End Of Time Research Articles

High-quality production of red plum apricot in semiarid Loess Hilly region of China

Red plum apricot is a deciduous fruit tree and the best cash forest in semi-arid Loess hilly regions of China. Since 1995, the distribution area of the apricot has spread in most of the water-limited regions, in China, and the yield and benefits of red plum apricot increase dramatically. Since 2017, China put forward high-quality development, and red plum apricot must carry out high-quality production. But, as the red plum apricot tree grows, low temperatures and frost, hazards of heart-eating insects and soil drying will appear, which seriously influence the yield, quality, and benefits of red plum apricot in turn. However, there are few reports on the method for High-quality production of red plum apricot. In this study, the effectiveness of different methods of controlling low temperature and frost and hazards of heart-eating insects and soil drying was estimated. The results show that the greenhouse method is the better method for controlling Low temperature and frost, spraying Beta-cypermethrin still is the better method for controlling Hazards of heart-eating insects. When the soil water resource in the maximal infiltration depth is lower than the soil water resource use limitation by red plum apricot, the plant water relationship enters the key period of plant water relationship regulation. The ending time of the critical period of plant water relation regulation is the failure time of plant water relation regulation. When the current plant density is more than the soil water vegetation carrying capacity, the plant-water relation should be regulated, and then the vegetative growth and reproductive growth on the appropriate leaf quantity when the current plant density is equal to the soil water vegetation carrying capacity and the leaf fruit relation.

The association between time-restricted eating and arterial stiffness status in community-dwelling elderly Chinese individuals

Background and aimsEmerging studies indicate that time-restricted eating (TRE) may protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, studies performed in elderly adults are limited. This study aimed to analyze the association of TRE with arterial stiffness (AS) in community-dwelling elderly Chinese individuals. Methods and resultsThis cross-sectional study recruited 3487 participants aged ≥60 y from Shanghai, China. TRE was determined by calculating the end time of the last meal minus the start time of the first meal of the average day. Participants were then categorized into those with a time-restricted window lasting ≤11 h (TRE) and >11 h (non-TRE). The mean age of the sample was 71.78 ± 5.75 y, and 41.2 % were men. Having a TRE pattern was 72.2 %. In the logistic analysis, TRE was associated with borderline arterial stiffness (OR = 1.419; 95 % CI = 1.077–1.869) and elevated arterial stiffness (OR = 1.699; 95 % CI = 1.276–2.263). In a subgroup analysis, the significance remained in the group at risk of malnutrition (with borderline arterial stiffness: OR = 2.270; 95 % CI = 1.229–4.190; with elevated arterial stiffness: OR = 2.459; 95 % CI = 1.287–4.700), while in well-nourished participants, the association only remained with elevated arterial stiffness (OR = 1.530; 95 % CI = 1.107–2.115) and not with borderline arterial stiffness. ConclusionsTRE is a risk factor for both borderline and elevated arterial stiffness in community-dwelling Chinese individuals and varies by nutritional status. (Protocol code 2019-WJWXM-04-310108196508064467.)

Parallel Processing Distributed-Memory Approach Influences on Performance of Multicomputer-Multicore Systems Using Single-Process Single-Thread

Based on client/server architecture concepts, this research suggests a method for creating a multicomputer-multicore distributed memory system that can be implemented on distributed-shared memory systems. Both of number of the participated computers and number of existed processors for each of these computers, this research was depended with the specific design and its implementation. The suggested system has two primary phases: monitoring and managing the programmes that may be executed on multiple distributed-multi-core architectures with (2, 4, and 8) CPUs to perform a certain job. There might be a single client and unlimited servers in the network. The implementation phase relies on three separate scenarios covering most of the design space. The suggested system can determine the start time, duration, CPU use, kernel time, user time, waiting time, and end time for each server in the system. Single-Process Single-Thread (SPST) is considered a possible situation while developing User Programmes (UPs). The findings confirmed that more processing power (more servers and more processors on each server) increases the speed at which tasks can be solved. There was a 2.877-fold gain in task processing speed after considering three different possible SPST UPs situations. The C# programming language is used to create this system.

