Geographical Location Research Articles

Epidemiological Study of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Its Outcomes: Insights from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database

Objective: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that mainly arises in the head and neck area. We aimed to compare the long-term survival of patients with ACC based on their geographic regions within the United States using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry data. Methods: We queried the SEER database to evaluate the geographic distribution of ACC patients based on inpatient admissions. The states included in the study were divided into four geographical regions (Midwest, Northeast, South, and West) based on the U.S. Census Bureau-designated regions and divisions. Demographic and clinical variables were compared between the groups. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess late mortality. Results: A total of 5150 patients were included (4.2% from the Midwest, 17.2% from the Northeast, 22.5% from the South, and 56.1% from the West regions). The median follow-up was 12.3 (95% CI: 11.6–13.1 years). Median overall survival was 11.0 (95% CI: 9.2-NR years), 14.3 (95% CI: 12.4–16.4 years), 11.3 (95% CI: 9.7–14.8 years), and 12.0 (95% CI: 11.3–13.0 years) for Midwest, Northeast, South, and West regions, respectively. In multivariable analysis, older age, male sex, thoracic cancer, the presence of regional and distal disease, receiving chemotherapy, not undergoing surgical resection, and being treated in the West vs. Northeast region were found to be independent predictors of poor survival. We identified a significant survival difference between the different regions, with the West exhibiting the worst survival compared to the Northeast region. Conclusions: In addition to the well-known predictors of late mortality in ACC (tumor location, stage, and treatment modalities), our study identified a lack of social support (being unmarried) and geographic location (West region) as independent predictors of late mortality in multivariable analysis. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationships.

Which socio-economic groups benefit most from public health expenditure in Senegal? A dynamic benefit incidence analysis

Despite efforts to enhance public investment in Senegal’s health sector, the equitable distribution of benefits between socioeconomic groups remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, our study examines the progressive (or regressive) nature of public health expenditure. Utilizing data from the latest survey on household living conditions (2018–2019) in conjunction with administrative data on health expenditure from the same period (provided by the Ministry of Health of Senegal), we performed a benefit incidence analysis. This entailed segmenting the population by poverty quintiles and subsequently estimating how each group utilized and benefitted from public health expenditure, according to level of care and geographical location. Additionally, we performed a marginal benefit analysis to discern the impact of an increase in public health expenditure on various socioeconomic groups. Our findings unveil a pro-rich distribution of benefits at both primary healthcare and hospital levels, observable both at national and regional levels. Moreover, disparities in the distribution of resource allocation between Senegal's 14 administrative regions were observed. Ultimately, our results indicate that under prevailing conditions, increasing public health expenditure would not yield a pro-poor distribution of benefits. Therefore, our research underscores the imperative of better targeting populations for greater equity between regions and social groups.

Accessing Trauma- and Violence-Informed Breastfeeding Support from Primary Care Providers among Women with Histories of Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Interpretive Description Study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a wicked social problem affecting women of all social strata and geographical location, globally. Pregnancy may be a time of heightened risk of IPV and more deleterious outcomes. Breastfeeding - a protective factor for maternal and child well-being - may be jeopardized or more challenging for women experiencing IPV. This study explored the experiences of postpartum women with histories of IPV who sought trauma- and violence-informed breastfeeding support from primary care providers. Using interpretive description and philosophically underpinned by intersectionality, in-depth semi-structured interviews were completed at 12-weeks postpartum with five breastfeeding mothers with a history of IPV who sought breastfeeding support from a family physician clinic employing a trauma- and violence-informed (TVIC) model of care. Four themes and two sub-themes shed light onto the experience of accessing breastfeeding support for women with a history of IPV and the perceived barriers that they faced when attempting to accesses this support, including: 1) The (demoralizing) navigation of the perinatal system; 2) Fostering trust: i) "It's support, but it's also knowledge"; and ii) TVIC: feeling safe and feeling "I mattered"; 3) Informal support: partners, family, and friends; and 4) Baby in focus: overcoming challenges and building confidence. TVIC may aid in the development of trusting therapeutic relationships, in turn improving access to breastfeeding support, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and breastfeeding success for women who experience violence. Further research on the implementation and evaluation of TVIC for perinatal breastfeeding education and care among women is required.

