Geographical Distribution Research Articles

Multi-biological risk in groundwater-surface water system under landfill stress: Driven by bacterial size and biological toxicity

The variation in bacterial size and biotoxicity leads to different ecological risks. However, the diversity of bacterial size and virulence in bacterial communities has been neglected, leading to limitations and inaccuracies in risk assessment. Surface-subsurface interactions lead to the complexity, variability, and insidiousness of pathogen transmission in the environment. Mountainous landfills are considered as a major source of pathogens in subsurface systems. Although numerous studies have reported the geographic distribution of microbes in landfills, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the impacts on the microbial spatial distribution of bacterial size, which is a key factor affecting microbial migration and risks. In this study, the groundwater, river water, soil and leachate samples were collected inside and around a typical mountainous urban landfill, which is close to a river with a high hydraulic gradient and a strong surface–subsurface interaction. Small-sized (<0.2 μm) and large-sized (>0.2 μm) bacteria were separated to verify the variability of migration potential and spatial distribution of different sizes of bacteria in groundwater-surface water and soil, investigating the driving factors and accessing the biological risk of different sizes of bacteria. The results revealed notable differences in spatial distribution and driving factors among various bacterial sizes. Small-sized bacterial communities in groundwater and soils exhibited clear trends towards leachate along the water flow direction. In contrast, large-sized bacterial communities remained stable and resembled native bacterial communities. Groundwater hydrodynamics was the main driving force affecting the spatial distribution of small-sized bacteria. The small-sized bacteria showed a higher content of virulence genes which were predominantly expressed for invasion. Thus, small-sized bacteria exhibited a stronger migration potential and a higher biological risk. Due to the surface–subsurface interactions, the bacterial communities in river water were more similar to that in groundwater after rain. Our results provide strong support to guide the management of subsurface system safety in mountainous landfills.

Mercury biomagnification in the food chain of a piscivorous turtle species (Testudines: Chelidae: Chelus fimbriata) in the Central Amazon, Brazil.

Due to their natural history and ecological attributes, turtles are excellent organisms for studies of heavy metal contamination. Turtles have a large geographical distribution, occupy different aquatic habitats, and occupy various trophic levels. The present study investigated mercury bioaccumulation in the carnivorous chelonian Chelus fimbriata (Matamata turtle) and Hg biomagnification in relation to its aquatic food chain in the middle Rio Negro, AM-Brazil. Tissue samples of muscle, carapace and claws were collected from 26 C. fimbriata individuals, as well as collections of autotrophic energy sources found in the turtle's aquatic habitat area. The samples were collected in February-March/2014 and analyzed for THg concentrations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes. The highest THg levels were found in claws (3780 ng.g-1), carapace (3622 ng.g-1) and muscle (403 ng.g-1), which were found to be significantly different [F(2.73) = 49.02 p < 0.01]. However, THg concentrations in muscle tissue were below the consumption threshold indicated by the WHO and Brazilian Health Ministry. The average δ13C and δ15N values in Matamata samples were -31.7‰ and 11.9‰, respectively. The principal energy source sustaining the food chain of C. fimbriata was found to be terrestrial shrubs, with smaller contributions from emergent aquatic herbaceous plants and algae, while δ15N values showed its trophic position to be two levels above the autotrophic energy sources. There was a positive correlation between THg and turtle size, while a significant relationship was found between THg and δ15N, showing strong biomagnification in the food chain of C. fimbriata: y = 0.21x + 0.46; r2 = 0.45; p < 0.001, for which the slope presented a value of 0.21.

Abstract PO3-27-08: Geographic Distribution and Accessibility of Clinical Trials for Advanced-Stage Breast Cancer in the United States: A Focus on Rural and Minority Health Disparities

