Population Characteristics Research Articles

Epidemic characteristics of HIV-infected people among Chinese and Burmese in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, 2000-2023

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics and trends of newly reported HIV-infected people among Chinese and Burmese in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (Dehong Prefecture) of Yunnan Province, China, from 2000 to 2023, and provide evidence for formµlating AIDS prevention and control measures for the Burmese living in Dehong. Methods: The data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The distribution of HIV-infected people with different population characteristics was analyzed, and the Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend of crude detection rate in different genders, ethnicities, and ages. Results: From 2000 to 2023, 24 989 newly HIV infections were reported in Dehong Prefecture, of which 14 594 (58.4%) were Chinese and 10 395 (41.6%) were Burmese. Compared with Chinese, Burmese women (32.9%, 3 416/10 395), those aged 20-29 (40.9%, 4 248/10 395), and Jingpo people (26.7%, 2 773/10 395) accounted for a higher proportion. The new diagnosis rate of Chinese nationals increased from 1.0/10 000 in 2000 to 15.4/10 000 in 2004, and then showed a downward trend, falling to 1.2/10 000 in 2023. Among them, compared with other age groups, Dai and other ethnic groups and women, the new diagnosis rate among 20-49 age group, Jingpo and men were relatively higher, at 1.7/10 000, 2.3/10 000 and 1.3/10 000 respectively. Regarding the method of detection, the Chinese HIV-infected people were mainly detected by key population testing (35.7%), while the Burmese HIV-infected people by key population testing (28.9%) and physical examination for entry-exit personnel (25.3%). The transmission routes of both nationalities were mainly heterosexual transmission, but compared with Chinese HIV-infected persons, the proportion of Burmese infected persons through non-marital non-commercial transmission was relatively higher (66.4% vs. 60.6%). The proportion of Chinese nationals with a first CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts of <200 cells/µl (28.9%) was higher than that of Burmese nationals (19.8%). Conclusions: The rising trend of HIV infection among Chinese and Burmese people in Dehong Prefecture from 2000 to 2023 slowed down. The new diagnosis rate was higher in the 20-49 age group, Jingpo and men. Compared with Burmese HIV-infected people, the proportion of Chinese HIV-infected people with first CD4 counts <200 cells/µl was relatively higher. Comprehensive interventions should be further carried out for Myanmar nationals, and efforts should be made to expand testing for Chinese nationals.

Prevalence of SARS-COV-2 infection and outcomes in Greek sarcoidosis patients.

There is limited data on the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 in sarcoidosis patients and the underlying parameters linked to severity. We aimed to conduct a national multicenter study to explore the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 in sarcoidosis patients and investigate its impact on hospitalization and infection rates, describe the characteristics of the infected population and assess the role of these characteristics in determining the likelihood of infection or hospitalization. We recruited all the adult sarcoidosis patients with who were examined across eight Greek Health Interstitial Lung Disease Referral Centers from the beginning of the pandemic until August 1, 2022. All the data was collected using structured questionnaires. 530 sarcoidosis patients with a mean age of 54±12 years, 60% of whom were females, were recruited. 43% of them were under corticosteroid treatment, and 39% were under additional immunosuppression. 18% of Greek sarcoidosis patients were infected by the virus, which is a lower rate than the general population. The infection was mainly mild. Only one-fifth of the infected sarcoidosis patients required hospitalization, and no deaths or ICU admissions were recorded. Vaccination was found to be associated with a reduced likelihood of infection. Younger age, a longer period since diagnosis, abnormal PET-CT findings, and immunosuppression were associated with an increased probability of infection. The COVID-19 infection rate among Greek sarcoidosis patients was lower than the general population. Fewer than 20% needed hospitalization. There were no deaths or ICU admissions. Vaccination reduces the likelihood of infection. Younger age, longer diagnosis, abnormal PET-CT findings, and immunosuppression increased the chance of infection.