GS–CDNet: a remote sensing image cloud detection method with geographic spatial data integration

ABSTRACT In optical remote sensing images, clouds exhibit irregular scales and boundaries that vary with elevation across diverse geographical locations. To accurately capture the diverse visual patterns of clouds, we propose a cloud image segmentation approach named GS-CDNet (Geographic Spatial Data-Cloud Detection Network), which is based on the integration of geospatial data with multifaceted self-attention feature extraction, multi-scale feature aggregation, and boundary clarification techniques.Firstly, we utilize geographical coordinates from optical remote sensing images to extract a raster DEM (Digital Elevation Model) from SRTM3. This process creates a dataset consisting of elevation images, longitude, and latitude maps as geospatial data, enhancing the model’s capability in spatial positioning for cloud detection. Secondly, the proposed method consists of three interconnected modules within the cloud detection network: the Interleaved Self-Attention module(ISAM) utilizes a variety of self-attention mechanisms in an interleaved manner to extract multi-scale feature information.The Bidirectional Multi-Scale Feature Fusion Module(BIMFM) is responsible for integrating features, enabling a more comprehensive contextual understanding. The Boundary Extraction Module(BEM) utilizes a residual structure to generate a boundary cloud mask, effectively addressing the common issue of boundary blurring in multi-scale cloud masks. Finally, we compared and evaluated GS-CDNet with other cloud detection methods and conducted an ablation study on the key components of the method. The validation of generalization performance demonstrates the exceptional performance of the proposed model in cloud mask generation. Geospatial data and the different modules of the method play a significant role in the model.

The Cultural Communication In Society Values Pendalungan Jember

The article tries to determine the consider of Pendalungan. of Pendalungan culture,look at communication and multicultural values of Pendalungan culture in Jember Regency . This consider was a qualitative descriptive method. The results showed that 1) there is cultural hybridization with a mixture of new and unique cultures; 2) Communication is carried out with Javanese and Madurese dialects with special dialects and 3) Multicultural values ​​are related to the geographical location of the residence concentric with circles of cultural gradation.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of Hordeum pusillum Nutt., 1818 (Poaceae)

Hordeum pusillum (Hordeum pusillum Nutt., 1818) is an annual barley that is native to the west of the North America and widespread in southern United States and tropical America. In this study, we have provided the first complete characterization of the chloroplast genome of H. pusillum. Our research revealed that the circular chloroplast genome of H. pusillum consists of a large single-copy region (LSC: 80,853 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC: 12,745 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs: 21,587 bp), totaling 136,772 bp in length. Within the chloroplast genome of H. pusillum, 91 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and ten rRNA genes were identified. To determine the evolutionary relationship of Hordeum species with reported chloroplast genome sequences, we constructed a phylogenetic tree using the entire chloroplast genome sequences. The evolutionary position of H. pusillum corresponds to its geographical location. The chloroplast genome of H. pusillum provided in this study may have significant implications for the phylogenetic study of Poaceae species.

A-287 Mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in 2023: Post pandemic resurgence of an atypical bacterial pathogen