Abstract Background: Our research examines the geographical distribution and accessibility of clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer patients in the U.S., spotlighting the challenges faced by rural communities and minority groups. Prior research indicated nearly half of these patients would have to commute over an hour to reach a trial site. [1] Our study provides a refreshed perspective on this issue, offering a more comprehensive analysis. Methods: Utilizing the ClinicalTrials.gov portal, we identified active interventional clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer patients as of November 25, 2022. We obtained distinct zip codes linked to these trials and, using 2020 census data, estimated the proportion of the U.S. populace residing within specific distances from these sites. Our analysis encompassed ethnicity, and other socio-economic parameters. Using GIS software, we also developed illustrative maps to visually represent the U.S. clinical trial accessibility landscape. Results: The majority of Americans diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have clinical trials within their reach. A significant 81.8% of the U.S. populace resides within a 30-mile radius of a relevant clinical trial site. However, there is significant variation among ethnic groups, especially among American Indians, where 56.5% live within 30 miles of a clinical trial site. Conclusions: While a commendable 81.8% of the U.S. population resides within 30 miles of a metastatic breast cancer clinical trial site, our data underscores the uneven geographical spread of these trials. Our findings underscore the need for strategic initiatives to ensure clinical trials are within reach for every individual, irrespective of their location or background. Reference: 1. Galsky MD, Stensland KD, McBride RB, Latif A, Moshier E, Oh WK, Wisnivesky J. Geographic accessibility to clinical trials for advanced cancer in the United States. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Feb;175(2):293-5. PMID: 25437434. Map of 30-, 60-, and 120-mile buffers from clinical trial sites open to patients with metastatic breast cancer. The U.S. Population living withing 30-, 60-, and 120-miles of an open clinical trial site for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Citation Format: Emily Westergard, Abigail Swenson, Zachary Schroeder, Wade Swenson. Geographic Distribution and Accessibility of Clinical Trials for Advanced-Stage Breast Cancer in the United States: A Focus on Rural and Minority Health Disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-27-08.

Empowering Global AMR Research Community: Interactive GIS dashboards for AMR data analysis and informed decision-making

Background Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health concern, demanding effective tools for research, data analysis, and decision-making. This study proposes a groundbreaking approach to empower the global AMR research community by introducing interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) dashboards. These dashboards aim to facilitate comprehensive data analysis of AMR across multiple countries, providing insights into antimicrobial usage (AMU), resistance patterns, and geographic distribution. Methods The novel approach involves the development of GIS dashboards that integrate and harmonize data from diverse sources, including clinical laboratories, surveillance networks, and public health agencies. Objective 1 focuses on creating a dashboard encompassing all countries, offering comprehensive data analysis capabilities and visualization tools. Objective 2 entails building a focused dashboard specifically for Kenya and Uganda, allowing for comparative analysis of AMR in these regions. Objective 3 involves the generation of a simulated dataset for Kampala, Uganda, addressing data limitations in that specific area. Results The GIS dashboards serve as powerful tools for visualizing and analyzing AMR-related datasets, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view of the global AMR landscape. These dashboards offer valuable insights into antimicrobial usage, resistance patterns, and geographical distribution. The centralized platform facilitates data exploration and analysis, aiding researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals in making informed decisions to combat AMR. Conclusions In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the developed GIS dashboards empower stakeholders by providing valuable insights and informed decision-making capabilities. The dashboards serve as essential tools for addressing the global challenge of AMR, allowing for a deeper understanding of the problem and informing effective strategies. The approach outlined in this study has the potential to significantly contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat AMR on a global scale.

Comolia paraensis (Melastomataceae), a striking new species of Marcetieae endemic to Pará, Brazil

During the preparation of the taxonomic review of Comolia, some taxonomic novelties were found. Here we describe Comolia paraensis, a new species endemic to the Brazilian state of Pará, preliminary categorized as Endangered. This species occurs in the campinas around Oriximiná and in the stony Amazonian savannas of Monte Alegre and Óbidos. Comolia paraensis is morphologically similar to C. kuhlmannii and C. veronicifolia, two taxonomic entities that here were considered distinct from C. villosa. Comolia paraensis is illustrated, compared with similar species, and notes on its geographic distribution and preliminary conservation status are provided. We also discuss the succulence found in the branches of the population from Monte Alegre, something unprecedented within Marcetieae, but commonly reported in Pyramieae and Sonerileae.

Geographical distribution of nitrate pollution and its risk assessment using GIS and Monte Carlo simulation in drinking water in urban areas of Fars province-Iran during 2017-2021.

