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AIM: This study aims to evaluate the awareness and knowledge of ionizing radiation in common radiological investigations, as well as the associated risks, among medical and applied medical sciences students at Majmaah University in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 209 participants who completed an anonymous electronic questionnaire consisting of 21 questions. Participants were categorized based on demographic characteristics and assessed for their awareness and knowledge of radiation and its associated risks. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Qualitative data comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 209 participants completed the questionnaire, with a nearly equal distribution of males (49.8%) and females (50.2%). Most of the participants were medical students (59.3%). The overall knowledge score had a mean of 2 (SD=2) and a range of 0-7. The overall awareness score had a mean of 3 (SD=2) and a range of 0-6. Male gender and knowledge had a significant association (p=0.022). Applied medical sciences students had a significantly higher awareness level than medical students (p=0.004). There was a significant association between academic level and knowledge level (p=0.025), which was highest among third-year students. CONCLUSION:  Overall medical and applied medical sciences students' knowledge and awareness of ionizing radiation dose and the health risks associated with it was reported to be low. The results highlight the need to train medical and applied medical sciences students with sufficient radiological education that enable them to adhere to safe practices in the future.

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," are synthetic chemicals which have been used since the 1940s. Given their remarkable thermostability and chemical stability, PFAS have been widely utilized in commercial products, including textiles, surfactants, food packages, nonstick coatings, and fire-fighting foams. Thus, PFAS are widely distributed worldwide and have been detected in human urine, blood, breast milk, tissues and other substances. Growing concerns over the risks of PFAS, including their toxicity and carcinogenicity, have attracted people's attention. Recent reviews have predominantly emphasized advancements in the detection, adsorption, and degradation of PFAS through their chemical structures and toxic properties; however, further examination of the literature is needed to determine the link between PFAS exposure and cancer risk. Here, we introduced different PFAS detection methods based on sensors and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Then, we discussed epidemiological investigations on PFAS levels and cancer risks in recent years, as well as the mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis. Finally, we proposed the "4C principles" for ongoing exploration and refinement in this field. This review highlights PFAS-cancer associations to fill knowledge gaps and provide evidence-based strategies for future research.

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The growth, development, and milk production traits of dairy goats, which are important sources of high-quality animal protein, are significantly influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is imperative to identify key genetic loci that govern economically valuable traits in order to enhance breeding programs. Despite advancements in genomic technologies, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences, particularly in relation to the regulation of milk production and quality. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to synthesize advancements in the genetic and environmental factors affecting milk production and quality in dairy goats and identify key regulatory mechanisms. This review summarizes the recent progress on the identification of genes associated with milk production traits using whole-genome resequencing, the use of transcriptomic profiling to identify genes linked to milk production, the exploration of regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism in goat mammary epithelial cells, and the evaluation of the influence of nutritional factors on milk quality. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions is essential for enhancing breeding strategies and ensuring the sustainability of dairy goat farming. Future research should incorporate multi-omics approaches to unravel the intricate regulatory processes governing milk production and adapt practices to meet global demand while upholding economic and environmental sustainability.

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BACKGROUND: On March 16th 2024, the first case of Human infection with avian influenza H10N3 since the end of the global COVID-19 Pandemic was reported in Kunming, China. To enhance comprehension of the source of infection and risk factors of the H10N3 virus infection, this case report summarizes the clinical features, epidemiological investigation, and laboratory test results. Provides recommendations for the prevention and control of Human infection with avian influenza H10N3. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old male with a history of COVID-19 infection and a smoking habit of 30 years, worked in livestock breeding and was exposed to sick and dead poultry before falling ill with fever and chills on 28th February 2024. A week later, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, influenza, and respiratory failure by the Third People's Hospital of Kunming(KM-TPH). He was discharged on 17th April and none of his 6 close contacts showed any symptoms of illness. Environmental samples taken from the epidemic spot revealed that peacock feces tested positive for avian influenza sub-type H9 and waterfowl specimens showed positive results for avian influenza sub-type H5. Gene sequencing conducted on positive specimens from the patient's respiratory tract by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) showed a high degree of similarity (98.6-99.5%) with the strain responsible for the second global case of human infected with H10N3 (reported from Zhejiang, China 2022). CONCLUSIONS: According to the available epidemiological information, there is limited evidence to suggest that H10N3 viruses are excessively lethal. However, adaptive site mutations have been observed in the H10N3 isoform of mammals. While it is unlikely that the H10N3 virus will spread among humans, the possibility of additional cases cannot be entirely ruled out. Symptoms of human infection with H10N3 avian influenza are similar to those of common respiratory infections, which may result in them being overlooked during initial clinical consultations. Therefore, it is essential to improve surveillance of the H10 sub-type of avian influenza and to increase the awareness of hospital-related workers of cases of pneumonia of unknown origin.

