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Abstract In circumstances where antemortem information concerning the deceased individual is unavailable, forensic experts prepare biological profiling for unidentified human remains that aids in narrowing the search for identity. Biological profiling includes basic demographic information such as sex, age, stature, and ethnicity. Sex identification is the first and key step in the biological profiling of unidentified human remains, as it effectively reduces potential matches by excluding nearly one-half of the suspected cases and facilitates the subsequent stages. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting sex by analysing mandibular canine dimensions, mandibular intercanine distance (MICD), and mandibular canine index (MCI) obtained from three-dimensional (3D) digital impressions captured by using an intraoral scanner (IOS). The results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) test indicated that mean mandibular canine width (MeanMCW) had the highest sexual dimorphism with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.912, and the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) classifier demonstrated the highest testing accuracy among all machine learning (ML) models, achieving an accuracy of 92.5%. While the outcomes of this study are promising, further studies are imperative to validate these findings with larger sample sizes in different ethnic populations.

Background: Robotic assistants have progressed from essential, repetitive duties to sophisticated interactions requiring cognitive talents as technology advances. The interaction of Natural Language Processing (NLP) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become critical; consequently, establishing advanced robotic capabilities requires a more comprehensive and integrated approach. Objective: This article aims to explain how integrating NLP and AI into robotic assistants improves functionality, HRI, and applicability in various practical domains without focusing on ethics. Methods: NLP, AI, robotic assistant literature and case studies were reviewed and meta-analyzed. Quantitative investigations using tests and simulations examined robotic assistants' technical advancements and efficacy using sophisticated NLP and AI technologies. Results: Advanced NLP and AI integration improved robotic assistant comprehension, context-aware discussions, and autonomous decision-making. Improved HRI and capacity to complete complex jobs and make independent judgments in healthcare, manufacturing, and customer service. Conclusion: Combining NLP with AI allows robotic assistants to do more complicated, contextually aware activities, expanding their usefulness across many disciplines. While acknowledging the many advances, continual study and investigation are essential to navigate robotic helper technology and its many uses.

The number of studies that have been conducted on the possible benefits of different types of fasting or calorie restriction on cancer therapy, including the likelihood that these treatments lessen side effects, has been limited. However, the results are nevertheless promising. Chemotherapy’s adverse effects have led to a quest for options that reduce reliance on it. The susceptibility of tumorous cells to specific metabolites and nutrient deficiency is increasingly recognized as a key characteristic of the disease. This review delves into the data on various fasting methods and calorie restriction in rodents and humans, with a focus on biological adaptations that could potentially lower cancer risk or enhance cancer treatment results. We also emphasize recent scientific developments regarding the use of prolonged fasting and fasting-mimicking diets as a possible additional treatment for patients receiving immunotherapy or other treatments. This approach shows promise in enhancing treatment effectiveness, preventing resistance, and minimizing side effects. This study proposes that combining fasting and calorie restriction with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other therapies might be a potential technique to improve treatment efficacy, avoid resistance, and reduce adverse effects.

The construction of dam is important for many reasons. Prior to construction, it is essential to assess the dam's base reservoir to identify any subsurface cavities. This study was conducted along nine electrical resistivity (ERT) profiles and eight induced polarization (IP) profiles, which are traditional ERT profiles, trending SW to NE direction in the reservoir part of the failed Chaq-Chaq dam NW of Sulaimaniyah city. The aim of this study was to delineate subsurface layers, underground features, determine the depth to bedrock, and investigate indications of the causes of collapse of the constructed Chaq-Chaq dam. The Res2Dinvx64 program used in the inversion method to obtain true 2D resistivity sections using a Schlumberger-Wenner array, which is highly sensitive to changes in resistivity both vertically and laterally. Based on the resistivity values, it was found that the area consists of three geological layers; the first layer consists of soil, while the second layer consists of rock fragments, the interface between them has disappeared because the first layer is thin, and the third layer is specified as consolidated and cohesive limestone of the Kometan Formation. The surface of the Kometan limestones is irregular due to weathering and faulting resulting from tectonic movements leading to the collapse of the area and later filled with sediments of recent deposition. The IP method was only used to distinguish clay and water. According to IP values, water is present in the subsurface of the study area. According to the ERT sections, a sinkhole with a depth range of (15 – 39 m) was encountered at the beginning of most of the profiles.