Knowledge and application of assigned staff and Anesthesiology residents of the Vortex model for airway management measured by the CICO preparation survey

Objective: To identify in the Assigned staff and Residents of the Anesthesiology Service of the CMN La Raza Specialty Hospital the knowledge and application of the Vortex tool for airway management through the NVNI preparation survey. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective, single-center and cross-sectional study was carried out, applying surveys via anonymous internet to Resident Doctors of the 3 years of the course and Doctors assigned to the Anesthesiology service. Variables were recorded from population characteristics, knowledge and application of the Vortex tool. The training stage was carried out on the Vortex tool, to repeat the application of the post-training NVNI preparation survey. The information was organized in a database and descriptive statistical analysis was performed by comparing variables. Results: 102 pre-training and 61 post-training surveys were administered. For the post-training survey, there is an increase in the identification of the term NVNI by 22.5%, CICO is recognized by 57.4% of personnel, an increase of 5.9% in the use of the term Emergency frontal neck access, identification of equipment location NVNI rescue rate increased 15.9%. Conclusions: Training personnel in NVNI events is important, since 50.80% of participants know of a case. Knowledge of the Vortex model was increased to 31.10%. There is an area of opportunity for teaching and professional preparation regarding the application of the model.

Comparison of robot-assisted vs. traditional laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: Outcomes and quality of life

Background Pelvic organ prolapse is a prevalent condition affecting women of varying ages and ethnicities globally. The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is substantial, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% of parous women may experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime. Objective This retrospective evaluation aimed to compare the outcomes of robot-assisted sacral colpopexy (RASC) and traditional laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, focusing on surgical outcomes, postoperative pain, quality of life, complications, and recurrence rates. Methods A total of 138 patients treated for pelvic organ prolapse and undergoing sacral colpopexy from December 2021 to December 2023 were included in the study. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the procedure utilized: RASC or LSC. Demographic characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative pain scores, quality of life, complications, and recurrence rates were compared between the two groups. Results The demographic characteristics of the study population demonstrated comparable baseline profiles for the RASC and LSC groups. RASC was associated with shorter surgery duration, lower intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative time for apical prolapse repair, and significantly lower postoperative pain scores at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively compared to LSC. Additionally, patients undergoing RASC demonstrated significantly better quality of life across various domains compared to those undergoing LSC. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of complications between the two groups. Furthermore, the RASC group demonstrated consistently lower recurrence rates at 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively compared to the LSC group. Conclusion Robot-assisted sacral colpopexy offers potential advantages over traditional laparoscopic sacral colpopexy in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, with favorable surgical outcomes, reduced postoperative pain, improved quality of life, comparable complication rates, and lower recurrence rates. These findings support the consideration of RASC as a promising surgical approach for addressing pelvic organ prolapse and provide valuable insights for informing clinical decision-making and refining the approach to pelvic organ prolapse treatment.

Growth hormone treatment in children in Israel: A large-scale retrospective database study.

To evaluate the indications, population characteristics and latency between short stature diagnosis to treatment with recombinant growth hormone (GH) therapy in a large cohort of children in Israel. We performed a retrospective medical chart review of all children treated with GH for conditions associated with short stature in three central districts in Israel from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. Data extracted from the medical files included demographics, time to diagnosis, treatment indications and GH therapy duration. The study group comprised 5148 children aged 1 day to 17 years. A total of 64.1% were diagnosed with idiopathic short stature (ISS), 31.1% with GH deficiency (GHD) and 2.5% with small-for-gestational age (SGA). Males were treated more than females (58.9% vs. 41.1%). The mean age at first documentation of short stature was 6.9 ± 3.5 years. GH therapy was initiated at a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.3 years. A total of 51.2% were of high socio-economic status (SES); 78.2% were non-ultraorthodox Jews, 13%, ultraorthodox Jews, and 8.8% were Arabs. Meticulous growth follow-up from early childhood for all children, specifically females, those of low SES, and minorities is important to provide appropriate referral, treatment and final adult height outcomes.

