Development of a Mobile-First Registry to Recruit Healthy Volunteers and Members of Underrepresented Communities for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Studies.

BACKGROUND: Web-based participant recruitment registries can be useful tools for accelerating enrollment into studies, but existing Alzheimer's disease (AD)-focused recruitment registries have had limited success enrolling individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Designing these registries to meet the needs of individuals from these communities, including designing mobile-first, may facilitate improvement in the enrollment of underrepresented groups. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the usability of a prototype mobile-first participant recruitment registry for AD prevention studies; assess users' perceptions of and willingness to sign up for the registry. DESIGN AND SETTING: Quantitative usability testing and an online survey; online setting. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 1,358 adults ages 45-75 who self-reported not having a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, AD, or other forms of dementia (Study 1: n=589, Study 2: n=769). Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino participants were specifically recruited, including those with lower health literacy. METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS: Study 1 measures the prototype's usability through observed task success rates, task completion times, and responses to the System Usability Scale. Study 2 uses an online survey to collect data on perceptions of and willingness to sign up for the mobile-first registry. RESULTS: Study 1 findings show the prototype mobile-first recruitment registry website demonstrates high usability and is equally usable for Black / African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White user groups. Survey results from Study 2 indicate that users from underrepresented communities understand the registry's purpose and content and express willingness to sign up for the registry on a mobile device. CONCLUSIONS: Designing mobile-first participant recruitment registries based on feedback from underrepresented communities may result in more sign-ups by individuals from minoritized communities.

Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Signing Up for a Mobile-Responsive Registry to Recruit Healthy Volunteers and Members of Underrepresented Communities for Alzheimer's Disease Prevention Studies.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affects Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino adults, yet they are underrepresented in AD studies. Recruitment challenges for these populations limit generalizability of findings. OBJECTIVES: This study explores barriers and facilitators to signing up for an AD participant recruitment registry website intended to optimize recruitment of these adults. The registry is geared toward recruitment on smartphones and tablets (mobile devices), as research suggests that mobile-first approaches may be more successful within these populations. DESIGN: In 2020, we conducted four focus groups (n = 39) and an online survey (n = 1010) with Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino adults. The survey also included Whites as a comparison group. SETTING: Focus groups were in-person at research facilities in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Los Angeles, California. The online survey was distributed by a survey panel company to participants nationwide. PARTICIPANTS: Black/African American (n = 360), Hispanic/Latino (n = 359), or White (n = 330) individuals, 45-75 years old, who self-reported not having mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, or AD. MEASUREMENTS: Barriers and facilitators explored in the focus groups and survey were related to health and AD (e.g., AD-related concerns and past participation/willingness to participate in health or AD studies); current use of mobile devices (e.g., comfort using devices and receptivity to the AD recruitment registry); and participant characteristics and beliefs (e.g., demographics, health literacy level, and trust in government and the scientific community). RESULTS: The focus groups and survey revealed similar findings. Participants commonly use mobile devices to go online and perform health-related activities. They were aware of AD, expressed concerns with developing it, and were willing to participate in AD-related studies (motivated by personal connection to AD, altruism, and compensation). When presented with the AD recruitment registry, most provided positive feedback (e.g., easy to use and informative) and shared an interest in joining. Barriers to joining the registry with a mobile device included complex or multistep enrollment processes, beliefs that studies are primarily for those with a specific disease, and confusion about how studies can prevent AD among those low-risk for AD. The focus groups also revealed that Black/African American participants expressed more hesitation than Hispanic/Latinos in joining the registry due to greater distrust in the government and scientific community. CONCLUSIONS: Recruiting more Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino participants into AD studies is vitally important. This mixed methods study suggests that adults in these underrepresented groups are motivated to prevent AD and willing to sign up for an AD participant recruitment registry using mobile devices. Most barriers to joining a registry can be addressed through slight modifications to the registry's design and functionality and by adding content. These findings can help enhance the appeal of joining AD recruitment registries to ultimately enroll more diverse, representative groups of participants and increase the generalizability of AD study findings.

Greenhouse gas emission potential of sewage treatment plants in Himachal Pradesh.

