Higher Proportion Research Articles

Comparative genomics and fermentation flavor characterization of five selected lactic acid bacteria provide predictions for flavor biosynthesis metabolic pathways in fermented muskmelon puree

AbstractFive species of plant‐derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactococcus garvieae, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Weissella paramesenteroides, and Lactococcus lactis, were used for muskmelon fermentation to improve flavor characteristics. Comparative genomic analysis showed that a high proportion of annotated genes were related to carbohydrate metabolism and amino acid metabolism in all five strains. L. lactis P‐1 (Ll1) contained the highest proportion (2.02%) of genes from the glycoside hydrolase family associated with carbohydrate metabolism. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results showed that 89 volatile compounds in muskmelon purees were identified; the largest number of volatile compounds was detected in fermented muskmelon puree (FMP) inoculated with W. paramesenteroides FL3, followed by L. paraplantarum FL‐8. A total of 25 key volatile compounds were screened in muskmelon puree, and some unique key volatile compounds (e.g., β‐damascenone, phenylacetaldehyde, and 3‐penten‐2‐one) and taste compounds (e.g., mannitol) were produced by different LAB strains. L. garvieae Pa‐2 and Ll1 were considered to have greater potential due to their ability to produce a greater category of pleasant key aromas. Based on the correlations of potential pathways analyzed using comparative genomics and detected flavor profiles, flavor synthesis pathways in FMP were predicted. Some carbohydrate, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism pathways, including tricarboxylic acid cycle, glycolysis, and cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways, are common to all five LAB strains. Furthermore, differences in the predicted flavor biosynthesis metabolic pathways in monoterpenoid biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and fructose and mannose metabolism pathways explained the differences in volatile profiles produced by different strains.

High Glass Waste Incorporation towards Sustainable High-Performance Concrete

The use of waste as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete is already widespread, with glass waste being an increasingly used option. The utilization of glass waste as a partial substitute for cement in small proportions has shown satisfactory outcomes. Nevertheless, substituting cement in high proportions requires further investigation. Experimental research was carried out on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete with the replacement of cement by glass powder (GP), at a high volume equal to 50%. Binder content (cement plus GP) varied from 300 to 500 kg/m3. The results are promising regarding the use of the high volume of GP in high-performance concretes. The specimens with 500 kg/m3 of binder (50% of which was GP-G250) achieved almost 55 MPa at 28 days. The specimen with the lowest resistance was G150, with 32 MPa. This result may be related to the high pozzolanic activity index of the used GP. The specimens with GP showed satisfactory performance regarding chloride migration, with diffusion coefficients always below those of the reference specimens. The G250 concrete showed a reduction of 58%. Regarding open porosity, concretes with 50% GP had a lower porosity than the reference concretes. The smallest reduction (21%) occurred in the G150 concrete. The reduction in porosity provided by the fineness of the GP may be the main cause of this high performance. Concerning capillary absorption, the GP concretes have a reduction that varies between 47% for G150 and 67% for G250. This fact may be related to the existence of a larger quantity of larger-sized capillary pores in the reference concretes.

Towards a Canary Islands barcode database for soil biodiversity: revealing cryptic and unrecorded mite species diversity within insular soils.

