Population Characteristics Research Articles

Koala density, habitat, conservation, and response to logging in eucalyptus forest; a review and critical evaluation of call monitoring

ABSTRACT This study is the second in a series that examines the habitat requirements and response to logging of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) inhabiting tall eucalypt forests of north-east NSW. It presents the findings of koala population and habitat monitoring surveys in Pine Creek State Forest and Bongil Bongil National Park using a combination of call-counting and direct observation (spotlighting). The 6400 ha study area was mapped into 6 zones of increasing koala habitat quality by ground survey of forest structure and floristics on a 200 m grid. The accuracy of habitat definition and mapping was tested by stratified transect counts of koala calls and sightings over two consecutive years (1997–98). Average koala density increased steeply and significantly, from 0.02 – 0.20 koalas/hectare, with increasing mapped habitat quality based on increasing forest age, structural complexity, local food tree species diversity, history of prior koala occurrence and decreased past logging intensity. This relationship was driven primarily by breeding females, with the number of male koala calls weakly or uncorrelated with koala sightings and mapped habitat quality. Male koalas were more widely and uniformly distributed than females, including areas of low quality, plantation, and intensively logged forest. This finding explains the discrepancy between our results and those of other recent studies which concluded that koalas are tolerant of intensive logging based on modelling of calling male koalas and reliance on an untested assumption that male calling is indicative of female breeding success. Koala density in a subset of the highest quality habitat was relatively stable at 0.28 koalas/ha (3 hectares/koala) over the long term (1997–98 and 2012–2023). Key characteristics of the forest koala population, including low stable density, large home ranges, preference for high food tree diversity and locally unique food trees (including Allocasuarina torulosa and Syncarpia glomulifera), are not adequately explained by existing koala habitat models. We present a new paradigm to explain regional variation in koala distribution, habitat and foraging preferences based on variations in foliage chemistry (toxicity and nutritional value) determined by the duration and stability of local plant-koala interactions in response to past fire, hunting, predation and logging disturbance history. We hypothesize that koala density in stable forest populations is regulated at low levels by a combination of selected and induced increases in leaf toxicity and decreases in leaf nutrition that limit koala browsing to benign levels of about 1-2% of annual leaf production. Large home ranges, complex mature forest structure, high food tree diversity and a specialized or diverse gut microbiome may be essential to allow females to rotate and change food trees frequently to minimize induced toxicity and select individual leaves with sufficient nutrients to support breeding and lactation with minimal risk of predation. High density koala populations (> 0.6/ha) occur primarily in areas where koalas have been introduced or re-introduced to planted habitats and natural areas where aboriginal hunters and dingoes were historically present but are now absent, and where food trees have not been selected for resistance to koala browsing pressure.

Association between depression and infertility risk among American women aged 18–45 years: the mediating effect of the NHHR

Background/ObjectiveDepression and infertility are major medical and social problems. The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) serves as an innovative and reliable lipid marker for cardiovascular disease risk assessment. Previous research has indicated a potential correlation among lipid metabolism, depression, and infertility. Nonetheless, the exact involvement of lipid metabolism in modulating the pathological mechanisms associated with depression-induced infertility remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the connection between depression and infertility and to assess whether the NHHR mediates this association.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was performed utilizing data from there cycles (2013–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Female infertility was assessed according to the responses to the RHQ074 question in the reproductive health questionnaire module. Depression states were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and classified into three grades based on the total scores: no depression (0–4 points), minimal-to-mild depression (5–9 points) and moderate-to-severe depression (10 or more points). The NHHR was calculated from laboratory cholesterol test results. Baseline population characteristics were compared, and subgroup analyses were carried out based on the stratification of age and body mass index (BMI). Weighted multivariable logistic regression and linear regression models, with adjustments for various covariables, were employed to examine the associations among depression, infertility and the NHHR. Finally, mediation analysis was utilized to explore the NHHR's potential mediating role in depression states and female infertility.ResultsWithin this cross-sectional study, 2,668 women aged 18 to 45 years residing in the United States were recruited, 305 (11.43%) of whom experienced infertility. The study revealed a markedly higher prevalence of depression (P = 0.040) and elevated NHHR (P < 0.001) among infertile women compared to the control cohort. Furthermore, moderate-to-severe depression states independently correlated with increased infertility risk, irrespective of adjustments for various covariables. Subgroup analysis indicated a positive association between depression and infertility risk within certain age categories, although no such relationship was observed within subgroups stratified by BMI. The findings from the weighted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the elevated NHHR is positively associated with heightened infertility risk. Additionally, the weighted linear regression analysis indicated that moderate-to-severe depression is positively linked to the NHHR levels as well. Finally, the association between depression states and female infertility was partially mediated by the NHHR, with the mediation proportion estimated at 6.57%.ConclusionIn the United States, depression is strongly correlated with an increased likelihood of infertility among women of childbearing age, with evidence suggesting that this relationship is mediated by the NHHR. Subsequent research efforts should further explore the underlying mechanisms connecting depression and infertility.

