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There is a potential correlation between vitiligo and gut microbiota, although research in this area is currently limited. The research employed high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA to examine the gut microbiome in the stool samples of 49 individuals with vitiligo and 49 without the condition. The study encompassed four comparison groups: (1) DI (disease) group vs. HC (healthy control) group; (2) DI_m group (disease group of minors) vs. HC_m group (healthy control group of minors); (3) DI_a group (adult disease group) vs. HC_a group (adult healthy control group); (4) DI_m group vs. DI_a group. Research findings have indicated the presence of spatial heterogeneity in the gut microbiota composition between individuals with vitiligo and healthy controls. A significant reduction in gut microbiota diversity has been observed in vitiligo patients across both minors and adult groups. However, variations have been noted in the composition of disease-related differential microbial markers among different age groups. Specifically, Bacteroides and Parabacteroides have been identified as specific markers of the intestinal microbiota of vitiligo patients in both minor and adult groups. Correlative analyses have revealed a positive correlation of these two genera with the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and disease duration. It is noteworthy that there are no significant differences in diversity between the DI_m group and the DI_a group, with similarities in microbiota composition and functional characteristics. Nevertheless, correlative analyses suggest a declining trend in Bacteroides and Parabacteroides with increasing age. Individuals with vitiligo exhibit distinct features in their gut microbiome when contrasted with those in the healthy control group. Additionally, the microbial marker genera that show variances between patients and healthy controls vary among different age groups. Disease-specific microbial marker genera (Bacteroides and Parabacteroides) are associated with VASI, duration of the condition, and age. These findings are essential for improving early diagnosis and developing potential treatment strategies for individuals with vitiligo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical global health issue, with the emergence of multidrugresistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) posing significant threats to public health systems worldwide. Recent advances in TB diagnosis, treatment, and molecular markers have facilitated progress in managing the disease. Notably, innovations such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay have improved rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, while newer treatment regimens, including the use of bedaquiline and delamanid, are improving outcomes for drug-resistant TB patients. In addition, the application of genetic sequencing techniques is advancing the identification of resistance mutations. However, the continued prevalence of drug-resistant strains and co-infection with HIV present ongoing challenges to achieving global TB control goals. Studies have shown that HIVpositive individuals with TB are at higher risk of treatment failure and mortality, further complicating efforts to manage the disease. Saudi Arabia (KSA) has made substantial strides in TB control through its National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP), which has contributed to a steady decline in TB incidence. This program's success is attributed to comprehensive screening, enhanced diagnostic tools, and targeted treatment strategies. However, regional disparities persist, with higher incidence rates observed in Makkah, Riyadh, and Jazan. A demographic shift toward younger populations and an increase in TB cases among immigrants have been identified as emerging trends. This study aims to examine the epidemiological trends of TB in KSA, with a particular focus on the prevalence of drug-resistant strains and the impact of HIV co-infection. In addition, it aims to assess the effectiveness of diagnostic methods and explore the role of molecular markers in identifying resistant strains. A retrospective analysis was conducted on TB cases reported between 2015 and 2019 in KSA. Data were collected on TB incidence, drug resistance patterns, HIV co-infection rates, and demographic factors. The study further analyzed regional disparities and changes in the clinical presentation, including the emergence of unusual symptoms. The study found a gradual decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2019, meeting World Health Organization (WHO) milestones. Drug resistance, particularly MDR and XDR TB, showed a significant reduction during this period, although HIV co-infection remained stable. Regional disparities were notable, with Makkah, Riyadh, and Jazan reporting higher case concentrations. Furthermore, there was a demographic shift, with an increase in TB cases among younger populations and a rise in native-to-immigrant TB cases. The results suggest that KSA's TB control measures have been effective in reducing TB incidence, including drugresistant cases. However, HIV co-infection remains a significant public health concern that requires continued attention. Enhanced diagnostic techniques, such as molecular markers, and more targeted interventions in high-risk regions are essential to achieve the goal of a TB-free world by 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical global health issue, particularly with the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and its threat to both public health and healthcare systems. Advances in TB diagnosis, treatment, and molecular markers have facilitated progress in the TB management. However, the prevalence of drug-resistant strains and coinfection with HIV has continued to complicate