were measured. Total phenolic content were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu test, and antioxidant activity measured using cyclic voltammetry. Correlations between antioxidant activity and total phenolic content were also examined. Within each cultivar, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were highest in the peels, followed by the whole fruit and the pulp. In the peel, whole fruit and pulp the dark-purple eggplant had the highest total phenolic contents and the highest total antioxidant activities.

Spectrophotometrical technics based assay were developed for the calculation of binding parameters like binding constant, ratio of binding constants and binding free energy of two potential antioxidants 2-(ferrocenylmethylamino)benzonitrile (2FMAB) and 3-(ferrocenylmethylamino)benzonitrile (3FMAB) with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals (DPPH). 3FMBA shows highest binding constant and highest binding free energy (2.28×10-5 M-1) and (30.06 KJmol-1) respectively. Binding free energy of DPPH-3FMAB is three times greater than that of the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid (10.93 KJmol-1).

In the present work the oxidation of ferrocene, , to the ferrocenium cation, , was examined in the solvents dichloromethane, and aqueous ethanol using the technique of cyclic voltammetry. The anodic (Epa) and the cathodic (Epc) peak potentials, as well as the corresponding anodic (ipa) and cathodic (ipc) peak currents, were obtained at different scan rates (0.05, 0.10, 0.30, 0.50 V.s-1). The diffusion coefficients (D) have been calculated using the Randles-Sevcik equation. The effects of changing the scan rate on the electrochemical behavior of ferrocene have been examined.

The oxidative electrochemistry of N'-Ferrocenylmethyl-N'-Phenylbenzohydrazide FcX was studied in acetonitrile with tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate as the supporting electrolyte and aqueous ethanol using the electrochemical technique. This study using cyclic (CV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetry showed that the FcX/FcX+ redox couple is reversible in this electrolytes. The effects of changing the scan rate on the electrochemical behavior of ferrocene have been examined. A comparison of the electrochemical behavior of ferrocene and N'-Ferrocenylmethyl-N'-Phenylbenzohydrazid have been examined.

In this work, we studied the efficiency of corrosion inhibition of carbon steel XC70 in H2SO4 0.5 M aqueous solution using ferrocenyl derivatives synthesized in our laboratory, this compound is: 3-(ferrocenylmethylamine)benzonitrile. The inhibitory potential of this compound was determined by electrochemical techniques based on Tafel segments. The results show that the studied compound has an efficiency of inhibition which depends on its concentration. The adsorption of these compounds on the surface of the metal is a chemical adsorption. The inhibition of corrosion reached 84 % at a concentration of 50 ppm.

The present work is to develop software to predict the value yield and the distribution coefficient in the process of liquid-liquid extraction of components of a mixture, from mathematical models expressing these entities, based on equations equilibrium between liquid-liquid phases, and predict the conditions under which the extraction operation is favorable, unfavorable or impossible to realize, by studying the variation of the entities cited, based on the parameters influencing the extraction, which are: initial concentrations, rate of solvent and pH, in the case of a simple extraction (extraction of neutral products) or when it is reactive (extraction of complex acids or bases) for one or more components.The programming language used is "Delphi" which is a very powerful oriented object programming under Windows.

In this study the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic EE and water WE extracts from different parts (calyx, peel, and pulp) of eggplant (Solanum melongena L) were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. The antioxidant capacity of different parts of eggplant was measured using ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. The peel extracts of both dark purple and white samples showed the highest antioxidant capacity (66.78 and 75.62 mg/g) followed by pulp (16.54 and 30.56 mg/g), and calyx (14.82 and 21.27 mg/g). These results indicate that antioxidant capacity of eggplant varied by parts and solvents.

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional compositionand antioxidant activity of bee pollen produced in the North western region of Algeria.The content of total phenolic compounds,flavonoids, and antioxidant activity using the molybdate ion reductionmethod were determined. The meancontents of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were 30.46 ± 8.22 mgof GAE.g–1 pollen and 8.92 ± 5.5 mg of RE.g–1 pollen, respectively. Highantioxidant activities were found for the molybdate ion reductionmethod, with values that ranged from 71.95 to 101.5μg of GAE.g–1 pollen. The bee pollen ofBoufarikshowed high antioxidant activity probably due to the high contentof phenolic compounds present in pollen.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of five Algerian unifloral types of honey. Several physical parameters of honey, such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, color intensity and total sugar content, were measured. The mean pH, moisture content, EC and water insoluble solids of Algerian honey were 4.41± 0.58, 15.3 ± 1.5%, 0.324± 0.116 mS/cm and 0.141± 0.065%, respectively. The mean color was 81 ± 72 mm Pfund. The majority of honey samples test results (moisture content, electric conductivity and acidity) levels were within the acceptable range of world honey standards.