Prolonged hypothermic machine perfusion enables daytime liver transplantation – an IDEAL stage 2 prospective clinical trial

Liver transplantation is traditionally performed around the clock to minimize organ ischemic time. However, the prospect of prolonging preservation times holds the potential to streamline logistics and transform liver transplantation into a semi-elective procedure, reducing the need for nighttime surgeries. Dual hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (DHOPE) of donor livers for 1-2h mitigates ischemia-reperfusion injury and improves transplant outcomes. Preclinical studies have shown that DHOPE can safely extend the preservation of donor livers for up to 24h. We conducted an IDEAL stage 2 prospective clinical trial comparing prolonged (≥4h) DHOPE to conventional (1-2h) DHOPE for brain-dead donor livers, enabling transplantation the following morning. Liver allocation to each group was based on donor hepatectomy end times. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of all serious adverse events (SAE) within 30 days after transplantation. The primary feasibility endpoint was defined as the number of patients assigned and successfully receiving a prolonged DHOPE-perfused liver graft. Trial registration at: WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, number NL8740. Between November 1, 2020 and July 16, 2022, 24 patients were enrolled. The median preservation time was 14.5h (interquartile range [IQR], 13.9-15.5) for the prolonged group (n=12) and 7.9h (IQR, 7.6-8.6) for the control group (n=12; p=0.01). In each group, three patients (25%; 95% CI 3.9-46%, p=1) experienced a SAE. Markers of ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress in both perfusate and recipients were consistently low and showed no notable discrepancies between the two groups. All patients assigned to either the prolonged group or control group successfully received a liver graft perfused with either prolonged DHOPE or control DHOPE, respectively. This first-in-human clinical trial demonstrates the safety and feasibility of DHOPE in prolonging the preservation time of donor livers to enable daytime transplantation. The ability to extend the preservation window to up to 20h using hypothermic oxygenated machine preservation at a 10°C temperature has the potential to reshape the landscape of liver transplantation. University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands.

Effect of Zr on static recrystallization of deformed austenite and strain-induced precipitation in Ti microalloyed steel

The static recrystallization and strain-induced precipitation behavior of Ti and Ti-Zr low carbon microalloyed steels were studied through isothermal stress relaxation experiments at different deformation temperatures (875–1025 °C). The precipitation kinetic curves of microalloyed carbides were obtained, and the effect of Zr on the precipitation kinetics of microalloyed carbides was analyzed. Two static recrystallization kinetic models were established, and the activation energies for static recrystallization of Ti steel and Ti-Zr steel were calculated to be 312.44 and 246.59 kJ/mol, respectively. The results indicate that the addition of Zr lowers the nose point temperature of the precipitation–time–temperature curve, shortens the incubation period for the nucleation of precipitates, promotes the nucleation of strain-induced precipitates in Ti microalloyed steel, and reduces the coarsening rate of precipitates particles by an order of magnitude. In addition, the addition of Zr also advances the end time of static recrystallization of deformed austenite, inhibits the growth of static recrystallization austenite grains in Ti steel during the isothermal process, and makes the austenite grains finer and more uniform.

Relationship between working hours and sleep quality with consideration to effect modification by work style: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Although longer working hours are associated with lower sleep quality, it is still necessary to work a certain number of hours to make a living. In this study, we investigated the relationship between working hours and sleep quality in a community setting. We then explored how to manage work style while maintaining the sleep quality of workers without markedly reducing working hours. 4388 day-time workers in various occupations living in Ota ward in Tokyo were included in the analysis. The relationship between working hours and sleep quality measured by the Athens Insomnia Scale was examined by ANOVA and linear regression models. Effect modification by work style (work end time, shift in working start and end time, current work from home status, change in work place) on the relationship between working hours and sleep quality was investigated by multivariate linear regression models. Longer working hours were significantly associated with lower sleep quality. The magnitude of the relationship between long working hours and low sleep quality was significantly larger when work end time was later (p for trend of interaction < 0.01) and when working start and end time were shifted later (vs no change, p for interaction = 0.03). The relationship was marginally greater when the proportion of work from home was increased (vs no change, p for interaction = 0.07). A relationship between longer working hours and lower sleep quality was observed among workers. Leaving work earlier or optimizing the work environment at home may diminish the adverse effect of long working hours on sleep quality.