Ecological determinants of occupancy of golden langur Trachypithecus geei and its population characteristics in India

Habitat loss and fragmentation significantly contribute to the population decline of endangered species and pose conservation challenges. The canopy-living primates are highly susceptible to such habitat loss or fragmentation. Golden langur is one such primate with limited occupancy. In the present study, we aimed to identify factors influencing the occurrence of the endangered golden langur which is confined to a narrow region of north-western Assam, India, and its population characteristics using an occupancy framework. Ten teams of 4–5 people walked 1772.11 km in 1363 grid cells of 50 ha in size. We constructed detection histories of the species for each grid from three replications. We obtained 740 detections of golden langurs and estimated the probability of occupancy to be 0.57 ± 0.04SE in Manas Biosphere Reserve (BR) and 0.69 ± 0.08SE in the southern fragments. The moist deciduous forests positively and rainfall negatively influenced the occupancy probability in Manas BR, while forest cover and canopy height positively influenced the occupancy of golden langurs in the southern fragments. The encounter rate of golden langur in Manas BR was 0.37 groups/km and 0.67 groups/km in the southern fragments. The mean group size of the multi-male multi-female groups was 11± 4 SD (10.71± 4.72 SD in Manas BR and 10.60 ± 3.81 SD in the southern fragments). The mean group size and composition did not vary between the two areas indicating the ability of the species to adapt to changing habitat conditions. Fragment size did not show any relation between the percent grid cells with the langur occurrence, encounter rate, and mean group size. The unique langur group count was multiplied by the mean group size and calculated the minimum population size of golden langurs in India to be 7396 langurs. Since golden langur is highly folivorous, their persistence depends on the availability of suitable habitats, thus, the management of moist deciduous forests and contiguity of the canopy is crucial to ensure their survival.

The Impact of Technology on People's Behavior

This research aims to find out how digital public behavior and lifestyles in using digital media in society. The aspects examined in this research are convenience, consumptiveness, technological failure, and practicality in a digital society. This research uses a qualitative approach method. The qualitative descriptive research method in this research is a method that aims to explain or describe problems systematically, factually and accurately regarding the facts and characteristics of a particular population or area. The research results show that the development of digital technology has brought about major changes in social interactions and the way we communicate. Today's digital society is increasingly connected, with widespread access to information and social networks. However, there are also emerging challenges, such as privacy issues and anxiety related to social media use. Furthermore, this research concludes that a deep understanding of the impact of digital society needs to be developed, both for individuals and society at large, to ensure the healthy and productive use of digital technology.

Range of Terrain Suitability for the Development of the Aladi Tulabolo Road Network Gorontalo Province

This research aims to identify, analyze and develop a road route development model based on terrain suitability to establish a new road network connecting Aladi with Tulabolo, Bone Bolango Regency in Gorontalo Province. A GIS-based spatial approach is used to describe and measure terrain suitability. Based on the characteristics of the research object, survey methods are used; based on population characteristics, stratified proportional sampling is used as the mapping unit; and based on its relationship to analysis, scoring-based quantitative and qualitative methods are used. The research results show that (1) the characteristics of the distribution of terrain suitability for the development of the road network in the research area are based on the parameters that make up terrain units such as landform units, slope, rock type and soil type, resulting in zoning with 5 (five) levels of suitability. The five levels of suitability are S1 suitability (high suitability), S2 suitability (medium suitability), N1 suitability (temporarily not suitable), and N2 suitability (permanently not eligible). (2) The distribution of terrain suitability classes for developing the dominant road network for the Aladi-Tulabolo area is in suitability class S2 (medium suitability), covering an area of 99.25 km2 . (3) The road route development model based on the suitability of the terrain in the research area is formed with the formulation Terrain Unit (SM) = f (bl, kl, jb, jt), where bl = landform, kl = slope, jb = rock type, and jt = soil type

The hospitalization burden of inflammatory bowel disease in a southwestern highland region of China: a territory-wide study from 2015 to 2020.