In this work we present a theoretical approach for the determination of octanol/water partition coefficient of selected ferrocenes bearing different substituents, the calculation is based on the adaptation of the Rekker method. Our prediction of obtained theoretical partition coefficients values of logP for all studied substituted ferrocene was confirmed by comparison with known experimental values obtained mainly from literature. The results obtained show that calculated partition coefficients are in good agreement with experimental values. For estimation of the octanol/water partition coefficients of the selected compounds, the average absolute error of log P is 0.13, and The correlation coefficient is R2 = 0.966.

In this work, we studied the efficacy of corrosion inhibition of carbon steel X70 in HCl 1M solution using ferrocenyl compounds prepared in VPRS laboratory, these compounds are: N-(férrocenyl méthyl)-2-nitro aniline(Fc12), N-(férrocenyl méthyl)-3-nitro aniline(Fc13) and N-(férrocenyl méthyl)-4-nitro aniline(Fc14).The inhibitory potency of these compounds was determined by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The overall results show that these compounds have varying percentages of inhibition. The adsorption of these compounds on the surface of the metal is a chemical adsorption.In HCl 1M, the compound Fc12 had the best ability of inhibition at a concentration of 70ppm (R = 91.24%).

A simple sensitive square wave voltammetric method for the determination of lead contamination of several kohl samples purchased from Algeria retail stores was developed using glassy carbon electrode. The peak current response of 5 standards aqueous solution of lead in NaNO3 as supporting electrolyte was observed showing a linear calibration curve in the concentration range of 4×10-3 – 2.5×10-4 mol/l of lead. Over this concentration range, the equation obtained from the linear calibration graph for lead is Y = 0.00068 + 0.0093x with a correlation coefficient of r2 = 0.987. Following this step, the potential of an aqueous solution of 12 kohl samples containing 2 M nitric acid solution as supporting electrolyte is then swept in the same range of potential (-400 to -700 mV). The amount of lead is then deduced using the linear calibration graph for lead. The results showed up to 52.14% of lead present in kohl, this concentration was over the safe limits of lead set by the world health organization standards. However; only five commercial samples of kohl tested contained less than 0.001% lead. Complete recovery of lead from the kohl was obtained by simple nitric acid digestion.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of five Algerian unifloral types of honey. Several physical parameters of honey, such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, color intensity and total sugar content, were measured. The mean pH, moisture content, EC and water insoluble solids of Algerian honey were 4.41± 0.58, 15.3 ± 1.5%, 0.324± 0.116 mS/cm and 0.141± 0.065%, respectively. The mean color was 81 ± 72 mm Pfund. The majority of honey samples test results (moisture content, electric conductivity and acidity) levels were within the acceptable range of world honey standards.

The antioxidant of ethanolic extract of two species of Origanum and essential oil of plant Origanum vulgare were investigated and also the total phenolic and flavonoid content measured. The radical scavenging activity was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. According to the results the leaves extracts have very important values for polyphenols (266.86 mg GAE / g and 194.78 mg GAE / g) and high antioxidant activity; DPPH (IC50 = 1.37 g / l and IC50 = 1.53mg / l ) for species majorana, and vulgare respectively; also the DPPH of essential oil of Origanum vulgare was IC50 = 15.360 mg/l . This data suggest of these extracts as a natural source of phenolic compounds and antioxidant.

In this work, we studied the efficiency of corrosion inhibition of carbon steel XC70 in H2SO4 0.5 M aqueous solution using ferrocenyl derivatives synthesized in our laboratory, this compound is: 3-(ferrocenylmethylamine)benzonitrile. The inhibitory potential of this compound was determined by electrochemical techniques based on Tafel segments. The results show that the studied compound has an efficiency of inhibition which depends on its concentration. The adsorption of these compounds on the surface of the metal is a chemical adsorption. The inhibition of corrosion reached 84 % at a concentration of 50 ppm.