The Uberfication of the Doctorate: Higher Degrees in End Times

The Uberfication of the Doctorate: Higher Degrees in End Times

End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration by Peter Turchin (review)

End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration by Peter Turchin (review)

Differences in Antihypertensive Medication Prescription Profiles Between 2009 and 2021: A Retrospective Cohort Study of CARTaGENE.

Although blood pressure (BP) control is critical to prevent cardiovascular diseases, hypertension control rates in Canada are in decline. To assess this issue, we sought to evaluate the differences in antihypertensive medication prescription profiles in the province of Quebec between 2009 and 2021. This is a retrospective cohort study. We used data from the CARTaGENE population-based cohort linked to administrative health databases. Participants with any drug claim in the 6 months prior to the end of follow-up were included. Guideline-recommended antihypertensive drug prescription profiles were assessed at the time of enrollment (2009-2010) and end of follow-up (March 2021). Prescriptions practices from the 2 time periods were compared using Pearson's chi-square tests. A sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding participants in which antihypertensive drugs may not have been prescribed solely to treat hypertension (presence of atrial fibrillation/flutter, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or migraines documented prior to or during follow-up). Of 8447 participants included in the study, 31.4% and 51.3% filled prescriptions for antihypertensive drugs at the beginning and end of follow-up. In both study periods, guideline-recommended monotherapy was applied in most participants with hypertension (77.9% vs 79.5%, P = .3), whereas optimal 2 and 3-drug combinations were used less frequently (62.0% vs 61.4%, P = .77, 51.9% vs 46.7%, P = .066, respectively). Only the use of long-acting thiazide-like diuretics (9.5% vs 27.7%, P < .001) and spironolactone as a fourth-line agent (8.3% vs 15.9%, P = .054) increased with time but nonetheless remained infrequent. Results were similar in the sensitivity analysis. Specific indication of the prescribed antihypertensive medications and follow-up BP data was not available. Application of hypertension guidelines for the choice of antihypertensive drugs remains suboptimal, highlighting the need for education initiatives. This may be an important step to raise BP control rates in Canada.

Efficacy and safety of lascufloxacin for nursing- and healthcare-associated pneumonia: A single-arm, open-label clinical trial

BackgroundNursing- and healthcare-associated pneumonia (NHCAP) constitutes most of the pneumonia in elderly patients including aspiration pneumonia in Japan. Lascufloxacin (LSFX) possesses broad antibacterial activity against respiratory pathogens, such as Streptococcus spp. And anaerobes inside the oral cavity. However, the efficacy and safety of LSFX in NHCAP treatment remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LSFX tablets in the treatment of patients with NHCAP. MethodsIn this single-arm, open-label, uncontrolled study, LSFX was administered to patients with NHCAP at 24 facilities. The study participants were orally administered 75 mg LSFX once daily for 7 days. The primary endpoint was the clinical efficacy at the time of test of cure (TOC). The secondary endpoints included clinical efficacy at the time of end of treatment (EOT), early clinical efficacy, microbiological efficacy, and safety analysis. ResultDuring the study period, 75 patients provided written informed consent to participate and were included. Finally, 56 and 71 patients were eligible for clinical efficacy and safety analyses, respectively. The median age of the patients was significantly high at 86 years. All patients were classified as having moderate disease severity using the A-DROP scoring system. LSFX tablets demonstrated high efficacy rates of 78.6 % at TOC and 89.3 % at EOT. The risk factors for resistant bacteria or aspiration pneumonia did not affect clinical efficacy. No severe adverse events associated with the study drugs were observed. ConclusionOral LSFX is an acceptable treatment option for moderate NHCAP in elderly patients who can take oral medications.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Young People in Sally Mugabe Heights

Various studies have revealed that the prolonged and indefinite end time of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with mass restrictions on movement, social isolation, and loneliness among young people, leads to mental health challenges. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people in Sally Mugabe Heights, Goromonzi, and developed appropriate intervention strategies. Contemporary literature suggests that the pandemic disrupted education, leisure, employment, and access to health services, resulting in depression, stress, and other mental health challenges. This study employed a qualitative approach utilizing a descriptive case study. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit twelve young persons aged 15 to 24 years. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was used to sift data. Several themes emerged from the data, primarily the disruption of social and economic life. Support systems were found to provide some assistance to young people, and it is critical for the government and various agencies to implement safety nets to assist youths socially and economically. Implications for the study are discussed.

