Tinnitus is a significant global health concern with substantial geographic variation in prevalence. However, data on tinnitus epidemiology in southern Saudi Arabia remain limited, despite emerging evidence suggesting a relatively high regional burden. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tinnitus and identify its epidemiological determinants among adults in southern Saudi Arabia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 501 adults from four regions in southern Saudi Arabia (Jazan, Aseer, Najran, and Al-Baha). Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, chronic medical conditions, noise exposure patterns, and clinical features of tinnitus. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with tinnitus. The overall tinnitus prevalence was 31.1% (156/501). The mean age of participants was 30 ± 11 years, and 61.7% were female. Bilateral tinnitus was the most common (47.4%). Symptom duration was reported as <3 months in 31.4% of cases and between 3 months and 1 year in another 31.4%. The mean severity score was 3.7 ± 1.9. Most affected individuals (76.9%) did not seek medical care. Primary exacerbating factors included sleep deprivation (41.7%), noise exposure (41.0%), and stress (39.1%). Multivariable analysis identified two significant independent predictors: weekly noise exposure exceeding 5 h (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34-3.42; p = 0.001) and higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02-1.10; p = 0.005). The most commonly associated underlying conditions were ear infections (25.6%) and hearing loss (24.4%). Tinnitus prevalence in southern Saudi Arabia (31.1%) substantially exceeds global estimates. Noise exposure and elevated BMI are key modifiable factors associated with tinnitus. The substantial healthcare gap, with most affected individuals not seeking treatment, represents a critical public health challenge requiring targeted prevention programs, provider education, and improved access to evidence-based care.
Radiography is frequently used for the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system in domestic and wild animal species. The aim of the study was to document the radiological anatomy of the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints and to provide length measurements of selective forelimb bones in southern giant pouched rats. Forelimb radiographs were obtained in seven adult male and female southern giant pouched rats under general anaesthesia. All rats had a well-developed clavicle, coracoid process and acromion. The minor and major tubercles were located further distally relative to the head of the humerus. The medial epicondyle and lateral supracondylar crest were very prominent. The supracondylar foramen was present in all rats. The radius was relatively smaller than the ulna, and the interosseous space was wide. The carpus had eight carpal bones, and two rudimentary digits were visualised on the palmar side of the manus. Additionally, five slender, widely spaced metacarpal bones, were seen with the third metacarpal bone being relatively the longest and the first metacarpal bone being the shortest. Shoulder joint dysplasia was identified in one female southern giant pouched rat. Radiographic examination of the thoracic limb in southern giant pouched rats allowed evaluation of bones forming the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints. Current information will contribute to the understanding of rodent anatomy and will be useful for scientists researching the forelimb of rodents and related species. Additionally, this information will augment the application of radiography and other related diagnostic imaging modalities in rodents and hence will enhance their welfare.
Increasing frequency and severity of forest fires is affecting natural ecosystems on a global scale. Temperate forests that have experienced severe wildfires are likely to encounter difficulties to recover and establish new cohorts of plants in the short-term after fire. For Araucaria araucana old-growth forests in the southern Andes, quantitative germination rates have been rarely reported after wildfires, yet this information is crucial for understanding the post-fire reproductive potential in this iconic species of high ecological and cultural significance for global south ecosystems. We evaluated the germination of the long-lived conifer A. araucana (monkey puzzle tree) 8 years after severe fires in Andean forests of south-central Chile, using seeds collected within a National Reserve fire-affected in 2015. We collected seeds from focal female trees initially surveyed in 2016 and evaluated their germination under controlled greenhouse conditions using Kaplan-Meier estimators. We then compared these results with germination rates obtained 1 year after the wildfire in the same area. Results revealed that germination significantly improved over time, rising from 65% 1 year after the fire to 90% 8 years post-fire. This higher germination was also associated with increased seed viability of seeds 8 years post-fire, as well as faster germination rates over time. We address the potential effect of heat in the early development of seeds collected 1 year after the fire, which may explain their lower viability and germination capacity, compared with seeds collected 8 years post-fire. In summary, these findings demonstrate that, in absence of recurrent disturbances, surviving A. araucana trees exhibit a notable capacity for maternal recovery, highlighting its relevance for forest recovery in the southern Andes and the critical need to protect post-fire landscapes from additional human and livestock pressures to allow these internal biological processes to secure the forest's reproductive future and long-term resilience.