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of bee pollen produced in the North western region of Algeria. The content of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity using the molybdate ion reduction method were determined. The mean contents of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were 30.46 ± 8.22 mg of GAE.g–1 pollen and 8.92 ± 5.5 mg of RE.g–1 pollen, respectively. High antioxidant activities were found for the molybdate ion reduction method, with values that ranged from 71.95 to 101.5 μg of GAE.g–1 pollen. The bee pollen of Boufarik showed high antioxidant activity probably due to the high content of phenolic compounds present in pollen.

In this study the antioxidant capacity of ethanolic EE and water WE extracts from different parts (calyx, peel, and pulp) of eggplant (Solanum melongena L) were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry. The antioxidant capacity of different parts of eggplant was measured using ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. The peel extracts of both dark purple and white samples showed the highest antioxidant capacity (66.78 and 75.62 mg/g) followed by pulp (16.54 and 30.56 mg/g), and calyx (14.82 and 21.27 mg/g). These results indicate that antioxidant capacity of eggplant varied by parts and solvents.

Current research suggests that HIV self-screening (HIVSS) is a feasible and acceptable approach to increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, few data are available to shape policy around dissemination and implementation. Gaps in knowledge include preferences for distribution of HIVSS kits, potential social harms and benefits of their use, and how much test users would be willing to pay for the kits. The aim was to inform policy recommendations to optimise distribution of HIVSS kits to MSM in South Africa (SA), where there is a high HIV incidence and unmet testing needs. MSM in the high-HIV-prevalence Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni districts of Mpumalanga Province, SA, were enrolled between October 2015 and May 2017. Participants were provided with their choice of blood or oral fluid HIVSS test kits, receiving 5 kits at enrolment and 4 additional kits at the 3-month follow-up visit. Questionnaires were administered at enrolment, 3 months and 6 months. We analysed participants’ reported social benefits and harms, and their preferences for kit distribution and pricing. Among 127 MSM screened and enrolled, 114 responded to follow-up questionnaires regarding distribution preferences, 49.3% preferred to acquire HIVSS kits at a community-based organisation (CBO) and 42.7% at a clinic, with 8% preferring a pharmacy. Participants with higher education preferred CBO sites for distribution; in other respects preferences were similar by demographic characteristics. Reported social benefits were common, including knowing one’s status, prevention knowledge gained and improved communication with partners. Despite ubiquitous interest in using the kits, the majority of MSM could not afford to purchase test kits. SA guidelines have integrated HIVSS into HIV and testing policy, but little has been published regarding distribution channels of the kits for MSM and other key populations. There is a partnership between the National Department of Health and CBOs that specialise in key population programming to ensure MSM and other populations with unmet testing needs can access affordable test kits. We observed no social harms, and there were multiple social benefits. Consequently, we recommend immediate free or low-cost distribution of HIVSS kits to MSM through community-based initiatives. Future research should continue to assess optimised linkage to care.

β-glucuronidase is found as a functional homotetramer in a variety of organisms, including humans and other animals, as well as a number of bacteria. This enzyme is important in these organisms, catalyzing the hydrolytic removal of a glucuronide moiety from substrate molecules. This process serves to break down sugar conjugates in animals and provide sugars for metabolism in bacteria. While β-glucuronidase is primarily found as a homotetramer, previous studies have indicated that the human form of the protein is also catalytically active as a dimer. Here we present evidence for not only an active dimer of the E. coli form of the protein, but also for several larger active complexes, including an octomer and a 16-mer. Additionally, we propose a model for the structures of these large complexes, based on computationally-derived molecular modeling studies. These structures may have application in the study of human disease, as several diseases have been associated with the aggregation of proteins.