Warming effects on a nonindigenous predator are not conserved across seasons

AbstractThe global proliferation of nonindigenous species remains a critical stressor driving both biodiversity loss and socioeconomic costs. These impacts frequently depend on environmental contexts, but few studies have investigated how seasonal variations coupled with climate changes, like warming, could modulate nonindigenous species ecological impacts. The Japanese brush‐clawed shore crab Hemigrapsus takanoi is a successful nonindigenous species in northern European waters and is currently spreading in the Baltic Sea. In this study, we used generalized linear models and the comparative functional response approach to examine the predatory impact of H. takanoi toward blue mussels Mytilus sp. across four seasons under current and future temperature scenarios (i.e., ambient and + 6°C warming). We further integrated H. takanoi Q10 values and field abundances across seasons to examine population‐level feeding impacts toward blue mussels. The nonindigenous species exhibited a consistent type II functional response (i.e., inversely prey density‐dependent response) across all seasons, temperatures and sexes, with males consistently consuming more mussels than females across all seasons. Warming generally decreased handling times and increased attack rates, but these effects varied by season and sex, with the most pronounced temperature responses observed in autumn and spring. Population‐level impact calculations integrating field abundance data of H. takanoi indicated that under ambient conditions, feeding impacts toward blue mussels currently peak in the summer months, but as temperature increases, this feeding impact is anticipated to shift later in the year into autumn. These findings underline the critical need for multifaceted research approaches to better understand and predict the context‐dependent ecological impacts of nonindigenous species, particularly in the face of ongoing climate change and shifting population characteristics.

Characteristics of wild hazelnut populations in Northeast China and selection of superior provenances.

China possesses a copious and geographically diverse reservoir of hazel (Corylus spp.) resources, albeit scholarly endeavors focusing on the selection and domestication of indigenous wild hazelnut strains remain scant. To develop and utilize high-quality wild hazelnut resources, this study selected eight populations of wild hazelnuts from seven different provenances in Heilongjiang Province, China. Natural hybrid seeds of eight populations were sown in the Chohai Forest Farm in Longjiang County, Heilongjiang Province, in 2018. In April 2020, two-year-old seedlings were used to establish a provenance trial forest, thereby initiating the provenance trial. Growth parameters were measured using electronic calipers, and pollen characteristics were observed under an electron microscope. The trials meticulously explored the trees' flowering biology, growth parameters, and the economic attributes of the produced nuts. Principal component analysis was employed to comprehensively assess differences among the wild hazelnut populations from various provenances, aiming to identify superior wild hazelnut provenances. The results unveiled significant geographical variations among the tested provenances across several facets: the flowering period of male blossoms extended from April 2nd to April 19th, while female flowering occurred within the timeframe of April 2nd to April 22nd. Moreover, pollen grain morphology demonstrated variability, with the polar axis ranging from 14.02 to 17.09 micrometers, the equatorial axis spanning 16.02 to 18.75 micrometers, and the ratio of polar to equatorial axes fluctuating between 0.88 and 0.92. Through correlation analyses, nut length emerged as a pivotal determinant significantly influencing both kernel weight and the hundred-grain weight. A principal component analysis (PCA) further consolidated these findings, selecting the Nehe-originated variegated Corylus heterophylla as the superior provenance based on a comprehensive evaluation of its combined traits. This study constitutes a seminal contribution to the hazelnut breeding endeavor in China, establishing a robust foundation for informed cultivation strategies geared towards optimizing both the yield and the quality of hazelnut resources, thereby advancing the understanding and exploitation of China's wild hazelnut biodiversity.

Predicting Depressive Symptoms Using GPS-Based Regional Data in Germany With the CORONA HEALTH App During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study.

