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Blastomyces spp. fungi, the causal agent of blastomycosis, are common in North America but do occur in other areas of the world. The most prevalent pathogen in the genus is B. dermatitidis. Most B. dermatitidis isolates originate from North America, but there are sporadic reports of B. dermatitidis recovery from Africa and Asia. High-quality reports that incorporate genetic information about the fungus outside North America have been rare. Genome sequencing of 3 fungal isolates from patients in India with chronic respiratory diseases revealed that the isolates belong to a genetically differentiated lineage of B. dermatitidis. Because the patients had no history of traveling outside of Asia, blastomycosis was most likely autochthonously acquired, which suggests a local population of B. dermatitidis. Our results suggest the endemic range of B. dermatitidis is larger than previously thought, calling for a reassessment of the geographic range of different agents of endemic mycoses.

Abstract Metformin is an antihyperglycemic used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with T2DM are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We explored the association between metformin use and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) derived stress myocardial blood flow (MBF), myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; all cause death, MI, stroke, heart failure hospitalisation and coronary revascularisation) in patients with T2DM. Multi-centre study of patients with T2DM, and healthy controls, underwent quantitative myocardial perfusion CMR using an artificial intelligence supported process. Multivariable regression analysis, and cox proportional hazard models of propensity score weighted patients quantified associations between metformin use, MBF, MPR, all cause death and MACE. Analysis included 572 patients with T2DM (68% prescribed metformin) with median follow-up 851 days (IQR 935 − 765). Metformin use was associated with an increase of MPR of 0.12 [0.08–0.40], p = 0.004. There were 82 MACE events (14.3%) including 25 (4.4%) deaths of which 16 were in those not prescribed metformin (8.7%), compared to 9 in patients prescribed metformin (2.3%): adjusted hazard ratio 0.24 (95% CI 0.08–0.70, p = 0.009). MACE events were similar between groups. This multicentre, inverse probability weighting propensity score analysis study showed that in patients with T2DM, metformin use is associated with higher MPR and improved all cause survival.

Introduction: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) consists of administering oxygen at pressures higher than atmospheric pressure. Though HBOT remains one of the safest therapies used today, it is not completely devoid of side effects. Pulmonary oxygen toxicity can result as a result of continuous exposure of elevated levels of oxygen for increased duration and at increased pressures. The main pathological manifestations occur as acute exudative phase followed by subacute proliferative phase. Effects of HBOT on pulmonary functions has not been studied in detail. This study was conducted to ascertain the effects of HBOT on pulmonary functions and determine if these changes are reversible in nature. Material and Method: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over a period of 02 years. A total of 72 patients who were undergoing HBOT for any indication normal chest radiograph and normal spirometry/DLCO were included in the study. Spirometry and DLCO was done initially at the time of inclusion and repeated after half of the total planned HBOT sessions and finally at the end of all sessions of HBOT. Spirometry and DLCO was also repeated 6 months post completion of HBOT. The HBOT protocol consisted of breathing 100% oxygen at 2.4 atmospheric absolute (ATA) for 90 minutes which was referred as one session. Total sessions varied from 20-30 based on indication and response of their primary disease to HBO. Results: The mean age score in study population was 47.12 ± 12.88. Among the study population, 12(24%) participants were male and 38(76%) participants were female. The mean BMI was 24.49 ± 5.45. The mean DLCO was 6.67 ± 1.45 ml/min/mm Hg pre intervention, it was 6.38 ± 1.43 ml/min/mm Hg at mid cycle and 6.21 ± 1.41 ml/min/mm Hg post intervention and at 6 months follow up it was 6.43 ± 1.46 ml/min/mm Hg. The difference in the DLCO at mid cycle, post intervention and 6 months follow up period with baseline value were statistically significant (P value 0.005). Conclusion: HBOT although a safe intervention, it is not totally devoid of complications. Although our study did reveal statistically significant changes in pulmonary function in most of the instances, it did not show any clinically significant changes in pulmonary function with use of HBOT protocol at 2.4 ATA. Studies with larger sample size will be required to ensure evidence based safety of HBOT use.