Canine hepatobiliary disorders are frequently encountered in small animal practice; however, prospective clinic-based studies integrating ultrasonographic phenotyping with infectious molecular screening remain limited in tropical Southeast Asia. This study aimed to determine the frequency of ultrasonographically detected hepatobiliary abnormalities, identify associated host factors, characterize ultrasonographic phenotypes, and assess infectious etiologies in dogs with suspected hepatobiliary disease in southern Vietnam. A prospective observational study was conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Clinic, Can Tho University, Vietnam, between January and November 2025. Among 1,278 canine presentations, 111 dogs meeting predefined clinical and clinicopathologic criteria underwent abdominal ultrasonography, and 63 dogs with confirmed hepatobiliary abnormalities were enrolled. Hematologic and serum biochemical analyses were performed in all enrolled dogs. Cases classified with a hepatitis ultrasonographic phenotype underwent conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)- anticoagulated blood samples targeting vector-borne pathogens, Leptospira spp., and canine adenovirus type 1. Ultrasonographic phenotypes were categorized as hepatitis, hepatic lipidosis, or cirrhosis. Univariable logistic regression was used to evaluate host-associated risk factors, and hierarchical clustering analysis was applied to assess co-occurring clinical and imaging abnormalities. Hepatobiliary abnormalities were identified in 63/1,278 dogs (4.93%) and in 63/111 clinically suspected dogs (56.76%). Ultrasonographic positivity was significantly associated with exotic breed (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29), age >8 years (OR = 13.93), obesity (OR = 4.78), and underweight body condition (OR = 3.38). Hepatitis was the predominant ultrasonographic phenotype (57.14%), followed by hepatic lipidosis (30.16%) and cirrhosis (12.70%). Dogs with hepatitis commonly exhibited anorexia, vomiting, diffuse hepatic hypoechogenicity, hepatomegaly, and gallbladder abnormalities. PCR screening detected infectious agents in 55.56% of hepatitis cases, including vector-borne pathogens (41.67%), Leptospira spp. (8.33%), and canine adenovirus type 1 (5.56%). Dogs with hepatic lipidosis showed diffuse hepatic hyperechogenicity and hepatomegaly, whereas cirrhosis cases demonstrated heterogeneous hepatic echotexture, ascites, and vascular abnormalities consistent with portal hypertension. Ultrasonography effectively identified distinct hepatobiliary imaging phenotypes in dogs and provided a practical diagnostic framework for referral-based clinical settings in resource-limited regions. Integration of ultrasonography with clinicopathologic evaluation and targeted PCR screening enhanced preliminary etiologic assessment, particularly in dogs with inflammatory hepatopathies. Older age and abnormal body condition were important host-associated factors linked with ultrasonographic positivity. Although imaging-based classification may assist clinical triage, histopathological confirmation remains necessary for definitive diagnosis.