Yunnan, a southwest highland and newly industrialized region of China, has an unknown hospitalization burden of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study was conducted to explore territorial hospitalization burden of IBD. The formatted medical records of patients with IBD were collected from a territory-wide database in Yunnan Province, China, from 2015 to 2020. General characteristics of the study population were reported using descriptive statistics. To evaluate the length of stay, hospitalization costs, surgery, complications, and trends in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The logistic regression analysis was established to explore the factors affecting the hospitalization costs. A total of 12,174 records from 8192 patients were included. The annual hospitalization cost of IBD in Yunnan Province increased significantly from 2015 to 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the regional hospitalization burden of IBD increased, but it represented a decline in cost per hospitalization (r = -0.024, P = 0.008) and the length of stay (r = -0.098, P < 0.001). Surgery rates for hospitalized patients with Crohn's disease (CD) did not decrease (r = -0.002, P = 0.932), and even increased for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) (r = 0.03, P = 0.002). The costs per hospitalization were $ 827.49 (540.11-1295.50) for UC and $ 1057.03 (644.26-1888.78) for CD. Among the identifiable cost items during the period, drug costs accounted for the highest proportion, accounting for 33% and 37.30% in patients with UC and CD, respectively. Surgical intervention [OR 4.87 (3.75-6.31), P < 0.001], comorbidities [OR 1.72 (1.52-1.94), P < 0.001], complications [OR 1.53 (1.32-1.78), P < 0.001], and endoscopy [OR 2.06 (1.86-2.28), P < 0.001] were predictor of high hospitalization costs. The increasing burden of IBD is noteworthy a newly industrialized region of China. Interventions targeting surgery, complications, and comorbidities may be effective means of controlling the increasing hospitalization costs of IBD in the regions.

Challenges in prompt identification and surgical correction of Marfan Syndrome aortic disease in a middle-income country: a case series study

BackgroundMarfan Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease caused by pathogenetic variants in the FBN1 gene. The progressive dilatation of the aorta and the potential risk of acute aortic syndromes influence the prognosis of these patients. We aim to describe population characteristics, long-term survival, and re-intervention patterns in patients who underwent aortic surgery with a previously confirmed clinical diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome in a middle-income country.MethodsA retrospective single-center case series study was conducted. All Marfan Syndrome patients who underwent aortic procedures from 2004 until 2021 were included. Qualitative variables were frequency-presented, while quantitative ones adopted mean ± standard deviation. A subgroup analysis between elective and emergent procedures was conducted. Kaplan-Meier plots depicted cumulative survival and re-intervention-free. Control appointments and government data tracked out-of-hospital mortality.ResultsFifty patients were identified. The mean age was 38.79 ± 14.41 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Common comorbidities included aortic valve regurgitation (66%) and hypertension (50%). Aortic aneurysms were observed in 64% without dissection and 36% with dissection. Surgical procedures comprised elective (52%) and emergent cases (48%). The most common surgery performed was the David procedure (64%), and the Bentall procedure (14%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4%. Complications included stroke (10%), and acute kidney injury (6%). The average follow-up was 8.88 ± 5.78 years. Survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 89%, 73%, and 68%, respectively. Reintervention rates at 1, 2.5, and 5 years were 10%, 14%, and 17%, respectively. The emergent subgroup was younger (37.58 ± 14.49 years), had the largest number of Stanford A aortic dissections, presented hemodynamic instability (41.67%), and had a higher requirement of reinterventions in the first 5 years of follow-up (p = 0.030).ConclusionIn our study, surveillance programs played a pivotal role in sustaining high survival rates and identifying re-intervention requirements. However, challenges persist, as 48% of the patients required emergent surgery. Despite not affecting survival rates, a greater requirement for reinterventions was observed, emphasizing the necessity of timely diagnosis. Enhanced educational initiatives for healthcare providers and increased patient involvement in follow-up programs are imperative to address these concerns.