Numerous studies have been conducted to predict depressive symptoms using passive smartphone data, mostly integrating the GPS signal as a measure of mobility. Environmental factors have been identified as correlated with depressive symptoms in specialized studies both before and during the pandemic. This study combined a data-based approach using passive smartphone data to predict self-reported depressive symptoms with a wide range of GPS-based environmental factors as predictors. The CORONA HEALTH app was developed for the purpose of data collection, and this app enabled the collection of both survey and passive data via smartphone. After obtaining informed consent, we gathered GPS signals at the time of study participation and evaluated depressive symptoms in 249 Android users with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The only GPS-based data collected were the participants' location at the time of the questionnaire, which was used to assign participants to the nearest district for linking regional sociodemographic data. Data collection took place from July 2020 to February 2021, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Using GPS data, each dataset was linked to a wide variety of data on regional sociodemographic, geographic, and economic characteristics describing the respondent's environment, which were derived from a publicly accessible database from official German statistical offices. Moreover, pandemic-specific predictors such as the current pandemic phase or the number of new regional infections were matched via GPS. For the prediction of individual depressive symptoms, we compared 3 models (ie, ridge, lasso, and elastic net regression) and evaluated the models using 10-fold cross-validation. The final elastic net regression model showed the highest explained variance (R2=0.06) and reduced the dataset from 121 to 9 variables, the 3 main predictors being current COVID-19 infections in the respective district, the number of places in nursing homes, and the proportion of fathers receiving parental benefits. The number of places in nursing homes refers to the availability of care facilities for the elderly, which may indicate regional population characteristics that influence mental health. The proportion of fathers receiving parental benefits reflects family structure and work-life balance, which could impact stress and mental well-being during the pandemic. Passive data describing the environment contributed to the prediction of individual depressive symptoms and revealed regional risk and protective factors that may be of interest without their inclusion in routine assessments being costly.

Modeling glucose–insulin dynamics to evaluate healthy and diseased population characteristics in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Modeling glucose–insulin dynamics to evaluate healthy and diseased population characteristics in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Variation in attendance at emergency departments in England across local areas: A system under unequal pressure

BackgroundCrowding in Accident and Emergency Departments (AEDs) and long waiting times are critical issues contributing to adverse patient outcomes and system inefficiencies. These challenges are exacerbated by varying levels of AED attendance across different local areas, which may reflect underlying disparities in primary care provision and population characteristics. MethodWe used regression analysis to determine how much variation across local areas in England of attendance at emergency departments remained after controlling for population risk factors and alternative urgent care provision. FindingsThere is substantial residual variation of the order of 3 to 1 (highest to lowest) in per person attendance rate across different areas. This is not related to in-hospital capacity as proxied by the per person number of hospital emergency doctors in an area. ConclusionSome areas in England have emergency departments that are under much greater pressure than others, and this cannot be explained in terms of their population characteristics or the availability of alternative treatment options. It is imperative to better understand the drivers of this variation so that effective interventions to address utilisation can be designed.

Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with low titer anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies verified by indirect immunofluorescence assay

ObjectiveLaboratory extensively applied enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibodies (PLA2R-abs) since its diagnostic significance on PLA2R related primary membranous nephropathy (PLA2R-related pMN) was discovered. However, PLA2R-abs determined by ELISA (PLA2R-ELISA) could infrequently yield inconclusive results, specifically a grey-zone defined as PLA2R-abs ranging from 2 to 20 RU/mL. Recently, researchers suggested that double-check grey-zone PLA2R-abs by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) could improve diagnostic accuracy. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of PLA2R-IIF in assessing PLA2R-related pMN and summarized clinicopathological characteristics of grey-zone population to provide more evidence for clinical practice. MethodsData on demographics, serology and pathology of patients with PLA2R-ELISA grey-zone results and a native kidney biopsy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2020 to April 2023 were reviewed. Grey-zone samples were analyzed using PLA2R-IIF. Negative results were defined as no fluorescence and positive results were graded according to fluorescence intensity. ResultsThis study included a total of 52 grey-zone patients divided into pMN group (n = 36, 69 %) and non-pMN group (n = 16, 31 %) according to renal pathology reports. pMN patients had higher PLA2R-abs and lower serum creatinine compared to the non-pMN patients (P = 0.003, P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in 24-hour urine protein and albumin between the two groups. Multiple pathological types were identified in the non-pMN group. The sensitivity and specificity of PLA2R-IIF in PLA2R-ELISA grey-zone population were 72 % and 88 %, respectively, with a total consistent rate of 77 % and a positive predictive value of 93 %. ConclusionBoth pMN and non-pMN patients presented grey-zone PLA2R-ELISA results. It was necessary to perform PLA2R-IIF to assist in the diagnosis of patients with PLA2R-ELISA grey-zone results.