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Diving accidents result from a variety of causes including human error, inadequate health and fitness, environmental hazards and equipment problems. They usually involve a cascade of events resulting in the diver being injured or deceased. The accuracy and usefulness of a diving accident investigation relies on well-targeted interviews, good field investigation, evidence collection and preservation, and appropriate equipment assessment. In the event of a fatality, a thorough and targeted autopsy is indicated. Investigators should have the appropriate knowledge, training, skills and support systems to perform the required tasks. Relevant investigations include the victim's medical and diving history, the dive circumstances and likely accident scenario, management of the accident including rescue and first aid, equipment inspection and testing and a thorough postmortem examination conducted by a forensic pathologist with an awareness of the special requirements of a diving autopsy and the knowledge to correctly interpret the findings. A chain of events analysis can determine the likely accident scenario, identify shortcomings and inform countermeasures.

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Immune checkpoints are crucial molecules for the maintenance of antitumor immune responses. The activation or inhibition of these molecules is dependent on the interactions between receptors and ligands; such interactions can provide inhibitory or stimulatory signals to the various components of the immune system. Over the last 10 years, the inhibition of immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4, programmed cell death-1, and programmed cell death ligand-1, has taken a leading role in immune therapy. This relatively recent therapy regime is based on the use of checkpoint inhibitors, which enhance the immune response towards various forms of cancer. For a subset of patients with specific forms of cancer, these inhibitors can induce a durable response to therapy; however, the medium response rate to such therapy remains relatively poor. Recent research activities have demonstrated that the disease response to this highly promising therapy resembles the response of many forms of cancer to chemotherapy, where an encouraging initial response is followed by acquired resistance to treatment and progress of the disease. That said, these inhibitors are now used as single agents or in combination with chemotherapies as first or second lines of treatment for about 50 types of cancer. The prevailing opinion regarding immune therapy suggests that for this approach of therapy to deliver on its promise, a number of challenges have to be circumvented. These challenges include understanding the resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint blockade, the identification of more efficient inhibitors, extending their therapeutic benefits to a wider audience of cancer patients, better management of immune-related adverse side effects, and, more urgently the identification of biomarkers, which would help treating oncologists in the identification of patients who are likely to respond positively to the immune therapies and, last but not least, the prices of therapy which can be afforded by the highest number of patients. Numerous studies have demonstrated that understanding the interaction between these checkpoints and the immune system is essential for the development of efficient checkpoint inhibitors and improved immune therapies. In the present text, we discuss some of these checkpoints, their inhibitors, and some works in which mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses were applied.

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This study investigates the relationship between erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and ABO blood grouping in the context of periodontal disorders. Periodontal diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions that damage the tissues supporting teeth, can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. ESR, a common hematological test indicating systemic inflammation, has been linked to the severity of periodontal disease. ABO blood grouping, a hereditary trait, is linked to a higher risk of various oral and systemic diseases. By synthesizing existing research, this study explores the potential of the connection between blood type ABO and ESR levels in individuals with periodontal disorders, examining studies that assess the distribution of ABO blood types and corresponding ESR values among periodontal patients.

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Fungi have been identified as a prolific source of structurally unique secondary metabolites, many of which display promising biological and pharmacological properties. This review provides an overview of the structures of new natural products derived from fungi and their biological activities along with the research strategies, which focuses on literature published in the representative journals in 2023. In this review, a total of 553 natural products including 219 polyketides, 145 terpenoids, 35 steroids, 106 alkaloids, and 48 peptides are presented. By summarising the latest findings, this review aims to provide a guide and inspire further innovation in the fields of the discovery of fungal natural products and pharmaceutical development.

