Elderly Age Group Research Articles

Unmasking AI’s Role in the Age of Disinformation: Friend or Foe?

This study addresses public perception of the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and disinformation. The level of general awareness of AI is considered, and based on this, an analysis is carried out of whether it may favor the creation and distribution of false content or, conversely, the public perceive its potential to counteract information disorders. A survey has been conducted on a representative sample of the Andalusian population aged 15 and over (1550 people). The results show that over 90% of the population have heard of AI, although it is less well known among the eldest age group (78%). There is a consensus that AI helps to produce (86%) and distribute (84%) fake news. Descriptive analyses show no major differences by sex, age, social class, ideology, type of activity or size of municipality, although those less educated tend to mention these negative effects to a lesser extent. However, 54% of the population consider that it may help in combating hoaxes, with women, the lower class and the left wing having positive views. Logistic regressions broadly confirm these results, showing that education, ideology and social class are the most relevant factors when explaining opinions about the role of AI in disinformation.

A 100-Year Projection of Population Aging Trends in Iran: Decomposition of Population Momentum

Objectives: In 2006, Iran’s fertility rate fell below the replacement level and, after a slight increase in the early 2010s, it has continued to decline thereafter. Replacement-level fertility means that each woman, on average, has only about two children, which is equivalent to zero population growth. Despite this, population growth has remained positive throughout these years. Positive population growth under conditions of replacement-level fertility is a phenomenon called "population momentum." This study aims to examine the impact of population momentum on the aging trend of Iran's population and its implications for social policy. Since population momentum, which results from past changes in fertility and mortality rates, affects particularly elderly age groups, it plays a significant role in accelerating population aging. Materials and methods: This study uses census data, fertility and mortality estimates from 1996 to 2016, and a 100-year population projection for Iran using a cohort-component method by R software. The study calculates population momentum and analyzes population aging trends through age decomposition. Findings: The results show that the positive values of population momentum are gradually declining. Age decomposition of momentum reveals that the highest values of momentum are allocated to the elderly population. According to the population projection, the elderly population of Iran, particularly influenced by population momentum, will increase fourfold, and the aging index will rise from about 25 in 2016 to 110 in 2061. However, this increasing trend of elderly population will not continue beyond 2061, as momentum growth becoming zero and then negative due to low fertility rates. Conclusion: The results show that population momentum plays a key role in accelerating the aging of the Iran’s population. Despite the high rate of population aging in Iran, we face major challenges in the field of social policies for aging. This situation requires policymakers to adopt necessary reforms in retirement, health, elderly care, and family friendly policies.

Cranial Surgeries in a New Neurosurgery Centre in an Urban Specialist Hospital in Southeast Nigeria: A 40-Month Review

Background: The Imo State Specialist Hospital (IMSSH) commenced neurosurgical services in April 2021 with outpatient consultations, and a cranial surgery performed in the same month was her first neurosurgical procedure. This is an audit of cranial pathologies surgically managed in the hospital in her first 3 years since the commencement of neurosurgical procedures. Aims: The study aimed to look at the pattern of cranial pathologies surgically managed in the hospital from the commencement of neurosurgery services, including their age and gender distribution, the cranial pathologies and their distribution. Methods: The surgical records of all neurosurgery patients who had cranial surgical operations at IMSSH, Owerri, from April 2021 to July 2024 (40 months) were retrospectively reviewed. Results: One hundred and ninety-two (192) patients had cranial surgical operations during the study period (an average of 5 surgeries per month). The mean age of patients was 39 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. The mean age for male patients was 43 years while that of female patients was 32 years. The peak age range at presentation was in the paediatric age group, 0 – 19 years (n=69, 36%), followed by the elderly age group, 60 – 79 years (n=55, 28.6%). The highest frequency of cranial surgeries was performed for hydrocephalus (n=85, 44.3%). This was followed by cranial haematomas (n=52, 27.1%), cranial tumours (n=33, 17.2%) and cranial infections (n=13, 6.8%). Among cases of hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus in children (n=46) accounted for the highest number of cranial surgeries, while among cranial haematomas and cranial tumours, chronic subdural haematoma (n=27, 59.1%) and meningiomas (n=13, 39.3%) accounted for the highest frequencies respectively. Conclusion: The study showed a male preponderance for cranial pathologies surgically managed in the hospital, with hydrocephalus in children and chronic subdural haematoma in the elderly having the highest presentation in our environment. A focus on preventive measures against hydrocephalus and chronic subdural haematoma may help in reducing the burden of these diseases in our environment.