Genome-wide association studies of growth characteristics in chickens resource population

Genome-wide association studies of growth characteristics in chickens resource population

Challenges for Fast Radio Bursts as Multimessenger Sources from Binary Neutron Star Mergers

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration transients from extragalactic sources, with their origins remaining a topic of active debate. Among the proposed progenitors, binary neutron star (BNS) mergers are compelling candidates for some nonrepeating FRBs. However, associating FRBs with BNS mergers cannot be based solely on low chance coincidence probability. This study delineates necessary criteria for associating FRBs with BNS mergers, focusing on the postmerger ejecta environment. To underscore the significance of these criteria, we scrutinise the proposed association between GW190425 and FRB 20190425A, considering the requirement for the FRB signal to traverse the dense merger ejecta without significant attenuation to remain detectable at 400 MHz. Our investigation reveals that if the FRB is linked to the gravitational-wave (GW) event, the GW data support a highly off-axis configuration, with a probability of the BNS merger viewing angle p(θ v > 30°) being ≈99.99%. This strongly excludes an on-axis system, which is required for this FRB to be detectable. We also find faraway FRB emission models inadequate to explain the FRB 20190425A–GW190425 connection. Thus, we conclude that GW190425 is not related to FRB 20190425A. We discuss the implications for future multimessenger observations, suggesting that BNS merger remnants are unlikely to account for more than 1% of FRB sources. This finding implies that short gamma-ray bursts, which are expected to occur in only a fraction of all BNS mergers, cannot account for the overall characteristics of the FRB host population.

Tumor characteristics in immunosuppressed and renal dysfunction populations

PurposeRenal transplantation and end-stage renal disease are increasingly common. Renal dysfunction and immunosuppression are two risk factors in the development of renal cell carcinoma. Carcinomas in these patients are thought to be more indolent, however data are limited and mixed. Our objective was to describe the histology of resected tumors from the transplant and renal dysfunction population and compare them to a control population. Materials and MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective cohort study of all patients who had a nephrectomy for a renal mass from 2009 to 2019. All transplant status and end-stage renal disease diagnoses were identified by diagnostic or procedural coding and confirmed by chart review. Our primary endpoint was the pathology for each patient's tumor. Tumors were classified into aggressive or nonaggressive categories based on their histology and grade. ResultsWe identified 1,150 radical and partial nephrectomies, of which 1,057 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 68 patients (6.4%) had renal dysfunction or a kidney transplant on immunosuppression at time of nephrectomy. After pathologic review, 270 (25%) tumors were classified as aggressive, and 673 (64%) tumors were pT1a or pT1b. On multivariable logistic regression controlling for age and gender, renal dysfunction was not associated with having an aggressive tumor (OR 1.24, 95%CI 0.72–2.15; P = 0.44). ConclusionsWe did not observe a relationship between renal dysfunction status and aggressive pathology. These data suggest that renal dysfunction and transplant patients are at similar risk for aggressive pathology as the general population and should be managed according to the same clinical guidelines.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 y enfermedades crónicas durante los primeros siete meses de la pandemia en Paraguay-2020

