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Recreational use of methamphetamines has greatly increased in frequency across the world. Like other stimulants, methamphetamines can cause several health consequences, and their addictive nature can lead to psychiatric disorders. Suicidal ideation and attempts are common in methamphetamine users and have become a leading cause of death next to incidental overdoses. In the current report, we review a case of a methamphetamine user who attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge. Further, we contextualize this case by reviewing recent literature on the relationship between methamphetamine use and suicide.

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INTRODUCTION: Over-the-counter (OTC) skin-lightening agents are topical products in the form of lotions, creams, oils, soaps, and serums designed to alter skin pigmentation primarily for cosmetic purposes. The growing misuse and overuse of these products has become a serious public health concern due to their potential adverse effects on human health and their quality of life. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional in nature, adopting a convenience sampling technique utilizing data from a sample of 408 residents of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. The participants completed online questionnaires, distributed through social media means like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facebook ensuring anonymity. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27 to obtain important insights. RESULTS: The sample of the study had a predominance of females 304 (74.5%) while only 104 (25.5%) were males. A substantial proportion of 170 (41.7%) of the participants were aged between 20 and 35 years with more than half (229 (56.2%)) being single and the majority (266 (65.2%)) having university and above level of education. More than half (259 (63.5%)) of them indicated that they had bought skin-lightening products without a doctor's prescription. Twenty-eight (10.8%) of the participants had been diagnosed with a condition that increased skin pigmentation before with a substantial proportion (11 (39.3%)) noting that the product contained hydroquinone cream ingredients. The overall prevalence of OTC skin-lightening agents among the participants of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia was 63.5% (259/408). The study found a significantly high prevalence of use of OTC skin-lightening agents among participants aged 20-35 years (87 (71.3%)) (p=0.031) as well as those who had a university level of education and above (129 (71.3%)) (p=0.001). The findings show that 39 (40.6%) of the female respondents and eight (30.8%) of the male participants experienced adverse effects associated with irritation and redness. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study found a considerably high prevalence of the use of OTC skin-lightening agents among the participants of Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia. The use of OTC skin-lightening agents was significantly greater among female participants than male participants. The commonly used products contained hydroquinone cream ingredients, which presented adverse effects and complications associated with irritation, redness, and darkening of the skin. It is imperative to launch targeted public awareness campaigns to educate the community, especially women, about the risks associated with OTC skin-lightening agents, promote safer alternatives, and advocate for stricter regulation and control over the sale and distribution of skin-lightening products containing harmful ingredients.

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Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) occur as a result of genetic and environmental factors that occur during the early stages of fetal development. Overall, CDH are considered to be quite rare and are often discovered when patients are neonates. The patient in this case underwent a routine colonoscopy for high-risk polyps but then developed the sudden onset of cramping abdominal pain and PO (per os) intolerance. She was found to have a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia which ultimately required operative intervention. Retrospectively, a close review of prior imaging revealed a potential diaphragm defect. Post-colonoscopy diaphragmatic hernias are very rare and right-sided ones are rarer, making this case report an important addition to the literature.

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E-cigarettes have been known to cause varied poor health outcomes prior to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but after the impact of COVID-19, evidence came out that was, in some instances, not as expected regarding the severity of COVID-19 among e-cigarette users (vapers). A meta-analysis was performed on the available evidence to comprehensively find the effect of COVID-19 on existing or past e-cigarette users (vapers). The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were used to perform this meta-analysis. PubMed was searched for observational studies that described outcomes after COVID-19 positivity from December 1, 2019, to December 2023. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords were used for searching the relevant studies highlighting the relationship between COVID-19 and e-cigarette users. Calculations for pooled prevalence, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), weights for current e-cigarette users and vapers, and outcomes (events) were made. To analyze the data, Review Manager V.5.4 was used. The I² statistic was used to assess statistical heterogeneity. The I² statistic of >50% was considered significant heterogeneity. The "leave-one-out" method was used for sensitivity analysis. Out of 3231 studies, four studies reported data on vaping and non-vaping status and composite outcomes, resulting in a sample size of 653 COVID-19-positive cases. The pooled prevalence of being COVID-19 positive, having symptoms, or visiting an emergency room was 7.78% (653/8392). COVID-19 patients with current vaping status had decreased odds of poor outcomes compared to non-smokers, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.09 (95% CI 0.00-2.42; p>0.05) with heterogeneity between studies (I²=99%, p=0.15). Because of difficulties related to data collection and other factors, this meta-analysis was unable to conclusively establish the correlation between e-cigarette usage and severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospitalization, admission to the intensive care unit, and fatality. Additional research using more detailed data is necessary to fully understand this correlation.