Cognitive Impairment and Mortality after Hospitalization for Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Introduction Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) affects approximately 1.5 million patients annually in the United States, leading to significant acute and long-term clinical outcomes. CAP is increasingly recognized as a multisystemic disease with potential sequelae affecting various organ systems, including the neurologic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and renal systems. The primary objective of this study is to review literature on long-term cognitive impairment, dementia, and decreased survival following CAP hospitalization. Additionally, the potential role of the gut-lung-brain axis in the pathogenesis of these outcomes is explored. Methods A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on studies that examined cognitive impairment, dementia, and mortality in patients hospitalized for CAP. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of medical databases, and data were extracted on study design, population characteristics, cognitive assessments, and outcomes. The review also incorporated mechanistic insights into the gut-lung-brain axis to hypothesize its role in the long-term sequelae of CAP. Results The review identified multiple studies demonstrating an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia following CAP hospitalization. Patients hospitalized for CAP had a 1.5 to 2.5 times higher risk of developing cognitive deficits compared to controls. This cognitive decline was not limited to elderly patients but spanned all adult age groups. Furthermore, CAP was associated with a significant reduction in life expectancy. Patients discharged after CAP hospitalization reached 50% mortality within three years, compared to seven years for those hospitalized for other reasons. The most pronounced decrease in survival was observed in CAP patients requiring ICU admission and immunocompromised patients. Conclusion CAP is associated with significant long-term cognitive impairment and decreased survival. The proposed gut-lung-brain axis mechanism suggests that CAP-related dysbiosis leads to chronic systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to cognitive decline and increased mortality. Understanding the role of this axis may offer new therapeutic strategies for managing the long-term neurological consequences of CAP. Future research should focus on high-risk populations to develop targeted interventions aimed at mitigating these severe outcomes.

Exploring Methodological Considerations: A Literature Review on How Lighting Affects the Sleep and Cognition in Healthy Older Adults

The impacts of lighting conditions on human circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and cognitive performance have been extensively investigated in the past two decades; however, these studies have yielded inconclusive and variable outcomes. For older adults who are at a higher risk of developing serious physiological and mental illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, light therapy has emerged as a low-risk intervention to improve sleep quality and cognitive function. Nevertheless, the optimal methodology for evaluating the efficacy of light therapy in older adults remains unclear. This review has been conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and critically analyzes methodologies in previous studies on lighting's impact on sleep and cognitive performance in healthy older adults, focusing on how these approaches affect the findings. The review is structured into six domains: study setting and type, participant characteristics, lighting conditions, study design, sleep quality evaluation methods, and cognitive performance evaluation methods. Diverse study designs, methods, and population characteristics have influenced the outcomes. Bright light, applied from early morning to early evening, has been shown to enhance sleep and cognitive functions, notably working memory and concentration. It also benefits from dawn simulation throughout the day, which regulates circadian rhythms and improves sleep quality, although the ideal timing is yet to be determined. Intense short-wavelength lights and strong placebo conditions can counteract these positive effects, and using bright light in the evening may impair sleep and indirectly worsen cognitive performance in older adults. Further real-world experimental studies on this demographic, meticulous study designs, a combination of objective and subjective evaluation methods, and comprehensive reporting of lighting interventions are crucial for identifying the optimal lighting design approach for this population.

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 in Northern Italy: A Spatiotemporal Model.

The study investigated the application of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) as a tool for monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in a city in northern Italy from October 2021 to May 2023. Based on a previously used deterministic model, this study proposed a variation to account for the population characteristics and virus biodegradation in the sewer network. The model calculated virus loads and corresponding COVID-19 cases over time in different areas of the city and was validated using healthcare data while considering viral mutations, vaccinations, and testing variability. The correlation between the predicted and reported cases was high across the three waves that occurred during the period considered, demonstrating the ability of the model to predict the relevant fluctuations in the number of cases. The population characteristics did not substantially influence the predicted and reported infection rates. Conversely, biodegradation significantly reduced the virus load reaching the wastewater treatment plant, resulting in a 30% reduction in the total virus load produced in the study area. This approach can be applied to compare the virus load values across cities with different population demographics and sewer network structures, improving the comparability of the WBE data for effective surveillance and intervention strategies.