A non-autonomous time-delayed SIR model for COVID-19 epidemics prediction in China during the transmission of Omicron variant

&lt;abstract&gt;&lt;p&gt;With the continuous evolution of the coronavirus, the Omicron variant has gradually replaced the Delta variant as the prevalent strain. Their inducing epidemics last longer, have a higher number of asymptomatic cases, and are more serious. In this article, we proposed a nonautonomous time-delayed susceptible-infected-removed (NATD-SIR) model to predict them in different regions of China. We obtained the maximum and its time of current infected persons, the final size, and the end time of COVID-19 epidemics from January 2022 in China. The method of the fifth-order moving average was used to preprocess the time series of the numbers of current infected and removed cases to obtain more accurate parameter estimations. We found that usually the transmission rate $ \beta(t) $ was a piecewise exponential decay function, but due to multiple bounces in Shanghai City, $ \beta(t) $ was approximately a piecewise quadratic function. In most regions, the removed rate $ \gamma(t) $ was approximately equal to a piecewise linear increasing function of (a*t+b)*H(t-k), but in a few areas, $ \gamma(t) $ displayed an exponential increasing trend. For cases where the removed rate cannot be obtained, we proposed a method for setting the removed rate, which has a good approximation. Using the numerical solution, we obtained the prediction results of the epidemics. By analyzing those important indicators of COVID-19, we provided valuable suggestions for epidemic prevention and control and the resumption of work and production.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/abstract&gt;

Efficiency and perceived safety of foot and ankle procedures performed on the preoperative stretcher versus operating room table.

Foot and ankle surgeons often perform minor surgeries on the preoperative stretcher instead of the operating room table. We examined whether stretcher-based and operating room table-based procedures differed with respect to operating room efficiency and staff perceptions. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients undergoing minor foot and ankle surgery at an ambulatory surgery centre. We collected 'time to start', the duration between patient arrival in the operating room and incision time, and 'time to exit', the duration between procedure end time and patient exit from the operating room. Staff were surveyed regarding their perceptions of stretcher-based and operating room table-based procedures. 'Time to start' was significantly shorter for stretcher-based procedures, but 'time to exit' was not. Seventeen (81%) staff members thought stretcher-based procedures increased operating room efficiency. Thirteen (62%) thought stretcher-based procedures bettered staff safety. Nineteen (91%) thought stretcher-based procedures were equivalent to or better than operating room table-based procedures for patient safety. Most (67%) would recommend stretcher-based procedures. We found small but significant time savings associated with stretcher-based procedures. Without adapting surgical scheduling practices, the impact of stretcher-based procedures on overall operating room efficiency is questionable. Nevertheless, the majority of OR staff think stretcher-based procedures increase OR efficiency and are safer for staff. Level IV, Retrospective case series.

The Fall of Rome, Apocalyptic Elements and Perception of the End Times in Augustine's De civitate Dei