Abstract Background Mycoplasma pnuemoniae is an atypical fastidious bacteria known to cause respiratory infections of both upper and lower tract, with a wide range of clinical presentations. M. pnuemoniae is one of the major causes of community acquired pneumonias worldwide. Almost all of the M pnuemoniae outbreak incidences have been reported in closed- community or congregate settings, such as schools, universities and colleges, and hospitals and long-term care facilities. Since the clinical symptoms of M pneumoniae overlap with other pneumonia causing pathogens, detection via multiplex PCR remains paramount for accurate and timely diagnosis to curb the infection spread. In the present study we demonstrate an unexpected increase in the detection of M. pneumoniae in the outpatient population, during 2023, as compared to the previous two years. In addition, a detailed analysis of the ICD10 diagnostic codes associated with the outbreak is also presented. Methods Respiratory samples (oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, sputum and EBL) summited to the HealthTrackRX laboratories were tested for the presence of M. pneumoniae and other respiratory bacterial and viral pathogens using the nanofluidic OpenArray qPCR platform (ThermoFisher, California, USA). Patient data was analyzed on the basis of age, gender and geographical location. Data was also classified in the basis of ICD10 diagnostic codes associated with the patient samples. All statistical analysis was performed using R version 3.6.0 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Results A total of 541,267 samples were submitted for testing at the HealthTrackRX facilities between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023. Only 13 samples tested positive for M. pneumoniae between 2021 (0.004%, n =3/61,498) and 2022 (0.006%, n = 10/165,423). The positivity rate of M. pneumoniae in 2023 increased to 0.19% (n = 621/314,346). The highest proportion of M. pneumoniae cases were detected from Georgia (26.8%), followed by Ohio (21.7%), Texas (8.5%) and California (6.4%). Most of the outbreak appears to be concentrated in large urban settings. Median age of the patients testing positive for M. pneumoniae was 10 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-18) years. Gender classification of the positive samples showed an almost equal distribution between females (49.8%) and males (50.1%). Co-infecting pathogens detected in samples positive for M. pneumoniae were similar in proportion to the M. pneumoniae negative population. The co-detected pathogens at a statistically significant difference were lower than the negative population. Survey of the ICD-10 codes submitted in conjunction with the samples suggest that the current outbreak is mostly associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Conclusions The present study shows an unprecedented increase in the detection of M. pneumoniae in the outpatient population in the United States during 2023. Our analysis suggests that this outbreak was not associated with any other bacterial or viral respiratory pathogen but appears to be case of “immunity debt” caused by the COVID19 pandemic. The outbreak of this atypical pathogen was concentrated in the pediatric population in large urban areas. Our study highlights the importance of performing continuous surveillance of respiratory pathogens, especially in the altered epidemiological landscape of the post COVID world.

Modelling extreme precipitation projections under the effects of climate change: case study of the Caspian Sea

ABSTRACT Climate change is expected to alter climate extremes. This paper evaluates future changes in extreme precipitation events over the Caspian Sea, where the changes are noticeable due to its geographical location and remoteness from the ocean. Using bias-corrected data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and extreme value analysis, this study shows increased precipitation from 18.48 mm/month in 1980–2014 to 19.50–19.82 mm/month in 2015–2100, depending on the climate scenario. Additionally, extreme events in the future are projected to increase over the sea due to climatic changes, depicting the emergence of droughts/floods that could occur more frequently in the region.

Abuse of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids as a Social Phenomenon and Medical Problem—Its Potential Negative Impact on Reproductive Health Based on 50 Years of Case Report Analysis

Background/Objectives: Illegal anabolic-androgenic steroids are a significant lifestyle factor in infertility. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical cases resulting from their use for their frequency, geographical location, dynamics, substances used, the age and gender of the users, and the types of clinical complications. Methods: Publications were obtained by searching PubMed for the following terms: ‘anabolic-androgenic steroids’ and ‘clinical case’. Publications from 1973 to 2022 were qualified for the analysis. Results: An increasing trend in the number of clinical cases resulting from the use of steroids, as well as the number of substances used simultaneously, was observed. The substances changed over the decades, but in the last 20 years, testosterone, nandrolone, stanozolol, methandienone, trenbolone, and methenolone have predominated. Cardiological side effects predominated in each period, with a continuous increase in their occurrence. The most common among these were myocardial infarctions and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The next most numerous adverse events involved psychiatric, endocrinological, hepatic, and oncological problems. We demonstrated a possible relationship between the use of individual steroids and medical issues; the strongest associations were between testosterone and endocrine complications, and methylstenbolone and hepatic complications. Conclusions: There has been an increasing trend in case reports describing serious health problems associated with the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, a tendency to use several substances simultaneously, and a preferential use of substances with a high potential of causing serious side effects. These phenomena mainly concern men, with an average age of 30, and the health problems that dominate in clinical case reports—including serious cardiological, psychiatric, endocrinological, hepatic, and oncological diseases—may potentially affect reproductive health and pose a challenge for reproductive medicine.