Abiotic stress is the major bottleneck in obtaining the full potential of a standing crop. Various strategies have been investigated to impart abiotic stress tolerance. In the agricultural field, the stress conditions do not act in isolation rather they act synergistically in combinations against the wellbeing of the crop. The combined impact of abiotic stress conditions has been referred to as stress matrix or stress combination. Here, we have proposed a probable candidate that could be instrumental in imparting tolerance against stress matrix or stress combination. The investigation was made on a peroxisome localized glutathione reductase (GR) enzyme from the economically significant crop Oryza sativa. The protein was expressed in the E. coli system, purified and characterized. The enzyme was found to be active even at an elevated temperature of 55℃, demonstrating its abiotic stress tolerance properties. Further, the gene expression studies showed it to be upregulated under salinity, dehydration, low and high temperature. The expression was also investigated under various stress combinations and it was observed that the level of GR mRNA was found to be higher in the case of combined stress treatment as compared to individual stress conditions suggesting an additive effect phenomenon. The results obtained here put this peroxisomal GR in the spotlight for imparting abiotic stress combinations studies.

As the demand for food surges and the agricultural sector undergoes a transformative shift towards sustainability and efficiency, the need for precise and proactive measures to ensure the health and welfare of livestock becomes paramount. In the egg and hatchery industry, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has emerged as a cutting-edge, non-destructive technique for fast and accurate egg quality analysis, including detecting chick embryo mortality. However, the high cost and operational complexity compared to conventional RGB imaging are significant bottlenecks in the widespread adoption of HSI technology. To overcome these hurdles and unlock the full potential of HSI, a promising solution is hyperspectral image reconstruction from standard RGB images. This study aims to reconstruct hyperspectral images from RGB images for non-destructive early prediction of chick embryo mortality. Initially, the performance of different image reconstruction algorithms, such as HRNET, MST++, Restormer, and EDSR were compared to reconstruct the hyperspectral images of the eggs in the early incubation period. Later, the reconstructed spectra were used to differentiate live from dead embryos eggs using the XGBoost and Random Forest classification methods. Among the reconstruction methods, HRNET showed impressive reconstruction performance with MRAE of 0.0955, RMSE of 0.0159, and PSNR of 36.79 dB. This study motivated the idea that harnessing imaging technology integrated with smart sensors and data analytics has the potential to improve automation, enhance biosecurity, and optimize resource management towards sustainable agriculture 4.0.

AbstractBackground: There is a pressing need for effective treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD).Objective To examine the feasibility of an integrated mind-body MDD treatment combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and whole-body hyperthermia (WBH).Methods In this single-arm trial, 16 adults with MDD initially received 8 weekly CBT sessions and 8 weekly WBH sessions. Outcomes included WBH sessions completed (primary), self-report depression assessments completed (secondary), and pre-post intervention changes in depression symptoms (secondary). We also explored changes in mood and cognitive processes and assessed changes in mood as predictors of overall treatment response.Results Thirteen participants (81.3%) completed ≥ 4 WBH sessions (primary outcome); midway through the trial, we reduced from 8 weekly to 4 bi-weekly WBH sessions to increase feasibility. The n = 12 participants who attended the final assessment visit completed 100% of administered self-report depression assessments; all enrolled participants (n = 16) completed 89% of these assessments. Among the n = 12 who attended the final assessment visit, the average pre-post-intervention BDI-II reduction was 15.8 points (95% CI: −22.0, −9.70), p = 0.0001, with 11 no longer meeting MDD criteria (secondary outcomes). Pre-post intervention improvements in negative automatic thinking, but not cognitive flexibility, achieved statistical significance. Improved mood from pre-post the initial WBH session predicted pre-post treatment BDI-II change (36.2%; rho = 0.60, p = 0.038); mood changes pre-post the first CBT session did not.Limitations Small sample size and single-arm design limit generalizability.Conclusion An integrated mind-body intervention comprising weekly CBT sessions and bi-weekly WBH sessions was feasible. Results warrant future larger controlled clinical trials.Clinivaltrials.gov Registration: NCT05708976