Bu çalışmada Augustinus'un (ö. 430) ahir zamanla ilgili görüşleri ve özellikle De civitate Dei adlı eserinin son üç bölümündeki düşünceleri analiz edilmektedir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Augustinus'un konu ile ilgili görüşlerinin tarihsel, teolojik ve toplumsal bağlamları incelenmiştir. Augustinus, ahir zamanla ilgili olarak Kutsal Kitap'ta geçen bazı metinlerin basit ve doğrudan yorumlanmaması gerektiğini savunurken, aynı zamanda bu metinlerin sembolik anlamlarının da altını çizmektedir. Bunu yaparken dönemin din adamları ile yapmış olduğu yazışmalar baz alınmış ve bu yazışmalar neticesinde ahir zaman beklentisine sahip olan Hıristiyanların görüşlerinin Augustinus tarafından hangi gerekçelerle kabul edilmediği incelemeye konu edilmiştir. Çalışmanın bir diğer odak noktası, bedenin dirilişi ve bin yıllık hükümdarlık kavramlarıdır. Augustinus, bin yıllık hükümdarlık kavramının sembolik bir anlam taşıdığını öne sürmektedir. Bu yorumları yaparken Yeni Ahit'teki ilgili metinlere başvuran Augustinus, daha sonra çifte diriliş öğretisinin asıl kaynağı olan Yuhanna'nın Vahiy kitabını tartışmaktadır. Neticede binyılcı beklentilerin, tarihin her döneminde popüler olduğu ve bu beklentilerin, insanların dünyanın sonuna dair endişeleri ile ilişkilendirildiği görülmektedir. Bu nedenle Kutsal Kitap metinlerinin, "binyılcılığın" sürekli bir olasılık olarak görülmesine izin verdiği hesaba katıldığında, bu beklentilerin günümüzde ve gelecekte de popülerliğini koruyacağı anlaşılmaktadır.

Effect of Nutrition on Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Insights from a High-Fat Diet Mouse Model.

Literature suggests that a high-fat diet (HFD) potentially increases the risk of chemical/drug-induced toxicity after an acute overdose. Drug/chemical-induced hepatotoxicity has been well studied, and the mechanism that regulates this toxicity has been extensively examined using different experimental animal models. Our study focuses on drug-induced hepatotoxicity in HFD-fed female Balb/C mice. This study addresses the effect of nutrition on the magnitude of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity at different time intervals. Female Balb/C mice, after the weaning period separated into two different groups, normal diet (ND) and HFD receiving groups; after 15 weeks, they were dosed with a single dose (300 mg/kg per os (p.o.) of APAP. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals (0, 6 and 24 hours), and liver samples were collected at the end time point. Liver injury parameters [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)], antioxidant assay (sodium dismutase, glutathione, and catalase), and histopathology study were conducted. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was done using the RP-HPLC system and Phoenix WinNonlin 8.3 software. APAP-induced liver injury decreased AST and ALT in the HFD group compared with the ND group at 6 and 24 hours (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), respectively. Antioxidant enzyme levels remained constant in the HFD group, whereas histopathology showed remarkable changes. The PK's of APAP in HFD indicate lower plasma concentrations of APAP (p < 0.05), with two-fold higher clearance and volume of distribution. HFD significantly reduced susceptibility to APAP-mediated liver injury in Balb/C mice compared with ND mice. Our study mimics the clinical scenario where the same dose of the drug is prescribed to the normal and obese population. Our results suggest the potential need for dose titration to assess an individual's nutritional state in a clinical scenario.

Modeling and solving a corporate vehicle-sharing problem combined with other modes of transport

We consider a car-sharing problem in a company during business hours. The employees, located at one or several offices, have to travel to one or more appointments each with a fixed location and fixed start and end times and return to one of the offices afterwards. Each employee trip can be carried out with one out of several alternative modes of transport. The considered modes of transport are a company car from the company car pool, walking, public transport, bike, and taxi. The aim is to assign modes of transport to employee trips such that the total costs of covering the trips is minimized.We first consider that the company is operating a shared fleet of a single type of vehicle and then that the fleet consists of different vehicle types. By relying on minimizing the savings when using a vehicle compared to the cheapest alternative available mode of transport (which is used if no vehicle is assigned to a trip), we do not need to model the alternative modes explicitly. For the case where the vehicle fleet consists of a single type of vehicle, we model the vehicle-sharing problem as a minimum-cost flow problem. Secondly, if multiple types of vehicles are available the problem can be formulated as a multi-commodity flow problem. Since very efficient solution methods are available for these formulations, they are applicable in daily operations.We provide a comprehensive computational study for both cases on instances based on demographic, spatial, and economic data of Vienna. We show that our formulations for the problem solve these instances in a few seconds, which makes them usable in an online booking system. In the analysis, we discuss different potential settings. We study different sizes and compositions of the shared fleet, restricted sets of modes of transport, and variations of the objective function.