Periodical Medical Examination of Elderly Population in Moscow

Background. Senior citizens’ health, healthy aging, and active longevity have become at the top of the agenda while life expectancy is increasing. These issues are among the priorities for Moscow, as a metropolis with high levels of life expectancy in elderly age groups. Preventive healthcare is crucial to ensuring a good level of health and post-retirement activity among the older population.Objective. To evaluate the preventive activity of seniors, i.e., undergoing periodical medical examination, in Moscow compared to the Russian Federation as a whole.Materials and methods. The authors used the microdata sets from the study of the population’s health status conducted by the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation (ROSSTAT) using the representative sampling method in 2023.Results. The commitment of elderly people to make regular health check-ups also depends on the behavioral risk factors. Respondents without a smoking habit, including non-smokers, former smokers, and those who have never smoked, take the most care of their own health: 60.3% and 63.8% of them underwent periodical medical examinations in Russia and Moscow, respectively.Discussion. The elderly population shows insufficient activity in undergoing free periodical medical examinations. People aged 60-74 years are most committed to this type of preventive measure. Women take more care of their own health. The level of respondents’ responsibility for their own health increases with the level of respondents’ education.

Impact of Total Body Surface Area Burn Injuries on Clinical Outcomes and Comorbidities in Elderly Patients Aged Over 65.

Burn injuries are associated with high mortality and morbidity, especially in the elderly population.Although burns are preventable, they account for the fourth most common cause of trauma worldwide.The majority of the mortality associated with burn victims is also seen in the elderly age group. Most mortality predictor scores focus on age and total body surface area (TBSA) burned. However, data focusing specifically on elderly populations with respect to TBSA, particularly within the Appalachian region, remain limited. This rough terrain is accompanied by multiple challenges and health care disparities with limited burn care access. The population was a significant portion of the elderly who have multiple comorbidities; the majority of the population are economically struggling, living in rural communities, and the state of West Virginia (WV) is considered to have the highest drug use/addiction in the country. It is not shocking that they have the worst health outcomes in the nation. This study aims to evaluate the impact of TBSA burn on clinical outcomes and comorbidities in elderly burn patients within Appalachia. Cabell Huntington Hospital, the only burnintensivecareunit (BICU) in WV, was investigated in this retrospective study. This cohort study analyzed data from 198 patients aged 65 and older admitted to the BICU between January 2017 and January 2023. Data included demographic variables, TBSA burned, comorbidities, and outcomes. Statistical analyses assessed relationships between TBSA and age, gender, length of hospital stay, discharge status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoking history, diabetes mellitus (DM), BMI, and inhalation injury. Different statistical analyses were used to analyze the relationship between TBSA and the variables of interest. Our result section indicated that the majority of the elderly patients with burns were males (65%); however, there was no statistical difference between genders and TBSA (p=0.86). The group with higher TBSA was more likely to have COPD (p<0.0001), use home oxygen (p<0.0001), and have inhalationinjury on presentation (p=0.002). Older age was associated with higher TBSA burn(p=0.003), with each one-year increase in age, TBSA burned in our population increased by 0.46%(p=0.002). The group with higher TBSAhad higher mortality with a significance(p<0.0001).The annual mortality rate for burn victims above the age of 65 in the Appalachia sole BICU is 14 patients per 100.Our study was not able to find any significance for hospital duration, source of burn, presence of DM, or BMI with TBSA burned. This study in a unique population base will allow clinicians to understand the elderly burn victim in this underserved area of Appalachia, resource-limited and comorbidity-burdened population. This will allow for targeted interventions to improve outcomes in this vulnerable demographic.