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Background: The number of medical research publications by Chinese clinical investigators has risen substantially, contributing to 14.63% of the global total in 2019; however, their tangible impact on clinical decision-making remains limited. Various evaluation methods have been developed to measure hospital research competence in China, such as Fudan University's China hospital ranking and Science and Technology Evaluation Metrics (STEM) ranking, which predominantly focuses on factors such as academic reputation, volume of publications and patents, and research resources. However, composite indices may not fully capture the actual clinical value generated by medical research. To address this gap, we introduced the "Clinical Influence and Timeliness Evaluation (CITE)" metric to assess both the clinical importance of a given medical research study and the clinical influence of the hospital where it originated. The methodology used relies on the premise that influential medical research would be referenced in clinical guidelines, which serve as critical resources for clinicians. Methods: The CITE metric was applied for 78,636 medical studies concerning chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) published between 2000 and 2020 and referenced in both Chinese and international clinical guidelines for COPD. Specific indexes and formulas were derived to quantify the clinical weight of a medical research study (W) and its timeliness (T), enabling a dynamic assessment of the clinical value of each study and the overall contribution of a particular hospital. Results: In this analysis, we incorporated 499 hospitals in China and quantitatively identified their dynamic clinical influence in COPD from 2000 to 2020. Our findings offer objective and targeted evaluation metrics by focusing on clinical relevance and recognizing the collaborative nature of medical research. Conclusion: The CITE metric provides an innovative method to gauge the true impact of medical research in China, with potential applications across different medical specialties. CITE can serve as a useful tool for understanding the relationship between research input and practical clinical outcomes, ultimately promoting more clinically relevant research endeavors.

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BACK GROUND: The sample collection and preservation before transportation to a Forensic Science Laboratory in a medicolegal case in India is a crucial step in establishing a link between accused, victim, crime scene and the weapon. This paper discusses pioneering advancement in health technology-a state-of-the-art sample dryer developed to preserve biological samples during Forensic investigations. This unique design has been officially registered with the design office in India as a copy right. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The primary goal of the sample dryer is to augment the preservation of biological evidence by removing moisture content through air drying before packaging, sealing and its transportation to a Forensic Science Laboratory. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The process of air drying of biological samples by variety of experiments conducted in sample's dryer designed for the purpose which employs a range of air movement techniques including horizontal, vertical, and circular laminar flows to swiftly extract moisture from the samples. The drying duration for each experimental sample was documented upon manual confirmation of complete drying. RESULTS: The results were extraordinary, showcasing that the sample's dryer reduced the drying time drastically by up to 27 times lesser in comparison to conventional methods for identical samples. The diverse airflow patterns generated by the sample dryer unequivocally demonstrated it's utility in achieving superior sample preservation through efficient air drying. CONCLUSION: Given the exceptional outcomes observed in the experimental phase, the authors strongly advocate for the widespread adoption of this innovative sample's dryer equipment to ensure effective air drying of biological samples and their efficient sample preservation to enable successful forensic analysis as expected.

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BACKGROUND: Within the Open Biological and Biomedical Ontology (OBO) Foundry, many ontologies represent the execution of a plan specification as a process in which a realizable entity that concretizes the plan specification, a "realizable concretization" (RC), is realized. This representation, which we call the "RC-account", provides a straightforward way to relate a plan specification to the entity that bears the realizable concretization and the process that realizes the realizable concretization. However, the adequacy of the RC-account has not been evaluated in the scientific literature. In this manuscript, we provide this evaluation and, thereby, give ontology developers sound reasons to use or not use the RC-account pattern. RESULTS: Analysis of the RC-account reveals that it is not adequate for representing failed plans. If the realizable concretization is flawed in some way, it is unclear what (if any) relation holds between the realizable entity and the plan specification. If the execution (i.e., realization) of the realizable concretization fails to carry out the actions given in the plan specification, it is unclear under the RC-account how to directly relate the failed execution to the entity carrying out the instructions given in the plan specification. These issues are exacerbated in the presence of changing plans. CONCLUSIONS: We propose two solutions for representing failed plans. The first uses the Common Core Ontologies 'prescribed by' relation to connect a plan specification to the entity or process that utilizes the plan specification as a guide. The second, more complex, solution incorporates the process of creating a plan (in the sense of an intention to execute a plan specification) into the representation of executing plan specifications. We hypothesize that the first solution (i.e., use of 'prescribed by') is adequate for most situations. However, more research is needed to test this hypothesis as well as explore the other solutions presented in this manuscript.