An agent-based model of post-disaster recovery in multilayer socio-physical networks

Post-disaster recovery involves returning infrastructure to pre-disaster states or close, and humans back to communities or close, after disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. It enables us to comprehend complex relationships between humans and infrastructure after natural hazards. Existing studies have identified individual recovery, which focuses on personal or household-level restoration, and systematic recovery, which focuses on broader community recovery processes. However, they have not described how individual recoveries contribute to the overall recovery. To close the gap, we propose an agent-based model (ABM), called Disaster Infrastructure Recovery Simulator (DIRSim). We apply DIRSim to analyze the recovery of five counties in Texas following Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Specifically, we construct a three-layer network, composed of a human layer, a social infrastructure layer, and a physical infrastructure layer, using mobile phone location data and point-of-interest foot traffic data. Based on this three-layer network, we develop the ABM to simulate how evacuated users return to their homes, and social and physical infrastructure recover using a household survey. By implementing the ABM, we unveil the heterogeneity in recovery dynamics regarding geographical locations, housing types, and income levels. Moreover, simulation results across nine scenarios quantify the positive recovery effects of social and physical infrastructure policies.

Exploring the Link Between Factors in Musculoskeletal Oncology Surgery Fellowships and Industry Supplemental Income.

Introduction In the complex landscape of healthcare economics, the financial relationship between physicians and industry remains a topic of significant interest and reflection. While the dynamics of industry relationships in certain orthopedic subspecialties have been well documented, the intricacies of industry payments within musculoskeletal (MSK) oncology programs have yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, we aim to examine the relationship between academic and industry productivity at the fellowship level. Additionally, we seek to identify the associations between the flow of industry supplemental income to orthopedic oncologists and the specific residency and fellowship training programs they are affiliated with. Methodology A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Scopus, and other relevant databases in 2023. This study included 19 fellowship programs across the United States, encompassing a total of 68 faculty physicians. Various variables were examined, including H-index, lifetime supplemental income, geographical location, residency affiliation, and association with top-ranked hospitals. Results A statistically significant correlation was found between academic and industry productivity at the individual faculty level (p = 0.003), but not at the fellowship level (p = 0.198). The top 10% of earners accounted for approximately 70% of the total lifetime supplemental income among all fellowship faculty. Additionally, there was no statistically significant association between lifetime supplemental income or academic productivity per fellowship and geographical region, nor with the ranking of affiliated residency programs or hospitals. Conclusions Industry productivity among individual faculty in MSK oncology fellowship programs in the United States is significantly associated with academic productivity; however, this association was not observed at the fellowship level. Furthermore, no statistically significant relationship was found regarding the region or the ranking of the affiliated residency programs or hospitals.

Effects of household solid fuel use on sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from a nationwide cohort study.