ABSTRACT Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen, was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Since then, systemic C. auris infections have now been reported in more than 50 countries, with mortality rates of 30%–60%. A major contributing factor to its high inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission is that C. auris, unlike most Candida species, displays unique skin tropism and can stay on human skin for a prolonged period. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for C. auris skin colonization, intradermal persistence, and systemic virulence are poorly understood. Here, we report that C. auris Hog1 mitogen-activated protein kinase is essential for efficient skin colonization, intradermal persistence as well as systemic virulence. RNA-seq analysis of wild-type parental and hog1Δ mutant strains revealed marked downregulation of genes involved in processes such as cell adhesion, cell wall rearrangement, and pathogenesis in hog1Δ mutant compared to the wild-type parent. Consistent with these data, we found a prominent role for Hog1 in maintaining cell wall architecture, as the hog1Δ mutant demonstrated a significant increase in cell-surface β-glucan exposure and a concomitant reduction in chitin content. Additionally, we observed that Hog1 was required for biofilm formation in vitro and fungal survival when challenged with primary murine macrophages and neutrophils ex vivo. Collectively, these findings have important implications for understanding the C. auris skin adherence mechanisms and penetration of skin epithelial layers preceding bloodstream infections.IMPORTANCECandida auris is a World Health Organization fungal priority pathogen and an urgent public health threat recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. C. auris has a unique ability to colonize human skin. It also persists on abiotic surfaces in healthcare environments for an extended period of time. These attributes facilitate the inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission of C. auris. Therefore, understanding C. auris skin colonization mechanisms is critical for infection control, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. However, despite its profound clinical relevance, the molecular and genetic basis of C. auris skin colonization mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we present data on the identification of the Hog1 MAP kinase as a key regulator of C. auris skin colonization. These findings lay the foundation for further characterization of unique mechanisms that promote fungal persistence on human skin.

The availability of quality and timely data for routine monitoring of mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders is a challenge, particularly in Africa. We assessed the feasibility of using an open-source data science technology (R Shiny) to improve health data reporting in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Based on a previously used manual tool, in June 2022, we developed a digital online data capture and reporting tool using the open-source Kobo toolbox. Primary mental health care providers (nurses and physicians) working in primary healthcare facilities in Nairobi were trained to use the tool to report cases of MNS disorders diagnosed in their facilities in real-time. The digital tool covered MNS disorders listed in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Program Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG). In the digital system, data were disaggregated as new or repeat visits. We linked the data to a live dynamic reproducible dashboard created using R Shiny, summarising the data in tables and figures. Between January and August 2023, 9064 cases of MNS disorders (4454 newly diagnosed, 4591 revisits and 19 referrals) were reported using the digital system compared to 5321 using the manual system in a similar period in 2022. Reporting in the digital system was real-time compared to the manual system, where reports were aggregated and submitted monthly. The system improved data quality by providing timely and complete reports. Open-source applications to report health data is feasible and acceptable to primary health care providers. The technology improved real-time data capture, reporting, and monitoring, providing invaluable information on the burden of MNS disorders and which services can be planned and used for advocacy. The fast and efficient system can be scaled up and integrated with national and sub-national health information systems to reduce manual data reporting and decrease the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.