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Background: Only 4076 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in Germany in 2022; of those 184 were multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-/RR-TB). Methods: Based on the current therapy guidelines of the German Central Committee against Tuberculosis and most recent renumeration data of the Statutory Health Insurances (SHI), this study estimates the mean in- and outpatient costs per adult infectious pulmonary non-MDR-TB patient, together with costs arising from Rifampicin (RIF)-based short-course options of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) of their close contacts. Results: From the insurance perspective, the mean inpatient cost (rounded) per adult case was 6138 EUR (SD±2810 EUR) for standard therapy; the cost of primary outpatient treatment only amounted to 1930 EUR and the cost of outpatient treatment post-hospital to 1093 EUR. The mean weighted cost was 6377 EUR (SD±2357 EUR), a drop of 27 % vs. 2019. This is mainly due to a decrease in hospitalizations of 5.6 %, and, given hospital treatment, by a 95 EUR decrease in the per-day reimbursement rate for TB patients who are hospitalized for at least 14 days. In contrast, the mean costs of TPT per person were 466 EUR (RIF solely over 4 months) and 423 EUR (RIF combined with Isoniazid over 3 months). Conclusion: While costs for active non-MDR-TB treatment in Germany have clearly decreased thanks to increased engagement on the part of the private practice sector and lower reimbursement rates in hospital, the comparatively high costs of short-course TPT have surprisingly significant economic impact. This negative development can be countered through diligent selection of close contacts persons of infectious TB cases before using IGRA testing to detect latent TB, to minimize the number of those persons who are tested falsely determined to be at risk and needlessly undergo TPT.

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Oral bacterial biofilms are the main reason for the progression of resistance to antimicrobial agents that may lead to severe conditions, including periodontitis and gingivitis. Essential oil-based nanocomposites can be a promising treatment option. We investigated cardamom, cinnamon, and clove essential oils for their potential in the treatment of oral bacterial infections using in vitro and computational tools. A detailed analysis of the drug-likeness and physicochemical properties of all constituents was performed. Molecular docking studies revealed that the binding free energy of a Carbopol 940 and eugenol complex was -2.0 kcal/mol, of a Carbopol 940-anisaldehyde complex was -1.9 kcal/mol, and a Carbapol 940-eugenol-anisaldehyde complex was -3.4 kcal/mol. Molecular docking was performed against transcriptional regulator genes 2XCT, 1JIJ, 2Q0P, 4M81, and 3QPI. Eugenol cinnamaldehyde and cineol presented strong interaction with targets. The essential oils were analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from the oral cavity of diabetic patients. The cinnamon and clove essential oil combination presented significant minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (0.0625/0.0312 mg/mL) against S. epidermidis and S. aureus (0.0156/0.0078 mg/mL). In the anti-quorum sensing activity, the cinnamon and clove oil combination presented moderate inhibition (8 mm) against Chromobacterium voilaceum with substantial violacein inhibition (58% ± 1.2%). Likewise, a significant biofilm inhibition was recorded in the case of S. aureus (82.1% ± 0.21%) and S. epidermidis (84.2% ± 1.3%) in combination. It was concluded that a clove and cinnamon essential oil-based formulation could be employed to prepare a stable nanocomposite, and Carbapol 940 could be used as a compatible biopolymer.

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Digital transformation rapidly changes how we live our lives in the post pandemic world. Unfortunately, digital technology is not limited to law abiding organisations and citizens. Criminal organisations and individuals are quick to identify new opportunities with new technologies, and digital transformation is dramatically changing the character of crimes, terror, and other threats. The fast emergence of new crimes is facilitated by possibilities brought by disruptive technologies such as AI, Internet of Things, drones, and cryptocurrencies that can be disastrous tools in the hands of criminals. Consequently, our society needs far better capacity to prevent and investigate criminal acts to protect organisations and citizens. This brings an urgent need to proactively reform digital forensics to significantly increase our capability to meet the strain on society brought by crimes evolving in the digital transformation era. The future of forensic science is already here, characterized by a mix of opportunities and challenges. It is essential to make it harder to effectively use digital technologies for criminal activities, while leveraging the possibilities of digital technologies by those affected, law enforcement agencies, business and organisations. As digital technologies continue to evolve, we need to stay up to date with the latest developments to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes in the digital age. There is an increased reliance on digital evidence, and the amount of heterogeneous digital evidence in criminal cases keep increasing. The forensic science techniques thus become more sophisticated and play an increasingly important role. However, the scientific area is extremely broad, and beyond the capability of most forensic science labs to keep up with the technology forefront development speed. Besides an urgent need to bring up the subject to the political arena, examples of how we can meet the challenges are discussed such as by extending our cooperation, encourage and facilitate cooperation for training and education to handle the extremely broad and rapid development, working out methods for explaining and visualising evidence for the treatment and legal values of digital evidence in prosecution, and cooperation between product developers and crime investigators for swift innovation of digital forensics tools and methodologies for quickly emerging threats. This paper will highlight specific examples where modern digital techniques are used to solve crimes in the physical world as well as crimes committed in the digital domain and discuss how "good AI" can be used to fight "evil AI" and finally touch on the sensitive balance between the increased power of the new digital forensic tools and private integrity.