Safety of an anchor-based device for sacrospinous ligament fixation: A pilot case-control study

Introduction and hypothesisSacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) is a popular surgical technique for treating apical prolapse. The use of suture-capturing devices (SCD), or the more recently introduced anchor-based device (ABD), is useful for a posterior approach but essential for an anterior one. The aim of our study was to assess the safety of the ABD, which was recently introduced to our unit, compared to the traditionally used SCD. MethodsThis was a pilot case-control study of 40 patients who had a SSLF, 20 of these represented all the patients who had the procedure with the aid of the ABD and 20 patients who had the procedure using the SCD over approximately the same duration. The main safety endpoints of this pilot study were patient reported postoperative pain scores and perioperative complications rate. ResultsThe population characteristics were similar. The mean postoperative pain scores differed significantly only on postoperative day 1 in favor of the suture capturing device (3.40 [2.60] vs 1.60 [1.64], p = 0.013). The mean highest pain score was similar in both groups. Peri-operative complications rates were low and comparable between both groups. According to POPQ at 6 weeks follow-up the median Ba point was higher in the ABD group and this difference was significant (−3.00 [-3.00; −2.25] vs. −2.00 [-3.00; −1.50]; p = 0.03). ConclusionThe anchor-based device for sacrospinal ligament fixation seems to have comparable safety profile to the traditionally used suture capturing devices.

Gender-transformative school-based sexual health intervention: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is general agreement that sexuality is a central aspect of human development; it is key in sexual health and reproductive education during adolescence. However, in spite of the existing interventions on this topic and the evidence generated, the inclusion of a gender focus in sexuality is relatively recent and there is little evidence available, thus structured and corroborated interventions with a gender-transforming perspective in sexuality are required.MethodsWe will use a mixed method experimental design with a parallel cluster-randomized trial (GRTs) that will evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive gender-transformative intervention of sexual education (ENFOCATE -Focus-on-), which will be complemented with qualitative studies to understand the implementation process. The participants will be 609 10th and 11th-grade students. The randomization will be by grade, and the data will be collected at three moments (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and a 3-month follow-up).DiscussionComprehensive, gender-focused, and culturally pertinent interventions in sexuality are needed for adolescents of countries with high, middle, and low incomes. These produce better results in terms of sexual health, and including a gender-transformative focus contributes to equity in health. Focus-on is unique since it uses a comprehensive gender-transformative intervention in sexual education that will allow putting into practice a program based both on international evidence and that which arises from the object population. It also uses a culturally-sensitive focus, since it is designed based on the characteristics of the object population; it will allow adapting some activities to the needs of the context in which it is developed.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered on June 6, 2023, at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05896540. Protocol version number 1.0. May 22, 2023.

Acceptability of virtual reality to screen for dementia in older adults

BackgroundEarly detection of dementia and cognitive decline is crucial for effective interventions and overall wellbeing. Although virtual reality (VR) tools offer potential advantages to traditional dementia screening tools, there is a lack of knowledge regarding older adults’ acceptance of VR tools, as well as the predictors and features influencing their adoption. This study aims to (i) explore older adults’ perceptions of the acceptability and usefulness of VR diagnostic tools for dementia, and (ii) identify demographic predictors of adoption and features of VR applications that contribute to future adoption among older adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving community-dwelling older adults who completed online questionnaires covering demographics, medical history, technology acceptance, previous usage, and perceived usefulness and barriers to VR adoption. Multiple linear regression was employed to assess relationships between sociodemographic factors, prior technology use, perceived ease, usefulness, and intention to adopt VR-based diagnostic tools.ResultsOlder adults (N = 77, Mage = 73.74, SD = 6.4) were predominantly female and born in English-speaking countries. Perceived usefulness of VR applications and educational attainment emerged as significant predictors of the likelihood to use VR applications for dementia screening. Generally, older adults showed acceptance of VR applications for healthcare and dementia screening. Fully immersive applications were preferred, and older adults were mostly willing to share electronic information from screening with their healthcare providers.ConclusionsThe field of research on VR applications in healthcare is expanding. Understanding the demographic characteristics of populations that stand to benefit from healthcare innovations is critical for promoting adoption of digital health technologies and mitigating its barriers to access.