Introduction Workers in metal casting industries are routinely exposed to high temperatures, hazardous chemicals, metal fumes, and dust, placing them at significant risk of occupational skin diseases (OSD). Despite the considerable morbidity and productivity loss associated with OSD, systematic assessment in the Indian metal casting industry remains limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of OSD among workers at a private metal casting factory in Goa, India, and to explore the association between personal protective equipment (PPE) use and OSD occurrence. Materials and methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a private limited metal casting factory in Kundaim Industrial Estate, Kundaim, Goa, as part of the mandatory annual free health check-up under the Factories Act, 1948. Of the 414 registered employees, 345 (83.3%) were examined on the day of the check-up. A pretested, pre-validated, and structured questionnaire captured sociodemographic details, work experience, and self-reported and observed PPE use. A dermatologist (MBBS, MD - Dermatology) independently examined all participants and, based on a detailed history and clinical examination, classified skin disorders as occupational or non-occupational. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression were applied, with p<0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results The study population was predominantly made up of male subjects (87.5%). The most common age group was 31-45 years (36.5%), and the majority belonged to Class II socioeconomic status (SES) (69.3%). Overall, 121 workers (35.1%) were diagnosed with at least one OSD. Contact dermatitis was the most prevalent condition (15.1%), followed by prickly heat (14.5%), tinea (4.6%), burn scars (3.5%), and urticaria (2.6%). OSD prevalence was significantly associated with age (p=0.027), workplace type (p<0.01), years of work experience (p=0.001), and self-reported PPE use (p<0.01). Among workplace categories, core-making workers had the highest OSD burden (65%). On binary logistic regression, workers who reported to use PPE were 50.8 times more likely to be free of OSD compared to non-users (AOR 50.8; 95% CI: 18.2-141.7; p<0.01). Conclusion More than one in three metal casting workers had a clinically diagnosed OSD, with contact dermatitis being the most prevalent condition. Among workplace categories, core-making workers bore the highest burden of OSD. Reported PPE use was the single most significant modifiable protective factor, with users several times more likely to be free of OSD. Targeted interventions including consistent PPE promotion, periodic dermatological screening, and workplace hazard reduction are essential to reduce the burden of OSD in the metal casting industry sector.
Rehabilitation services are crucial for functional improvement of patients with severe mental illness (SMI). However, evidence regarding the extent to that such services are offered in routine clinical practice in India is lacking. The present study aimed to 1) explore rehabilitation efforts during real-time outpatient consultations for persons with SMI and 2) identify strategies to optimize rehabilitation-oriented care for SMI. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with patient and family caregiver dyads (n = 15) after outpatient consultation, and with mental health professionals (residents-6, consultants-4) to understand what transpires in consultations and how we can improve to facilitate rehabilitation. Codes were extracted after transcription and translation. Qualitative content analysis was conducted using triangulated data from Atlas Ti. Clinical aspects of SMI, such as treatment adherence, current symptom evaluation, psychoeducation, and comorbidities, were adequately addressed. Functionality assessment, welfare facilitation, and family burden were missed, and the family did not seek help for the loss of functioning, inability to travel alone, or manage money, and social withdrawal. Needs were missed due to a lack of awareness (dyads and doctors) and hesitation (dyads). Solution: Concise rehabilitation tools/modules, information material in layman's language, and adequate psychoeducation. Resource mapping, continued support, and individualized planning must be inculcated at the beginning of psychiatric training. Modification of the clinical approach, supported by assessment tools and informational materials, can facilitate rehabilitation of individuals with SMI in outpatient settings. Further research to develop and evaluate time-efficient modules and tools that incorporate input from patients and caregivers may improve functional outcomes.
The present study proposes a high-resolution, multi-component framework to estimate human exposure to air pollution in tropical urban environments, addressing complex topography and limited historical mobility and exposure data. This framework is applied to the city of Medellín in the Aburrá Valley in Colombia. To assess population exposure to particulate matter, numerical simulations, mobility and toxicity data were integrated. The LOTOS-EUROS Chemical Transport Model, driven by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, was used to simulate air quality at a spatial resolution of 1 km  ×  1 km for the year 2019. Mobility dynamics were derived from the Origin-Destination Survey (ODS), comprising over 180,000 trips across 240 traffic analysis zones. The utilisation of this data set facilitated the estimation of time-weighted exposure levels for diverse demographic groups during weekdays. The morpho-chemical properties of the particulate matter samples were analyzed to determine the presence of metals and carbonaceous fractions due to significant health implications. The exposure model is a weighted model that integrates exposure time, PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentration, and cytogenotoxic indicators. The application of cluster analysis to the available data, resulted in the identification of areas of elevated health risk, indicating that the central and southern zones, approximately 60% of the metropolitan population and main highway corridors, exhibited mean particulate matter exposure levels that exceeded 40 μg/m3 during peak hours, thus surpassing the WHO air quality guidelines. These zones demonstrated the highest levels of exposure, as indicated by cluster significance levels, suggesting more epidemiological studies and public health interventions. This study sets out a detailed methodology for the estimation of human exposure to particulate matter in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley (Colombia) integrating air quality simulations using LOTOS‐EUROS (driven by WRF meteorology), mobility data from 180,000 trips, and toxicity analysis of particulate matter. The model incorporates PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations, exposure duration, and biological effects. Central and southern regions, characterized by high population density and traffic intensity, exhibited concentrations exceeding 40 μg/m3 during peak hours, thereby demonstrating the highest levels of cytogenotoxic risk. The framework facilitates precise identification of high‐risk zones and supports focused public health responses.
Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a major global driver of disability, with increasing attention toward individualized, evidence-based, and function-oriented interventions. To delineate the global CNLBP research landscape, we conducted a bibliometric and visualization analysis covering the period from 1996 to 2025. Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package bibliometrix were used to examine publication growth, author output, contributions by countries and institutions, journal influence, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and citation burst signals. A total of 937 peer-reviewed articles were identified, authored by 4,336 individuals across 288 journals and 65 countries. The largest share of publications was contributed by the United States, while Australia demonstrated strong international collaboration and citation impact. Institutions such as Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Southern Denmark, and University of Sydney played leading roles in CNLBP research output. Influential authors included Peter O'Sullivan and Kieran O'Sullivan, noted for contributions to psychosocial modeling and individualized rehabilitation. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified four thematic clusters: (1) disease definition and epidemiology; (2) evidence-based management and health systems; (3) neuromechanical rehabilitation strategies; and (4) psychosocial dimensions and patient-centered outcomes. Burst keyword analysis revealed recent focus on "motor control" (2021-2024), "Tampa scale" (2023-2025), and "quality of life" (2023-2025), reflecting the shift toward precision rehabilitation and multidimensional assessment. A comprehensive overview of the evolving CNLBP research landscape was provided through this bibliometric analysis. Findings underscore the transition from diagnostic exploration to integrated clinical interventions, with growing emphasis on function, psychological well-being, and personalized care pathways.
Members of the family Lycoperdaceae, commonly known as puffballs, are characterized by their distinct gasteroid basidiomata. In this study, a new genus, Longipediperdon gen. nov., and a new species, Longipediperdon spineum sp. nov., from southern China are proposed based on morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. Morphologically, Longipediperdon spineum is distinguished by an exoperidium with densely arranged spines and basidiospores with remarkably long pedicels (4-15.5 µm). Multilocus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, nLSU, and rpb2 sequences support the establishment of these taxa within Lycoperdaceae. Specifically, Longipediperdon spineum forms an independent monophyletic lineage. Full morphological descriptions and illustrations are provided.
Lead (Pb) exposure is still a major public health concern in southern Nigeria's urban and industrial areas. This study examined the relationship between blood lead levels (BLLs) and biomarkers related to oxido-inflammatory, antioxidant, renal, and apoptosis in adult residents of Port Harcourt, Aba, and Owerri. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used in this cross-sectional study to detect lead in venous blood samples. Biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and caspase-3 (CASP3), were quantified using standard spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. ANOVA, t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests with post-hoc comparisons, and Spearman correlation (α = 0.05) were among the statistical analyses performed. Aba had higher mean BLLs (2.8-4.2 µg/dL), which varied significantly between cities (p < 0.05). BLLs showed significant positive correlations with MDA (ρ = 0.39), HO-1 (ρ = 0.41), IFN-γ (ρ = 0.36), and KIM-1 (ρ = 0.42) (p < 0.05), suggesting increased oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and early renal involvement. The majority of sex-based differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), while antioxidant indicators showed inconsistent patterns. In regions with greater BLLs, CASP3 levels were slightly elevated. Measurable changes in oxidative, inflammatory, and renal indicators were linked to elevated BLLs. These results highlight the necessity of more stringent environmental monitoring and focused public health initiatives to lower lead exposure in Nigerian urban populations.