Background: The occurrence of root resorption (RR) is an unavoidable result of orthodontic treatment. Finding a straightforward approach to its prevention remains a challenge. It is a tragic occurrence when radiographically detected, even though it is rarely severe. The application of force starts a sequence of biological mechanisms. Although we are well aware of how and when it is provoked, we are unable to foresee what will happen in the end. In the past few years, clear aligner therapy has become very popular. Although not much data has been established describing RR after this treatment. Aim: The following review determines the effect of aligner therapy on the resorption of roots leading to the shortening of root length. Methods: Research publications were searched on search engines such as Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar using terms such as “RR,” “risk factors of RR” and “effects of clear aligner therapy on RR.” These publications were then collected. Results: For this review, 30 articles were collected and further used to formulate this review. Conclusion: (1) Most affected teeth were the maxillary central and lateral incisors post aligner therapy. (2) Multiple factors that influenced RR were gender, malocclusion, the severity of crowding, type of tooth movement, and close approximation of root toward the cortical plate (3) Clear aligner therapy is comparable to LightForce fixed orthodontics appliances but surpasses heavy-force orthodontic appliances in the terms of the risk associated with developing RR.

Abstract Background Pulmonary transit time (PTT) can be measured automatically from arterial input function (AIF) images of dual sequence first-pass perfusion imaging. PTT has been validated against invasive cardiac catheterisation correlating with both cardiac output and left ventricular filling pressure (both important prognostic markers in heart failure). We hypothesized that prolonged PTT is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. Methods We recruited outpatients with a recent diagnosis of non-ischaemic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

Brown carbon (BrC) is an absorbing organic aerosol (OA), primarily emitted through biomass burning (BB), which exhibits light absorption unique to both black carbon (BC) and other organic aerosols. Despite many field and laboratory studies seeking to constrain BrC properties, the radiative forcing (RF) of BrC is still highly uncertain. To better understand its climate impact, we introduced BrC to the One-Moment Aerosol (OMA) module of the GISS ModelE Earth system model (ESM). We assessed ModelE sensitivity to primary BrC processed through a novel chemical aging scheme and to secondary BrC formed from biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Initial results show that BrC typically contributes a top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) radiative effect of 0.04 W m−2. Sensitivity tests indicate that explicitly simulating BrC (separating it from other OAs), including secondary BrC, and simulating chemical bleaching of BrC contribute distinguishable radiative effects and should be accounted for in BrC schemes. This addition of prognostic BrC to ModelE allows greater physical and chemical complexity in OA representation with no apparent trade-off in model performance, as the evaluation of ModelE aerosol optical depth against Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrieval data, with and without the BrC scheme, reveals similar skill in both cases. Thus, BrC should be explicitly simulated to allow more physically based chemical composition, which is crucial for more detailed OA studies like comparisons to in situ measurement campaigns. We include a summary of best practices for BrC representation within ModelE at the end of this paper.

Aim: To evaluate the potential of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) in conjunction with magnetic fields (MFs) to enhance osteoblast cytomechanics, promote cell homing, bone development activity, and antibacterial capabilities, and to assess their in vivo angiogenic viability using the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Settings and Design: Experimental study conducted in a laboratory setting to investigate the effects of FeNPs and MFs on osteoblast cells and angiogenesis using a custom titanium (Ti) substrate coated with FeNPs. Materials and Methods: A custom titanium (Ti) was coated with FeNPs. Evaluations were conducted to analyze the antibacterial properties, cell adhesion, durability, physical characteristics, and nanoparticle absorption associated with FeNPs. Cell physical characteristics were assessed using protein markers, and microscopy, CAM model, was used to quantify blood vessel formation and morphology to assess the FeNP-coated Ti's angiogenic potential. This in vivo study provided critical insights into tissue response and regenerative properties for biomedical applications. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests to compare experimental groups and controls. Significance was determined at P < 0.05. Results: FeNPs and MFs notably improved osteoblast cell mechanical properties facilitated the growth and formation of new blood vessels and bone tissue and promoted cell migration to targeted sites. In the group treated with FeNPs and exposed to MFs, there was a significant increase in vessel percentage area (76.03%) compared to control groups (58.11%), along with enhanced mineralization and robust antibacterial effects (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights the promising potential of FeNPs in fostering the growth of new blood vessels, promoting the formation of bone tissue, and facilitating targeted cell migration. These findings underscore the importance of further investigating the mechanical traits of FeNPs, as they could significantly advance the development of effective bone tissue engineering techniques, ultimately enhancing clinical outcomes in the field.