Abstract Flow-based microfluidic biochips (FMBs) are widely used in biomedical research and diagnostics. However, their security against potential material-level cyber-physical attacks remains inadequately explored, posing a significant future challenge. One of the main components, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microvalves, is pivotal to FMBs' functionality. However, their fabrication, which involves thermal curing, makes them susceptible to chemical tampering-induced material degradation attacks. Here, we demonstrate one such material-based attack termed “BioTrojans,” which are chemically tampered and optically stealthy microvalves that can be ruptured through low-frequency actuations. To chemically tamper with the microvalves, we altered the associated PDMS curing ratio. Attack demonstrations showed that BioTrojan valves with 30:1 and 50:1 curing ratios ruptured quickly under 2 Hz frequency actuations, while authentic microvalves with a 10:1 ratio remained intact even after being actuated at the same frequency for 2 days (345,600 cycles). Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) results and associated finite element analysis revealed that a BioTrojan valve stores three orders of magnitude more mechanical energy than the authentic one, making it highly susceptible to low-frequency-induced ruptures. To counter BioTrojan attacks, we propose a security-by-design approach using smooth peripheral fillets to reduce stress concentration by over 50% and a spectral authentication method using fluorescent microvalves capable of effectively detecting BioTrojans.

Abstract Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an etiologically heterogeneous group of diseases of the myocardium. With the rapid evolution in laboratory investigations, genetic background is increasingly determined including many genes with variable penetrance and expressivity. Biallelic NEXN variants are rare in humans and associated with poor prognosis: fetal and perinatal death or severe DCMs in infants. Case presentation We describe two male infants with prenatal diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired ventricular contractility. One of the patients showed hydrops and polyhydramnios. Postnatally, a DCM with severely reduced systolic function was confirmed and required medical treatment. In patient 1, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) revealed a homozygous NEXN variant: c.1156dup (p.Met386fs) while in patient 2 a custom Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel revealed the homozygous NEXN variant c.1579_1584delp. (Glu527_Glu528del). These NEXN variants have not been previously described. Unlike the unfavorable prognosis described for biallelic NEXN variants, we observed in both our patients a favorable clinical course over time. Conclusion This report might help to broaden the present knowledge regarding NEXN biallelic variants and their clinical expression. It might be worthy to consider the inclusion of the NEXN gene sequencing in the investigation of pediatric patients with DCM.

Abstract Background Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern in Europe. Effective introduction and scaling up of human papillomavirus (HPV) detection-based cervical cancer screening (CCS) requires a systematic assessment of health systems capacity. However, there is no validated capacity assessment methodology for CCS programmes, especially in European contexts. Addressing this gap, our study introduces an innovative and adaptable protocol for evaluating the capacity of CCS programmes across varying European health system settings. Methods Our research team developed a three-step capacity assessment framework, incorporating a health policy review checklist, a facility visit survey, and key informants’ interview guide followed by a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. Piloting this comprehensive approach, we explored the CCS capacity in three countries: Estonia, Portugal and Romania. These countries were selected due to their contrasting healthcare structures and resources, providing a diverse overview of the European context. Results Conducted over a period of 9 months, the capacity assessment covered multiple resources, 27 screening centres, 16 colposcopy and treatment centres and 15 key informant interviews. Our analysis highlighted both shared and country-specific challenges. A key common issue was ensuring high compliance to follow-up and management of screen-positive women. We identified considerable heterogeneity in resources and organization across the three countries, underscoring the need for tailored, rather than one-size-fits-all, solutions. Conclusions Our study’s novelty lies in the successful development of this capacity assessment methodology implementable within a relatively short time frame, proving its feasibility for use in various contexts and countries. The resulting set of materials, adaptable to different cancer types, is a ready-to-use toolkit to improve cancer screening processes and outcomes. This research marks a significant stride towards comprehensive capacity assessment for CCS programmes in Europe. Future directions include deploying these tools in other countries and cancer types, thereby contributing to the global fight against cancer.