Introduction: COVID-19, a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, has demonstrated varying severity across populations, with approximately 20% of patients developing complications and less than 5% experiencing severe disease requiring hospitalization. The impact of chronic diseases on COVID-19 outcomes remains particularly relevant in developing countries, where healthcare resources and population characteristics differ from well-studied settings. Objective: Describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first seven months of the pandemic in Paraguay, analyzing how chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) influenced disease progression and outcomes. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study examining medical records from patients hospitalized with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection across five major referral hospitals in Paraguay from March to September 2020. Using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with likelihood ratio criterion, we identified factors associated with ICU admission and mortality, considering p&lt;0.05 statistically significant. Results: Among 1,690 hospitalized patients, 797 (47.2%) met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 51 years and male predominance (53.8%). Chronic diseases were present in 61.9% of patients, with hypertension (29.6%) and diabetes (25.6%) being most prevalent. Multivariate analysis revealed that age over 80 years (OR=7.70), presence of COPD (OR=2.58), and having three or more NCDs (OR=2.78) significantly increased mortality risk. ICU admission was required for 29.6% of patients, with an overall mortality rate of 29.1%. Conclusion: The severity of COVID-19 outcomes among hospitalized patients in Paraguay showed strong associations with advanced age, multiple chronic conditions, and specific comorbidities like COPD. These findings emphasize the need for targeted preventive strategies and enhanced monitoring of high-risk patients, particularly those with multiple NCDs.

An interlinked dynamic model of timber and carbon stocks in Japan's wooden houses and plantation forests

Carbon absorption in growing trees is an important element of a carbon-neutral society, and the long-term storage of carbon stocks is a crucial sustainability challenge. Previous studies have focused on either live-biomass carbon stocks in plantation forests or anthropogenic carbon stocks in man-made objects. For a comprehensive nature-based climate solution, an analytical framework, dataset, and scenario setup for modeling the interrelationship between timber supply and demand are required. This study developed an interlinked material flow analysis model in which the timber demand for wooden houses is connected with timber supply from managed plantation forestry. We demonstrate the model by quantifying both live-biomass and anthropogenic carbon stocks and their potentials in Japan. We compared multiple scenario-runs of the model for wooden house demands estimated by population change with varying combinations of house types, structures, and lifespans. Our results show that carbon stocks will reach a maximum amount of 1.1 billion t-C by 2050 in a scenario of high demand for wooden detached houses with lifespan extensions. On the other hand, we also found that the aging of plantation forests and their reduced carbon-stocking capacities appear inevitable in any scenario owing to the limited demand for timber. Notably, despite the widely different settings of the various scenarios, our results exhibited narrow variances in future potential carbon storage in Japan. This can be explained by the unique population characteristics and building demographics of Japan. These counterintuitive findings highlight the need for interrelated modeling of the forestry and construction sectors. Our model and its scope are versatile and applicable to other case study areas, estimation periods, and target materials.

Assessment of the distribution and population characteristics of Musculium lacustre Müller, 1774 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Sphaeriidae) in anthropogenically altered aquatic landscapes of the northern right bank of the Dnipro River in Ukraine

Assessment of the distribution and population characteristics of Musculium lacustre Müller, 1774 (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Sphaeriidae) in anthropogenically altered aquatic landscapes of the northern right bank of the Dnipro River in Ukraine

Multiple ancestral components and complex origins of the Yugur people in Gansu province revealing by 35 Y-STR.