In recent times, waste management has emerged as a significant environmental challenge, and sewage is among the major contributors due to the rapidly increasing population. Despite sewage treatment plants (STPs) being the solution for the treatment of sewage, they have been identified as sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aimed to estimate the contribution of STPs to GHG emissions in the state. This was achieved by visiting the sites, filling scientifically designed questionnaires, sample collection as well as computational methods by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The assessment of direct and indirect emissions from the STPs revealed that emissions were caused by the activated sludge process, electricity consumption, transportation, and sludge storage. Electricity consumption by STPs was responsible for the highest emissions, accounting for 43% of the total emissions, equivalent to 20,823 tCO2 eq. The activated sludge process contributed 31% (14,934 tCO2 eq) of the emissions, while storage of sludge in landfills accounted for 24% (11,359 tCO2 eq). Additionally, transportation contributed 2% (1121 tCO2 eq) of the emissions. In total, the STPs in Himachal Pradesh had the potential to contribute 48,237 tCO2 eq GHG emissions annually. Thus, the study suggests process-level modifications in STPs of Himachal Pradesh to mitigate GHG emissions. This research provides insight into the GHG emissions from STPs and highlights the need for their management to reduce environmental impacts.

Characterization of a unique Sikkimese yak population of India: a multivariate approach.

Native Sikkimese yak in Sikkim state of India is a pastoral treasure being raised through centuries-old transhumance practices and has evolved in response to natural and man-made selection. Currently, the population of Sikkimese yak is at risk with about five thousand total headcounts. Characterization is essential for taking appropriate decisions for conservation of any endangered population. In an attempt to phenotypically characterize the Sikkimese yaks, this study recorded phenotypic morphometric traits information, viz., body length (LG), height at withers (HT), heart girth (HG), paunch girth (PG), horn length (HL), horn circumference (HC), distance between horns (DbH), ear length (EL), face length (FL), face width (FW), and tail length with switch (TL), on 2154 yaks of both sexes. Multiple correlation estimation highlighted that HG and PG, DbH and FW, and EL and FW were highly correlated. Using principal component analysis, LG, HT, HG, PG, and HL were found to be the most important traits for phenotypic characterization of Sikkimese yak animals. Discriminant analysis based on different locations of Sikkim hinted at the existence of two separate clusters, however, broadly, phenotypic uniformity could be observed. Subsequent genetic characterization can offer greater insights and can pave the way for future breed registration and conservation of the population.

Morphometric characteristics and microsatellite markers based diversity and differentiation recognizes the first prospective cattle breed from the Jharkhand state of India.

India is bestowed with immense cattle biodiversity with 50 registered breeds. However, the majority (59.3%) is yet not characterized. Identification and characterization are the gateways to the management of prized indigenous resources. Present research described a unique cattle population of Jharkhand state, managed under a traditional low-input, low-output system. It was characterized by morphological traits, performance parameters, and management practices. Animals have the characteristic pre-scapular location of the hump. Genetic variation within this population and its differentiation with the six closely distributed cattle breeds were evaluated using FAO recommended microsatellite markers. Jharkhandi cattle have substantial genetic variation based on gene diversity (>0.6) and the average number of alleles per locus (>8). The population did not suffer from a genetic bottleneck in the recent past. Pairwise Nei's genetic distance, phylogenetic relationship, population differentiation, and the correct assignment of all the animals to self group substantiated its separate genetic identity. Since gene flow (Nm = 2.8-7.32) was identified and admixture was indicated by the Bayesian analysis there is a pressing need for scientific management of this population. Results endow authorities with critical information for registering a new Indian cattle breed (Medini) that contributes to the food security, livelihood, and economic sustainability of rural tribal households.

A cross-sectional study of immune seroconversion to SARS-CoV-2 in frontline maternity health professionals.

COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is thought to cause a milder illness in pregnancy with a greater proportion of asymptomatic carriers. This has important implications for the risk of patient-to-staff, staff-to-staff and staff-to-patient transmission among health professionals in maternity units. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of previously undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection in health professionals from two tertiary-level maternity units in London, UK, and to determine associations between healthcare workers' characteristics, reported symptoms and serological evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. In total, 200 anaesthetists, midwives and obstetricians, with no previously confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, were tested for immune seroconversion using laboratory IgG assays. Comprehensive symptom and medical histories were also collected. Five out of 40 (12.5%; 95%CI 4.2-26.8%) anaesthetists, 7/52 (13.5%; 95%CI 5.6-25.8%) obstetricians and 17/108 (15.7%; 95%CI 9.5-24.0%) midwives were seropositive, with an overall total of 29/200 (14.5%; 95%CI 9.9-20.1%) of maternity healthcare workers testing positive for IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Of those who had seroconverted, 10/29 (35.5%) were completely asymptomatic. Fever or cough were only present in 6/29 (21%) and 10/29 (35%) respectively. Anosmia was the most common symptom occurring in 15/29 (52%) seropositive participants and was the only symptom that was predictive of positive seroconversion (OR 18; 95%CI 6-55). Of those who were seropositive, 59% had not self-isolated at any point and continued to provide patient care in the hospital setting. This is the largest study of baseline immune seroconversion in maternity healthcare workers conducted to date and reveals that one out of six were seropositive, of whom one out of three were asymptomatic. This has significant implications for the risk of occupational transmission of SARS-CoV-2 for both staff and patients in maternity units. Regular testing of staff, including asymptomatic staff should be considered to reduce transmission risk.