Introduction: During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in India, two vaccinees were predominantly administered to prevent the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first vaccine introduced in India was ChAdOx1-nCOV (Covishield), followed by BBV-152 (Covaxin). In the first phase, Healthcare Workers (HCW) were prioritised for vaccination, given their crucial role in the healthcare system. Aim: To assess the antibody response post Covishield vaccination at specific time intervals in HCWs and to determine the correlation of antibody response with age, gender, co-morbidities and blood group. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Rural Medical College, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Maharashtra, India, over a duration of six months from January 2021 to June 2021. A total of 110 vaccinated HCWs who volunteered were included in this study. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at specific time intervals were assessed using Ortho Clinical Diagnostic’s VITROS 3600 based on the principle of Chemiluminescent Immunosorbent Assay (CLIA). Assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total and IgG antibodies was performed at 15 days, one month, one and a half months, two months, three months, and four months postfirst dose of vaccination, or in other words, 15 days and one month after the 1st dose, and 15 days, one month, two months, and three months post second dose of vaccination. For analysis, Pearson’s correlation and a regression model were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 version. Results: Fifteen days post second dose, 110 HCWs (100%) and 109 (99.09%) HCWs turned seropositive for total antibodies and IgG antibodies, respectively. It was observed that the majority of participants (33, 30.27%) with peak IgG levels in the medium range were from the age group of 31-40 years. Overall, there was a negative correlation between age and IgG antibody levels for peak IgG values (r-value=-0.224, p-value=0.019). The peak values were achieved in the majority of participants 15 days post second dose (53.6%). The difference in antibody levels based on gender was not significant (Chi-square value=3.387, p-value=0.184). No significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels was observed between participants with co-morbidities and those without co-morbidities. Participants who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the study period exhibited robust antibody responses after vaccination. Conclusion: These findings help elucidate Covishield vaccine-specific antibody responses in vaccinees of different age groups, genders, blood groups, and with co-morbid conditions. The vaccine has substantially reduced the burden of disease by preventing serious illness in vaccinated HCWs during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Background RASopathies, which include neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), are defined by Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK) pathway activation. They represent a group of clinically related disorders often characterised by multiple Café au Lait Macules (CALMs). Objectives To determine, using in depth transcriptomic analysis of NF1 melanocytes from CALM and unaffected skin, (1) the gene(s) responsible for melanocyte proliferation and migration, and (2) the activated signalling pathway(s) in NF1 melanoma. Methods Classical NF1 (n = 2, who develop tumours) and 3bp deletion NF1 (p. Met992del, who do not develop tumours) (n = 3) patients underwent skin biopsies from CALM and unaffected skin. Melanocytes were isolated and propagated, with five replicates from each tissue sample. DNA and RNA were extracted for mutational analysis and transcriptomic profiling with six replicates per sample. Mechanistic determination was undertaken using melanocyte and melanoma cell lines. Results All CALMs in NF1 were associated with biallelic NF1 loss, resulting in amplification of Ras/MAPK and Wnt pathway signalling. CALMs were also associated with reduced SERPINF1 gene expression (and pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) levels, the reciprocal protein), a known downstream target of the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), leading to increased melanocyte proliferation, migration and invasion. In classical NF1 and melanoma, but not 3bp deletion NF1, there was also activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Pigment epithelium‐derived factor was found to reduce cell proliferation and invasion of NF1 melanoma. Conclusions Melanocyte proliferation and migration leading to CALMs in NF1 arises from biallelic NF1 loss, resulting in RAS/MAPK pathway activation, and reduced expression of the tumour suppressor PEDF. Activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in classical NF1 and NF1 melanoma may facilitate tumour growth.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a predominant inflammatory arthritis in human. The function of HLA-B27 gene in other types of arthritis has been studied, however, its function in RA is unclear. This study investigated the relative expression of HLA-B27 gene in RA patients compared to normal control and assesses its suitability as a biomarker for early detection of RA. Bioinformatics analysis was used to determine the profile of HLA-B27 gene in different human tumors to demonstrate the possible involvement of HLA-B27 in both RA and cancer; and also, to discover its functional association with other human genes. Samples of human blood from RA patients and healthy individuals were collected, and RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qPCR were carried out to detect relative expression of HLA-B27. ROC analysis was undertaken to investigate HLA-B27 diagnostic performance; GENT2 platform was used to compare HLA-B27 expression levels in different human tumors, and gene-gene interaction network was generated using GeneMANIA to identify correlation of HLA-B27 with other human genes. The qPCR analysis demonstrated an increase in the HLA-B27 expression by 1.65 fold in RA compared to normal control. ROC analysis indicated that HLA-B27 expression could efficiently differentiate RA from normal, supporting its potential use as diagnostic molecular biomarkers. The GENT2 revealed that HLA-B27 expression levels vary across different tumor types, most notably in heart tissue. The gene-gene interaction network revealed that KIR3DL1, KIR3DS1, LILRB1, B2M and LILRA1 were the leading genes showing the highest correlations with the HLA-B27. Our results indicate that HLA-B27 gene is involved in the RA pathogenesis and it can be used as a molecular biomarker for the diagnosis of RA. Our findings could lead to the discovery of novel diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies.