Elderly Suicidal Deaths- An Observational Study

The suicide was 3rd leading cause of unnatural death among elderly age group. The suicide death of an older subject is less impactful on the people than the loss of someone younger, particularly of adolescents and of young adults. For this reason, suicide in the elderly population is a phenomenon that is often ignored or neglected, drawing less attention than suicide in younger population. An Observational study of suicides among elderly age group ≥60 years was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology north bengal medical college sirajganj.The data was taken from 250 beded sirajganj general hospital from Police inquests, hospital records, toxicological reports and suicide letters were collected by police and studied. The total elderly suicidal deaths during the period of 3 years were 112, more common among 60-64 years aged people. Educated, middle class, joint family and different categories of professional background with physical ailments were common factors in the study. The methods used for suicide ranged from poisoning, hanging, burns to fall from height. The results were analysed and compared with previous research studies and this study matched with results of several other studies. This is possibly due to beginning of dependency and stressful life following their retirements. Suicide is the 3rd leading unnatural cause of death among elderly which is not an impulsive act. Intervention in the aged suicide will be a complex task and should involve changes at different levels of the current aged care system.

Pengaruh Memory Training Permainan Anagram terhadap Kognitif Lansia di Panti Jompo Sumber, Surakarta

Background: One of the problems experienced by the elderly is experiencing a decrease in cognitive abilities such as difficulty remembering, retrieving new information, focusing, making decisions and various aspects such as orientation, visual spatial, memory and language. The problem of cognitive decline will develop into dementia and will affect functional abilities and reduce the quality of life of the elderly. Prevention of cognitive decline in the elderly can be done with cognitive interventions in the form of memory training anagram games. Objectives: This study aims to determine the effect of anagram game memory training on cognitive abilities in the elderly. Methods: This study used a pre-experimental one group pre-test and post-test method with a total sample of 42 elderly people at Aisyiyah Sumber Solo Nursing Home. The research instrument used the Indonesian version of the Montreal Cogntive Assessment (MoCA-Ina). Three stages of the anagram game were given each intervention based on the research module that had been prepared. The data analysis method uses paired t-test with the previous stage, namely data normality test with Shapiro Wilk. Results: The paired t-test results showed that the sig value was &lt;0.05. An increase in moCA-Ina scores occurred after being given anagram game memory training intervention (mean difference 2.48). Memory training of anagram games affects the cognitive abilities of the elderly at Aisyiyah Sumber Solo Nursing Home (????=0.000). The research sample was entirely female, 76.2% dominated by the early elderly age group, 90.5% low-level education. Conclusion: This study shows that memory training intervention in the form of anagram games has a significant effect on the cognitive abilities of the elderly. Keywords: Dementia, Memory, MoCA-Ina, Cognitive games

Клінічна характеристика пацієнтів похилого віку з ураженням основного стовбура лівої коронарної артерії

​The​ ​aim – to analyze the clinical features of elderly patients with left main coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and methods. This prospective cohort study included 124 patients with left main CAD aged 60 to 75 years (elderly age group) and 100 control patients aged 44 to 60 who underwent coronary angiography between September 2021 and July 2024. Demographic data, history of coronary artery disease and associated diseases, laboratory test results, results of echocardiography and coronary angiography were collected and analyzed. Results. Elderly patients were characterized by a significantly higher (p = 0.030) frequency of myocardial infarction, as well as higher (p = 0.035) frequency of previous percutaneous coronary interventions compared to middle-aged patients. Elderly patients also had a significantly higher functional class according to NYHA compared to middle-aged patients (p = 0.0005), significantly higher rate of arterial hypertension (p = 0.012), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.033), cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.009), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.011) and anemia (p = 0.044), compared to middle-aged patients. Moreover, elderly patients were characterized by significantly higher creatinine, LDL and glucose levels.Conclusions. Elderly patients with left main CAD were characterized by a more severe course of the disease, more severe coronary lesions, and a higher frequency of concomitant cardiac and non-cardiac diseases compared to middle-aged patients.