Assessment of geographical location and population characteristics of Thu Dau Mot city in the past and presente

Assessment of geographical location and population characteristics of Thu Dau Mot city in the past and presente

Enhanced Timeliness and Co-Administration of Meningitis B Vaccination in Children: Impact of Funding in Valencian Community, Spain.

Public funding of vaccines may enhance vaccination rates, co-administration, and timeliness. The impacts of including the serogroup B meningococcus vaccine (MenB) into the national immunisation schedule on vaccination rates, co-administration rates, and timeliness were assessed using a population-based pre-funding (2022) and post-funding (2023) study design. MenB vaccination rates improved after funding and were in line with previously funded vaccines. Co-administration rates also increased significantly. Timely administration increased, protecting children at an early age. Public funding has a positive impact on vaccine accessibility and early protection. Consistent population characteristics highlight the role of funding.

Access to Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing and Mortality Among Men With Prostate Cancer

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer is controversial but may be associated with benefit for certain high-risk groups. To evaluate associations of county-level PSA screening prevalence with prostate cancer outcomes, as well as variation by sociodemographic and clinical factors. This cohort study used data from cancer registries based in 8 US states on Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White men aged 40 to 99 years who received a diagnosis of prostate cancer between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015. Participants were followed up until death or censored after 10 years or December 31, 2018, whichever end point came first. Data were analyzed between September 2023 and January 2024. County-level PSA screening prevalence was estimated using the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data from 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012 and weighted by population characteristics. Multivariable logistic, Cox proportional hazards regression, and competing risks models were fit to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) for associations of county-level PSA screening prevalence at diagnosis with advanced stage (regional or distant), as well as all-cause and prostate cancer-specific survival. Of 814 987 men with prostate cancer, the mean (SD) age was 67.3 (9.8) years, 7.8% were Hispanic, 12.2% were non-Hispanic Black, and 80.0% were non-Hispanic White; 17.0% had advanced disease. There were 247 570 deaths over 5 716 703 person-years of follow-up. Men in the highest compared with lowest quintile of county-level PSA screening prevalence at diagnosis had lower odds of advanced vs localized stage (AOR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.85-0.88), lower all-cause mortality (AHR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.85-0.87), and lower prostate cancer-specific mortality (AHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.81-0.85). Inverse associations between PSA screening prevalence and advanced cancer were strongest among men of Hispanic ethnicity vs other ethnicities (AOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.78-0.87), older vs younger men (aged ≥70 years: AOR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.75-0.79), and those in the Northeast vs other US Census regions (AOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.79-0.84). Inverse associations with all-cause mortality were strongest among men of Hispanic ethnicity vs other ethnicities (AHR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.78-0.85), younger vs older men (AHR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.77-0.85), those with advanced vs localized disease (AHR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.78-0.82), and those in the West vs other US Census regions (AHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87-0.90). This population-based cohort study of men with prostate cancer suggests that higher county-level prevalence of PSA screening was associated with lower odds of advanced disease, all-cause mortality, and prostate cancer-specific mortality. Associations varied by age, race and ethnicity, and US Census region.

Study of Factors Influencing the Intestinal Microbiota in Children from 0 to 3 Months at the Mother and Child Hospital of Bingerville, Ivory Coast during 2023

Introduction: Every human being builds a symbiosis with a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms: the intestinal microbiota. Its establishment, maturity, and composition evolving throughout life are dynamic processes influenced during their establishment by various factors such as gestational age, birth and feeding modalities, environment, and antibiotic use. The aim of this article is to identify the epidemiological characteristics (factors influencing the establishment and development of the intestinal microbiota) of populations of children from 0 to 3 months studied at the Mother and Child Hospital of Bingerville. Methods: A longitudinal and prospective birth cohort of populations of children from Day 0 to Month 3 was conducted. Epidemiological data were collected from the mother after signing the informed consent form. Data collection tools included the survey form, information sheet, and informed consent form. Statistical analyses were performed using XLSTAT software version 2018. Chi-square test (significance test) was used on variables such as sex and gestational age, mode of delivery, gestational age and birth mode, and birth weight. Results: A total of 52 infants were included. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of these newborns and their mothers were examined. Analysis of birth weight distribution according to mode of delivery and feeding mode did not reveal any significant association. Each studied characteristic was then discussed. Conclusion: The objective of the study has been achieved. However, further research is needed to obtain more generalizable results.

Increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in female patients with overactive bladder: A population-based study.

To assess the association between overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). A population-based study was conducted to compare OAB patients with age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched control subjects regarding the prevalence of the parameters of the MetS, with respect to obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The characteristics of the OAB population were assessed. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated by logistic regression. 110 024 OAB patients and 220 455 controls. were identified. OAB was associated with a higher prevalence of MetS (35.4% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001). The fully adjusted OR for MetS in patients with OAB compared to controls was 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-1.46; p < 0.001. Among metabolic parameters, obesity was found to be the strongest factor associated with OAB (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.53-1.58, p < 0.001), and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterolelevels (>50) had a protective effect on the risk of OAB (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.73-0.76, p < 0.001). Data from this cohort suggest that OAB is positively associated with MetS. Clinicians approaching patients with OAB should be aware of this association. A multimodal treatment focusing on the MetS may be considered in these patients.

Investigation of Variability of Flaw Strength Distributions on Brittle SiC Ceramic

The present paper investigates flaw strength distributions established using various flexural tests on batches of SiC bar test specimens, namely four-point bending as well as three-point bending tests with different span lengths. Flaw strength is provided by the elemental stress operating on the critical flaw at the fracture of a test specimen. Fracture-inducing flaws and their locations are identified using fractography. A single population of pores was found to dominate the fracture. The construction of diagrams of p-quantile vs. elemental strengths was aimed at assessing the Gaussian nature of flaw strengths. Then, empirical cumulative distributions of strengths were constructed using the normal distribution function. The Weibull distributions of strengths are then compared to the normal reference distributions. The parameters of the Weibull cumulative probability distributions are estimated using maximum likelihood and moment methods. The cumulative distributions of flexural strengths for the different bending tests are predicted from the flaw strength density function using the elemental strength model, and from the cumulative distribution of flexural strength using the Weibull function. Flaw strength distributions that include the weaker flaws that are potentially present in larger test pieces are extrapolated using the p-quantile diagrams. Implications are discussed regarding the pertinence of an intrinsically representative flaw strength distribution, considering failure predictions. Finally, the influence of the characteristics of fracture-inducing flaw populations expressed in terms of flaw strength interval, size, dispersion, heterogeneity, and reproducibility with volume change is examined.

Does Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Have Prognostic Significance for Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy?

Patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a chronic kidney disease (CKD), are significantly more likely to have cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity than the general population. The occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic risk factors are independent risk factors for CV disease and renal progression. The purpose of this study was to determine how metabolic characteristics in a homogeneous population of CKD patients relate to prognosis. A total of 145 patients with CKD stages 1-4 diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (92 men and 53 women, aged 54.7 ± 13 years) were examined and monitored for a median of 190 months. All-cause mortality and any CV event, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, revascularization (CV), end-stage renal disease, and renal replacement therapy (renal), have been included in the composite endpoints (CV and renal). Patients with MetS had significantly more primary endpoint events (23/65 patients vs. 15/60 patients, p < 0.001) compared to the non-MetS group. The MetS group had a statistically significant increase in both primary renal and CV endpoints (18/65 vs. 10/60, p = 0.001), and in CV endpoint events (7/65 vs. 6/60, p = 0.029) among the secondary endpoints (CV and renal separately). Based on Cox regression analysis, the main endpoint independent predictors of survival were dyslipidemia, eGFR, hemoglobin, urine albuminuria, and diabetes mellitus. Independent predictors of secondary renal endpoints were dyslipidemia, hemoglobin, urine albumin, and eGFR. Predictors of secondary cardiovascular endpoints were gender, BMI, and diabetes. When Kaplan-Meier curves were analyzed at the combined endpoints (CV and renal) or each endpoint independently, significant differences were seen between MetS and non-MetS. With more MetS components, the primary endpoint rate increased significantly (MetS comp. 0 vs. MetS comp. 2+, primary endpoints, p = 0.012). Our results show that the metabolic profile has a prognostic role not only for renal endpoints but also for CV endpoints in IgAN. BMI, hyperuricemia, hypertension, and diabetes have a predictive value for the prognosis of IgA nephropathy.