Tailored lighting intervention (TLI) for improving sleep-wake cycles in older adults living with dementia.

Introduction: Sleep disturbance is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and caregiver stress caused by patients' nighttime wandering, injuries, and agitation are frequently at the root of decisions to move them to assisted living facilities, where typically dim institutional lighting can further exacerbate their sleep problems. This study explored the effects of a circadian-effective lighting intervention on actigraphic sleep measures and subjective assessments of sleep disturbance, depression, and sleep-disturbed behaviors. Methods: Fourteen older adult (≥60years) participants (11 females, mean age = 84.1 [SD 8.9]), all diagnosed with moderate to severe dementia and sleep disturbance, were recruited from 3 assisted living and memory care facilities. Following a crossover, placebo-controlled design, 3 different lighting modes were used to deliver high levels of circadian stimulus to the participants' eyes for two 8-week intervention periods in a counter balanced order with a 4-week washout between the study's 2 conditions (dim light control vs. active intervention). Actigraphy and questionnaire data were collected over 7-day assessment periods that preceded (baseline weeks 1 and 9) and concluded (post-intervention week 9 and 22) the intervention periods. Actigraphic outcomes included sleep duration, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep start time, and sleep end time. Subjective assessments included the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI) instruments. Results: Under the active condition, sleep duration significantly (p = 0.018) increased and sleep start time significantly (p = 0.012) advanced after the intervention compared to baseline. Also under the active condition, PSQI (p = 0.012), CSDD (p = 0.007), Sleep Disorders Inventory frequency (p = 0.015), and SDI severity (p = 0.015) scores were significantly lower after the intervention compared to baseline. Discussion: This study demonstrates that a circadian-effective lighting intervention delivering bright days and dark nights improves measures of sleep and mood in dementia patients living in controlled environments.

A satellite chronology of plumes from the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrière, St Vincent

Abstract. Satellite instruments play a valuable role in detecting, monitoring and characterising emissions of ash and gas into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions. This study uses two satellite instruments, the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) and the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI), to examine the plumes of ash and sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the April 2021 eruption of La Soufrière, St Vincent. The frequent ABI data have been used to construct a 14 d chronology of a series of explosive events at La Soufrière, which is then complemented by measurements of SO2 from IASI, which is able to track the plume as it is transported around the globe. A minimum of 35 eruptive events were identified using true, false and brightness temperature difference maps produced with the ABI data. The high temporal resolution images were used to identify the approximate start and end times, as well as the duration and characteristics of each event. From this analysis, four distinct phases within the 14 d eruption have been defined, each consisting of multiple explosive events with similar characteristics: (1) an initial explosive event, (2) a sustained event lasting over 9 h, (3) a pulsatory phase with 25 explosive events in a 65.3 h period and (4) a waning sequence of explosive events. It is likely that the multiple explosive events during the April 2021 eruption contributed to the highly complex plume structure that can be seen in the IASI measurements of the SO2 column amounts and heights. The bulk of the SO2 from the first three phases of the eruption was transported eastwards, which based on the wind direction at the volcano implies that the SO2 was largely in the upper troposphere. Some of the SO2 was carried to the south and west of the volcano, suggesting a smaller emission of the gas into the stratosphere, there being a shift in wind direction around the height of the tropopause. The retrieved SO2 heights show that the plume had multiple layers but was largely concentrated between 13 and 19 km, with the majority of the SO2 being located in the upper troposphere and around the height of the tropopause, with some emission into the stratosphere. An average e-folding time of 6.07±4.74 d was computed based on the IASI SO2 results: similar to other tropical eruptions of this magnitude and height. The SO2 was trackable for several weeks after the eruption and is shown to have circulated the globe, with parts of it reaching as far as 45∘ S and 45∘ N. Using the IASI SO2 measurements, a time series of the total SO2 mass loading was produced, with this peaking on 13 April (descending orbits) at 0.31±0.09 Tg. Converting these mass values to a temporally varying SO2 flux demonstrated that the greatest emission occurred on 10 April with that measurement incorporating SO2 from the second phase of the eruption (sustained emission) and the beginning of the pulsatory phase. The SO2 flux is then shown to fall during the later stages of the eruption: suggesting a reduction in eruptive energy, something also reflected in ash height estimates obtained with the ABI instrument. A total SO2 emission of 0.63±0.5 Tg of SO2 has been derived, although due to limitations associated with the retrieval, particularly in the first few days after the eruption began, this, the retrieved column amounts and the total SO2 mass on each day should be considered minimum estimates. There are a number of similarities between the 1979 and 2021 eruptions at La Soufrière, with both eruptions consisting of a series of explosive events with varied heights and including some emission into the stratosphere. These similarities highlight the importance of in-depth investigations into eruptions and the valuable contribution of satellite data for this purpose; as these studies aid in learning about a volcano's behaviour, which may allow for better preparation for future eruptive activity.