Soil arthropod diversity contributes to a high proportion of the total biodiversity on Earth. However, most soil arthropods are still undescribed, hindering our understanding of soil functioning and global biodiversity estimations. Inventorying soil arthropods using conventional taxonomical approaches is particularly difficult and costly due to the great species richness, abundance and local-scale heterogeneity of mesofauna communities and the poor taxonomic background knowledge of most lineages. To alleviate this situation, we have designed and implemented a molecular barcoding framework adapted to soil fauna. This pipeline includes different steps, starting with a morphology-based selection of specimens which are imaged. Then, DNA is extracted non-destructively. Both images and voucher specimens are used to assign a taxonomic identification, based on morphology that is further checked for consistency with molecular information. Using this procedure, we studied 239 specimens of mites from the Canary Islands including representatives of Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes, of which we recovered barcode sequences for 168 specimens that were morphologically identified to 49 species, with nine specimens that could only be identified at the genus or family levels. Multiple species delimitation analyses were run to compare molecular delimitations with morphological identifications, including ASAP, mlPTP, BINs and 3% and 8% genetic distance thresholds. Additionally, a species-level search was carried out at the Biodiversity Databank of the Canary Islands (BIOTA) to evaluate the number of species in our dataset that were not previously recorded in the archipelago. In parallel, a sequence-level search of our sequences was performed against BOLD Systems. Our results reveal that multiple morphologically identified species correspond to different molecular lineages, which points to significant levels of unknown cryptic diversity within the archipelago. In addition, we evidenced that multiple species in our dataset constituted new records for the Canary Islands fauna and that the information for these lineages within online genetic repositories is very incomplete. Our study represents the first systematic effort to catalogue the soil arthropod mesofauna of the Canary Islands and establishes the basis for the Canary Islands Soil Biodiversity barcode database. This resource will constitute a step forward in the knowledge of these arthropods in a region of special interest.

A Study on Physical Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste of Jammu City on the basis of Socioeconomic Status of the Population

Generation of waste has been associated with humans since dawn of civilization. But in recent decades due to factors like ever increasing population, urbanization and industrialization, the amount of waste generated has spiked to enormous proportions. The composition of waste has significantly changed since plastic was first used in the middle of the 19th century. MSW management is a significant environmental concern in India. Jammu City generates an immense amount of solid waste, approximately 350–400 metric tons (MT) daily, with an individual generation rate of around 0.55 kg per day. MSW management in Jammu City is handled by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC). In the city, MSW collection, transportation, and disposal are all handled by JMC. MSW of Jammu city is disposed at Kot Bhalwal which is an open landfill site. As of now no prior treatment of MSW is being done. Present study attempts to assess the current state of MSW management in Jammu city. Sampling was done in the month of July, 2022 from 15 different wards classified in the basis of socioeconomic status and physical characterization of MSW was conducted. This paper analyzes the results obtained from physical characteristics of MSW from three diverse socioeconomic groups HIG, MIG and LIG. This would help in understanding the waste generation pattern of different socioeconomic groups. MSW from MIG contains large proportion of organic matter (55%) and is thus suitable for composting and bio-methanation, however MSW collected from HIG locality contain high proportion of inorganic materials like paper/cardboard, plastic, polythene and textile waste and therefore it is suitable for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) facility. MSW from Jammu city also contain high fraction of inert waste (20% to 45%). Inert waste can be easily disposed but when it is mixed with MSW it increases the volume and weight of total MSW and therefore increase the difficulty if MSW management. This study also explores the alternative approaches to MSWM in Jammu city. Data generated by present study will be beneficial to JMC for designing future course of action for management of MSW of Jammu City.

Reliability-constrained capacity market design with high proportions of renewable energies

Renewable energy generation (REG) has continued to grow strongly and resulted in the lower profitability of conventional generation. Meanwhile, the indeterminacy of REG will also lead to electricity balancing challenges and more volatile and less-predictable physical flows in the power grid. In this case, a capacity market is essential to motivate new investments and, therefore, ensure supply adequacy. Considering the low-carbon transition goal and the requirements of the reliability of the power system, this paper develops a reliability-constrained capacity market framework in which the reliability criterion rather than the capacity supply–demand equilibrium is taken into account. The ramping constraints, devices’ random failures, and REG uncertainties are comprehensively considered in the capacity requirement determination and allocation. First, a comprehensive capacity market mechanism coordinated with multi-objective regulations is proposed to compensate the capacity providers and encourage the renewable energy transition. Then, a novel capacity market model is proposed to clear the market with reliability constraints. Moreover, to reduce the computational burden caused by the explicit consideration of reliability constraints, several techniques are applied including the root-event-based state screening technique and the adaptive Kriging metamodel. A modified IEEE-RTS-79 case is studied to illustrate the benefits of the proposed reliability-constrained capacity market model.