Pollution of water resources with nitrate is currently one of the major challenges at the global level. In order to make macro-policy decisions in water safety plans, it is necessary to carry out nitrate risk assessment in underground water, which has not been done in Fars province for all urban areas. In the current study, 9494 drinking water samples were collected in four seasons in 32 urban areas of Fars province in Iran, between 2017 and 2021 to investigate the non-carcinogenic health risk assessment. Geographical distribution maps of hazard quotient were drawn using geographical information system software. The results showed that the maximum amount of nitrate in water samples in 4% of the samples in 2021, 2.5% of the samples in 2020 and 3% of the samples in 2019 were more than the standard declared by World Health Organization guidelines (50mg/L). In these cases, the maximum amount of nitrate was reported between 82 and 123mg/L. The HQ values for infants did not exceed 1 in any year, but for children (44% ± 10.8), teenagers (10.8% ± 8.4), and adults (3.2% ± 1.7) exceeded 1 in cities, years, and seasons, indicating that three age groups in the studied area are at noticeably significant non-carcinogenic risk. The results of the Monte Carlo simulation showed that the average value of non-carcinogenic risk was less than 1 for all age groups. Moreover, the maximum HQ values (95%) were higher than 1 for both children and teenager, indicating a significant non-carcinogenic risk for the two age groups.

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in India: geographical distribution, sources and associated health risk-a review.

Atmospheric distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and associated human health risks have been studied in India. However, a comprehensive overview is not available in India, this review highlights the possible sources, and associated cancer risks in people living in different zones of India. Different databases were searched for the scientific literature on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air in India. Database searches have revealed a total of 55 studies conducted at 139 locations in India in the last 14years between 1996 and 2018. Based on varying climatic conditions in India, the available data was analysed and distributed with four zone including north, east, west/central and south zones. Comparatively higher concentrations were reported for locations in north zone, than east, west/central and south zones. The average concentrations of ∑PAHs is lower in east zone, and concentrations in north, west/central and south zones are higher by 1.67, 1.47, and 1.12 folds respectively than those in east zone. Certain molecular diagnostic ratios and correlation receptor models were used for identification of possible sources, which aided to the conclusion that both pyrogenic and petrogenic activities are the mixed sources of PAH emissions to the Indian environment. Benzo(a)pyrene toxicity equivalency for different zones is estimated and presented. Estimated Chronic daily intake (CDI) due to inhalation of PAHs and subsequently, cancer risk (CR) is found to be ranging from extremely low to low in various geographical zones of India.

EXPRESS: Flowers and Bees: Spatial Network Effects in the Adoption of a Sharing-Economy Platform

This paper empirically analyzes the spatiotemporal diffusion of a car-sharing platform that connects consumers with individual car owners. We develop a model of adoption by both consumers and providers that accommodates network effects across locations, as consumers travel to pick up cars, and information asymmetry, as only the providers’ locations are shown on a map. We apply it to data at the earliest stage of the platform and find that proximity and consumer mobility play a significant role in the spatial network effects of existing providers on consumers across locations. Consequently, the impact of additional supply at a destination on consumer adoptions at an origin varies by origin-destination pair and is asymmetric, as certain destinations draw more visitors than others and given differences in local characteristics. In contrast, existing consumers have a limited impact on provider adoptions. Through seeding experiments, we investigate how the geographic distribution of initial participants impacts the platform diffusion and find that targeting the supply side in big cities leads to the highest platform growth. We also use our parameter estimates to measure the long-term impact of a local promotional campaign and show that it is mostly local despite spatial network effects.

Abstract PO3-10-07: Leveraging AI to identify factors influencing access to care and their association with overall survival- a multiracial Breast Cancer cohort