A case report of perforated gall bladder in an adolescent female: a diagnostic dilemma successfully managed by laparoscopy

Gall bladder perforations are rare and usually seen in elderly age group having comorbidities like diabetes and are associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Gall bladder perforation is much rarer in younger patients and thus leads to diagnostic dilemma. These cases generally require exploratory laparotomy and are associated with high incidences of SSI. With advent of minimal invasive procedure laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an option for management with prompt and accurate diagnosis. We present a case of 19-year-old female with anaemia having severe pain in abdomen and fever at presentation. She was diagnosed as gall bladder perforation on ultrasound which was confirmed by CECT Abdomen. Patient was managed by laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy with uneventful post-operative period. Gall bladder perforations are rarely seen in young adults posing diagnostic dilemma. Delay in diagnosis can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. In patients of cholecystitis with non-resolving fever and peritonitis generalised or localised should raise a high suspicion of perforation and should be promptly diagnosed with CECT Abdomen. Although conventionally exploratory laparotomy is done for gall bladder perforation with peritonitis, diagnostic laparoscopy with cholecystectomy is a feasible option in selected patients. In young adults with non-resolving acute abdomen with calculous cholecystitis high degree of suspicion of Gall Bladder perforation should be kept. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a feasible option with minimal morbidity and higher cosmesis in young adults.

Characterization of N6-methyladenosine long non-coding RNAs in sporadic congenital cataract and age-related cataract.

To characterize the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification patterns in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in sporadic congenital cataract (CC) and age-related cataract (ARC). Anterior capsule of the lens were collected from patients with CC and ARC. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next-generation sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify m6A-tagged lncRNAs and lncRNAs expression. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses and Gene Ontology annotation were used to predict potential functions of the m6A-lncRNAs. Large amount of m6A peaks within lncRNA were identified for both CC and ARC, while the level was much higher in ARC (49 870 peaks) than that in CC (18 688 peaks), yet those difference between ARC in younger age group (ARC-1) and ARC in elder age group (ARC-2) was quite slight. A total of 1305 hypermethylated and 1178 hypomethylated lncRNAs, as well as 182 differential expressed lncRNAs were exhibited in ARC compared with CC. On the other hand, 5893 hypermethylated and 5213 hypomethylated lncRNAs, as well as 155 significantly altered lncRNA were identified in ARC-2 compared with ARC-1. Altered lncRNAs in ARC were mainly associated with the organization and biogenesis of intracellular organelles, as well as nucleotide excision repair. Our results for the first time present an overview of the m6A methylomes of lncRNA in CC and ARC, providing a solid basis and uncovering a new insight to reveal the potential pathogenic mechanism of CC and ARC.

Relating in vivo RSV infection kinetics to host infectiousness in different age groups.

We utilized within-host viral load kinetics data to infer the transmission potential of RSV infection across different age groups, revealing the highest transmission probability in the pediatric group.

Bariatric and endo-bariatric interventions for diabetes: What is the current evidence?

Bariatric interventions have shown the best therapeutic benefits in individuals with obesity. They can be classified into surgical procedures (bariatric/metabolic surgery) and endoscopic procedures. Common surgical procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, bilio-pancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch and Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery. Endoscopic procedures include intragastric balloons, transpyloric shuttle, endoscopic gastroplasties, aspiration therapy, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, duodeno-jejunal bypass liner, gastro-duodeno-jejunal bypass and incisionless magnetic anastomosis system among others. However, these procedures are limited by lack of wide availability, high costs, immediate and long-term complications and poor acceptability in some regions. Weight re-gain is a common concern and revisional metabolic surgery is often required. Appropriate pre-operative evaluation and correction of nutritional deficiencies post-surgery are very important. The most appropriate procedure for a person would depend on multiple factors like the intended magnitude of weight-loss, comorbidities and surgical fitness, as well as choice of the patient. Recently, glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP) and the GLP-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide co-agonist-Tirzepatide have shown remarkable weight loss potential, which is at par with bariatric interventions in some patients. How far these can help in avoiding invasive bariatric procedures in near future remains to be explored. An updated and comprehensive clinical review by He et al in the recent issue of World Journal of Diabetes address has addressed the avenues and challenges of currently available bariatric surgeries which will enable clinicians to make better decisions in their practice, including their applicability in special populations like the elderly and pediatric age groups, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and non-diabetics.