Aim: To estimate the working length of teeth using conventional tactile technique, radiovisiography technique, Apex locator, and confirmation of working length by cone beam computed tomography technique. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with the age group between 20 and 50 years with irreversible pulpitis were included in this study. After taking a preoperative radiograph, the procedure was started. The cavity wall buildup was done using composite in the cases needed and then rubber dam application was done. The working length of mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canal was taken using cone beam computed tomography and this was considered as the standard value. Then using tactile method, length of the canal was measured using radiovisiographic software followed by apexlocator. Result: The Apex locator has showed best result as compared to tactile and radiovisiography. Conclusion: Apex locator values were closest to cone beam computed tomography working length measurement values and electronic apexlocator can be used efficiently as an alternative method for working length determination. The quality of various techniques according to ranks of working length determination was found to be Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) > Apexloc > Radiovisiography (RVG) > Tactile. Thus, Apex locator can be used as an alternative to cone beam computed tomography for working length determination.

Background: Blunt trauma Abdomen (BTA) due to RTA is the sixth leading cause of death in India. Conservative management of most blunt abdominal injuries developed from the observation that most of these injuries would ‘heal themselves’ and that operative intervention could interfere with this process. Aim: To evaluate the outcome of conservative management of solid visceral injuries in BTA. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: Study conducted in the Postgraduate Dept. of Surgery, Govt. Medical College Jammu entailing 72 patients of BTA admitted from October 2018 to November 2019. Results: Out of 72 patients, 56 males were & 16 females. 69.44% had RTA. Most common age group was 21-30 years (30.56%).56.94% patients reported to hospital within 2 to 6 hours. FAST was positive in 95.83% patients. Liver was most commonly affected solid organ. 77.77% were managed conservatively and average hospital stay was 9.78 days. 4.16% patients of BTA expired in the study. Conclusion: In almost all the solitary solid visceral injuries with mild to moderate hemodynamic changes, Non Operative Management (NOM) is highly successful. It is concluded that all the isolated solid visceral injuries must be given fair chance of NOM where facilities of medical care or surgical ICUs are available for continuous monitoring.

Gastrointestinal malignancies are one of the major worldwide health concerns. In the present review, we have assessed the plausible therapeutic implication of Ursolic Acid (UA) against gastrointestinal cancer. By modulating several signaling pathways critical in cancer development, UA could offer anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-metastatic properties. However, being of low oral bioavailability and poor permeability, its clinical value is restricted. To deliver and protect the drug, liposomes and polymer micelles are two UA nanoformulations that can effectively increase medicine stability. The use of UA for treating cancers is safe and appropriate with low toxicity characteristics and a predictable pharmacokinetic profile. Although the bioavailability of UA is limited, its nanoformulations could emerge as an alternative to enhance its efficacy in treating GI cancers. Further optimization and validation in the clinical trials are necessary. The combination of molecular profiling with nanoparticle-based drug delivery technologies holds the potential for bringing UA to maximum efficacy, looking for good prospects with GI cancer treatment.

Advancements in technology have recently allowed us to collect and analyse large-scale fine-grained data about human performance, drastically changing the way we approach sports. Here, we provide the first comprehensive analysis of individual and team performance in One-Day International cricket, one of the most popular sports in the world. We investigate temporal patterns of individual success by quantifying the location of the best performance of a player and find that they can happen at any time in their career, surrounded by a burst of comparable top performances. Our analysis shows that long-term performance can be predicted from early observations and that temporary exclusions of players from teams are often due to declining performances but are also associated with strong comebacks. By computing the duration of streaks of winning performances compared to random expectations, we demonstrate that teams win and lose matches consecutively. We define the contributions of specialists such as openers, all-rounders and wicket-keepers and show that a balanced performance from multiple individuals is required to ensure team success. Finally, we measure how transitioning to captaincy in the team improves the performance of batsmen, but not that of bowlers. Our work emphasizes how individual endeavours and team dynamics interconnect and influence collective outcomes in sports.