Household solid fuel use is common in global households and has been linked to changes in handgrip strength and muscle mass. However, whether household solid fuel use results in sarcopenia over time is not well elaborated. This study employed data from the 2011-2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) that recruited 4,932 participants ≥45 years. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to estimate the impact of household solid fuel use for cooking and heating on sarcopenia development. The analysis was further stratified based on geographic position. Mediation analysis was employed to estimate the potential mediating effects of cognitive function and depressive symptoms associated with household solid fuel use and sarcopenia. Over the 4-year follow-up, 476 cases of sarcopenia were reported (9.65%), with 254 in males (10.82%) and 222 in females (8.59%). Cooking and heating with solid fuels increased the risk of sarcopenia (Cooking: HR 1.401, 95% CI 1.138-1.724; Heating: HR 1.278, 95% CI 1.040-1.571). Crop residue/wood burning correlated with higher sarcopenia risk (Cooking: 1.420, 95% CI 1.147-1.758; Heating: 1.318, 95% CI 1.062-1.635). Switching to clean cooking fuels significantly reduced sarcopenia risk (HR 0.766, 95% CI 0.599-0.979). Heating with solid fuels was associated with higher sarcopenia risk only in southern China (HR 1.375, 95% CI 1.102-1.715). Additionally, cognitive function and depressive symptoms partially mediated the link between household solid fuel use and sarcopenia. Household use of solid fuels is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. Restricting the use of solid fuels and focusing on cognitive function and depressive symptoms in solid fuel users can help decrease sarcopenia development.

Enhancing supply chain resilience through the supply network approach

Purpose This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the supply network approach in bolstering supply chain resilience amidst escalating global uncertainty. With enterprises worldwide facing increasing threats that disrupt supply chains, this research explores how firms enhance supply network resilience during crises. Design/methodology/approach Using a multi-case study design, this research thoroughly examines interactions within firms’ supply networks to uncover new insights on supply network approach and how firms enhance supply network resilience against global uncertainty. The selection of cases was methodologically aligned to represent diverse industries and geographical locations to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Findings This study’s findings reveal how firms develop supply network resilience during global crises. The supply network perspective provides a deeper understanding of how firms manage supply chain interactions, interdependencies and strategic positions to survive and thrive during crises. The conceptual framework developed here provides insights that can foster improved coordination and facilitate effective temporary organising. The framework highlights the need for firms to proactively seize opportunities and mitigate risks within their global supply chains during crises to boost overall resilience. Originality/value Offering novel insights into the domain of supply chain networks, this study underscores novel perspectives of the supply network approach when firms develop supply chain resilience during global crises. Highlighting the adaptive responses of firms that integrate these approaches enriches the understanding of strategic manoeuvres firms can use to navigate global uncertainty and secure supply chain continuity.

A-184 Evidence-based Test Utilization: Test Ordering Patterns in Functional Medicine and Community Clinics, and Implications for Laboratory Stewardship

Abstract Background Functional Medicine Physicians (FMPs) use a holistic approach to identify and address “the root cause of a disease”. These physicians routinely order laboratory tests that are not supported by clinical suspicion and practice guidelines (i.e., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Laboratory Medicine Best Practices, and local diagnostic algorithms) and are unnecessarily duplicative, with inappropriate testing patterns. Ordering unnecessary tests does not improve diagnosis; indeed, 5% of disease-free patients falsely test positive for a given diagnostic test. Test overutilization increases the rate of false positives, leading to unnecessary medical follow-ups, compromised patient care, and financial constraints on the healthcare system. The objective of this study is to: 1) Compare test ordering patterns between FMPs and General Practitioners (GPs) to identify disparities and opportunities for laboratory stewardship improvements. 2) Analyze the potential factors impacting test utilization in areas served by FMPs, 3) investigate the proper approach to improve test utilization. Methods Using our laboratory’s information system, we conducted a retrospective study spanning from January 2022 to December 2022 to assess testing patterns by 15 FMPs in Southern Alberta, comparing them to those of randomly selected community GPs within the same geographical region. A query was executed to retrieve data on the top 50 chemistry tests ordered by functional medicine clinics and community clinics. These tests were further categorized into six groups: general chemistry, endocrinology, immunology, trace elements, toxic metals, and vitamins. Data analysis included determining the geographical locations of functional medicine clinics and assessing the socioeconomic status of their patient populations. Additionally, the percentage of abnormal test results were calculated for both functional medicine clinic and community clinics. Furthermore, the average cost of tests per patient, per physician, and per clinic was computed to evaluate the financial implications of testing practices. Results Our preliminary results showed significant variability in test ordering practices among FMPs, with potential implications for patient care and healthcare costs. Most tests ordered by FMPs were normal (94%), suggesting a need for further scrutiny regarding the necessity and appropriateness of these tests. A notable trend observed was the disproportionate preference of FMPs for expensive tests, including hormones, vitamins, and toxic metals. Our analysis reveals that the cost per reportable test from FMPs was four times higher compared to the tests ordered by GPs. Furthermore, on average, functional medicine clinics in urban areas ordered around 60% more tests annually compared to their rural counterparts. Conclusions Our preliminary findings clearly show a need to monitor the testing behavior more carefully by the functional medicine clinics. The data from this study will be shared with the physicians practicing functional medicine in Alberta. Strategies to improve the test utilization and patient care include educating the functional medicine doctors and provincial healthcare authorities about the appropriate test utilization and the impact of inappropriate use of lab on patient care. In addition, using algorithms for test ordering will be used if the pattern of inappropriate testing continues.