efforts to achieve global TB control goals. Saudi Arabia (KSA) has made substantial strides in TB control through the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTCP). The study aims to examine the epidemiological trends of TB, including drugresistant strains, and the impact of HIV coinfection in KSA. It also aims to analyze the effectiveness of diagnostic methods and the role of molecular markers in identifying resistant strains. A retrospective analysis was conducted on TB cases reported from 2015 to 2019 in KSA. Data were collected on TB incidence, drug resistance, HIV co-infection rates, and demographic patterns. The study also analyzed regional disparities and changes in clinical presentation, including the prevalence of unusual symptoms. The study observed a gradual decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2019, meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) milestones. Drug resistance, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB, showed a significant reduction during this period. HIV co-infection remained constant, with no major fluctuations. Regional disparities were notable, with a concentration of cases in Makkah, Riyadh, and Jazan. A demographic shift toward younger populations and a rise in native-to-immigrant TB cases were also identified. The results indicate that KSA’s TB control measures have been effective in reducing TB incidence, including drug-resistant cases. However, HIV co-infection remains a public health concern. Continued vigilance enhanced diagnostic techniques, and more targeted interventions in high-risk regions are essential to achieve the goal of a TB-free world by 2035. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light hypothetical particles with masses up to O 100 MeV can be produced in the core of supernovae. Their subsequent decays to neutrinos can produce a flux component with higher energies than the standard flux. We study the impact of heavy neutral leptons, Z′ bosons, in particular U 1 L μ − L τ and U(1)B−L gauge bosons, and majorons coupled to neutrinos flavor-dependently. We obtain new strong limits on these particles from no events of high-energy SN 1987A neutrinos and their future sensitivities from observations of galactic supernova neutrinos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebola virus (EBOV) and Marburg virus (MARV), members of the Filoviridae family, are highly pathogenic and can cause hemorrhagic fevers, significantly impacting human society. Bats are considered reservoirs of these viruses because related filoviruses have been discovered in bats. However, due to the requirement for maximum containment laboratories when studying infectious viruses, the characterization of bat filoviruses often relies on pseudoviruses and minigenome systems. In this study, we used RACE technology to sequence the 30-leader and 50-trailer of Měnglࢰ virus (MLAV) and constructed a minigenome. Similar to MARV, the transcription activities of the MLAV minigenome are independent of VP30. We further assessed the effects of polymorphisms at the 50 end on MLAV minigenome activity and identified certain mutations that decrease minigenome reporter efficiency, probably due to alterations in the RNA secondary structure. The reporter activity upon recombination of the 30-leaders and 50-trailers of MLAV, MARV, and EBOV with those of the homologous or heterologous minigenomes was compared and it was found that the polymerase complex and leader and trailer sequences exhibit intrinsic specificities. Additionally, we investigated whether the polymerase complex proteins from EBOV and MARV support MLAV minigenome RNA synthesis and found that the homologous system is more efficient than the heterologous system. Remdesivir efficiently inhibited MLAV as well as EBOV replication. In summary, this study provides new information on bat filoviruses and the minigenome will be a useful tool for high-throughput antiviral drug screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has posed unprecedented challenges to global public health since its outbreak. The Qing-Fei-Pai-Du decoction (QFPDD), a Chinese herbal formula, is widely used in China to treat COVID-19. It exerts an impressive therapeutic effect by inhibiting the progression from mild to critical disease in the clinic. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses elicit similar pathological processes. Their severe manifestations, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multiple organ failure (MOF), and viral sepsis, are correlated with the cytokine storm. During flu infection, QFPDD reduced the lung indexes and downregulated the expressions of MCP-1, TNF- α , IL-6, and IL-1 β in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lungs, or serum samples. The infiltration of neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes in lungs was decreased dramatically, and lung injury was ameliorated in QFPDD-treated flu mice. In addition, QFPDD also inhibited the polarization of M1 macrophages and downregulated the expressions of IL-6, TNF- α , MIP-2, MCP-1, and IP-10, while also upregulating the IL-10 expression. The phosphorylated TAK1, IKK α / β , and I κ B α and the subsequent translocation of phosphorylated p65 into the nuclei were decreased by QFPDD. These findings indicated that QFPDD reduces the intensity of the cytokine storm by inhibiting the NF- κ B signaling pathway during severe viral infections, thereby providing theoretical and experimental support for its clinical application in respiratory viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration using various combinations of routine sampling, automatic station measurements, and MERIS satellite images. Our study site was the northern part of the large, shallow, mesotrophic Lake Pyhäjärvi located in southwestern Finland. Various combinations of measurements were interpolated spatiotemporally