Treatment and management strategies of onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is one of the most prevalent and severe nail fungal infections, which is affecting a wide population across the globe. It leads to variations like nail thickening, disintegration and hardening. Oral and topical drug delivery systems are the most desirable in treating onychomycosis, but the efficacy of the results is low, resulting in a relapse rate of 25-30%. Due to systemic toxicity and various other disadvantages associated with oral therapy like gastrointestinal, hepatotoxicity, topical therapy is commonly used. Topical therapy improves patient compliance and reduces the cost of treatment. However, due to poor penetration of topical therapy across the nail plate, research is focused on different chemical, mechanical and physical methods to improve drug delivery. Penetration enhancers like Thioglycolic acid, Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD), Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), carbocysteine, N-acetylcysteine etc. have shown results enhancing the drug penetration across the nail plate. Results with physical techniques such as iontophoresis, laser and Photodynamic therapy are quite promising, but the long-term suitability of these devices is in need to be determined. In this article, a brief analysis of the treatment procedures, factors affecting drug permeation across nail plate, chemical, mechanical and physical devices used to increase the drug delivery through nails for the onychomycosis management has been achieved.

Anti-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR) antibody in necrotizing myopathy: treatment outcomes, cancer risk, and role of autoantibody level.

Objective: To evaluate clinical associations of anti-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (anti-HMGCR) antibody (Ab) and statin exposure in necrotizing myopathy (NM) patients. Methods: NM without a known myositis-specific autoantibody (MSA) was ascertained from a large single-centre myositis database between 1985 and 2012. A comparison NM cohort included 32 anti-SRP+ autoantibody patients, and other control groups included 74 non-NM myositis patients and 21 non-myositis controls. Sera from all cases and controls were tested using a validated anti-HMGCR enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical features including statin use and anti-HMGCR Ab status were compared between cases and controls. Results: Of the 256 NM muscle biopsies reviewed, only 48 subjects with available sera were identified as traditional MSA-negative NM. Anti-HMGCR positivity was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with MSA-negative NM [48% (23/48)] compared to all of the myositis and non-myositis controls [5% (6/127)]. Most anti-HMGCR Ab-positive NM patients had high titres of anti-HMGCR (83%) and a history of statin exposure (78%), along with severe muscle weakness, high creatine kinase (CK) levels (90% ≥ 5000 IU/L), a paucity of other organ manifestations, and the need for immunosuppression with prednisone and methotrexate, but generally favourable outcomes. Anti-HMGCR serum levels were associated with baseline CK levels but not muscle weakness. Conclusion: HMGCR Ab-positive NM patients are associated with statin exposure, have severe muscle weakness and high CK at presentation, lack other organ manifestations, and generally have favourable outcomes from immunosuppression. Anti-HMGCR Abs should be assessed in MSA-negative NM patients, particularly those with a history of statin exposure.

Variable sialic acid content in milk of Indian cattle and buffalo across different stages of lactation.

The aim of this Research Communication was to contribute to the knowledge of milk sialic acid concentration of bovines with specific focus on India. Sialic acids (SA) are important constituents of mammalian milks. Buffaloes are the main milk producing species in India, therefore, our research focused on both cow and buffalo. Two Indian cattle (Bos indicus) breeds (Sahiwal, Tharparkar), one cross bred cattle - Karan Fries (Tharparkar × Holstein Friesian) and a buffalo breed (Murrah) were selected. Systematic comparisons of the total, free and bound form of SA and also its distribution over the course of lactation- colostrums and mature milk (120-140 d) was generated. Animal management, sample collection and methodology of SA estimation were identical for the different groups. Colostrum had the highest concentration of SA, which declined with the progress of lactation in all the groups. Majority of the SA existed in bound form. No significant (P < 0.05) difference was recorded in the total, bound or free SA across all the groups. However, differences were obvious in the total and bound SA level in the mature milk. Indian cattle, Sahiwal and Tharparkar were equivalent, but had higher concentration of total and bound SA than crossbred cattle. Milk of buffalo had SA equivalent to that of crossbred cattle. The mean (se) levels of total SA was 23.4 (0.8), 25.8 (2.4), 20.3 (0.6) and 20.2 (1.2) in Sahiwal, Tharparkar, cross bred and Murrah buffalo, respectively. The findings suggested that milk of indigenous cattle may be a potential source of SA, a bioactive compound with beneficial effect on human health and a potential functional ingredient in foods. Results add value to the currently declining indigenous cattle of India.