Outcomes of surgically managed adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries in an upper-middle-income country

BackgroundTraumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPIs) are debilitating and complex to treat. The last five decades have seen advances in surgical management, and consequently improved functional outcomes in patients with these injuries. There is limited data available describing the outcomes of surgically managed TBPIs within the South African context. This study aimed to identify the common causes of injury, injury characteristics, and functional outcomes of surgically managed patients with TBPIs. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of all adult patients that underwent surgery for TBPIs over a period of ten years at a specialised hand unit in South Africa. The minimum follow-up period was one year. Patient demographic details, injury characteristics and functional outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed to determine factors associated with functional outcomes. A good functional outcome for recovery was defined as a Medical Research Council (MRC) grade of three or more for the affected elements of the plexus at the most recent follow-up. ResultsForty-seven patients of median age 32 years were included in the final analysis. Most patients were male (87.2 %). The majority of patients were injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) or from penetrating stab wounds (48.9 % and 38.3 % respectively). The median pre-operative MRC grade of the affected elements of the brachial plexus was 0.0, and post-operatively was 2.0. Fourteen patients (14 of 47, 29.8 %) had a good outcome and 33 had a poor outcome (33 of 47, 70.2 %). There was no difference in outcome comparing penetrating injury mechanisms to closed traction or blunt injuries, (p = 0.386, OR 1.75, 95 % CI 0.49–6.20). All patients with pan-plexal injuries had a poor outcome (15 of 33, 46 %). All patients who received intercostal (6 of 33, 18 %) or phrenic nerve transfers (3 of 33, 9 %) had a poor outcome. ConclusionAdult traumatic BPIs in this South African sample typically presented more than two months after injury and were comprised of a high proportion of penetrating injuries. Just under a third of surgically managed patients had a good outcome. Pan plexal injuries have uniformly poor outcomes. We recommend early referral for all TBPIs to a unit that manages BPI to improve outcomes.

Risk Factors Analysis and Pathogen Distribution of Urinary Tract Infection in Patients Undergoing Cutaneous Ureterostomy After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer.

Postoperative urinary tract infection is a common complication that not only significantly prolongs the hospital stay and amplifies the economic burden on patients, but also affects their quality of life and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate risk factors and distribution of pathogenic bacteria in urinary tract infections among bladder cancer patients who underwent cutaneous ureterostomy following radical cystectomy. A total of 137 bladder cancer patients, who underwent cutaneous ureterostomy after radical cystectomy at our hospital from November 2018 to October 2022, were enrolled in this retrospective study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate the risk factors associated with postoperative urinary tract infection and the distribution of pathogenic bacteria among the infected patients. The results of both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that age, proficiency in ostomy knowledge, frequency of ureteral stent tube replacement, ureteral stent tube dislodgement, urine immersion at the outer end of the ureteral stent tube, and the interval of ostomy bag replacement were independent risk factors for urinary tract infection after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy in bladder cancer patients. A total of 55 pathogenic bacteria were isolated from 52 patients with infections. Predominantly, these were gram-negative bacteria (34 strains, 61.8%), with Proteus mirabilis having the highest proportion. Urinary tract infections after radical cystectomy and cutaneous ureterostomy predominantly involve gram-negative bacteria. This is correlated with factors such as the age of bladder cancer patients, the level of nursing education, the duration of ureteral stent tubes and ostomy bag usage, as well as issues related to impaired urine drainage.

Preparation, characterization, and property evaluation of Hericium erinaceus peptide-calcium chelate.