using a data fusion system (DFS) based on an ensemble Kalman filter and smoother algorithms. The estimated concentrations together with corresponding 68% confidence intervals are presented as time series at routine sampling and automated stations, as maps and as mean values over the EU Water Framework Directive monitoring period, to evaluate the efficiency of various monitoring methods. The mean Chl-a calculated with DFS in June–September was 6.5–7.5 µg/l, depending on the observations used as input. At the routine monitoring station where grab samples were used, the average uncertainty (standard deviation, SD) decreased from 2.7 to 1.6 µg/l when EO data were also included in the estimation. At the automatic station, located 0.9 km from the routine monitoring site, the SD was 0.7 µg/l. The SD of spatial mean concentration decreased from 6.7 to 2.9 µg/l when satellite observations were included in June–September, in addition to in situ monitoring data. This demonstrates the high value of the information derived from satellite observations. The conclusion is that the confidence of Chl-a monitoring could be increased by deploying spatially extensive measurements in the form of satellite imaging or transects conducted with flow-through sensors installed on a boat and spatiotemporal interpolation of the multisource data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of deliberative democracy within larger schemes of policy-making of collaborative governance is a key challenge. Such integration potentially means changes in the role and in the power relationships between the actors of collaborative governance. Indeed, it brings in citizens – who were traditionally not formally involved – along with stakeholders – who were traditionally involved. Through the case of a large-scale education reform in the French-Speaking Community of Belgium, this paper seeks to explore how these actors react to the use of deliberative mini-publics and regard their legitimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Rendering quality childbirth services that lead to higher levels of maternal satisfaction is an important goal of every health institution. Despite efforts at enhanced client satisfaction over the years, there are still some quality concerns for health policymakers and managers to address. This study sought to assess maternal satisfaction with childbirth services at a university hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods. We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study among women in postnatal wards after delivery at the University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. They were recruited using a systematic sampling method, and their perspective about the quality of childbirth services was assessed using a service quality (SERVQUAL) tool. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the relationship between SERVQUAL attributes and maternal satisfaction. Statistical significance was set at p value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. Results. Of the 277 participants interviewed, 79.8% (221) were satisfied with the childbirth services. Delays (49.5%), unprofessional conduct from health workers (7.2%), poor facilities (10.8%), and an inadequate number of skilled staff (15.5%) were identified as the challenges mothers encountered at the facility. After adjusting for all the components of the SERVQUAL model, reliability (adjusted β = − 3.28 , p = 0.001) and empathy (adjusted β = 2.21 , p = 0.028) were the most significant predictors of maternal satisfaction with childbirth services. Conclusion. Majority of postnatal women were generally satisfied with the overall childbirth services they received at the University Hospital. The service quality components that significantly predicted maternal satisfaction with childbirth services were "reliability" and "empathy." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can spread the viral RNA in wastewater by the feces of those experience COVID-19 symptoms. While wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in the raw sewage has been confirmed as an effective tool to predict COVID-19 infection, the goal of this study is to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA throughout various wastewater treatment processes. Wastewater samples were collected from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the state of Arkansas from August 2020 to June 2021 and measured for the relative concentration of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using RT-qPCR. The gene concentrations in the raw wastewater measured in this study were similar to other published studies, targeting the N1 and N2 genes of the virus. The viral RNA concentration was measured after each wastewater treatment step within WWTPs, including primary sedimentation, activated sludge, filtration and disinfection. Results show the most viral RNA removal occurred in the secondary treatment (activated sludge). The viral RNA was only occasionally detected after disinfection (chlorination or UV disinfection). Overall, WWTPs can remove the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA at an average of 98.7%, while complete removal was achieved on 82% of the sampling days. Further investigation is required to ensure complete viral RNA removal from wastewater such as improving existing treatment process or supplementing with additional treatment steps. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in Arkansas wastewater treatment plants. SARS-CoV-2 was rarely detected in treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants. Activated sludge was effective removing SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA from wastewater. This study was limited by the direct RNA extraction from wastewater, which lowered the sensitivity of detection., (© 2024 Water Environment Federation.)