PREVALENCE OF NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS ADMITTED TO INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the incidence of the excisting malnutrition in critically ill patients who are admitted to ICU. So that this can help in improving the nutrition therapy in these critically ill patients. And, to identify the comorbidities which as associated with severe malnutrition. Methods: All patients who are above 18 years admitted to ICU irrespective of sex, diagnosis and severity of disease are assessed for nutritional status with SGA score within 24 hours of admission. Results: In males severe malnourishment was noted in elderly age group with mean age of 64.33 ±17.32 compared to patients with &lt; 60 years. In female patients moderately nourished patients were older with mean age of 61.37±12.69. there is no difference between male and female in well-nourished and severely malnourished group. But in moderately nourished group females are more than males(32.09% vs 24.92%). Diabetes mellitus seem to be the most common comorbidity noted. In diabetes mellitus 81.39% of patients were severely malnourished. Conclusion: it is shown that most of the patients admitted to ICU presents with pre excisting malnutrition. So nutrition therapy plays import role in management of these patients.

Precision Diagnosis of Viral Respiratory Infections: Unleashing the Power of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Enhanced Infection Management.

Viruses are key agents causing respiratory illnesses, creating significant public health challenges worldwide. Timely identification of the responsible pathogen is crucial for effective patient management. Conventional virus detection methods in laboratories are often laborious and time-consuming, prompting the need for more efficient diagnostic techniques. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, capable of testing multiple pathogens simultaneously, offers a promising solution. This study investigates the efficacy of multiplex PCR, specifically using the BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP2.1), in diagnosing viral respiratory infections and its impact on patient outcomes. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, from January 2022 to December 2023, involving 36 patients with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested using the BioFire FilmArray RP2.1, targeting 17 viruses and four bacteria. Among the 36 samples, 21 (58.33%) exhibited viral agents, with human rhinovirus/enterovirus being the most prevalent (19.44%). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and influenza B were commonly identified. The study found a single viral etiology in 17 samples (47.22%), dual infections in two samples (5.56%), and triple infections in two samples (5.56%). Patient outcomes varied, with seven recorded deaths, mainly among ICU patients. SARS-CoV-2 was a prominent cause of mortality. Most patients with viral respiratory illnesses were from the pediatric (27.78%) and elderly (19.44%) age groups. The BioFire FilmArray RP2.1 is a valuable tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis of respiratory infections, facilitating timely and appropriate medical interventions. Despite its higher cost, its efficiency in diagnosis and potential to reduce unnecessary treatments highlight its cost-effectiveness in clinical settings.

Influence of Aortic Deviation on Abdominal Aorta Bifurcation Level Relative to Vertebral Position.