Recently, owing to the good calcium bioavailability, peptide-calcium chelates made of various foods have been emerging. Hericium erinaceus, an edible fungus, is rich in proteins with a high proportion of calcium-binding amino acids. Thus, mushrooms serve as a good source to prepare peptide-calcium chelates. Herein, the conditions for hydrolyzing Hericium erinaceus peptides (HP) with a good calcium-binding rate (CBR) were investigated, followed by the optimization of HP-calcium chelate (HP-Ca) preparation. Furthermore, the structure of the new chelates was characterized along with the evaluation of gastrointestinal stability and calcium absorption. Papain and a hydrolysis time of 2 h were selected for preparing Hericium erinaceus peptides, and the conditions (pH 8.5, temperature 55°C, time 40 min, and mass ratio of peptide/CaCl2 4:1) were optimal to prepare HP-Ca. Under this condition, the chelates contained 6.79 ± 0.13% of calcium. The morphology and energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that HP-Ca was loose and porous, with an obvious calcium element signal. The ultraviolet-visible (UV) absorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis indicated that calcium possibly chelates to HP via interaction with free -COO- from acidic amino acids and C = O from amide. HP-Ca displayed good stability against stimulated gastrointestinal digestion. Moreover, HP-Ca significantly improved the calcium absorption by Caco-2 epithelial cells. Thus, HP-Ca is a promising Ca supplement with high calcium bioavailability.

Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis: National Database Analysis.

(1) Background: National health system databases represent an important source of information about the epidemiology of adverse drug reactions including drug-induced allergy and anaphylaxis. Analysis of such databases may enhance the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the problem of drug-induced anaphylaxis. (2) Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was carried out of spontaneous reports (SRs) with data on drug-induced anaphylaxis (SRsAs) extracted from the Russian National Pharmacovigilance database (analyzed period 2 April 2019-21 June 2023). The percentage of SRsAs among SRs of drug-induced allergy (SRsDIAs) was calculated, as well as of pediatric, elderly, and fatal SrsAs. Drugs involved in anaphylaxis were assessed among total SRsAs, pediatric, and elderly SRsAs, and among fatal SRsAs. Demographic parameters of patients were assessed. (3) Results: SRsAs were reported in 8.3% of SRsDIAs (2304/27,727), the mean age of patients was 48.2 ± 15.8 years, and females accounted for 53.2% of cases. The main causative groups of drugs were antibacterials (ABs) for systemic use (44.6%), local anesthetics (20.0%), and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors (10.1%). Fatal SRsAs were reported in 9.5% (218/2304) of cases, the mean age of patients was 48.0 ± 16.7 years, and females accounted for 56.4% of cases. Pediatric SRsAs accounted for 3.9% of pediatric SRsDIAs and 5.8% of all SRsAs, with a mean age of 11.8 ± 4.5 years, and females acccounted for 51.9% of cases. Elderly SRsAs accounted for 2% of elderly SRsDIAs and 2.8% of all SRsAs, and the mean age was 73.0 ± 5.3 years, and females accounted for 43.5% of cases. ABs caused 40% of SRsAs in the elderly, 42.9% in children, and 50% of fatal SRsAs. (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed a relatively high proportion of anaphylaxis among SRs of drug-induced allergy. ABs were the most prevalent causative agents, especially in fatal SRsAs.

Progress in injectable hydrogels for the treatment of incompressible bleeding: an update.

Uncontrollable haemorrhage from deep, noncompressible wounds remains a persistent and intractable challenge, accounting for a very high proportion of deaths in both war and disaster situations. Recently, injectable hydrogels have been increasingly studied as potential haemostatic materials, highlighting their enormous potential for the management of noncompressible haemorrhages. In this review, we summarize haemostatic mechanisms, commonly used clinical haemostatic methods, and the research progress on injectable haemostatic hydrogels. We emphasize the current status of injectable hydrogels as haemostatic materials, including their physical and chemical properties, design strategy, haemostatic mechanisms, and application in various types of wounds. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of injectable hydrogels as haemostatic materials, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved. Finally, we propose cutting-edge research avenues to address these challenges and opportunities, including the combination of injectable hydrogels with advanced materials and innovative strategies to increase their biocompatibility and tune their degradation profile. Surface modifications for promoting cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as the delivery of growth factors or other biologics for optimal wound healing, are also suggested. We believe that this paper will inform researchers about the current status of the use of injectable haemostatic hydrogels for noncompressible haemorrhage and spark new ideas for those striving to propel this field forward.