Comparative milk metabolite profiling for exploring superiority of indigenous Indian cow milk over exotic and crossbred counterparts.

This study was planned to identify differences in the milk metabolite composition of Indian (Sahiwal), exotic (Holstein-Friesian) and their crossbred cows in intensive system of management. To mimic the management system of ancient India, indigenous cattle under extensive system (zero input) were also included. Holstein-Friesian (HF) had significantly higher amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA, 76.3%) as compared to the crossbred (73.3%) and Sahiwal (68.0%). HF had the highest concentration (42.7%) of hypercholesterolemic fatty acids and the maximum value (68.5) of athrogenecity index (AI). Sahiwal had the highest proportion (32.1%) of total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). Mineral, vitamin, n-3 fatty acids and total amount of essential amino acids did not vary across the three groups. Milk of indigenous cattle maintained only on grazing had more favorable nutrient profile. It had low SFA (61.4%), high UFA (38.6%) and higher concentrations of both monounsaturated fatty acids (31.4%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (7.2%). The n-6/n-3 ratio (2.7) and the AI (33.9) were significantly lower. Significantly higher concentrations of minerals (Zn, Fe, P and Cu) and vitamins except vitamin B5 were recorded in their milk. The study revealed that milk metabolite characteristics can be used to promote indigenous cattle.

Cutaneous myiasis: Think beyond furunculosis.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous myiasis is the infestation of the skin by larvae (maggots) of the order Diptera (two winged). Being an imported and sporadic illness, furuncular myiasis often poses a diagnostic challenge to the treating physician. This traditionally endemic entity is being more frequently reported worldwide as 'vacation' disease in travellers returning from these regions. However, there is a paucity of large scale study, especially on individuals occupationally stationed for longer periods of time in these endemic geographic locations. METHODS: Sixteen Indian male patients with cutaneous furuncular myiasis presenting to dermatology outpatient department at a tertiary care field hospital deployed in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Central Africa were studied for clinical presentation, sites involved, larvae/maggot extracted, period of resolution and complications if any. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 29 years. The average duration of infestation was 4 days. All lesions were found to be confined to sites over body normally covered with clothing, commonest being anterior abdomen in 9 (56.25%) patients followed by chest in 6 (37.5%) patients. The lesion count was also highest on anterior abdomen with 39 lesions. The average time to resolution following extraction of larvae (Cordylobia anthropophaga) was 6 days. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study was to familiarize oneself with an endemic infestation which often masquerades itself as pyoderma to the naïve physician, more so in an imported case or more importantly, an 'exported' health care professional.

Understanding the effect of nanowire orientation on time evolution of Raman spectra from laser irradiated InAs nanowire surface.

We investigate differences observed in the time evolution of Raman spectra for differently oriented (in plane) InAs nanowires (NWs), using polarized Raman spectroscopy. Specially designed polarized Raman spectroscopy experiments elucidate that laser irradiation leads to the formation of an oriented crystalline oxide film on the InAs NW surface. Both the formation of oriented crystalline oxides and Raman selection rules leading to the presence/absence of oxide peaks in the unpolarized Raman spectra are uncommon occurrences and can lead to incorrect interpretations of the oxidation process, if not looked into carefully. Further, the specially designed heating and cooling experiments for a mixed phase (wurtzite + zinc blende) InAs NW revealed the formation of specific allotropes of elemental As, i.e. gray-As (rhombohedral) and black-As (orthorhombic: metastable) at low (700-950 K) and high simulated temperatures (1000-1300 K) on the InAs NW surface, respectively. Both have high electrical conductivity due to a layered structure and control over the growth of only a few layers using laser irradiation envisages properties similar to graphene. This kind of surface of InAs NWs has the potential for novel device applications, where a semiconductor-insulator-metal heterostructure is required.