The Yugur people represent one of the ethnic groups residing within the Hexi Corridor, distinguishable by their small population size, linguistic diversity, intricate ancestral components, serving as a quintessential exemplar of the populations inhabiting this corridor. There are still many controversial issues in the academic community regarding the origin, migration, and formation process of the Yugur. In this study, we explored the formation process of the Yugur from the perspective of molecular anthropology, based on the paternal genetic characteristics of the Yugur people. And the study will synthesize multiple disciplines, encompassing ethnology, history and linguistics, in order to offer a thorough analysis. Within this research endeavor, a high-resolution kit comprising 35 Y-STRs was employed to examine 237 male specimens from the Yugur people in Gansu province. Y-SNP haplogroups were deduced through the utilization of Y-STR data. The paternal genetic data from diverse populations documented in published literature were merged to construct a 16 Y-STR dataset, a 25 Y-STR dataset, and a dataset detailing haplogroup frequencies. In this study, we employed haplotype network analysis, principal component analysis, multidimensional scaling analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and genetic distance calculations to delve into the genetic structure, haplotype distribution, and genetic relationship with neighboring populations of the Yugur people. The findings of this study reveal that the Yugur people are a blend of ancestral lineages from both Eastern and Western Eurasian origins, with approximately 13% of their genetic component traced back to Western Eurasian populations. The Yugur people in Gansu province exhibits a more intimate genetic relationship with the Han, Tibetan, and Mongolian populations inhabiting nearby regions, while showing distinct genetic differences with Turkic-speaking groups like the Uyghur. Based on the merged data, we identified Q1b1a3-L330 and R1a1a-M17 shared with Turkic-speaking people, C2a1a1-F1756, C2a1a3-M504, C2a1a3a-F3796, C2a1a2-M48 and C2b1a1a1a-M407 shared with Mongolic-speaking people, D1a1a-M15 and D1a1b1-P47 shared with Tibetans, and multiple paternal lineages shared with Han people, which are the main paternal lineages of Yugur people, indicating multiple ancestral components and complex origins of Yugur. In this study, we provided a clearer genetic landscape which further supports the formation process and population characteristics of the Yugur people recorded in history, ethnology, and linguistics, and lays the foundation for more detailed studies on population genetics and forensic genetics in the future.

Multifactorial Determinants of Adolescent Stunting in West Java, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Among Students Aged 13–15 Years

Stunting in adolescents remains a significant public health concern, with far-reaching implications for physical and cognitive development that extend into adulthood. This condition, characterized by a height below minus two standard deviations (-2 SD) from the WHO median growth standard, stems from chronic malnutrition and inadequate growth during critical developmental periods. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the incidence of stunting among adolescents aged 13–15 years at SMP Negeri 2 Cikarang Barat in 2022. A descriptive analytical study using a cross-sectional approach was conducted from March to June 2022. This study employed total sampling and recruited 34 adolescents who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected via validated questionnaires and standardized anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis included univariate descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis via the chi-square test (α = 0.05). The analysis revealed significant associations between the incidence of stunting and several factors, including nutritional patterns (P = 0.027), birth weight (P = 0.046), birth length (P = 0.048), breastfeeding history (P = 0.048), immunization status (P = 0.050), and family income (P = 0.027). The predominant characteristics of the study population were female sex (67.6%), unfulfilled nutritional patterns (70.6%), low birth weight (64.7%), and short birth length (67.6%). Additionally, 67.6% reported a nonexclusive breastfeeding history, and 70.6% came from low-income families. This study identified multiple significant factors associated with adolescent stunting, emphasizing the complex interplay between early-life factors, nutritional patterns, and socioeconomic conditions. Maternal age at delivery, height, education, and employment status were not significantly associated. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive interventions targeting both nutritional and socioeconomic factors to address adolescent stunting effectively.

The relationship between postoperative cognitive dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease: A comprehensive review.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in elderly patients, and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has been suggested as a potential risk factor. This review examines the relationship between POCD and CSVD from epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical perspectives, while also considering the role of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of major databases, supplemented by reference list checking, to ensure a thorough review of studies published between 2000 and 2023 on the relationship between POCD and CSVD. Epidemiological studies have shown that POCD and CSVD are associated in terms of common risk factors, including advanced age, vascular comorbidities, impaired baseline cognitive function, and certain population characteristics. Animal studies have revealed that CSVD and POCD share similar neuropathological changes, including abnormal cerebral hypoperfusion, inflammatory responses, and blood-brain barrier disruption. Furthermore, recent research suggests a complex interplay between CSVD, AD pathology, and POCD, with potential synergistic effects on cognitive decline. Neuroimaging studies have further demonstrated that preoperative CSVD burden and postoperative CSVD progression are associated with the development of POCD, and the presence of both CSVD and AD markers may increase the risk of cognitive decline. The association between CSVD and POCD has important implications for the perioperative management of elderly patients, including preoperative assessment, choice of anesthesia and surgical methods, intraoperative management, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up. A better understanding of the relationship between CSVD and POCD will guide evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage this debilitating complication in the aging population.