Microplastics, particularly microfibres (< 5 mm), are a significant environmental pollutant. Detecting and quantifying them in complex matrices is challenging and time-consuming. This study presents two open-source visual recognition models, YOLOv7 and Mask R-CNN, trained on extensive datasets for efficient microfibre identification in environmental samples. The YOLOv7 model is a new introduction to the microplastic quantification research, while Mask R-CNN has been previously used in similar studies. YOLOv7, with 71.4 % accuracy, and Mask R-CNN, with 49.9 % accuracy, demonstrate effective detection capabilities. Tested on aquatic samples from Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, YOLOv7 rapidly identifies microfibres, outperforming manual methods in speed. These models are user-friendly and widely accessible, making them valuable tools for microplastic contamination assessment. Their rapid processing offers results in seconds, enhancing research efficiency in microplastic pollution studies. By providing these models openly, we aim to support and advance microplastic quantification research. The integration of these advanced technologies with environmental science represents a significant step forward in addressing the global issue of microplastic pollution and its ecological and health impacts., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Stamatia Galata reports administrative support, equipment, drugs, or supplies, statistical analysis, travel, and writing assistance were provided by Liverpool John Moores University. Stamatia Galata reports a relationship with Liverpool John Moores University that includes: employment. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: The Hazelwood Health Study was set up to study long-term health effects of a mine fire that blanketed residents of the Latrobe Valley with smoke for 45 days in 2014. The Respiratory Stream specifically assessed the impact of fine particulate matter <2.5 μm diameter (PM 2.5 ) exposure from mine fire smoke on lung health. The multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBW) test assesses ventilation heterogeneity, which may detect sub-clinical airways dysfunction not identified using standard tests such as spirometry. This analysis assessed the association of PM 2.5 exposure with measures of ventilation heterogeneity., Methods: Exposed (Morwell) and unexposed (Sale) participants were recruited 3.5-4 years after the fire from those who had participated in an Adult Survey. MBW was performed to measure lung clearance index (LCI), functional residual capacity (FRC), acinar (Sacin) and conductive (Scond) ventilation heterogeneity. PM 2.5 exposure was estimated with emission and chemical transport models. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted controlling for confounders., Results: We recruited 519 participants. MBW tests were conducted on 504 participants with 479 acceptable test results (40% male; 313 exposed, 166 unexposed). Exposure to mine fire-related PM 2.5 was associated with increasing Scond (β = 1.57/kL, 95%CI: 0.20-2.95, p = 0.025), which was comparable to the estimated effect on Scond of 4.7 years of aging. No other MBW outcomes were statistically different., Conclusion: Increasing exposure to PM 2.5 was associated with increased ventilation heterogeneity in the conductive region of the lungs 4 years after the event., (© 2024 The Author(s). Respirology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.)