Abstract Transcriptome-wide survey divulged a total of 181 ABC transporters in G. glabra which were phylogenetically classified into six subfamilies. Protein–Protein interactions revealed nine putative GgABCBs (-B6, -B14, -B15, -B25, -B26, -B31, -B40, -B42 &-B44) corresponding to five AtABCs orthologs (-B1, -B4, -B11, -B19, &-B21). Significant transcript accumulation of ABCB6 (31.8 folds), -B14 (147.5 folds), -B15 (17 folds), -B25 (19.7 folds), -B26 (18.31 folds), -B31 (61.89 folds), -B40 (1273 folds) and -B42 (51 folds) was observed under the influence of auxin. Auxin transport-specific inhibitor, N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid, showed its effectiveness only at higher (10 µM) concentration where it down regulated the expression of ABCBs, PINs (PIN FORMED) and TWD1 (TWISTED DWARF 1) genes in shoot tissues, while their expression was seen to enhance in the root tissues. Further, qRT-PCR analysis under various growth conditions (in-vitro, field and growth chamber), and subjected to abiotic stresses revealed differential expression implicating role of ABCBs in stress management. Seven of the nine genes were shown to be involved in the stress physiology of the plant. GgABCB6, 15, 25 and ABCB31 were induced in multiple stresses, while GgABCB26, 40 & 42 were exclusively triggered under drought stress. No study pertaining to the ABC transporters from G. glabra is available till date. The present investigation will give an insight to auxin transportation which has been found to be associated with plant growth architecture; the knowledge will help to understand the association between auxin transportation and plant responses under the influence of various conditions.

Objectives: To compare and evaluate the occlusal variability/discrepancy recorded using qualitative (articulating paper) and quantitative (T-scan) techniques in partially edentulous implant-supported restorations. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients in the age group of 25–61 yrs participated in this study. All the patients had more than one tooth replaced with implant-supported prosthesis. After three months of restoration, occlusion reevaluated was carried out using qualitative (articulating paper) and quantitative (T-scan). T-scan data were used to measure implant occlusion time, occlusion time, and the relative occlusal force (ROFs) on implant prosthesis. And the data were statistically evaluated. Results: The T-scan values showed high points on the implants in most of the patients, which could not be evaluated by that of articulating paper outcomes. Conclusion: The occlusal harmony achieved from using qualitative analysis of articulating paper was not supported by the finding of the quantitative analysis (T-scan). Also the T-scan provided the time interval of occlusion of the implant-supported restorations, which would help in better defining the implant-protected occlusal. Clinical Relevance: The T-scan occlusal analysis system provides ROF and time intervals of occlusal contact. This allows accurate occlusal equilibration of implant-supported restoration according to implant protected occlusal concept.

Background: The attitudes of dental students to study a particular specialty of dentistry in post-graduation are of great importance as these facilitate workforce planning in the dental sector. Aim and Objective: To assess the attitude of dental students towards choosing periodontology as their future career and to explore demographic variables that affect their choice. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on a questionnaire was conducted, including students of the third and fourth years and interns of the dental college. Twenty-seven questions, graded on a Likert scale (5-point) were included in the questionnaire, and the responses were categorised via three attitudes: negative (score 0–21), neutral (score 22–44) and positive (score 45–64). The Chi-square test for proportions was used to examine the differences between groups. Results: Among 114 participants, 53 (46.5%) were males and 61 (53.5%) were females. One-third of the respondents had a positive attitude towards selecting periodontology as their future career, and the majority had a neutral perspective, with a few students having a negative attitude (20.2%). Out of the total, 34.2% of respondents had a positive attitude, and 45.6% showed a neutral attitude or perspective. Conclusion: Efforts should be intensified, and undergraduate (UG) students should be motivated by broadening the scope of the field in the UG curriculum by the dental council so that the students show considerable interest in pursuing the field as their future career.