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Introduction Burn injuries are a major mechanism of trauma worldwide, caused by friction, cold, heat, radiation, chemical, or electric sources. Most often, burn injuries occur due to heat contact from hot liquids, solids, or fire, termed scald burns and flame burns, respectively. These types of injuries are complex and carry major injury and mortality risks, especially in pediatric populations. Burn trauma prevention has been a major focus in the US, with initiatives to increase public health outreach and safety measures. Unfortunately, children in socioeconomically disadvantaged situations may face these types of injuries at disproportionately higher rates, and we aim to highlight these disparities, if any, within our Florida community. Materials and methods This study was designed as a retrospective observational analysis using publicly available data from the Florida Health Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set (CHARTS). Data was extracted for nonfatal burn injuries resulting in ED visits in the years 2018-2020. This data was limited to those ranging from 0 to 19 years old and converted to rates of burn injuries per 100,000. Sociodemographic details for each county were recorded from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and compared with burn data in each respective county. Frequencies were generated for categorical data, and statistical analyses for burn rates and sociodemographic details were performed with a generalized linear model using a Poisson distribution and bivariate correlation for a p < 0.05. Results In Florida, the median annual burn rate per 100,000 was 136 (IQR: 96-179), with Jackson county holding the highest rate of 323 and Glades, Hardee, and Lafayette each holding a rate of 0. Of the 18 socioeconomic factors examined, a total of five were found to have no statistically significant effect on nonfatal burn injury ED visits: severe housing problems, percentage of Asians, teen births, percentage of children (<18 years) in poverty, and severe housing cost burden. The two most important factors to be found in nonfatal burn ED visits of pediatric patients were the percentage of those younger than 19 years old without health insurance and the average grade level performance of third-grader reading scores. When adjusting for the small sample size using Firth's bias-adjusted estimates and overdispersion, both reading scores and those without insurance play a significant role in pediatric burn injuries. For each increase in a single point in reading scores, the incidence rate ratio decreases by 97.1% (95% CI). For every percentage increase in children insured, there is a 28.8% decrease in pediatric burn injuries (95% CI). Conclusions This analysis highlights increased pediatric burn rates across multiple social determinants of health (SDOH) in all 67 Florida counties. The findings here demonstrate that there may continue to be a disproportionate distribution of burn rates among lower and higher sociodemographic areas. This study further highlights this trend within the Florida community, and continued research will be necessary to meet the needs of lower sociodemographic areas to improve burn rates in vulnerable populations, such as children, who are at increased risk of injury.