Objective: Patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) can present with different underlying hemodynamic abnormalities affecting the deep, superficial, and perforator veins. This review explores the relationship between reflux patterns, extent of venous reflux, and clinical manifestations of CVD., Methods: The Medline and EMBASE databases were searched systematically from 1946 to April 1, 2024. References of shortlisted papers were searched for relevant articles. Studies were included if they were in English language, included participants ≥16 years of age, documented reflux patterns in two or more of the following: deep, superficial, and/or perforator systems, and related patterns to presentation or severity. Exclusion criteria included patients with isolated deep venous thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome or stenotic or obstructive disease., Results: We identified 18 studies (11,177 participants; range, 55-3016). Meta-analysis showed significant odds ratios (OR) for C 4-6 disease being associated with deep reflux (OR, 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-3.78) and perforator reflux (OR, 3.37; 95% CI, 2.16-5.27), but not superficial reflux (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 0.87-5.14), vs C 0-3 disease. Severe CVD (C 4-6 ) was significantly associated with isolated deep, combined deep and superficial, and combined superficial and perforator reflux. The greatest risk of CVD progression (defined as de novo development of varicose veins and progression to greater CVD severity) was shown by two studies to be related to combined deep and superficial reflux., Conclusions: Although limited by the heterogenous nature of the studies, this review confirms that reflux pattern is a significant predictor of clinical class, and higher clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological stages are associated with a higher prevalence of superficial, deep, and perforator reflux. Isolated deep and combined reflux also seem to be to predict the onset of leg ulceration. Future studies should relate reflux patterns to treatment outcomes, including recurrence risk. This work could help to inform health policies and management guidelines so that reflux patterns, in conjunction with other demographic and hemodynamic parameters, could be used to risk stratify patients and identify individuals who may benefit from earlier treatment., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: and purpose: Little is known about the training and experience of osteopaths who treat paediatric patients, and graduates report feeling unprepared for this aspect of practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of Australian osteopaths who regularly treat these patients, in order to better understand their individual educational pathways and their management of this population., Materials and Methods: Osteopaths who reported regularly treating paediatric patients were recruited through the Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION) national practice-based network. Semi-structured interviews were completed, transcribed and thematically analysed using the principles of Descriptive Phenomenology to compile qualitative data., Results: Ten osteopaths were interviewed, whose age ranged from 33 to 71 years and with 15-46 years of clinical experience. Proportion of paediatric patients ranged from 20 to 90 % of participants' caseload according to self-report. Seven themes were identified that reflected the lived experience of treating paediatric patients: 1) Variable pathways to practice, 2) Challenges and rewards, 3) Scope of practice, 4) Team-based care, 5) Importance of entry-level skills, 6) Family-centred care, and 7) Success., Conclusion: The study found a diversity of educational pathways, that paediatric practice was highly rewarding, the scope of practice was based on diagnostic skills and experience, the practitioners had extensive team-based professional networks, practice reflected a family-centred care model, and personal measures of success were multifactorial. These results give insight into this area of practice to guide further research., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Coccidia are a group of intracellular protozoal parasites within the phylum Apicomplexa. Eimeria tenella, one of the species that cause intestinal coccidiosis in poultry, can cause significant mortality and morbidity. Diploid oocysts of Eimeria species are shed in the feces of an infected host and must sporulate to achieve infectivity. This process results in eight haploid infectious units, called sporozoites, held within a single oocyst. Each Eimeria spp. parasite possesses a single apicoplast and a single mitochondrion, both of which carry multiple copies of their respective organellar genomes. Reports of copy numbers of organellar genomes have varied widely., Methods: We report the application of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), supported by next-generation sequencing, for the quantification of the extranuclear genomes relative to the nuclear genome over the course of sporulation and following its completion., Results: At 64 elapsed hours, 93.0% of oocysts were fully sporulated; no increase in percent sporulation was observed after this time. Apicoplast relative genome copy number showed several significant shifts up to 72 elapsed hours, after which no significant shifts were observed. Oocysts were shed with approximately 60% the amount of apicoplast DNA present at 72 h, after which point no significant shifts in apicoplast genome relative abundance occurred. Mitogenome relative copy number showed only two significant shifts, from 16 to 24 elapsed hours and from 24 to 32 elapsed hours. Oocysts were shed with approximately 28% the amount of mitochondrial DNA that was present at the time sporulation was deemed morphologically complete, at 64 elapsed hours., Conclusions: The characterization of the dynamics of genome abundance in exogenous stages sheds new light on the basic biology of Eimeria spp. and supports the use of extranuclear targets for molecular modes of parasite quantification and identification with improved sensitivity and accuracy., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To compare 1-year functional and 5-year oncological outcomes of men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) with neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination (NeuroSAFE) with those in men undergoing RALP without NeuroSAFE (standard of care [SOC])., Subjects and Methods: Men undergoing RALP in our centre between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2018 were enrolled from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were excluded if they had undergone preoperative therapy or postoperative adjuvant therapy or were enrolled in clinical trials. Patients were grouped based on use of NeuroSAFE. Follow-up was censored at 5 years. The primary outcome was difference in time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) on multivariable analysis, defined as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >0.2 ng/L on two consecutive measurements. Secondary outcomes were difference in 1-year erectile dysfunction and incontinence., Results: In the enrolment period, 1199 consecutive men underwent RALP, of whom 1140 were eligible, including 317 with NeuroSAFE and 823 with SOC. The median PSA follow-up was 60 months in both groups. Rates of 5-year BCR were similar on Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis (11% vs 11%; P = 0.9), as was time to BCR on multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling (hazard ratio 1.2; P = 0.6). Compared with the SOC group at 1 year, the NeuroSAFE group had similar unadjusted rates of incontinence (5.1% vs 7.7%) and lower unadjusted impotence (57% vs 80%). On multivariable analysis, NeuroSAFE patients had equivalent risk of incontinence (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.17-1.6; P = 0.4) but significantly reduced risk of erectile dysfunction (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.22-0.60; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: For men undergoing RALP, compared with SOC, NeuroSAFE patients had equivalent time to BCR and risk of 1-year incontinence, and significantly lower risk of 1-year erectile dysfunction., (© 2024 The Author(s). BJU International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJU International.)