Abstract Introduction: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labels each US state based on its 5-Year Relative Survival of Breast Cancer (BC) patients (pts). Data is categorized into four “survival groups'', each representing a range of 5-year survival percentages. Using real-world data, this study characterized the populations in each survival group, examining pt knowledge and education about their disease as well as preferences and factors influencing their decision to explore clinical trial (CT) opportunities. Methods: Leal is an AI-based platform that employs self-reported medical profiles to match cancer pts with CTs. This study involved a diverse cohort of 14,509 BC pts who completed the questionnaire. The geographic distribution of pts across US states was analyzed, taking into account the state’s 5-year BC survival %. Four groups were defined as follows: Group A (86.4 - 89.4%), Group B (89.4 - 90.4%), Group C (90.4 - 91.5%), and Group D (92.0 - 95.0%). Parameters such as race, willingness to travel, insurance coverage, performance of genetic testing, and biomarker knowledge were considered in the analysis. Results: We found significant variations in registration rates on the Leal platform across groups. The Highest registration rate was recorded for Group D which has the highest 5-year survival rate (p&amp;lt; 0.0001). Group A which has the lowest 5-year relative survival had a significantly higher proportion of African Americans compared to group D (14% vs 4%, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Moreover, while there was no difference in the percentage of pts undergoing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in both groups, a larger proportion of pts in Group D demonstrated proficiency in interpreting the test reports (p = 0.05). Although no significant differences were found in the proportion of pts who were aware of their treatment (tx) history between the two groups, whites in both groups exhibited greater knowledge of their tx (p = 0.001). Additionally, pts in Group D showed a significantly higher willingness to travel longer distances to participate in CTs (p=0.001), and a larger percentage of them had insurance coverage. Conclusions: This study used data from CDC that categorized US states into four groups based on BC pts’ 5-Year Survival. CT participation is associated with better clinical outcomes, especially for pts with poorer prognosis. In agreement, we show a higher signup rate to the Leal platform in States with higher 5-year relative survival, possibly pointing to higher CT education and knowledge among pts in those states. This is further supported by higher proficiency in interpreting NGS reports, resulting in better-optimized CT options on the Leal platform. Group A was also characterized by a reduced willingness to travel for a CT and a larger proportion of pts without health insurance. Those are significant barriers for CT enrollment, and ultimately limit access to optimal care and may impact outcomes. Gaps in knowledge of key disease parameters such as tx history were observed for African Americans, regardless of geographic location, highlighting the need to focus on minority populations even in states where the survival rate is relatively high. In agreement, the proportion of African Americans in group A was markedly higher, correlating with current disparities in access to tx and poorer outcomes. AI-based platforms are optimized for the exact identification of barriers to access to care and for enabling relevant healthcare and support organizations to effectively address individual patient issues, consequently increasing access to CTs, particularly among different racial and ethnic populations. Citation Format: Michal Safran, Yelena Lapidot, Tzvia Bader, Avital Gaziel. Leveraging AI to identify factors influencing access to care and their association with overall survival- a multiracial Breast Cancer cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-10-07.

Identification and epidemiology of a novel Hepacivirus in domestic ducks in Hunan province, China.

The genus Hepacivirus comprises a diverse range of genetically distinct viruses that infect both mammalian and non-mammalian hosts, with some posing significant risks to human and animal health. Members of the genus Hepacivirus are typically classified into fourteen species (Hepacivirus A-N), with ongoing discoveries of novel hepaciviruses like Hepacivirus P and Hepacivirus Q. In this study, a novel Hepacivirus was identified in duck liver samples collected from live poultry markets in Hunan province, China, using unbiased high-throughput sequencing and meta-transcriptomic analysis. Through sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis, it was determined that this newly discovered Hepacivirus belongs to a new subspecies of Hepacivirus Q. Moreover, molecular screening revealed the widespread circulation of this novel virus among duck populations in various regions of Hunan province, with an overall prevalence of 13.3%. These findings significantly enhence our understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of hepaciviruses, emphasizing the presence of genetically diverse hepaciviruses duck populations in China. Given the broad geographical distribution and relatively high positive rate, further investigations are essential to explore any potential associations between Hepacivirus Q and duck-related diseases.

Causes of Vision Loss Associated with Dengue Fever in Bihar, India - A Case Series.