Carbon taxation in Europe

The subject of the study is the carbon tax legislations of European countries.The purpose of the article is to identify the general consistent patterns of carbon taxation in a number of European countries: the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, France, Sweden and Switzerland.The methodology of the research includes the analysis of the provisions of the carbon taxing legislation of these countries.The main results, scope of application. The analysis shows that the structure of the carbon tax in European countries has differences, but the predominant form of taxation is an excise tax on fuel. In Sweden and Switzerland the excise rate is in direct proportion to the carbon content of the fuel, however in the UK, Norway and France excise rates are set more voluntary. Each country countries grant exemptions for specific fuel uses and industries that they deem essential to protect from the exceeding tax burden. In the Netherlands, Norway and France, carbon/energy taxation is applied in addition to the emissions trading system. In all these countries, this is motivated by the evaluation of the latter as insufficient to attain the objectives of diminishing CO2 emissions. Based on the experience of these countries, there is no prevalent model for the arrangement of carbon / energy taxation. For instance, France imposes an energy tax as an excise tax, that is, a consumption tax. The UK levies excise taxes on the consumption of natural gas, LNG, coal and electricity, correlated to the amount of energy contained in these fuel products. Norway applies both an excise and an indirect output tax in the oil sector. In the Netherlands, a carbon tax is levied on actual CO2 emissions (as far as they are accounted for under the EU ETS), but this tax only applies to ETS participants and only if the ETS prices are below the established level. Despite the high tax rates (up to 120 euros per ton of CO2 in Sweden and Switzerland), the significance of the carbon tax for the economies of the considered countries is low due to both low energy consumption and the high proportion of carbon-neutral energy sources such as hydroelectric, nuclear and biofuel.Conclusions. An analysis of the provisions of the carbon taxing legislations of various European countries revealed that these countries adopt such carbon tax schemes that optimize their administrative feasibility, public acceptability, and economic impact mitigation for vital sectors. At the same time, in the majority of countries, the carbon tax is implemented as an excise tax on fuel.

Evaluation of Perceived Environmental Risks of Residents' Life under the Perspective of Environmental Public Opinion

Population health, social development and the environment are important elements of sustainable development. This article uses the China People's Daily message board to collect environmental public opinion data, visualizes the public opinion hotspots of environmental based on word frequency statistics, and applies the Latent Dirichlet Allocations (LDA) topic model to analyze the spatial distribution of environmental risk perception dimensions. The conclusions are as follows: (1) in terms of the hotspots of environmental public opinion, the most frequent occurrences are the living environment, interest demands and noise pollution. (2) There is heterogeneity in the topic of environmental risk perception. The perception of pollution source types has the highest weight in environmental risk perception in the eastern, central, and western regions. Specifically, the types of pollution sources in the eastern that receive the most attention are garbage and noise pollution. In addition to paying attention to noise pollution, the central and western also have a higher perceived weight on the polluters. Residents in northeast are most concerned about changes in residents' health and living environment quality. (3) From the perspective of environmental risk perception, health perception has the highest proportion in northeast, followed by the eastern, and finally the central and western. Proportion of perception of interest demands is highest in the central region, perception of residential environment quality is highest in the northeast region, perception of pollution source types is highest in the eastern, central, and western regions, and lowest in the northeast region. Finally, some practical and feasible policy recommendations were proposed for different regions.