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AIM: Respiratory sarcopenia (RS) has been newly defined in a position paper by four professional organizations in Japan, and it is necessary to examine its incidence and influencing factors using this new definition. So far, little work has been undertaken; we therefore conducted a longitudinal study to fill this gap. METHODS: Our data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 4301 older adults with complete data and without RS were chosen in 2011, of whom 3065 were followed up until 2015. The presence of low respiratory muscle strength plus low appendicular skeletal muscles mass was defined as RS based on t. A logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for incident RS. RESULTS: After an average of 4 years of follow-up, the cumulative incidence of RS was 5.2%, and it was particularly high in participants aged >80 (20.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed that being unmarried/divorced/widowed (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-2.66, P = 0.001), not having dyslipidemia (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19-0.65, P = 0.001), having digestive disease (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.11-2.19, P = 0.010), asthma (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.55-4.94, P = 0.001), edentulism (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.24-2.42, P = 0.001), low handgrip strength (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.99-3.99, P < 0.001), or low 5-m gait speed (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.23-3.01, P = 0.004) were associated with a greater likelihood of developing RS. After further adjustment for age and body mass index, asthma, edentulism, and low handgrip strength remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: The identification and management of older adults with the influencing factors described above could be important in preventing RS. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

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Introduction: There is growing evidence within the healthcare sector that employee investigations can harm individuals involved in the process, an organization's culture and the delivery of its services. Methods: This paper details an intervention developed by an NHS Wales organization to reduce the number of its employee investigations through an organization-wide focus that promoted a 'last resort' approach and introduced the concept of 'avoidable employee harm'. A range of associated improvement initiatives were developed to support behavior change among those responsible for determining whether an employee investigation should be initiated. Results: Over a 13-month period, organizational records showed an annual reduction of 71% in investigation cases post-intervention, resulting in an estimated 3,308 sickness days averted annually and total estimated annual savings of £738,133 (based on direct savings and costs averted). This indicates that the organization has started to embrace the "last resort" approach to using employee investigations to address work place issues. The programme was supported with training for those responsible for commissioning and leading the organization's employee investigations. Analysis of survey data from those who attended training workshops to support the programme indicated that participants showed an increased awareness of the employee investigation process post-workshop and an understanding of the concept of avoidable employee harm. Discussion: The programme is congruent with the Healthy Healthcare concept, as the study illustrates how its practices and processes have a beneficial impact on staff, as well as potentially on patients. This study highlights wider issues for consideration, including the: (1) the role of Human Resources (HR), (2) taking a multi-disciplinary approach, (3) culture and practice, (4) the responsibility of the wider HR profession.

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Introduction Laboratory testing is done before surgery to identify body abnormalities that cannot be detected through clinical evaluation alone. Patients going in for low- or intermediate-risk surgeries are often encouraged to undergo a battery of tests as usual. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated the status of routine pre-operative laboratory tests in American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I, II, and III adults undergoing elective surgery at a maternity hospital, as well as the impact of these tests on the outcome of the pre-anaesthetic check-up (PAC). Methods The present observational study was conducted on 500 patients scheduled for elective surgery under anaesthesia. The procedures included routine gynaecological and obstetric surgeries like abdominal hysterectomy, suction evacuation, laparotomy for ectopic pregnancy, diagnostic biopsy, and lower segment caesarean section, among others. A designated anaesthesiologist gathered information from the completed PAC sheets. As per the standard departmental policy, each patient underwent a clinical examination and routine investigations at the PAC clinic. In addition to demographic and other variables, laboratory test results and any peri-operative interventions performed due to abnormalities were assessed. Investigations already done, asked by anaesthesiologists, and referral services sought were noted. The impact of these investigations on anaesthetic decision-making was noted. Data were expressed in frequencies and percentages and statistically analysed using INSTAT software (GraphPad Prism Software Inc., La Zolla, USA). Results The age and weight of the patients range from 20 to 70 years and 55 to 95 kg. Most patients belonged to ASA Grade II (n=348, 69.6%). Hypothyroidism was the most common abnormal finding (n=122, 22.4%). Anaemia, hypertension, and diabetes were detected in n=8 (1.6%), n=82 (16.4%), and n=34 (6.8%) of patients, respectively. In 488 (97.6%) patients, one or more of the investigations from the list were pending. Based on the results of various preoperative laboratory investigations, 87 (17.4%) patients were advised of multiple specialty opinions before surgery. A total of 453 (90.6%) patients attending the clinic were recommended to review their PACs after their pending investigations and specialist consultations were completed. At the same time, n=41 (8.2%) was found to be fit for surgery, and n=6 (1.2%) was found unfit for surgery and was postponed. Conclusions The incidence of tests with abnormal results was a little high in our study. One reason could be that a particular group of patients is included in the study. Preoperative laboratory investigations substantially increase the costs. Not many patients with abnormal tests may require changes in their peri-anaesthetic management. Nonetheless, laboratory tests can help ensure the patient is in an ideal preoperative condition. Pre-operative laboratory investigations should be advised on a case-by-case basis to avoid inconveniencing the patient, delaying the surgical procedure, and driving up the cost of surgical treatment.

