The application of a tube combustion system (pyrolyzer) for the batch combustion of low carbon content environmental matrices, such as soil and sediment, for determining 14C specific activity is examined. The samples were combusted at 600°C, and the CO2 species produced were trapped in 3N NaOH, precipitated as BaCO3 by adding BaCl2, and subjected to acid-hydrolysis to transfer the CO2 species to the absorber-scintillator mixture for liquid scintillation counting (LSC). The method was validated by analyzing the samples by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) method. The minimum detectable activity (MDA) for the method, at 2σ confidence level, was 10 Bq kg–1C (4 pMC) for a counting time of 500 min and 7 Bq kg–1C (3 pMC) for 1000 min. The capability of the method to quantify a small excess of 14C specific activity (a few Bq kg–1C or pMC) in the environment of a nuclear facility, when compared to the ambient natural background level, was demonstrated by analyzing a total of 23 soil and 7 sediment samples from the vicinity of a pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) nuclear power plant (NPP) at Kaiga, India. The maximum excess 14C specific activity values recorded for soil and sediment matrices were 37 ± 7 Bq kg–1C and 11 ± 7 Bq kg–1C, respectively, confirming minimal radioecological impact of the operation of the NPP on the environment. The 14C specific activity ratio for the recently fallen leaf litter and the soil underneath at most of the sampling points in the vicinity of the NPP had a mean value of 1.03 with an associated standard deviation of 0.07. Statistical tests confirm that the mean values of the data set of 14C specific activity of leaf litter and underlying soil are not significantly different.

Residual blood specimens provide a sample repository that could be analyzed to estimate and track changes in seroprevalence with fewer resources than household-based surveys. We conducted parallel facility and community-based cross-sectional serological surveys in two districts in India, Kanpur Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh, and Palghar District, Maharashtra, before and after a measles-rubella supplemental immunization activity (MR-SIA) from 2018 to 2019. Anonymized residual specimens from children 9 months to younger than 15 years of age were collected from public and private diagnostic laboratories and public hospitals and tested for IgG antibodies to measles and rubella viruses. Significant increases in seroprevalence were observed following the MR SIA using the facility-based specimens. Younger children whose specimens were tested at a public facility in Kanpur Nagar District had significantly lower rubella seroprevalence prior to the SIA compared to those attending a private hospital, but this difference was not observed following the SIA. Similar increases in rubella seroprevalence were observed in facility-based and community-based serosurveys following the MR SIA, but trends in measles seroprevalence were inconsistent between the two specimen sources. Despite challenges with representativeness and limited metadata, residual specimens can be useful in estimating seroprevalence and assessing trends through facility-based sentinel surveillance.

A knowledge, attitudes and control practices (KAP)-based study on ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBD) and resistance development in ticks was conducted in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh covering 200 livestock owners using a questionnaire. Based on our scoring criteria, results indicated only 25% (19.16–31.60) respondents possessing basic knowledge of TTBDs while 75% (68.40–80.84) respondents were not aware of TBDs. Due to lack of proper awareness of TTBDs, about 1.28 times more respondents (OR 95% CI 0.42–3.86) were having heavy tick infestations in their animals. However, about 36.5% (29.82–43.58) respondents showed a favourable attitude towards the adoption of different tick control practices; consequently, their animals showed low-level infestation. Amongst various feeding systems for animals, a mixed type of feeding system was mostly adopted by 57.5% respondents followed by manger system (37.5%) while grazing was the least adopted method (5%). Results indicated that the grazing animals were 6 times (OR 95% CI 2.93–12.28) more susceptible to ticks and possessed heavy tick infestation. Resistance status of collected tick isolates of Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum was assessed and revealed that both tick species were found resistant to deltamethrin. The goals of this study were to assess some of the underlying causes of ticks and TBD in livestock in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh state using the KAP survey and resistance characterization of ticks.

Background: Reliable real-world data on the burden of MG is needed to inform Canadian clinical and policy decisions in the era of new MG therapeutics, including FcRn inhibitors. Given the lack of recent Canadian data on MG disease burden, the MG-REST Study aims to estimate the clinical burden of MG in Ontario. Methods: Ontario administrative data from ICES were utilized for a retrospective population-based cohort study of adults with MG identified through a validated algorithm (April 2013-March 2019) and followed for up to seven years (March 2020) to determine myasthenic crisis characteristics and overall survival (OS). Results: The MG cohort (n=2,601) had an average age of 65.7 years and 53.3% were males. Incidence of first myasthenic crisis was 9%, with 87% of events occurring at/after diagnosis. MG OS was 89%, 85% and 75% at 1-year, 2-years and 5-years, respectively, while OS after first crisis was 60%, 52%, and 39% for the same years. Conclusions: Despite the availability of conventional therapies throughout the study, MG crisis remains a serious, common complication of MG, with decreased survival at 1-year post-crisis (29% difference versus 1-year OS following MG diagnosis). Study highlights MG burden and unmet need for new effective therapies for MG treatment.

The diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) relies on patient-reported outcomes evaluated as criteria based on the clustering of symptoms. Although the ROME IV criteria for FC diagnosis is relevant for a multicultural population(1), how an individual’s lifestyle, environment and culture may influence the pathophysiology of FC remains a gap in our knowledge. Building on insights into mechanisms underpinning disorders of gut-brain interactions (formerly functional gastrointestinal disorders) in the COMFORT Cohort(2), this study aimed to investigate the differences in gastrointestinal (GI) symptom scores among participants with FC in comparison to healthy controls between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal cohort study, which aimed to determine a comprehensive profile of characteristics and biological markers of FC between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. Chinese (classified according to maternal and paternal ethnicity) or non-Chinese (mixed ethnicities) adults living in Auckland classified as with or without FC based on ROME IV were enrolled. Monthly assessment (for 3 months) of GI symptoms, anthropometry, quality of life, diet, and biological samples were assessed monthly over March to June 2023. Demographics were obtained through a self-reported questionnaires and GI symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS). This analysis is a cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported outcomes of GI symptoms. Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study (male, n = 10; female, n = 56) and were distributed across: Chinese with FC (Ch-FC; n = 11), Chinese control (Ch-CON; n = 19), non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC; n = 16), non-Chinese control (NCh-CON; n = 20). Mean (SD) age, body mass index, and waist circumference were 40 ± 9 years, 22.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2, and 78.0 ± 7.6 cm, respectively. Ethnicity did not impact SAGIS domain scores for GI symptoms (Ethnicity x FC severity interaction p>0.05). Yet, the constipation symptoms domain of the GSRS was scored differently depending on ethnicity and FC status (Ethnicity x FC interaction p<0.05). In post hoc comparison, NCh-FC tended to have higher GSRS constipation severity scores than Ch-FC (3.4 ± 1.0 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 /8, p<0.1) Although constipation symptom severity tended to be higher in NCh-FC, on the whole, ethnicity did not explain variation in this cohort. FC status was a more important predictor of GI symptoms scores. Future research will assess differences in symptom burden to explore ethnicity-specific characteristics of FC.

Distinct pathophysiology has been identified with disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI), including functional constipation (FC)(1,2), yet the causes remain unclear. Identifying how modifiable factors (i.e., diet) differ depending on gastrointestinal health status is important to understand relationships between dietary intake, pathophysiology, and disease burden of FC. Given that dietary choices are culturally influenced, understanding ethnicity-specific diets of individuals with FC is key to informing appropriate symptom management and prevention strategies. Despite distinct genetic and cultural features of Chinese populations with increasing FC incidence(3), DGBI characteristics are primarily described in Caucasian populations(2). We therefore aimed to identify how dietary intake of Chinese individuals with FC differs to non-Chinese individuals with FC, relative to healthy controls. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal case-control study using systems biology to investigate the multi-factorial aetiology of FC. Here we conducted a cross-sectional dietary intake assessment, comparing Chinese individuals with FC (Ch-FC) against three control groups: a) non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC) b) Chinese without FC (Ch-CON) and c) non-Chinese without FC (NCh-CON). Recruitment from Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) identified Chinese individuals based on self-identification alongside both parents self-identifying as Chinese, and FC using the ROME IV criteria. Dietary intake was captured using 3-day food diaries recorded on consecutive days, including one weekend day. Nutrient analysis was performed by Foodworks 10 and statistical analysis with SPSS using a generalised linear model (ethnicity and FC status as fixed factors). Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study and 64 (39.4 ± 9.2 years) completed a 3-day food diary at the baseline assessment. More participants were female (84%) than male (16%). FC and ethnicity status allocated participants into 1 of 4 groups: Ch-FC (n = 11), Ch-CON (n = 18), NCh-FC (n = 16), NCh-CON (n = 19). Within NCh, ethnicities included NZ European (30%), non-Chinese Asian (11%), Other European (11%), and Latin American (2%). Fibre intake did not differ between Ch-FC and NCh-FC (ethnicity × FC status interaction p>0.05) but was independently lower overall for FC than CON individuals (21.8 ± 8.7 versus 27.0 ± 9.7 g, p<0.05) and overall for Ch than NCh (22.1 ± 8.0 versus 27.0 ± 10.4 g, p<0.05). Carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes were not different across groups (p>0.05 each, respectively). In the context of fibre and macronutrient intake, there is no difference between Ch-FC and NCh-FC. Therefore, fibre and macronutrients are unlikely to contribute to potential pathophysiological differences in FC between ethnic groups. A more detailed assessment of dietary intake concerning micronutrients, types of fibre, or food choices may be indicated to ascertain whether other dietary differences exist.