The incidence and geographic distribution of dengue has increased dramatically in recent years across various parts of the world. Previously, ocular findings in dengue fever were considered rare. We report a spectrum of ocular manifestations presenting with vision loss in the last dengue epidemic in an eastern state of India. This is a retrospective interventional case series of patients with vision loss who were diagnosed with dengue eye disease in the 2022 epidemic. Systemic and ophthalmic examinations were completed on all patients and were analyzed. Fifteen patients had presented with vision loss. The mean age was 41.7 ± 10.8 years, and patients were mostly males. Three patients presented with panophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis. Eight patients were diagnosed with optic neuropathy. Four patients had macular involvement: macular chorioretinitis, macular subhyaloid hemorrhage, and macular hemorrhages in two patients. All patients with optic neuropathy gave a history of mild fever and had remained undiagnosed. The rest had been diagnosed with the more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. Vision recovered partially or fully in patients with optic neuropathy and macular disease. No eye could be salvaged in any panophthalmitis patients. Thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100 × 109 per liter of blood) was significantly associated with ocular hemorrhage and panophthalmitis, but thrombocytopenia was not significantly seen in optic neuropathy. We conclude that optic neuropathy may be an underreported cause of vision loss in dengue fever. An eye examination is advocated in all patients with dengue eye disease.

A new species of Croton sect. Geiseleria (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil, supported by macro- and micromorphological data

Taxonomic studies on the genus Croton in the Midwest region of Brazil enabled the analysis of about 700 collections from all over the country. Three of these collections were identified as a new species, Croton piriquetifolius, which is described and illustrated here. We also give a preliminary evaluation of its conservation status, provide data on flowering and fruiting seasons, geographic distribution environmental preferences, as well as its systematic position. The new species is compared macro- and micromorphologically with C. adamantinus, C. glandulosus and C. eremophilus, with which it resembles or has been confused in herbaria. Morphological (e.g., presence, shape, and location of the acropetiolar nectaries, presence, and distribution of glands on stipules, presence, and size of pedicel on pistillate flower, integrity of styles, type, and location of trichomes) and anatomical (e.g., disposition of the stomata, contour of petiole and midrib, organization of vascular bundles, type of mesophyll, and types of trichomes) characters serve to differentiate the species studied.

Emerging Trends of Self-Harm Using Sodium Nitrite in an Online Suicide Community: Observational Study Using Natural Language Processing Analysis.

There is growing concern around the use of sodium nitrite (SN) as an emerging means of suicide, particularly among younger people. Given the limited information on the topic from traditional public health surveillance sources, we studied posts made to an online suicide discussion forum, "Sanctioned Suicide," which is a primary source of information on the use and procurement of SN. This study aims to determine the trends in SN purchase and use, as obtained via data mining from subscriber posts on the forum. We also aim to determine the substances and topics commonly co-occurring with SN, as well as the geographical distribution of users and sources of SN. We collected all publicly available from the site's inception in March 2018 to October 2022. Using data-driven methods, including natural language processing and machine learning, we analyzed the trends in SN mentions over time, including the locations of SN consumers and the sources from which SN is procured. We developed a transformer-based source and location classifier to determine the geographical distribution of the sources of SN. Posts pertaining to SN show a rise in popularity, and there were statistically significant correlations between real-life use of SN and suicidal intent when compared to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (⍴=0.727; P<.001) and the National Poison Data System (⍴=0.866; P=.001). We observed frequent co-mentions of antiemetics, benzodiazepines, and acid regulators with SN. Our proposed machine learning-based source and location classifier can detect potential sources of SN with an accuracy of 72.92% and showed consumption in the United States and elsewhere. Vital information about SN and other emerging mechanisms of suicide can be obtained from online forums.

Epidemiological analysis of Dirofilaria immitis (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) infecting pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) in Baixada Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro.

Dirofilaria immitis infection is routinely detected in dogs during veterinary care in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Parasitological tests for the detection of this infection are routinely performed only in areas with a high prevalence. Baixada Fluminense, a region in Rio de Janeiro, was considered heartworm-free until local veterinarians began to receive blood exams results indicating the presence of microfilariae (MF). A laboratory database was hence used to collect data from 2017 to 2020 to understand the extent of spread of the parasite in this area. The results of complete blood count analysis and MF or heartworm antigen detection tests conducted on canine samples sent from veterinary clinics in Baixada Fluminense (Magé, Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, Nova Iguaçu, and São João de Meriti municipalities) were included. In total, the results of 16,314 hematological tests were considered. The overall prevalence of D. immitis was 3.4% (554/16,314), considering that only one test result was obtained per animal on the same day. This study is highly relevant because it indicates the spreading geographic distribution of the worms, heightens awareness among local health professionals and the general population, and encourages compliance with prophylactic measures to prevent further spread of parasite.