A new methodology for establishing an SOC content prediction model that is spatiotemporally transferable at multidecadal and intercontinental scales

Quantifying and tracking the soil organic carbon (SOC) content is a key step toward long-term terrestrial ecosystem monitoring. Over the past decade, numerous models have been proposed and have achieved promising results for predicting SOC content. However, many of these studies are confined to specific temporal or spatial contexts, neglecting model transferability. Temporal transferability refers to a model’s ability to be applied across different periods, while spatial transferability relates to its applicability across diverse geographic locations for prediction. Therefore, developing a new methodology to establish a prediction model with high spatiotemporal transferability for SOC content is critically important. In this study, two large intercontinental study areas were selected, and measured topsoil (0–20 cm) sample data, 27,059 cloudless Landsat 5/8 images, digital elevation models, and climate data were acquired for 3 periods. Based on these data, monthly average climate data, monthly average data reflecting soil properties, and topography data were calculated as original input (OI) variables. We established an innovative multivariate deep learning model with high spatiotemporal transferability, combining the advantages of attention mechanism, graph neural network, and long short-term memory network model (A-GNN-LSTM). Additionally, the spatiotemporal transferability of A-GNN-LSTM and commonly used prediction models were compared. Finally, the abilities of the OI variables and the OI variables processed by feature engineering (FEI) for different SOC prediction models were explored. The results show that 1) the A-GNN-LSTM that used OI as the input variable was the optimal prediction model (RMSE = 4.86 g kg−1, R2 = 0.81, RPIQ = 2.46, and MAE = 3.78 g kg−1) with the highest spatiotemporal transferability. 2) Compared to the temporal transferability of the GNN, the A-GNN-LSTM demonstrates superior temporal transferability (ΔR2T = −0.10 vs. −0.07). Furthermore, compared to the spatial transferability of LSTM, the A-GNN-LSTM shows enhanced spatial transferability (ΔR2S = −0.16 vs. −0.09). These findings strongly suggest that the fusion of geospatial context and temporally dependent information, extracted through the integration of GNN and LSTM models, effectively enhances the spatiotemporal transferability of the models. 3) By introducing the attention mechanism, the weights of different input variables could be calculated, increasing the physical interpretability of the deep learning model. The largest weight was assigned to climate data (39.55 %), and the smallest weight was assigned to vegetation (19.96 %). 4) Among the commonly used prediction models, the deep learning model had higher prediction accuracy (RMSE = 6.64 g kg−1, R2 = 0.64, RPIQ = 1.78, and MAE = 4.78 g kg−1) and spatial transferability (ΔRMSES = 1.43 g kg−1, ΔR2S = −0.13, ΔRPIQS = −0.50, and ΔMAES = 1.09 g kg−1), and the linear model had the higher temporal transferability (ΔRMSET = 1.46 g kg−1, ΔR2T = −0.14, ΔRPIQT = −0.45, and ΔMAET = 1.29 g kg−1). 5) The deep learning models necessitated the OI, whereas the linear and traditional machine learning models necessitated FEI to achieve higher prediction accuracy. This study presents an important step forward in integrating multiple deep learning models to build a highly spatiotemporal transferability SOC prediction model.