Multidimensions of sleep health among in-school adolescents in rural and urban areas in southwestern Nigeria

IntroductionPrevious studies have focused on sleep inequities among disadvantaged populations in high-income countries. However, little is known about the differences in sleep health among adolescents in Africa. We aimed to compare the multidimensions of sleep health in adolescents living in rural vs. urban communities in Nigeria. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled adolescents aged 13-19 in six rural and six urban schools in Osun State, Nigeria. We measured the prevalence of poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score >5), daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents score >10), and risk of sleep apnea (Teen STOPBANG). We compared the sleep health variables between the rural and urban populations using multivariable logistic regression. ResultsOf the 900 participants (51% rural; 59% female; average age (SD)= 15.1(1.4) years), 79% had short sleep duration (<8.5 hours), 14.9% poor sleep quality, 9.6% excessive daytime sleepiness and 9.8% risk of sleep apnea. Urban adolescents had a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality (p = .004), short sleep duration (p < .001), daytime sleepiness (p = .044), and risk of sleep apnea (p = .006) compared to rural adolescents. The adjusted odds of having poor sleep quality (p = .008) and daytime sleepiness (p = .007) were about 2-fold higher among urban compared to rural adolescents. Later school end time, having single/separated parent(s), absence of parental setting of bedtime were independently associated with poorer sleep health. ConclusionAdolescents in rural communities had better sleep health than adolescents in urban communities. There is a need to develop interventions to improve the sleep quality and overall sleep health of urban-dwelling adolescents.

Safety and feasibility of same-day discharge following uncomplicated transvenous lead extraction.

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE),while mostly a safe procedure, has risk of serious periprocedural complications. As such, overnight hospitalization remains a routine practice. In our center, we routinely discharge patients on the same day following an uncomplicated TLE. This is a retrospective study of 265 consecutive patients who underwent uncomplicated TLE in our center between 2019 and 2021. Same-day discharge (SDD)patients are compared with those who stayed at least overnight for observation after the TLE procedure (non-SDD group). To assess the safety of an SDD strategy after uncomplicated TLE, the main study endpoint was to compare the rate of major procedure-related complications at 1-, 7-, and 30-days. To identify the factors influencing the operator's decision to discharge the patient on the same day, the secondary endpoint was to analyze clinical and procedural predictors of SDD. A total of 153 patients were discharged the same day after uncomplicated TLE (SDD),while 112 stayed at least overnight after the procedure (non-SDD).There was no significant difference in major procedure-related complications at 1-day (SDD0% vs. non-SDD 1.8%, p value = ns), while patients in the SDD group had a lower rate of 7- and 30-day complications when compared with those in the non-SDD group (2.1% vs. 8.2%, p value = .0308; and 3.5% vs. 16%, p value = .0049, respectively). Noninfectious indication for TLE (OR16.1, 95% confidence interval[CI] 4.29-77.6) and procedure end time before 12:00 (OR2.82, 95% CI 1.11-7.27) were the only independent predictors of SDD. SDD discharge following uncomplicated TLE in selected patients (i.e., those without device infection and when the TLE procedure is completed in the morning) is feasible and safe.