High-resolution UAV maps of the Gobi Desert provide new insights into the Upper Cretaceous of Mongolia

The Gobi Desert of southern Mongolia is home to an incredibly rich record of dinosaurs and other vertebrate fossils from the latest Cretaceous Period. Together, more than a dozen sites in several basins have produced one of the richest palaeofaunas known from this interval anywhere in the world. Most of this diversity has been recovered from the fluvial deposits of the Nemegt Formation. Despite historic and ongoing research in southern Mongolia, accurate maps and geological data for the main fossil sites are still lacking, limiting our ability to investigate how local palaeoecological dynamics influenced Nemegt taxa, their geographic distribution, and their evolutionary patterns. One of these sites, Guriliin Tsav, has produced more than a hundred significant fossil specimens to date, but still remains one of the lesser known Nemegt localities. In part this is because many expeditions have instead focused on the nearby Bügiin Tsav, one of the largest and richest localities for the Nemegt Formation. To address this gap, a project was initiated in 2018 to produce a high-resolution topographic map of Guriliin Tsav using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and consequently, to plot the geographic and stratigraphic distributions of palaeontological resources on this map. In so doing, we also collected stratigraphic and taphonomic data from the area, allowing for the first detailed palaeoecological interpretation of Guriliin Tsav and a comparison with other localities of southern Mongolia. Here we present the results of this project, and also discuss new topographic and stratigraphic data from Bügiin Tsav. This sheds new light into the temporal and geographic distribution of vertebrate taxa in the latest Cretaceous of Mongolia.

Nasopharyngeal tumors with unusual presentations: a retrospective analysis from Saudi Arabia

The most common malignant lesion in the nasopharynx is the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), commonly presents with painless upper cervical lymphadenopathy secondary to nodal metastasis and the undifferentiated type is the most common diagnosis. Compared with other types of cancers, NPC is uncommon, albeit with a high difference in geographical distribution where the worldwide cases account for only 0.6% of all annually diagnosed cancers diagnosed, however, in Saudi Arabia the overall incidence among all age groups is 0.1–0.13 per 10 000. Other rare types of malignancies are also seen at the nasopharynx and due to the nonspecific clinical and imaging characteristics; the preoperative diagnosis may be difficult. This study retrospectively assessed the nasopharyngeal tumors diagnosed in a referral hospital in Al-Baha regions, Saudi Arabia during 10 years period that came with unusual presentations at the level of clinical, radiological, or pathological features to raise the awareness of healthcare provides by these entities. Twenty patients were included and revealed unusual (atypical) clinical presentation in 50% of case including a case presented with respiratory symptoms as a first presentation where multiple lung foci were seen and proved to be a metastatic NPC. Histopathological diagnoses were challenging for 40% of the cases revealing unusual malignant types. In summary, however, the nasopharyngeal malignancy is a rare entity, accurate diagnosis may be missed in clinical or even in the pathology examination. Surgeons and pathologists should be aware of the unusual presentation to provide early and more accurate diagnosis for such serous tumors.

Worldwide revision of synanthropic silverfish (Insecta: Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) combining morphological and molecular data.

Synanthropic silverfish are the best-known and most widely distributed insects of the order Zygentoma. However, there is a great gap in the knowledge and confusion about the geographic distribution and the diagnostic characteristics that allow their identification. In this work, we provide an exhaustive and deep analysis of the most common 9 synanthropic silverfish of the world, combining previously published and newly derived morphological and molecular data. Updated descriptions of Ctenolepisma calvum (Ritter, 1910) and Ctenolepisma (Sceletolepisma) villosum (Fabricius, 1775) are included, and morphological remarks, illustrations, and photographs of the remaining synanthropic species are provided to clarify their diagnosis and differentiation among them and from other free-living species. In addition, Ctenolepisma targionii (Grassi and Rovelli, 1889) is synonymized with C. villosum. A molecular phylogeny is presented based on the COI sequences of all the synanthropic species deposited in BOLD and GenBank, with 15 new sequences provided by this study. This has allowed us to detect and correct a series of identification errors based on the lack of morphological knowledge of several species. Moreover, 2 different lineages of Ctenolepisma longicaudatumEscherich, 1905 have also been detected. To help future studies, we also provide a taxonomic interpretation guide for the most important diagnostic characters of the order Zygentoma, as well as an identification key for all the Synanthropic studied species. Finally, an approximation of the global distribution of synanthropic silverfish is discussed. Several new records indicate that the expansion of these species, generally associated with the transport of goods and people, is still far from over.