Mammalian placentas exhibit unparalleled structural diversity, despite sharing a common ancestor and principal functions. The bulk of structural studies in placental research has used two-dimensional (2D) histology sectioning, allowing significant advances in our understanding of mammalian placental structure. However, 2D histology sectioning may be limited if it does not provide accurate information of three-dimensional (3D) tissue architecture. Here, we propose correlative 3D X-ray histology (3D-XRH) as a tool with great potential for resolving mammalian placental structures. 3D-XRH involves scanning a formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue block with 3D X-ray microscopy (microCT) prior to histological sectioning to generate a 3D image volume of the embedded tissue piece. The subsequent 2D histology sections can then be correlated back into the microCT image volume to couple histology staining (or immunolabelling) with 3D tissue architecture. 3D-XRH is non-destructive and requires no additional sample preparation than standard FFPE histology sectioning, however the image volume provides 3D morphometric data and can be used to guide microtomy. As such, 3D-XRH introduces additional information to standard histological workflows with minimal effort or disruption. Using primary examples from porcine, bovine, equine, and canine placental samples, we demonstrate the application of 3D-XRH to quantifying placental structure as well as discussing the limitations and future directions of the methodology. The wealth of information derived from 2D histological sectioning in the biomedical, veterinary, and comparative reproductive sciences provides a rich foundation from which 3D-XRH can build on to advance the study of placental structure and function., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare we have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women in South Africa engage in HIV care at lower rates than other persons living with HIV and may experience population-specific barriers to HIV treatment and viral suppression (VS). As part of a pilot trial of an SMM-tailored peer navigation (PN) intervention in Ehlanzeni district, South Africa, we assessed factors associated with ART use and VS among SMM at trial enrolment. A total of 103 HIV-positive SMM and transgender women enrolled in the pilot trial. Data on clinical visits and ART adherence were self-reported. VS status was verified through laboratory analysis (<1000 copies/ml). We assessed correlates of VS at baseline using Poisson generalized linear model (GLM) with a log link function, including demographic, psychosocial, clinical, and behavioral indicators. Among participants, 52.4% reported ART use and only 42.2% of all participants had evidence of VS. Of the 49.5% who reported optimal engagement in HIV care (consistent clinic visits with pills never missed for ≥ 4 consecutive days) in the past 3-months, 56.0% were virally suppressed. In multivariable analysis, SMM were significantly more likely to be virally suppressed when they were ≥ 25 years of age (Adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 2.0, CI 95%:1.0-3.8); in a relationship but not living with partner, as compared to married, living together, or single (APR = 1.7, CI 95%:1.0-2.7), and optimally engaged in care (APR = 2.1, 95% CI:1.3-3.3). Findings indicate a need for targeted treatment and care support programming, especially for SMM and transgender women who are young and married/living with their partners to improve treatment outcomes among this population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Gyamerah et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Purpose: To understand experiences accessing care within team-based primary care models among adults with chronic low back pain (LBP)., Materials & Methods: We conducted an interpretive description qualitative study and collected data using one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from publicly funded, team-based primary care models in Ontario, Canada., Results: We completed interviews with 16 adults with chronic LBP (9 women; median age of 66). Participants expressed a desire to access care from team-based models of primary care in hopes of alleviating pain and its impacts on daily life. Due to no direct out-of-pocket costs, co-location of healthcare providers, and the use of technology and virtual care, participants described an ease of accessing interprofessional care within team-based primary care models. Finally, participants described experiences with and expectations for timely access to care, being heard and understood by healthcare providers, and receiving coordinated care by an interprofessional team., Conclusions: Adults living with chronic LBP described overall positive experiences and specific expectations when accessing care within team-based models of primary care, whereby they experienced an ease of accessing interprofessional care with the hope of alleviating pain and its impacts. Results may be transferable to other chronic pain conditions and health system contexts.