Structural and functional differences of gut microbiota in Pomacea canaliculata from different geographical locations and habitats.

Gut microbiota is related to host fitness, and influenced by geographical locations and habitats. Pomacea canaliculata is a malignant invasive alien snail that threatens agricultural production and ecosystem functions worldwide. Clarifying the general rules of the gut microbial community structure and function of the snails in different geographical locations and habitats is of great significance for understanding their invasion at different spatial scales. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to compare and analyze the differences in community structure and function of gut microbiota in P. canaliculata from five geographical locations (Liuzhou, Yulin, Nanning, Wuzhou, and Hezhou) and three different habitats (pond, paddy field, and ditch) in Guangxi Province. The results showed that intestinal microbial alpha diversity of P. canaliculata was higher in Liuzhou, Yulin, lower in Nanning, Wuzhou, Hezhou, and higher in ponds compared with paddy fields and ditches. The dominant phyla of gut microbiota in snails were Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and the dominant genus was Lactococcus. The community structure of gut microbiota in snails varied significantly across different geographical locations and habitats, and the phyla Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria had significantly higher relative abundance in snails collected from Nanning and Yulin, respectively. Moreover, the relative abundance of gut functional microbiota associated with human disease in P. canaliculata was significantly affected by geographical locations and habitats, and with the highest abundance in ponds. However, the relative abundance of functional microbiota related to metabolism, genetic information processing, organizational system, environmental information processing, and cellular processes were only significantly affected by geographical locations. Collectively, geographical locations and habitats had significantly different effects on the community structure and function of gut microbiota in P. canaliculata, and the greater differences were caused by geographical locations rather than by habitats.

Persistent tissue-specific resident microbiota in oysters across a broad geographical range.

Marine animals often harbour complex microbial communities that influence their physiology. However, strong evidence for resident microbiomes in marine bivalves is lacking, despite their contribution to estuarine habitats and coastal economies. We investigated whether marine bivalves harbour stable, resident microorganisms in specific tissues or if their microbiomes primarily consist of transient members reflecting the environmental microbial pool. Conducting a latitudinal study of wild eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) along the East Coast of the United States, we aimed to identify resident microorganisms that persist across a wide geographical range. Our results revealed that microbial communities in seawater and sediment samples followed latitudinal diversity patterns driven by geographic location. In contrast, oyster-associated microbiomes were distinct from their surrounding environments and exhibited tissue-specific compositions. Notably, oyster microbiomes showed greater similarity within the same tissue type across different geographic locations than among different tissue types within the same location. This indicates the presence of tissue-specific resident microbes that persist across large geographical ranges. We identified a persistent set of resident microbiome members for each tissue type, with key microbial members consistent across all locations. These findings underscore the oyster host's role in selecting its microbiome and highlight the importance of tissue-specific microbial communities in understanding bivalve-associated microbiomes.

Sunlight exposure conditions for buildings in European localities

Sunlight exposure represents one of key parameters of indoor climate comfort, especially for residential buildings, schools and care homes. It depends on the sunlight time in specific design situations like a locality, building type, window size, position and orientation. A practical evaluation of sunlight access into buildings is based on a standard methodology in EN 17037. The methodology based on parameters of minimum solar altitude is specified for given geographical locality and time of the sunlight exposure evaluation. The aim of this study is to compare how the sunlight exposure is changed in European regions. The evaluation is based on the standard limitations to specify potentials for the building insolation assessments in different geographical localities. Research value of the study deals with the general overview of the sunlight potential of building insolation in different European climatic regions. It can be important for building design and urban planning process in those localities. The research is focused on determining the minimum solar altitude for 33 capitals and for all days from 1st February to 21st March specified by the standard to ensure the required minimum insolation time.