Skull asymmetry in various sheep breeds: Directional asymmetry and fluctuating asymmetry.

Sheep (Ovis aries) play an important role in the economy of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula due to their use in farming. As a domesticated species, sheep's morphometric and morphological diversity is likely determined by selective breeding practices rather than geographic distribution. This study aimed to analyse four different sheep breed skulls and reveal skull asymmetry using geometric morphometric methods. For this purpose, 2D images of 52 sheep skulls from different breeds were analysed from the dorsal view of the skull, using 28 landmarks. In the comparison of sheep skulls from the dorsal view, the first principal components for directional asymmetry (DA) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) were 32.98% and 39.62% of the total variation, respectively. Sharri and Ivesi (Awassi) sheep breeds had the broadest distribution of skull shapes among the breeds, while Lara e Polisit was the most conservative breed. DA was used as a measure of biomechanical constraints, and FA was used as an indicator of environmental stress. Consistent with DA, both differences in centroid size and shape between breeds were statistically significant. No differences between males and females related to asymmetry were revealed. Ivesi sheep revealed the highest fluctuating asymmetry. Geometric morphometric methods proved to be a useful tool for distinguishing differences in the shape of the skull of different sheep breeds and also can be useful for taxonomic purposes.

Microfinance: A bibliometric exploration of the knowledge landscape

Microfinance has gained significant attention as a social innovation, offering flexible and low-cost financial services to households who are otherwise excluded from formal financial services. Over the years, numerous research works have expanded the knowledge base of microfinance. Applying bibliometrics, we summarize findings from 1599 articles published between 1987 and 2022. Our performance analysis reveals insights into the research trend, including its geographical distribution, the theories under examination, and the most influential publications. More importantly, the knowledge foundation and thematic analysis categorize microfinance research into three broad themes, viz. impact of microfinance, management of microfinance and performance and efficiency of microfinance. Furthermore, we trace the evolution of various research topics and forecast future trends using periodical average publication years over time. This study, therefore, serves as a valuable reference in microfinance research both for new researchers and seasoned academics, as well as policymakers, providing insights into research trends, seminal works, and future directions.

Geographic Access to Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons in the United States: An Analysis of Sociodemographic Factors.

It is unclear how pediatric orthopedic surgeons are geographically distributed relative to their patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the geographic distribution of pediatric orthopedic surgeons in the United States. County-level data of actively practicing pediatric orthopedic surgeons were identified by matching several registries and membership logs. Data were used to calculate the distance between counties and nearest surgeon. Counties were categorized as "surgeon clusters" or "surgeon deserts" if the distance to the nearest surgeon was less than or greater than the national average and the average of all neighboring counties, respectively. Cohorts were then compared for differences in population characteristics using data obtained from the 2020 American Community Survey. A total of 1197 unique pediatric orthopedic surgeons were identified. The mean distance to the nearest pediatric orthopedic surgeon for a patient residing in a surgeon desert or a surgeon cluster was 141.9±53.8 miles and 30.9±16.0 miles, respectively. Surgeon deserts were found to have lower median household incomes (P<.001) and greater rates of children without health insurance (P<.001). Multivariate analyses showed that higher Rural-Urban Continuum codes (P<.001), Area Deprivation Index scores (P<.001), and percentage of patients without health insurance (P<.001) all independently required significantly greater travel distances to see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are not equally distributed in the United States, and many counties are not optimally served. Additional studies are needed to identify the relationship between travel distances and patient outcomes and how geographic inequalities can be minimized. [Orthopedics. 202x;4x(x):xx-xx.].