Abstract Correlations between altered body temperature and depression have been reported in small samples; greater confidence in these associations would provide a rationale for further examining potential mechanisms of depression related to body temperature regulation. We sought to test the hypotheses that greater depression symptom severity is associated with (1) higher body temperature, (2) smaller differences between body temperature when awake versus asleep, and (3) lower diurnal body temperature amplitude. Data collected included both self-reported body temperature (using standard thermometers), wearable sensor-assessed distal body temperature (using an off-the-shelf wearable sensor that collected minute-level physiological data), and self-reported depressive symptoms from > 20,000 participants over the course of ~ 7 months as part of the TemPredict Study. Higher self-reported and wearable sensor-assessed body temperatures when awake were associated with greater depression symptom severity. Lower diurnal body temperature amplitude, computed using wearable sensor-assessed distal body temperature data, tended to be associated with greater depression symptom severity, though this association did not achieve statistical significance. These findings, drawn from a large sample, replicate and expand upon prior data pointing to body temperature alterations as potentially relevant factors in depression etiology and may hold implications for development of novel approaches to the treatment of major depressive disorder.

The adoption of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) and metaheuristic optimization approaches has been widely observed in recent research. Even so, integrating these methods improves the model’s capability to solve complex problems. A novel enhanced prediction method based on COOT bird optimization was developed for selecting the optimal parameters of ANFIS in the current study. This method combines COOT optimization with ANFIS to model the quality of service (QoS) characteristics of web services by using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system COOT (ANFIS-COOT). In this instance, the quality of the web service (QWS) dataset was obtained from the GitHub database, which consists of 120 web services data, and then evaluated using the presented model on the dataset for estimating response time and throughput of web services. As significant evidence of ANFIS-COOT’s efficiency, the similar QWS data set is analyzed using four different prediction models: ANFIS, ANFIS-Beetle Antennae Search (ANFIS-BAS), ANFIS-Reptile Search Algorithm (ANFIS-RSA), and ANFIS-Snake Optimizer (ANFIS-SO). Moreover, the exploratory study used statistical benchmarks such as root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and determination coefficient ( $R^{2}$ ) to emphasize the accuracy of the proposed model. Based on analysis results, the presented model achieved optimal values of RMSE (59.7473), MAE (15.8531), MAPE (0.0705), and $R^{2}$ of 96.32 %, as well as RMSE (1.335), MAE (1.1255), MAPE (0.1818), and $R^{2}$ of 97.12 % for modelling response time and throughput of web services, compared to other models. Eventually, this report demonstrates the viability of the ANFIS-COOT while tackling a complex problem and improving predictive performance.

Fake face identity is a serious, potentially fatal issue that affects every industry from the banking and finance industry to the military and mission-critical applications. This is where the proposed system offers artificial intelligence (AI)-based supported fake face detection. The models were trained on an extensive dataset of real and fake face images, incorporating steps like sampling, preprocessing, pooling, normalization, vectorization, batch processing and model training, testing-, and classification via output activation. The proposed work performs the comparative analysis of the three fusion models, which can be integrated with Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) based on the performance evaluation. The Model-3, which contains the combination of DenseNet-201+ResNet-102+Xception, offers the highest accuracy of 0.9797, and the Model-2 with the combination of DenseNet-201+ResNet-50+Inception V3 offers the lowest loss value of 0.1146; both are suitable for the GAN integration. Additionally, the Model-1 performs admirably, with an accuracy of 0.9542 and a loss value of 0.1416. A second dataset was also tested where the proposed Model-3 provided maximum accuracy of 86.42% with a minimum loss of 0.4054.