Introduction Research on abdominal aortic deviation (AAD) and its impact on the vertebral level of abdominal aortic bifurcation (AAB) has been limited. We aimed to determine the level of AAB with respect to vertebral levels and assess the proportion of AAD and its impact on AAB. Materials and methods This single-arm, cross-sectional, retrospective study involved contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis of 208 subjects aged 18 years or older. AAD and AAB in terms of vertebral levels were noted using the digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM) viewing software RadiAnt (Medixant, Poznań, Poland). Results The rate of AAD was found to be 44 out of 208 (21.2%), 16 out of 98 (16.3%) in men and 28 out of 110 (25.45%) in women (p=0.10). The AAD rates in the 31-40-, 51-60-, and 71-80-year age groups were 11 out of 37 (29.7%), 17 out of 61 (27.8%), and three out of seven (42.8%) with p=0.03, respectively. AAB was seen in the middle of the L4 vertebrae in 65 cases (31.2%), followed by 49 cases (23.6%) in the L4 lower vertebrae. Twenty-three (20.9%) women had AAB above the L4, compared to 13 (13.2%) men (p=0.34). AAB was located below the L4 vertebral level in eight out of 44 (18.18%)subjects with AAD versus 41 out of 164 (25%) subjects without AAD (p=0.55). Conclusion AAD was observed in approximately one-fifth of the subjects in our study cohort, with a higher proportion among women and in elderly age groups. AAB was most commonly observed in the middle of the L4 vertebrae and AAD did not impact AAB levels.

Description of the Risk Falls in Elderly People in Cianjur Regency

Various health problems that occur in the elderly result from the deterioration of body cells, resulting in decreased function and endurance. One of the physical health problems that often occurs in the elderly is falls. The consequences of falls experienced by the elderly have psychological, sociological and emotional impacts and will result in physical injury, limited movement and death. This exercise program involves the balance center in the brain and increases the balance response so that it can reduce falls. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the implementation of comprehensive nursing care for elderly people at risk of falling. Health services in the Cianjur area tend to encourage accelerated changes in the care environment in the health environment, one of which is through counseling services by nurses. Or the implementation of counseling by health workers. Community service activities with the topic Strengthening the Prevention of Fall Risk in the Elderly Age Group in Cianjur Regency is an effort to increase nurses' knowledge in supporting the acceleration of family health independence in Cianjur Regency, especially for the elderly. This research uses quantitative, descriptive methods. Sampling with total sampling. The total research sample was 37 elderly people accompanied by their families. Results: most of the elderly (78.5%) or 25 people were in the risk category for falls around the family. Meanwhile, 21.5% of elderly people are not at risk of falling or as many as 12 elderly people are not at risk of falling.

Temporal trends in initiation of oral anticoagulants and stroke-free survival among elderly and very elderly patients with new onset atrial fibrillation - a 20-year perspective.

Abstract Background Oral anticoagulants (OACs) significantly reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, evidence regarding efficacy of OACs are lacking in the very elderly patients. Aim To examine temporal trends in initiation of OACs and five-year stroke-free survival in the very elderly patients with new onset AF over a time span of 20 years. Methods From the Danish nationwide registries, we identified patients ≥ 65 years of age with new onset AF from 1999 to 2018. The index date was defined as the day of AF diagnosis for outpatients and as the day of discharge for inpatients. Patients with a prescription of OAC, history of bleeding events, or history of stroke/transient ischemic attack prior to index were excluded. Patients were divided into two age groups based on their age at index: 1) 65-84 years (elderly); and 2) ≥ 85 years (very elderly). Patients were further divided into four calendar year groups from 1999-2018, based on the year of inclusion. We investigated the initiation of OACs and calculated the absolute five-year probability of stroke-free survival in both age groups. Results We included 167,122 patients with new-onset AF between January 1st, 1999, and December 31st, 2018. Among the patients, 23.1 % were aged 85 years or older, 48 % were male and 80.5 % had a CHA2DS2-VASc score equivalent to 2 or higher for men and 3 or higher for women. Initiation of OACs increased in both age groups after the guideline implementation of DOACs in 2010 (Figure 1). In the elderly age group, the proportion of patients receiving OACs increased from 50% in 2010 to almost 90% in 2018. In the very elderly age group, the proportion increased from 25% in 2010 to almost 90% in 2018. The probability of the five-year stroke-free survival improved by approximately 15% from 1999 to 2018 in the elderly age group, with no significant changes in the very elderly age group. Conclusion The proportion of elderly AF patients receiving OAC has increased markedly in the last 20 years. Even so, stroke-free survival remains the same among the very elderly patients.Five-year stroke-free survival