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BACKGROUND: Second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is associated with respiratory symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, and wheezing. However, data on this association in Saudi Arabia is limited. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of SHS exposure and its association with respiratory symptoms among non-smoker adults in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Data collection was carried out over the course of two months by distributing an online questionnaire among adults living in Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of questions assessing sociodemographic factors, SHS exposure, and the presence of respiratory symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22 (Released 2013; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Data was considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 1360 participants. Most were females (n=845, 72.1%) and individuals aged 18 to 30 years (n=838, 71.5%). From the analyzed records, 67.3% (n=789) reported SHS exposure. Among them, 40.3% (n=472) reported SHS exposure from household sources, 32.6% (n=382) from work colleagues, and 30.5% (n=357) from friends. The majority (n=306, 76.9%) of those exposed at home reported daily SHS exposure. The main source of home exposure was male family members, particularly the father (n=201, 42.6%). The majority (n=985, 84.0%) of participants reported not having any kind of mold or damage at their place of residence. Individuals with SHS exposure were more likely to report asthma (p=0.043), chest whistling or wheezing (p=0.021), chronic cough (p<0.001), productive cough (p<0.001), and nasal symptoms without a cold (p<0.001). These individuals also demonstrated a higher average symptom score than those not exposed to SHS.  Conclusion: The study reveals that a significant percentage of the Saudi population is exposed to SHS daily, mainly from household sources, especially male family members. A significant association was found between SHS exposure and the presence of respiratory symptoms. Public awareness regarding the prevalence and dangers of SHS exposure is essential in order to alleviate the impact of SHS on the health of the general Saudi population. Additionally, further research is required in this field and demographic group to develop appropriate interventions.

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BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a health emergency for occupational healthcare workers at COVID-19 hospital wards in Italy. The objective of the study was to investigate the bioreactor's effectivity in monitoring and improving air quality via detection, capture, and destruction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and bacterial pathogens, reducing the risk of transmission among healthcare workers. METHODS: Bioreactors are a demonstrated effective biomonitoring system. We implemented a methodological approach wherein they were placed at various hospitals treating COVID-19 patients in Italy. The detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was achieved through rapid biomonitoring testing of the solutes from the AIRcel bioreactors via SARS-CoV-2 rapid test antigen and consecutive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis with the multiplex platform (XABT) and the real-time PCR rotor-gene. RESULTS: The marked presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was found in multiple water samples via the detection of ORF1ab + N and/or E gene involved in gene expression and cellular signaling of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The AIRcel bioreactors were able to neutralize the virus and bacterial pathogens effectively as traces of the viruses and bacteria were no longer found in multiple solute samples after an overnight period. CONCLUSIONS: Transmission of COVID-19 via bioaerosols, transmitted by infected patients, remains a viable threat for health workers. AIRcel bioreactors allow for rapid biomonitoring testing for early virus detection within the environment, reducing the risk of exponential contagion exposure and maintaining good air quality without endangering health workers. This same protocol can also be extended to public spaces as a bio-monitoring hotspot tool for early detection.

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Introduction Pharmacovigilance plays a crucial role in evaluating and monitoring the safety of medicines, which is essential for preventing harm to patients and improving public health. This study aims to compare the pharmacovigilance systems of Costa Rica and Italy and assess the safety profile of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in both countries. Methods Data were collected from the official pharmacovigilance platforms in Costa Rica and Italy. Adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) were categorized by system organ class. Reports of suspected AEFIs associated with COVID-19 vaccines were analyzed for the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. Results Both countries achieved high vaccination rates, with 84.9% in Italy and 92.9% in Costa Rica. A higher proportion of AEFIs occurred in females in both countries, with 53% and 65% in Naples and Costa Rica, respectively. Most AEFIs were observed in individuals aged 18-64 years. The rate of serious adverse reactions was lower in both countries than the international average. However, Naples reported a higher incidence of serious events per 100,000 inhabitants. Discussion The study sheds light on the importance of vaccine safety profiling and the significance of a comprehensive understanding of vaccine safety and effectiveness, specific population data, and collaborative strategies to mitigate and improve safety. Additionally, the study highlighted the significance of considering sex and gender when evaluating vaccine safety and efficacy, as sex-specific differences may impact vaccine outcomes. Conclusion Continuous pharmacovigilance efforts, collaborative approaches, and comprehensive data analysis are critical in ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy and safeguarding global public health. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the importance of proactive measures in addressing emerging challenges in vaccine safety and rollout programs worldwide.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of end-organ damage in hypertensive patients attending an outpatient consultation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were selected from an outpatient consultation at a tertiary hospital care center. All patients who consulted between July 2022 and March 2023 were included. Data on demographic characteristics, blood pressure records, hypertension etiology, medication use, and the presence of target organ damage were collected. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were included in the study, with 34 patients being male (46.6%) and 39 patients being female (53.4%). The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years. Among the cases of hypertension, 14 (19.2%) were classified as secondary arterial hypertension (AH). The most common cause of secondary AH was obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (42.9%). Approximately 23.2% of patients had documented end-organ damage potentially related to hypertension, with kidney disease being the most frequent (n = 10, 13.7%). The most commonly prescribed pharmacological classes were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (n = 46, 63%). CONCLUSION: Despite numerous studies and trials on arterial hypertension, it remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, necessitating the continued awareness of its long-term implications.