During a survey of the taxonomy and diversity of saprobic fungi, fresh samples were collected from submerged decaying wood in freshwater habitats in Guizhou and Hainan Provinces, southern China. Phylogenetic analyses, based on LSU, ITS, SSU, tef1-α and rpb2 sequence data, together with morphological characteristics, support the introduction of two new species, Hyaloambispora aquatica sp. nov. and Paramirandina fusiseptata sp. nov. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses are provided herein to support and substantiate the taxonomic placement of these newly-introduced taxa. Importantly, this study represents the first record of Hyaloambispora species from Guizhou Provinces, China, further expanding the known diversity of freshwater fungi in these regions.
Higher SES is associated with lower mortality among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. We performed a mediation analysis to identify factors that mediate the association between household income and CRC mortality. Data arise from 1038 participants of the prospective Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS) who developed incident CRC after enrollment (2002-2009); 73% self-identify as Black. Fifty-nine percent self-reported household income <$15,000/year. Mortality outcomes were determined via the National Death Index. Proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality by income level. Mediation analysis was used to estimate indirect effects of stage, healthcare-access and use, comorbidities and health behaviors on mortality. Higher income was associated with lower risk for all-cause mortality (≥$15,000 vs. <$15,000/year: HR = 0.70, 95%CI:0.58-0.84) and CRC-specific mortality (HR = 0.75, 95%CI:0.59-0.94). Differences in stage and surgical resection together explained 33% of the association with CRC-specific mortality and 16% for all-cause mortality. Smoking history explained 11% of the association with all-cause mortality and 9% for CRC-specific mortality. Diet explained 9% of the association with each outcome. Adjustment for all potential mediators explained 26% and 44% of the associations with all-cause and CRC-specific mortality, respectively. Associations between income and mortality were similar for participants with local/regional tumors only. Differences in early detection and surgical resection are the strongest mediators of the association between income and mortality. SES-targeted health policies and patient navigation will improve CRC outcomes. Additionally, health policies to address smoking cessation and food availability will create opportunities for interventions to promote health equity.
The study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of Health Facility Management Teams (HFMTs) functionality and identify geographic hotspots of non-functionality among Ethiopian health facilities. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Ethiopian Service Provision Assessment (ESPA) 2021-2022, conducted by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and ICF. A total of 1,407 health facilities were included, excluding facilities from the Tigray region. HFMT functionality was assessed using four indicators, and facilities meeting all indicators were classified as functional. Descriptive analyses were performed using STATA version 17. Spatial analyses, including Global Moran's I, Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis, ordinary Kriging interpolation, and SaTScan cluster detection, were conducted using ArcGIS 10.7.1 and SaTScan software. Most health facilities had functional HFMTs. However, significant spatial clustering of non-functional HFMTs was observed (Moran's I = 0.098, p = 0.000024), indicating a non-random geographic distribution. Hotspot analysis identified western, central, and southern Benishangul Gumuz as the primary hotspot areas, with additional hotspots in parts of Afar, Harari, Somali, and Oromia regions. Kriging interpolation predicted a high probability of HFMT non-functionality in central Benishangul Gumuz and surrounding areas. SaTScan analysis confirmed a significant primary cluster centered in Benishangul Gumuz (RR =17.63, LLR = 12.16, p = 0.0042). HFMT functionality in Ethiopia exhibits significant geographic variation. Benishangul Gumuz emerged as the principal hotspot of HFMT non-functionality, highlighting the need for targeted management strengthening interventions in high-risk areas.
During an ongoing investigation of saprobic fungi in southern China, two hyphomycetous fungi of Pleurotheciaceae were collected and isolated from decaying wood in freshwater and terrestrial habitats. Morphology and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses of a combined LSU, ITS, SSU and rpb2 sequence dataset, showed that Pleurotheciella guizhouensis and Pleurothecium guangxiense are introduced as new species, which are introduced here. Both species have macronematous mononematous conidiophores, and polyblastic conidiogenous cells with hyaline conidia, and a sympodial arrangement on cylindrical denticles. Morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of both taxa as distinct species within Pleurotheciaceae, further expanding the known diversity of Pleurotheciaceae in China.