Socioeconomic inequalities in uptake of HIV testing during antenatal care: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundMeasuring socioeconomic inequalities in healthcare usage represents a critical step towards promoting health equity, in alignment with the principles of universal health coverage and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. In this study, we assessed the socioeconomic inequalities in HIV testing during antenatal care (ANC) in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsSub-Saharan Africa was the focus of this study. Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were the countries included in the study. This study used current Demographic and Health Surveys data spanning from 2015 to 2022. A total of 70,028 women who tested for HIV as part of antenatal contacts formed the sample for analysis. We utilized the standard concentration index and curve to understand the socioeconomic inequalities in HIV testing during antenatal care among women. Additionally, a decomposition analysis of the concentration index was ran to ascertain the contributions of each factor to the inequality.ResultsOverall, 73.9% of women in sub-Saharan Africa tested for HIV during ANC. The countries with the highest proportions were Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Mali Benin, Guinea, Mali, and Mauritania were the countries with the lowest proportions of HIV testing. Being among the richer [AOR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02,1.18] and richest [AOR 1.41, 95% CI:1.30, 1.54] wealth quintiles increased the odds of HIV testing during ANC. The concentration value of 0.03 and the curve show that HIV testing is more concentrated among women in the highest wealth quintile. Hence, wealthy women are advantaged in terms of HIV testing. As the model’s residual value is negative (-0.057), the model overestimates the level of inequality in the outcome variable (HIV during ANC), which means that the model’s explanatory factors can account for higher concentration than is the case.ConclusionWe found that there is substantial wealth index-related inequalities in HIV testing, with women of the poorest wealth index disadvantaged in relation to the HIV testing. This emphasizes the necessity for sub-Saharan Africa public health programs to think about concentrating their limited resources on focused initiatives to grasp women from these socioeconomic circumstances. To increase women’s access to HIV testing, maternal and child health programs in sub-Saharan Africa should attempt to minimize female illiteracy and poverty. Consequently, health education may be required to provide women with comprehensive HIV knowledge and decrease the number of lost opportunities for women to get tested for HIV. Given the link between knowledge of HIV and HIV testing, it is important to focus on community education and sensitization about HIV and the need to know one’s status.

High Gastrointestinal Colonization Rate of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci among Hospitalized Patients: Potential Source for Resistant Gene.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) is a global health problem and responsible for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in patients with prolonged hospital stay, severe underlying disease, and previous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. These bacteria can cross-resist and transfer drug-resistant genes to other potentially pathogenic bacteria. Therefore; this study was aimed to determine the gastrointestinal colonization rate of VRE, its antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and associated factors among hospitalized patients. Prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using stool samples from 223 patients admitted to different wards at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from April 1 to June 30, 2021. Patients admitted to the hospital for more than 48 hours for various medical conditions were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Fecal specimens were cultured on Enterococci selective media. Enterococcus species were identified using their growth and mannitol fermentation properties. Vancomycin resistance was screened using both the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and a vancomycin E-test strip. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive and logistic regressions were used to determine the frequency and association of factors with the VRE colonization rate. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 223 fecal specimens were collected and processed, and 141 (63.2%) them were positive for Enterococci. The predominant species was E. faecalis 65 (46.1%) followed by E. faecium 76 (53.9%). In this study, the gastrointestinal colonization rate of VRE was 15 (6.7%) and all the species belong to E. faecium. Study participants who had no formal education (AOR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.01, 18.06), hospitalized patients for >2 weeks (AOR = 4.10, 95% CI: 1.08, 15.57), and those who had a history of treatment with vancomycin (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI: 1.26, 18.09) were more likely to be colonized with vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. More than 95% of Enterococci isolates were susceptible to linezolid, whereas 70.2%, 63.1%, 56.7%, and 53.9% were resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, penicillin, and ampicillin, respectively. Among the total Enterococci isolated, 141 (54.6%) were multidrug resistant. In our study, high proportion of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci was found. Previous exposure to antibiotics and hospital stay were significant factors for VRE gut colonization. The isolated Enterococci showed variable degrees of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics which leads to a worldwide problem multidrug resistance. Therefore, periodic surveillance on antimicrobial resistance pattern, adhering to rational use of antibiotics, and implementing infection prevention protocols may reduce colonization by VRE.

Research on large-scale clean energy optimal scheduling method based on multi-source data-driven

With the large-scale growth and grid connection of intermittent renewable energy such as wind and solar, the problem of increasing renewable energy curtailment rate and system backup flexibility has become increasingly prominent. In order to solve the problem of high proportion of renewable energy scientific consumption and flexible and stable operation of energy system. We propose a flexible and economical dispatch method based on data-driven multi-regional power system. For the problem of economic dispatch of multi-area power system, a mathematical calculation model is established to satisfy the constraints of unit output, system power balance, unit ramp rate, and valve point effect, and to consider the requirement of minimizing the cost of multi-area power load comprehensively. Based on data-driven, this paper adopts an improved fruit fly optimization algorithm to quickly find the global optimal solution. The calculations are performed by IEEE6 simulation test system, and the results verify the feasibility of the proposed algorithm. The improved fruit fly optimization algorithm is compared and analyzed with other algorithms considering the quality of the obtained solutions. The results show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm in solving multi-area economic dispatching problems in real power systems.