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Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) is a global concern due to the uptrend in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The authors add to the current literature by reporting a case of a 61-year-old man with recent travel to Haiti. His past medical history include hepatitis C virus treated in 2021 with a sustained virologic response (SVR). He presented with profound weakness and abnormal liver transaminases in the thousands. It was initially unclear what the etiology of the patient's hepatocellular necrosis was, however, the level of abnormality was most consistent with either toxic metabolic injury or vascular ischemic injury. We initiated N-acetylcysteine and vitamin K and had a positive outcome. Upon further questioning, he admitted to consuming an herbal product cleansing tea called "asowosi" in large quantities. We searched the botanical name of the extract and found the active ingredient was Momordica charantia. The team utilized the updated Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM), and the results demonstrated a highly probable relationship with M. charantia.

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There are many approaches to changing a community to ensure it serves the people's fundamental needs. For example, enabling equitable access to critical aspects of the community, such as quality healthcare, high-quality education, and job training, is vital for promoting community safety through enhancing tolerance and respect for diversity. However, creating a community that serves the fundamental needs of the people demands a substantive investment of effort. Understanding the nature of these efforts requires discussion of community engagement, examining community networks and their role in fostering cooperative action, enhancing public safety, and identifying the structures of involvement and pertinent routes for developing community land. Understanding such efforts entails knowing the issues related to gentrification and disbandment. These hands-on possibilities can help avert the possibility of people being pushed out of their community settings. These insights further shed light on how the family unit and larger community are able to create collective unity and foster each member's responsibility in community service provision that promotes community integration. Examining how violence and other factors affect a community's collective power is necessary to determine how a community can avoid such violence and encourage positive changes at the individual and family levels to promote community cooperation and safety. Essentially, changing a community can yield significant improvements in public health. Addressing factors such as access to nutritious food, healthcare, physical activity, and social amenities and fostering social cohesion through community engagement can collectively contribute to reducing the burden of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being. This review provides insight into crucial issues that have long plagued the societal disconnect between the local community and the leadership, policymakers, or other authoritative institutions that govern them, thus affecting the implementation of strategic social and public health initiatives. We will also explore strategies to mitigate these potential pitfalls.

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Given the recent outbreaks of the Marburg (MARV) virus within the first quarter of the year 2023, interest in the MARV virus has been re-ignited given its shared phylogeny with the dreadful Ebola virus. This relation gives some insight into its virulence, associated morbidities, and mortality rates. The first outbreak of MARV recorded was in Germany, in 1967, of which seven died out of 31 reported cases. Ever since, subsequent cases have been reported all over Africa, a continent replete with failing healthcare systems.  This reality impresses a need for a contemporary and concise revision of the MARV virus existing publications especially in the areas of vaccine research. A functional MARV vaccine will serve as a panacea to ailing communities within the African healthcare landscape.  The objective of this scoping review is to provide pertinent information relating to MARV vaccine research beginning with an outline of MARV's pathology and pathogenesis in addition to the related morbidities, existing therapies, established outbreak protocols as well as areas of opportunities.