Epidemiology and characteristics of coral snake bites reported to the National Poison Data System (2006‒2022).

North American coral snake envenomations can result in life-threatening neurotoxicity. Their bites are relatively rare, making large studies difficult. Using the National Poison Data System (NPDS), we sought to investigate the epidemiological trends and clinical outcomes associated with North American coral snake bites over a 17-year period. NPDS cases involving coral snakes from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2022, were analyzed. Data collected included patient age, date, geographic location, clinical effects, treatments administered, and medical outcomes including incidence of "dry bites" (non-envenomation) and death. During the 17-year period, a total of 1374 cases were reported and analyzed. Cases included adults (≥20 years), accounting for 80% (n=1107), and pediatric patients (≤19 years), accounting for 20% (n=267) of total cases. Out of 50 US states and District of Columbia, 20 states reported cases. Florida and Texas accounted for 90.5% of all bites (n=1243) with April being the month with the most reported cases (n=184). The most bites (n=96) were reported in 2008 and the fewest (n=69) in 2016. Male patients predominated for both pediatric (75.7%, n=202) and adult cases (75.3%, n=834). Moderate to major clinical outcomes were documented in approximately 30% of total cases; with no reported deaths. Moderate effect is defined as the patient exhibited symptoms as a result of the exposure that were more pronounced, more prolonged, or more of a systemic nature than minor symptoms. Major effect was defined as the patient exhibited symptoms as a result of the exposure that were life threatening or resulted in significant residual disability or disfigurement. The three most reported clinical effects were wound/sting, dermal irritation/pain, and edema. Antivenom was administered in 21% (n=286) of total cases and 37% (n=511) of patients were admitted to a critical care unit. Dry bites occurred in 7% (n=100) of total cases. Coral snake bites were rare, but consistently reported. While bites were associated with significant morbidity in adult and pediatric patients, there were no deaths reported. Antivenom use declined over the study period but was not associated with an increase in morbidity. An increased incidence of intubations was seen in association with decreased antivenom use.

Scale-dependence in elk habitat selection for a reintroduced population in Wisconsin, USA.

Habitat selection is a critical aspect of a species' ecology, requiring complex decision-making that is both hierarchical and scale-dependent, since factors that influence selection may be nested or unequal across scales. Elk (Cervus canadensis) ranged widely across diverse ecoregions in North America prior to European settlement and subsequent eastern extirpation. Most habitat selection studies have occurred within their contemporary western range, even after eastern reintroductions began. As habitat selection can vary by geographic location, available cover, season, and diel period, it is important to understand how a non-migratory, reintroduced population in northern Wisconsin, USA, is limited by the lack of variation in topography, elevation, and vegetation. We tested scale-dependent habitat selection on 79 adult elk from 2017 to 2020 using resource selection functions across temporal (i.e., seasonal) and spatial scales (i.e., landscape and home range). We found that selection varied both spatially and temporally, and elk selected areas with the greatest potential to influence fitness at larger scales, meaning elk selected areas closer to escape cover and further from "risky" features (e.g., annual wolf territory centers, county roads, and highways). We found stronger avoidance of annual wolf territory centers during spring, suggesting elk were selecting safer habitats during calving season. Elk selected habitats with less canopy cover across both spatial scales and all seasons, suggesting that elk selected areas with better access to forage as early seral stage stands have greater forage biomass than closed-canopy forests and direct solar radiation to provide warmth in the cooler seasons. This study provides insight into the complexity of hierarchical decision-making, such as how risky habitat features and land cover type influence habitat selection differently across seasons and spatial scales, influencing the decision-making of elk. Scale-dependent behavior is crucial to understand within specific geographic regions, as these decisions scale up to influence population dynamics.