Study of inelastic mean free path of metal nanostructures using energy filtered transmission electron microscopy imaging.

We report a simple method for measuring the inelastic mean free path of nanostructures of known geometry using energy filtered transmission electron microscopy imaging. The mean free path of inelastic electrons was measured by using systems having known symmetry, such as cylindrical or cubic, combined with Poisson statistics without employing the knowledge of microscope parameters, namely the convergence angle and the collection angle. Having inherent symmetry of such systems, their absolute thickness can be measured from their two-dimensional projection images. We have calculated mean free path of inelastic scattering of electrons in gold, silver and nickel doing case study research by employing gold nanorod, silver nanocube and nickel nanorod lying on a carbon-coated TEM grid at two different electron energies (viz. 200 and 300 keV) following this alternative approach. Results obtained using such alternative approach were verified using microscope parameters.

Measuring the 3-30-300 rule to help cities meet nature access thresholds.

The 3-30-300 rule offers benchmarks for cities to promote equitable nature access. It dictates that individuals should see three trees from their dwelling, have 30 % tree canopy in their neighborhood, and live within 300 m of a high-quality green space. Implementing this demands thorough measurement, monitoring, and evaluation methods, yet little guidance is currently available to pursue these actions. To overcome this gap, we employed an expert-based consensus approach to review the available ways to measure 3-30-300 as well as each measure's strengths and weaknesses. We described seven relevant data and processes: vegetation indices, street level analyses, tree inventories, questionnaires, window view analyses, land cover maps, and green space maps. Based on the reviewed strengths and weaknesses of each measure, we presented a suitability matrix to link recommended measures with each component of the rule. These recommendations included surveys and window-view analyses for the '3 component', high-resolution land cover maps for the '30 component', and green space maps with network analyses for the '300 component'. These methods, responsive to local situations and resources, not only implement the 3-30-300 rule but foster broader dialogue on local desires and requirements. Consequently, these techniques can guide strategic investments in urban greening for health, equity, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.

Genetic, Epigenetic, and Molecular Biology of Obesity: From Pathology to Therapeutics the Way Forward

Obesity is a globally expanding silent epidemic having multiple risk factors and consequences associated with it. Genetic factors have been found to be playing undeniable roles in obesity. Intermingled relationship between epigenetics, metagenomics, and the environment influences obesity traits. High precision diagnostic tools have outlined many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as well as many novel genes, that have been identified that create an obesogenic environment. Rare single-gene diseases can lead to early childhood obesity and less satiety. With almost 30% of the global population being under the grip of obesity, the coming days are alarming. This review summarizes the existing knowledge on the genetic causes of obesity including the epidemiology as well as the issues of concern and new additions to the list. Furthermore, we discuss the ways to enhance the healthcare outcome for patients of obesity through interdepartmental collaborations apart from pharmacological therapy that is still limited to a few drugs. The teamwork of geneticists, genetic counselors, physicians, bariatric surgeons, nurses, endocrinologists, and pharmacists may provide promising results in intervention.

Computer technology and the childhood immunization programme: an investigation of low uptake rates in Coventry Primary Care Trust.

BACKGROUND: The childhood vaccination programme in Coventry Primary Care Trust (PCT) has resulted in consistently low uptake rates for a number of years. After an evaluation of operational processes, an examination of the data systems was performed. METHODS: The under-reporting of vaccinations performed and methodology issues were investigated using data collected by the Child Health Information Department (CHID) and the Finance Department. RESULTS: Data held by the Finance Department result in an uptake rate of between 0.79 and 1.92% higher than those held by the CHID. Locally, the Southwest Child Health (SWIFT) system, the programme used to calculate uptake rates by many of the PCTs across the country, excludes those children residing outside the boundary but registered within it. Coventry PCT's Cover of Vaccination Evaluated Rapidly (COVER) statistics are based on a subgroup of the responsible population. CONCLUSIONS: The computer technology currently utilized by the NHS provides inaccurate statistics for the COVER programme. Systematic under-reporting to the CHID results in moderately lowered uptake rates. A programming anomaly in the SWIFT system has resulted in the collection of data based on a subgroup of the responsible population. This undermines the validity of the statistics collected and renders comparability of data between different PCTs, particularly those using different systems, difficult.

Infectious diarrhea in tourists staying in a resort hotel.

An outbreak of infectious diarrhea with 70 laboratory-confirmed cases (58 with Giardia lamblia) and 107 probable cases occurred in U.K. tourists who stayed in a hotel in Greece. After a cluster of six cases in persons who had stayed at the hotel was reported, the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre began active case ascertainment. This outbreak illustrates the value of an approach to surveillance that integrates routine surveillance data with active case ascertainment.