Ensuring the security of picture data on a network presents considerable difficulties because of the requirement for conventional embedding systems, which ultimately leads to subpar performance. It poses a risk of unauthorized data acquisition and misuse. Moreover, the previous image security-based techniques faced several challenges, including high execution times. As a result, a novel framework called Graph Convolutional-Based Twofish Security (GCbTS) was introduced to secure the images used in healthcare. The medical data are gathered from the Kaggle site and included in the proposed architecture. Preprocessing is performed on the data inserted to remove noise, and the hash 1 value is computed. Using the generated key, these separated images are put through the encryption process to encrypt what they contain. Additionally, to verify the user’s identity, the encrypted data calculates the hash 2 values contrasted alongside the hash 1 value. Following completion of the verification procedure, the data are restored to their original condition and made accessible to authorized individuals by decrypting them with the collective key. Additionally, to determine the effectiveness, the calculated results of the suggested model are connected to the operational copy, which depends on picture privacy.

In 2019, Candida auris became the first fungal pathogen included in the list of the urgent antimicrobial threats by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) are considered the gold standard, and can be complemented by other molecular methods, for the genomic surveillance and clade classification of this multidrug-resistant yeast. However, these methods can be expensive and require time and expertise that are not always available. The long turnaround time is especially not compatible with the speed needed to manage clonal transmission in healthcare settings. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a biochemical fingerprint approach, has been applied in this study to a set of 74 C. auris isolates belonging to the five clades of C. auris (I-V) in combination with an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to create and validate “CLADE-FINDER”, a tool for C. auris clade determination. The CLADE-FINDER classifier allowed us to discriminate the four primary C. auris clades (I-IV) with a correct classification for 96% of the samples in the validation set. This newly developed genotyping scheme can be reasonably applied for the effective epidemiological monitoring and management of C. auris cases in real time.

Objective: To assess the orientation of dental practitioners in understanding the probable relationship between COVID-19 and periodontal infection and the measures they took toward periodontal health during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted, including registered dentists in Moradabad. The questionnaire provided was a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire with 26 questions, shared via an online survey link utilizing Google Forms. The data collected was tabulated and statistically evaluated. Results: The participants implemented many preventive measures in their daily lives against COVID-19, such as hand washing, frequent hand sanitization, face shields, mouth masks, social distancing not, being in overcrowded places, using HEPA filters and different combinations of protective measures against COVID-19. 82.23% of participants learned from the official websites of organizations like the Ministries of Health, WHO, and professional organizations about COVID-19. Conclusion: Most participants endorsed oral hygiene measures and the use of mouthwashes by their patients, yet a significant number of dental surgeons needed to be made aware of a probable correlation between COVID-19 infection and chronic periodontitis.

Abstract Global Climate Model tuning (calibration) is a tedious and time‐consuming process, with high‐dimensional input and output fields. Experts typically tune by iteratively running climate simulations with hand‐picked values of tuning parameters. Many, in both the statistical and climate literature, have proposed alternative calibration methods, but most are impractical or difficult to implement. We present a practical, robust, and rigorous calibration approach on the atmosphere‐only model of the Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM) version 2. Our approach can be summarized into two main parts: (a) the training of a surrogate that predicts E3SM output in a fraction of the time compared to running E3SM, and (b) gradient‐based parameter optimization. To train the surrogate, we generate a set of designed ensemble runs that span our input parameter space and use polynomial chaos expansions on a reduced output space to fit the E3SM output. We use this surrogate in an optimization scheme to identify values of the input parameters for which our model best matches gridded spatial fields of climate observations. To validate our choice of parameters, we run E3SMv2 with the optimal parameter values and compare prediction results to expertly‐tuned simulations across 45 different output fields. This flexible, robust, and automated approach is straightforward to implement, and we demonstrate that the resulting model output matches present day climate observations as well or better than the corresponding output from expert tuned parameter values, while considering high‐dimensional output and operating in a fraction of the time.