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Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus named monkeypox virus. The virus was identified in 1958, while the first human monkeypox case was discovered in 1970. Monkeypox caused a wide outbreak that was considered a global health emergency in July 2022. Monkeypox is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the lesions and respiratory droplets. Animals can also transmit the disease if contacted without protection or if their products are consumed without proper processing. The disease presents as a prodromal period followed by the appearance of a rash filled with exudate. The rash appears initially on the face and then spreads to involve the genital area and the anus. Typically, the disease is mild and resolves spontaneously, but antiviral therapy with tecovirimat might be required. Monkeypox can be controlled by avoiding contact with the cases and vaccinating those at high risk for acquiring the infection and those at high risk for developing severe illness (immune deficient individuals, pregnant women, and children). Our review aims to comprehensively review the current literature regarding Monkeypox, including modes of transmission, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, preventive measures, and epidemiology.

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Introduction Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common global food additive in processed foods, influences flavors and textures due to its chemical complexity and nutritional intricacy. Despite an annual production of 1.9 million tons and historical safety concerns, the multifaceted impact on health, ranging from metabolic disorders to neurological and cardiovascular implications, necessitates ongoing research for informed consumption and balanced dietary practices. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study investigates MSG-associated intricacies among Saudi Arabia's urban population. The research included questionnaire development, translation, and cultural adaptation, and was validated by nutrition experts. A sample size of 420 was calculated for a 95% confidence level. Data collection occurred from September 13 to October 31, 2023, and ethical considerations were ensured. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, regression analysis, and SPSS, explored intricacy relationships. Results The MSG intricacy study in Saudi Arabia's urban population, involving 420 respondents, showed statistically significant correlations (P < 0.05) in demographics. The key findings indicate an awareness of the impact of MSG on health, its associations with various conditions, and strong support for its exclusion from foods. Region, gender, age, and social status correlations highlighted diverse perspectives. The Western province showed the highest response rate at 42.61%, prompting regional awareness questions. Gender dynamics showed that 90.47% of the respondents were females, emphasizing potential gender-specific concerns. Concentration among ages 20-30 (61.9%) underscored generational factors. While commendable baseline awareness was noted, 73.09% of the participants believing MSG is harmful prompts further investigation. Emotional responses, including happiness (25.95%) and frustration (18.33%), highlight the complexity of the individuals' experiences, emphasizing the need for tailored communication strategies. Conclusion The MSG intricacy study in Saudi Arabia's urban population reveals insights into knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, emphasizing the need for nuanced interventions considering regional and emotional differences. The findings underscore health concerns, supporting regulations, and knowledge impact on behavior. This survey serves as a valuable tool for informed public discourse and decision-making in the unique socio-cultural context of urban Saudi Arabia.

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OBJECTIVE:  The objective of this study was to evaluate the awareness and practice of Najran University students toward common problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. METHODS:  A cross-sectional study was utilized in this research, employing data from a sample of 429 students at Najran University. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and ensured anonymity. The questionnaire used in this study had been previously validated. RESULTS:  The sample for the current study primarily consisted of students aged more than 20 years (84.1%; n = 361), with a predominance of females (69.0%; n = 296). The majority of them were in health colleges (45.2%; n=194). The study results show that 37.8% (n = 162) had a good knowledge level, while 62.2% (n = 267) had poor knowledge about problems related to ENT. The vast majority, 87.2% (n = 374), believed that going to the hospital was the appropriate action to take in cases of acute ENT problems. The results established a statistically significant association between age, gender, health college, college, and department with p-values <0.005 (0.002*, 0.001*, 0.003*, and 0.005*), respectively, and the level of knowledge about problems related to ENT. There was no statistically significant association between nationality, clinical history of the participants, and the level of knowledge about problems related to ENT (p > 0.005). CONCLUSION:  The study revealed that 37.8% of the participants had good knowledge about problems related to the ears, nose, and throat. The participants older than 20 years had better knowledge of common ENT problems than those younger than 20 years. Female participants showed a higher level of knowledge and awareness of problems related to the ears, nose, and throat. The study noted that the participants in Health College, the faculty of medicine, and the third academic level had good knowledge about problems related to ENT. The study established that going to the hospital was the appropriate action to be taken in case of a sudden ENT problem. Therefore, we recommend concerted efforts be made among the medical community to increase knowledge about common ENT problems.