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In this prospective randomised controlled trial, we compared the impact of the lateral versus supine position for tracheal extubation among infants aged two months to two years after intraabdominal surgery on the incidence of respiratory adverse events that may occur after extubation. The anaesthesia protocol was standardised. Among the 120 infants included (60 in each group), the demographic and perioperative data were comparable between both groups. The incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events after tracheal extubation was 21.6% and 5% in the supine and lateral position groups, respectively, with p = 0.007 and odds ratio = 3.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.18-12.6. Lateral position also reduced the incidence of airway obstruction with p = 0.004 and odds ratio = 11.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.46-95.3 and oxygen desaturation below 92% with p = 0.008 and odds ratio = 11.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.46-95. The lateral position seems to be practical and beneficial for tracheal extubation among infants.

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The Internet of Things forensics is a specialised field within digital forensics that focuses on the identification of security incidents, as well as the collection and analysis of evidence with the aim of preventing future attacks on IoT networks. IoT forensics differs from other digital forensic fields due to the unique characteristics of IoT devices, such as limited processing power and connectivity. Although numerous studies are available on IoT forensics, the field is rapidly evolving, and comprehensive surveys are needed to keep up with new developments, emerging threats, and evolving best practices. In this respect, this paper aims to review the state of the art in IoT forensics and discuss the challenges in current investigation techniques. A qualitative analysis of related reviews in the field of IoT forensics has been conducted, identifying key issues and assessing primary obstacles. Despite the variety of topics and approaches, common issues emerge. The majority of these issues are related to the collection and pre-processing of evidence because of the counter-analysis techniques and challenges associated with gathering data from devices and the cloud. Our analysis extends beyond technological problems; it further identifies the procedural problems with preparedness, reporting, and presentation as well as ethical issues. In particular, it provides insights into emerging threats and challenges in IoT forensics, increases awareness and understanding of the importance of IoT forensics in preventing cybercrimes, and ensures the security and privacy of IoT devices and networks. Our findings make a substantial contribution to the field of IoT forensics, as they not only involve a critical analysis of the challenges presented in existing works but also identify numerous problems. These insights will greatly assist researchers in identifying appropriate directions for their future research.

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OBJECTIVES: Contacts of patients with infectious tuberculosis (TB) testing positive on interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) are followed up to exclude active disease. However, identifying factors that predispose IGRA-negative contacts to TB could improve screening and follow-up strategies in a medium TB burden country such as Singapore. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of IGRA-negative contacts aged ≥2 years identified during contact investigation between January 2014 and December 2022. We examined the risk factors associated with developing active TB among contacts previously testing IGRA-negative, using univariate and multivariable logistic regression and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of 60,377 IGRA-negative contacts, 150 developed TB disease, and half were notified within 23 months of index patient diagnosis. IGRA-negative contacts of a smear-positive index patient were more likely to develop TB. Independent risk factors for TB were age >50 years, Malay ethnicity, having diabetes or end-stage renal failure, a "family" relationship with the index patient, or exposure in a dormitory or nursing home. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying risk factors could help optimise follow-up strategies and preventive treatment in IGRA-negative individuals. The incidence rate of TB in this group was 150 per 100,000 population, substantially higher than in the community, with a median 92 weeks to develop disease. Findings suggest that follow-up should be extended to 24 months for contacts with these risk factors.