Heron Island Research Station (HIRS) has played a crucial role in the advancement of experimental biology on coral reefs by providing continuous access to a single, well-characterised reef system for over seven decades. Located on a coral cay of the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia, HIRS supports research on the island, across reef flats, lagoons and fore-reef slopes that experience strong and predictable gradients in temperature, oxygen availability, hydrodynamic exposure and carbonate chemistry. This natural heterogeneity, combined with experimental infrastructure, has enabled research at HIRS to link organismal performance and ecological processes to environmental conditions.
The early detection of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) prevents fatal outcomes. This study presents the first pilot TREC/KREC newborn screening (NBS) program in southern Kazakhstan, a high-birth-rate region, to establish local reference ranges and assess operational viability. A multiplex real-time PCR assay was used to quantify T-cell (TREC) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) from dried blood spots of 5000 unselected neonates. Biomarkers were normalized to copies per 106 cells using albumin as a diploid reference gene. Regional 0.5th percentile cut-offs were established (TREC < 3165 copies/106 cells and KREC < 2554 copies/106 cells), and gender and gestational age did not significantly impact biomarker levels. While a low birth weight (≤2500 g) significantly reduced KREC levels, the extreme lower distribution tails remained unaffected, validating the use of universal, unstratified thresholds. Applying these cut-offs yielded an optimal 1.0% initial recall rate. Consistent with global incidence rates, no true positive cases were identified. The established assay and universal percentile cut-offs demonstrate high levels of analytical reliability and demographic stability. This pilot confirms the regional pediatric healthcare infrastructure's readiness for a routine, population-based NBS program without the need for complex algorithms.
Background: Migrant agricultural workers in Italy often experience social and health vulnerabilities, including unstable housing and limited access to primary care. In Southern Italy, many live in informal settlements and seek care through outreach services. This study describes patterns of pharmacological treatment in this population and examines how they relate to the clinical conditions managed in mobile clinics. Methods: We analyzed routinely collected data from 2928 unique patients (8547 clinical encounters; 8965 treatment occurrences) managed by Doctors with Africa CUAMM mobile clinics in 12 informal settlements in Apulia, Italy, between 2017 and 2026. Diagnoses were grouped into clinical categories, and pharmacological treatments were classified by therapeutic class. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the distribution of diagnostic categories and associated treatments. Results: The population was predominantly male (96.5%), young (81% <45 years), and largely excluded from regular primary care (93.5% without a General Practitioner). Musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue were the leading diagnostic category (34.0%), followed by gastrointestinal (13.5%) and respiratory conditions (13.0%). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics were the most frequently recorded treatments (32.6% of treatment occurrences). Among musculoskeletal presentations, NSAIDs were used in 76% of cases. Gastroprotective agents were documented in 52% of encounters with gastrointestinal symptoms. Among cardiovascular presentations, 87.7% of treatment occurrences involved chronic management with antihypertensives or beta-blockers. Conclusions: In this outreach setting, medication use provides a descriptive picture of common health problems and treatment responses among migrant agricultural workers living in informal settlements. The prominent use of symptomatic pharmacological relief, particularly NSAIDs in musculoskeletal conditions, suggests that care is often focused on managing pain and acute complaints in a population facing barriers to continuous primary care. These findings support the need for stronger inclusion of migrant workers in the National Health Service and for policies that address underlying social and structural determinants of health.