Evaluating Spatial Interpolation Maps of the Age Structure of the Population of Thi Qar Governorate Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technologies

The research aims to harness spatial interpolation techniques to produce maps with a high level of perceptual accuracy in representing the population data of the study area. This is achieved after exploring the statistical and spatial nature of the databases used, analyzing them, and determining their distribution using a variety of spatial data exploration tools available within the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) environment. These tools contribute to evaluating the characteristics, distribution, and analysis of data, including testing data distribution, identifying its direction, and uncovering its spatial correlations. This highlights the importance of the study and understanding the distribution pattern of the population data in the study area, thereby facilitating the preparation of future that serve spatial organization by building spatial models for the numerical distribution of the data for age groups: young, middle-aged, and elderly, at the level of administrative units of the study area by relying on the inductive approach and the quantitative analysis approach. This is done using Geostatistical Analysis methods within the concept of spatial interpolation in GIS. The research also seeks to predict the population maps for Thi Qar Governorate by comparing spatial interpolation methods, namely Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Simple Kriging (SK). The study concluded, after verifying the accuracy of the results using the Cross-Validation curve, that the Simple Kriging (SK) method is the most accurate model in spatial prediction of population data for representing the data of the young age group in the study area, as it had the lowest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 10.012. It was followed by the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method for representing the data of the elderly age group with an RMSE of 350.48. This indicates that the use of statistical criteria improves the accuracy of spatial interpolation and that the spatial prediction of the population data for the study area using the Simple Kriging (SK) method was more accurate than the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method based on statistical indicators.

Orientation Behaviour of Legume Pod Borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Different Pulses

Background: The legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata, is recognized as serious insect pest on grain legumes and cause significant yield loss. Much research work has been carried out on management of M. vitrata with synthetic pesticides and biocides, there is paucity of knowledge on alternative non chemical methods to overcome this menace. Chemical signals from reproductive structures of host plants act as a key for lepidopteran phytophagous insects. Methods: Effects of volatiles from flowers and pods of different pulses such as pigeonpea, greengram, blackgram, cowpea and lablab on orientation pattern of M. vitrata larvae and adult moths and attractance behaviour of male moths to their females were investigated under laboratory conditions by using multi arm olfactometer and wide spaced basins. Result: One day old female moths showed significantly maximum orientation towards flowers of pigeonpea (42.7%) while elder age groups had the orientation ranging from 0.0 to 34.0 per cent on blackgram flowers and control (without host) respectively. The order of host preference of M. vitrata larvae observed as cowpea (32.2%) greater than lablab (32.0%) greater than pigeonpea (18.8%) greater than greengram (9.0%) greater than blackgram (4.8%) greater than unsettled (3.0%). These results clearly showed the maximum preference of lablab by M. vitrata than other pulses tested. In an another experiment, one, two and three day old male moths had maximum orientation towards two day old females (31.3 to 40.0%) and this indicated more amount of sex pheromone emitted by female moths on two days after their emergence.

The impact of age on mortality in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study in Malaysia.

Age is a significant consideration for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. However, the reported associations between increasing age and mortality vary across studies, and data in the local context of Malaysia are lacking. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of increasing age on ICU mortality. A retrospective cohort study of ICU patients was conducted between January 2020 and November 2023 at a university hospital in Malaysia. Patients were classified into two categories according to age (years) and into four groups according to National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): young adult (19-24), adult (25-44), middle age (45-64), and elderly (≥65). The Cochran-Armitage test for trend and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of increasing age on ICU mortality. A total of 1,661 patients was analyzed. The Cochran-Armitage test showed a significant positive association between ICU mortality rate and age group (Z=-4.86, P<0.01) or MeSH category (Z=-5.36, P<0.01). After adjusting for other confounders, the strongest predictor for ICU mortality in the Cox proportional hazards regression analyses was age, with the elderly age group having the highest adjusted hazard ratio of 4.777 (95% CI, 1.128-20.231; P=0.03). Age had a significant impact on ICU mortality in our cohort of critically ill patients.