BackgroundThere is a strong need to determine pandemic and postpandemic challenges and effects at the individual, family, community, and societal levels. Post–COVID-19 health and psychosocial effects have long-lasting impacts on the physical and mental health and quality of life of a large proportion of survivors, especially survivors of severe and critical COVID-19, extending beyond the end of the pandemic. While research has mostly focused on the negative short- and long-term effects of COVID-19, few studies have examined the positive effects of the pandemic, such as posttraumatic growth. It is essential to study both negative and positive long-term post–COVID-19 effects and to acknowledge the role of the resources available to the individual to cope with stress and trauma. This knowledge is especially needed in understudied regions hit hard by the pandemic, such as the region of Central and Eastern Europe. A qualitative approach could provide unique insights into the subjective perspectives of survivors on their experiences with severe COVID-19 disease and its lingering impact on their lives. ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to qualitatively explore the experiences of adult survivors of severe or critical COVID-19 throughout the acute and postacute period in 5 Central and Eastern European countries (Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Romania, and Poland); gain insight into negative (post–COVID-19 condition and quality of life) and positive (posttraumatic growth) long-term post–COVID effects; and understand the role of survivors’ personal, social, and other coping resources and local sociocultural context and epidemic-related situations. MethodsThis is a qualitative thematic analysis study with an experiential reflexive perspective and inductive orientation. The analytical approach involves 2-stage data analysis: national analyses in stage 1 and international analysis in stage 2. Data are collected from adult survivors of severe and critical COVID-19 through in-depth semistructured interviews conducted in the period after hospital discharge. ResultsAs of the publication of this paper, data collection is complete. The total international sample includes 151 survivors of severe and critical COVID-19: Bulgaria (n=33, 21.8%), Slovakia (n=30, 19.9%), Croatia (n=30, 19.9%), Romania (n=30, 19.9%), and Poland (n=28, 18.5%). National-level qualitative thematic analysis is currently underway, and several papers based on national results have been published. Cross-national analysis has started in 2024. The results will be submitted for publication in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. ConclusionsThis research emphasizes the importance of a deeper understanding of the ongoing health and psychosocial challenges survivors face and what helps them cope with these challenges and, in some cases, thrive. It has implications for informing holistic care and improving the health and psychosocial outcomes of survivors of COVID-19 and will be crucial for evaluating the overall impact and multifaceted implications of the pandemic and for informing future pandemic preparedness. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/57596

OBJECTIVES: Overall, this comprehensive analysis aims to evaluate the expression profile of CCDC86 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, providing insights into its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. METHODS: Initially, we conducted transcriptomic integration analysis to examine CCDC86 expression in HNSCC using various datasets (RNA-seq) obtained from the gene expression profiling interactive analysis database. We also established the diagnostic significance of CCDC86 and coregulated genes in HNSCC through the Kaplan–Meier Plotter. RESULTS: Initially, we detected elevated levels of CCDC86 in HNSCC, which correlated with lower survival rates (p=