An experimental study to investigate the effect of an external magnetic field on the propagation of ion-acoustic waves (IAWs) has been carried out in hydrogen plasma containing two-temperature electrons and dust grains. It is a first step in understanding the propagation properties of IAWs in such an environment. A low-pressure hot cathode discharge method is chosen for plasma production. The desired two-electron groups with distinct temperatures are achieved by inserting two magnetic cages with a cusp-shaped magnetic field of different surface field strengths in the same chamber. The dust grains are dropped into the plasma with the help of a dust dropper, which gain negative charges by interacting with the plasma. The IAWs are excited with the help of a mesh grid inserted into the plasma. A planar Langmuir probe is used as a detector to detect the IAWs. The time-of-flight technique has been applied to measure the phase velocity of the IAWs. The results suggest that in the presence of a magnetic field, the phase velocity of IAWs increases, whereas introducing the dust particles leads to the lower phase velocity. The magnetic field is believed to have a significant effect on the wave damping. This study will aid in utilising IAWs as a diagnostic tool to estimate plasma parameters in the presence of an external magnetic field.

Tiny drops of millimetre size are known to bounce on a solid surface if the surface is superhydrophobic. Recent experiments show that bouncing can occur even on hydrophilic surfaces under conditions where the drop is supported on a thin cushion of gas preventing it from making contact with the surface. We present a detailed insight into this observation by simulating bouncing dynamics of a drop on a flat solid surface using axisymmetric direct numerical simulations. The dynamics of drop motion is governed by three important dimensionless parameters, namely, Reynolds number, $Re$, Weber number, $We$, and capillary number, $Ca_g$. We generate a phase diagram in the $We\text {--}Re$ plane separating the wettability-independent (non-contact bouncing) and wettability-dependent (contact bouncing) regions. We show that $We=2.14$ is the optimum value of Weber number which can support a gas cushion for the widest range of Reynolds numbers. The phase diagram is further divided into five sub-regions based on the shape of the drop and the gas film beneath it. The simulations can reproduce experimentally reported gas films of ${\sim }1\ \mathrm {\mu }\textrm {m}$ with excellent agreement spatially and temporally. Simulations also reproduce well-known scaling laws for a variety of parameters characterising the gas film. New scaling laws for the radial extent of the gas film as well as time taken for impact are derived. For higher Weber and Reynolds numbers, a bouncing drop captures a gas bubble inside it consistent with simple experiments carried out for water drops bouncing on superhydrophobic surfaces.

Diet has a major influence on the composition and metabolic output of the gut microbiome. Higher-protein diets are often recommended for older consumers; however, the effect of high-protein diets on the gut microbiota and faecal volatile organic compounds (VOC) of elderly participants is unknown. The purpose of the study was to establish if the faecal microbiota composition and VOC in older men are different after a diet containing the recommended dietary intake (RDA) of protein compared with a diet containing twice the RDA (2RDA). Healthy males (74⋅2 (sd 3⋅6) years; n 28) were randomised to consume the RDA of protein (0⋅8 g protein/kg body weight per d) or 2RDA, for 10 weeks. Dietary protein was provided via whole foods rather than supplementation or fortification. The diets were matched for dietary fibre from fruit and vegetables. Faecal samples were collected pre- and post-intervention for microbiota profiling by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing and VOC analysis by head space/solid-phase microextraction/GC-MS. After correcting for multiple comparisons, no significant differences in the abundance of faecal microbiota or VOC associated with protein fermentation were evident between the RDA and 2RDA diets. Therefore, in the present study, a twofold difference in dietary protein intake did not alter gut microbiota or VOC indicative of altered protein fermentation.

The design of high energy Li-ion batteries (LIBs) by coupling high voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode and Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) anode ensures effective and safe energy-storage. LTO–LNMO full-cells (FCs) with difference in electrode grain sizes and presence of excess Mn3+ in cathode were studied using micron-sized commercial LTO, nanostructured LTO donuts (LTOd), P4332 LNMO nanopowders, and nanostructured Fd3m LNMO caterpillars (LNMOcplr). Among the studied FCs, LTOd–LNMOcplr was detected with a stable capacity of 69 mA h/g (1C rate), 99% coulombic efficiency, and 87% capacity retention under 200 cycles of continuous charge–discharge studies. The superior electrochemical performance observed in LTOd–LNMOcplr FC was due to the low charge transfer resistance, which is corroborated to the effect of grain sizes and the longer retention of Mn3+ in the electrodes. An effective and simple FC design incorporating both nanostructuring and in situ conductivity in electrode materials would aid in developing future high-performance LIBs.