Implementation of a retinal stroke-code protocol results in visual recovery in patients receiving reperfusion therapies.

Reperfusion therapies represent promising treatments for patients with Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO), but access is limited due to low incidence and lack of protocols. We aimed to describe the benefit of implementing a Retinal Stroke-Code protocol regarding access to reperfusion, visual acuity and aetiological assessment. Prospective cohort study performed at a Comprehensive Stroke Centre. Criteria for activation were sudden monocular, painless vision loss within 6 h from onset. Eligible patients received IAT when immediately available and IVT otherwise. All patients were followed by ophthalmologists to assess best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual complications, and by neurologists for aetiological workup. Visual amelioration was defined as improvement of at least one Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter from baseline to 1 week. Of 49 patients with CRAO, 15 (30.6%) received reperfusion therapies (12 IVT, 3 IAT). Presentation beyond 6 h was the main contraindication. Patients receiving reperfusion therapies had better rates of visual improvement (33.3% vs 5.9%, p = 0.022). There were no complications related to reperfusion therapies. Rates of neovascular glaucoma were non-significantly lower in patients receiving reperfusion therapies (13.3% vs 20.6%, p = 0.701). Similar rates of atherosclerotic, cardioembolic and undetermined aetiologies were observed, leading to 10 new diagnosed atrial fibrillation and five carotid revascularizations. A comprehensive acute management of CRAO is feasible despite low incidence. In our study, reperfusion therapies were safe and associated with higher rates of visual recovery. A similar etiological workup than ischemic stroke led to of high proportion of underlying aetiologies.

Alpha diversity of lichenized and aphyllophoroid fungi in two 1ha forest plots in the Samursky National Park (Republic of Dagestan, Russia)

Aim. The results of the inventory of species composition of epiphytic lichens and aphyllophoroid fungi on two 1 ha sample plots in lowland floodplain forests are presented. Such integrated studies of these groups of organisms are poorly known. Fungi, including lichenized fungi, are essential components of forest ecosystems. Data on their diversity and substrate distribution can provide important information on the condition and biological value of the forests studied. Material and Methods. The main method of the fieldwork was the "1‐ha method". For the alpha‐diversity study, two 1‐ha sample plots were established in well‐preserved forest areas: the first one in a site of mixed broad‐leaved forest with lianas, and the second one in communities dominated by Carpinus betulus and Quercus robur. The specimens were collected from all variety of woody substrate within plots in spring and autumn 2023. Results. We have revealed 89 species of lichens and 60 species of aphyllophoroid fungi. The lichen families Arthoniaceae, Lecanoraceae, Physciaceae, Ramalinaceae and Roccellaceae contain 47.2 % of all species. High proportion of lichens with Trentepohlia photobiont (29.2 %), significant number of Arthoniomycetes (Arthoniaceae, Lecanographaceae, Roccellaceae) and crustose lichens (75.3 %) have been noted. Among the aphyllophoroid fungi identified in the sample plots, 11 species are new to Dagestan, including three species (Antrodia leucaena, Coronicium gemmiferum, Steccherinum litschaueri) recorded for the Caucasus for the first time. Fourteen species are new to the Samursky National Park. Conclusion. The study of alpha diversity and substrate preferences of xylobionts revealed the richest and most specific phorophytes, as well as some ecological features of the surveyed plots. Most of the species were found on the bark and wood of Carpinus betulus, Populus alba and Quercus robur. The majority of species reported for the first time for the region have been recorded on these tree species. We expand the number of known species on Populus alba, on which only few species were previously known. High proportion of lichens with the Trentepohlia photobiont and the predominance of crustose species were revealed. In terms of basidiomata morphology, corticioid fungi dominated over polypores and clavarioids in general. The leading ecological and trophic group of aphyllophoroid fungi are saprotrophs. Revealed features indicate a significant contribution of the wood of the main forest‐forming tree species to the preservation of the species richness of myco ‐and lichen biota.