Objective: To assess a potential efficacy signal, safety and feasibility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy as an adjunct to standard care in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN)., Methods: In this single-centre, prospective, cohort, proof-of-concept study, 25 patients with DSPN consented to at least one daily 30-minute NMES therapy session (Revitive® IX) for 10 weeks, with 20 patients completing the study. The primary outcome measure was nerve conductivity assessed using a nerve conduction study of the sural, superficial peroneal, common peroneal and tibial nerves at 10 weeks compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes included superficial femoral artery (SFA) haemodynamics during NMES therapy compared to rest and quality-of-life at 10 weeks compared to baseline., Results: At 10 weeks, there were significant increases in sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude and conduction velocity (p < 0.001), superficial peroneal sensory nerve action potential amplitude (p = 0.001) and conduction velocity (p = 0.002), common peroneal nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.004) and tibial nerve compound muscle action potential amplitude (p = 0.002) compared to baseline. SFA volume flow and time-averaged mean velocity significantly increased (p ≤ 0.003) during NMES compared to rest. Patient-reported Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument scores significantly decreased (p = 0.028) at 10 weeks compared to baseline. Three unrelated adverse events occurred, and 15 participants adhered to treatment., Conclusions: NMES therapy as an adjunct to standard care for 10 weeks significantly increased lower limb nerve conductivity in patients with DSPN and may be beneficial in the treatment of DSPN., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Miss Sasha Smith and Professor Alun Davies are supported by research grants from Actegy Ltd., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although exercise has been shown to improve cancer survivorship in other communities, cancer exercise studies among Native American communities are rare. We sought to adapt a Navajo-tailored cancer exercise pilot program to serve a broader Native American cancer community., Methods: Tribal experts representing 10 different Tribal Nations were engaged in small focus groups (n = 2-4) to assess program materials for cultural appropriateness and adaptation to expand tribal inclusiveness. Facilitated by a trained Native American interviewer, focus groups were provided a primer survey and then reviewed intervention materials (protocols, incentives, logo, flyers, etc.). Consensus was reached by the research team on all program adaptations., Results: The program name, Restoring Balance, layout, graphics, and symbols were considered culturally appropriate overall. Program exercises and biomarker measurements were viewed as valuable to health improvements in the community. Important color, linguistic, and logistic program modifications were recommended to improve cultural alignment. The order of incentive items was revised to highlight restoration and the logo rotated to align with the four corners of the earth, an important cultural element. Linguistic modifications primarily related to prior traumatic research experiences in Native American communities where data had been taken without adequate community benefit or permission. Program emphasis should be on nurturing, added value and giving., Conclusion and Relevance: The methodology used for cultural expert review was successful in eliciting adaptations to expand the tribal inclusiveness of Restoring Balance. Culture, as well as historically traumatic research experiences, among Native American populations must be considered when adapting health promotion programming.

Background: Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) is an effective strategy for managing and controlling hypertension. However, uncertainty regarding patients' ability to accurately measure their blood pressure (BP) contributes to treatment inertia. Therefore, we compared BP measurements with the Omron HEM-9210T device obtained by nurses and community-dwelling adults after training., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a simulated home environment at an academic institution. After a 5-min rest, a trained nurse measured a participant's BP twice at a 1-min interval. The participants then ambulated at their usual pace for 2 min. Next, they were asked to rest for 5 min, during which each individual watched a 3-min video on SMBP. Following the rest, the participants obtained two readings at a 1-min interval., Results: We recruited 102 community-dwelling adults with a mean age of 54 (±14) years; 59% female, 88% Black race, and 63% with a hypertension diagnosis. Half (n = 51) had a home BP monitor. Overall, there were no significant differences between nurse- and participant-obtained systolic BP (mean difference [MD]: -1.1; standard deviation [SD]: 8.0; P = 0.178) or diastolic BP (MD: -0.9; SD: 5.5; P = 0.111). Participants who used an extra-large cuff had higher self-measured diastolic BP (MD: -2.9; SD: 4.5; P = 0.010). All participants demonstrated satisfactory SMBP skills after the training., Conclusions: Community-dwelling adults can accurately measure BP after a 3-min video training. Integrating SMBP training into patient encounters may result in reliable home BP measurements, improving hypertension management and clinical decision making., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)