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Schools are a place for learning and education, and in a learning environment, everyone should feel safe. Gun violence is a serious concern for students and teachers alike in a school setting. There may be a multifaceted explanation for why a student would be carrying a firearm or any other weapon in school. Our research explores the association between being a victim of bullying and carrying a firearm. The national Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey was utilized to assess the increased incidents of bully victims carrying firearms. Several efforts, including the passing of laws, have been made to prevent the carrying of firearms. However, additional attempts must be made to reduce bullying in schools as well, so that students do not feel the need to carry a weapon, and schools can be a safe environment for everyone.

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In December 2019, the first case of a novel coronavirus infectious disease, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was identified in the province of Wuhan, China. Since the initial identification on March 11, 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 had rapidly spread all over the world, leading to the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic. In response to the exponential trend of reported confirmed cases, national governments worked quickly to devise plans to combat the spread and to soften the consequences which were to follow. Two primary approaches included limiting the spread of the virus and increasing hospital capacity. The implementation of these strategies, however, varied greatly among different governments and their respective populations. Countries developed similar guidelines in response to COVID-19, but with a variation. Many of these guidelines were similar in that they fell under the same general topics such as the use of facial masks, social distancing, and online learning. The effect of COVID-19 on public health was more reliant on the implementation of these recommendations rather than the recommendations themselves.  The medical therapies used to treat the widespread COVID-19 disease are flourishing and evolving rapidly. Ongoing research shows that the spectrum of treatment for COVID-19 varies from pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions. Some of the treatments that are being used in clinical practice include supportive care, antiviral drugs, immunomodulatory agents, convalescent plasma transfusion, and monoclonal antibody treatments. In addition, the most promising approach thus far is the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and most recently Johnson & Johnson. Overall, as various treatment approaches are being explored and administered to people globally, it is important to acknowledge that there is currently no definite cure or any evidence-based treatment for COVID-19.  COVID-19 infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have brought devastating consequences to the lives of millions of people through their health effects and the failure of global initiatives to contain it. A review of many missteps that potentially could have altered the landscape for this virus to affect the lives of many is discussed with hope for a better approach going forward.

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Breakthrough cases of COVID-19 infections in fully vaccinated patients are rising. The number of patients requiring supplemental oxygen and airway management, along with multiple therapies, including remdesivir, baricitinib, steroids, and antibiotics, is more than ever among the vaccinated group. Despite being fully vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 earlier this year, some are getting hospitalized for COVID-19 possibly due to waning immunity. Few such patients decline for the worse requiring intubation as they have not received the SARS-CoV-2 booster dose yet. This case report showcases four fully vaccinated patients who get hospitalized for COVID-19.

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Like many other countries at the moment, the United Kingdom (UK) is currently under national lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An unfortunate consequence of such social isolation measures is that patients with genuine acute medical emergencies may not present to a hospital in a timely manner. We present such a scenario, whereby a patient had a delayed presentation of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to fear of breaching COVID-19 lockdown rules. As a result of the patient presenting well outside the optimal treatment window, her STEMI was complicated by a severe ventricular septal defect (VSD). We discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the nature and management of STEMIs and associated issues.

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Frequent inspections are essential for drains to maintain proper function to ensure public health and safety. Robots have been developed to aid the drain inspection process. However, existing robots designed for drain inspection require improvements in their design and autonomy. This paper proposes a novel design of a drain inspection robot named Raptor. The robot has been designed with a manually reconfigurable wheel axle mechanism, which allows the change of ground clearance height. Design aspects of the robot, such as mechanical design, control architecture and autonomy functions, are comprehensively described in the paper, and insights are included. Maintaining the robot's position in the middle of a drain when moving along the drain is essential for the inspection process. Thus, a fuzzy logic controller has been introduced to the robot to cater to this demand. Experiments have been conducted by deploying a prototype of the design to drain environments considering a set of diverse test scenarios. Experiment results show that the proposed controller effectively maintains the robot in the middle of a drain while moving along the drain. Therefore, the proposed robot design and the controller would be helpful in improving the productivity of robot-aided inspection of drains.

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