Early detection of diabetic atherosclerosis (DAS) remains challenging, and the mechanisms underlying endothelial barrier dysfunction in this condition are not fully understood. Extracellular Hsp90α (eHsp90α) and the ER stress marker GRP78 have been implicated in vascular injury; however, their roles in DAS remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of eHsp90α and GRP78 with DAS and explore the underlying mechanisms. We recruited patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and patients with DAS. We then compared the levels and potential efficacies of serum eHsp90α and the ER stress marker GRP78 between the two groups. We subsequently conducted cytological experiments and experiments with ApoE-/- mice to further explore the underlying mechanisms involved. The serological analysis revealed that the levels of serum eHsp90α and the ER stress marker GRP78 were significantly higher in the DAS group than in the DM group and that the eHsp90α level was correlated with GRP78 level. The association and preliminary discriminative performance of the combination of eHsp90α and GRP78 levels were appeared higher than that of either marker alone. In addition, GRP78 plays a mediating role in the relationship between eHsp90α and DAS. Furthermore, the expression of GRP78 was higher in both diabetic ApoE-/- mice and DAS patients than in control ApoE-/- mice and AS patients. Cytological experiments revealed that eHsp90α induced endothelial barrier dysfunction mediated by ER stress via the LRP1 receptor. Our findings suggest that eHsp90α and GRP78 are associated with diabetic atherosclerosis and may be associated biomarkers with potential discriminative value, although further validation is required. The eHsp90α-LRP1-ER stress pathway may contribute to endothelial barrier dysfunction. However, further large-scale and longitudinal studies are required to validate these findings.
Hydrogen energy emerges as a pivotal carbon-neutral alternative to fossil fuels due to its exceptional energy density and sustainability. While seawater electrolysis presents a promising avenue for scalable hydrogen generation, persistent challenges resulting from chlorine evolution reactions and chloride-induced corrosion significantly impair system durability. Here, we introduce a breakthrough strategy coupling formaldehyde oxidation (FOR) with hydrogen evolution (HER) in seawater electrolysis, which drives the overall process at an ultralow voltage while simultaneously producing value-added formate and achieving dual hydrogen generation at both electrodes. A rationally designed 3D dendritic Cu0.94Ni0.06 electrocatalyst exhibits unprecedented FOR activity, delivering a remarkable current density of 629.9 mA cm-2 at 0.2 V vs. RHE. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that Ni doping facilitates C-H bond cleavage in *OCH2OH, accelerating *H and formate formation while lowering the H2 evolution barrier. An electrochemical system integrating HER and FOR achieves dual hydrogen output with a Faradaic efficiency of ∼200% alongside ∼100% formate selectivity. When paired with photovoltaic cells, the hybrid configuration attains a record solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 39%. This work establishes an economically viable paradigm for marine hydrogen production, offering critical insights into the engineering of reaction mechanisms and the development of scalable clean energy infrastructure.
Differentiating between spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a neurological disorder, and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a behavioral voice disorder, based on auditory perception alone is a common clinical challenge. This diagnostic difficulty can lead to delays in appropriate treatment, highlighting the need for objective and reliable assistive diagnostic tools. This study aims to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI) model based on deep learning to automatically differentiate between healthy voices, SD, and MTD using only voice audio recordings, and to compare its diagnostic performance against human experts. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,597 voice samples (595 healthy, 471 MTD, 531 SD). Voice audio was processed into Log-Mel spectrograms. Pre-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including VGG16, ResNet50, and DenseNet161, were employed for transfer learning to perform both binary (Healthy vs. Disordered) and ternary (Healthy vs. MTD vs. SD) classification. The model's performance was evaluated on a held-out test set and compared to the diagnostic assessments of four otolaryngologists. The AI model achieved an accuracy of 89.5% (AUC = 0.956) in distinguishing healthy voices from disordered ones. For the more complex ternary classification, the model attained an accuracy of 71.6%, with class-specific AUCs of 0.957 (Healthy), 0.731 (MTD), and 0.855 (SD). This performance surpassed that of human experts, who achieved average accuracies of 78.2% in binary classification and 60.6% in ternary classification on the same test set. The deep learning model trained on a Mandarin pathological voice dataset achieves favorable performance in distinguishing SD from MTD using only voice audio signals, with classification results comparable to those of experienced clinical specialists. This technology serves as a promising objective auxiliary tool for the preliminary screening and differential diagnosis of voice disorders.