Exploring the impact of a co-designed shared book reading environment for families in a community hub.

Evidence supports the effectiveness of shared book reading for promoting language and literacy development, but it is known that families experiencing vulnerability may have reduced access to books and are less likely to share books regularly at home. Community hubs often provide support to families experiencing vulnerability and may provide an opportunity to create environments that support families to engage in shared book reading, especially if families are invited into the creation of these environments through co-design. However, there is currently little evidence regarding the impact of co-designing shared book reading environments with families in community settings. The current study is part of a broader project which used co-design to develop a shared book reading environment in collaboration with stakeholders in a community hub. This small-scale study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of the impact of this co-designed shared book reading environment at the community hub on (1) the frequency of shared book reading at the hub; (2) participants' confidence and enjoyment of reading with children at the hub; and (3) participants' experiences of shared book reading at the hub. The co-design project was carried out in four phases with families, staff and community partners at the community hub. A convergent mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data in the first and last phase of the project to evaluate project outcomes. Quantitative data (environmental observations of reading at the hub and participant ratings of confidence and enjoyment of reading with children at the hub) were analysed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistical tests. Qualitative data (participants' responses regarding their experiences of changes implemented in the community hub) were analysed using inductive content analysis. An increased frequency of shared book reading was observed within the community hub after changes were implemented, and positive changes in enjoyment of book reading were recorded. Qualitative responses from participants following conclusion of the project were organised into three main categories, which showed that (1) children and families were reading more and enjoying reading activities that were happening; (2) children and families were borrowing more books; and (3) families had changed the way they were reading at home with their children. A co-designed shared book reading environment within a community hub had a positive impact on shared book reading experiences for families in areas with high levels of vulnerability. What is already known on this subject Community hubs provide a unique opportunity to support early language and literacy development in partnership with families in areas of vulnerability; however, there is limited literature investigating the impacts of these supports. A previous study utilised co-design to develop a shared book reading environment with stakeholders at a community hub in an area where a high proportion of children are considered to be 'vulnerable' in terms of language and literacy development. It was found that co-design enabled the development of collaborative changes to support shared book reading that were valued and owned by families, staff and community partners at the community hub. What this study adds The current study focused on evaluating the impact of a co-design project on the frequency of shared book reading at the hub and participants' experiences, confidence and enjoyment of reading with children at the hub. Analysis of pre- and post-data provide preliminary evidence that a co-designed shared book reading environment in a community hub can have a positive impact on increasing families' awareness and engagement with book borrowing, engagement in shared book reading activities in the community and at home, and participants' confidence and enjoyment of reading with children. What are the clinical implications of this work? Speech pathologists have an important role to play in prevention and promotion. This study has shown that collaboration with families experiencing vulnerability can support the implementation of strategies to promote shared reading in a community hub and demonstrate increased quality and frequency of shared book reading. The utilisation of a community hub also highlights the opportunities for the speech pathology profession to deliver community-based promotion and prevention initiatives as a strategy to address equitable language outcomes.

Research on the stability evolution mechanism and combinatorial optimization decision‐making of multitype heterogeneous energy cooperative operation

AbstractConsidering the cooperative willingness of multiple heterogeneous energy sources to participate in the alliance, the stability of the cooperative operation of each entity (hereinafter referred to as stability) and the supporting mechanism of its optimal combination to realize the high proportion of new energy generation are studied. Through simulating load peak‐cutting and valley‐filling in the power system, the difference between the load value and the base load in the 24 h of the daily load curve is used as the calculation condition for the supply balance of the alliance. Based on the source‐load power balance model, the feasibility of power data normalization is derived and demonstrated. Simultaneously, taking into account the time‐of‐use price cost of each entity, a multiscale operation cost allocation and stability evolution analysis model for the alliance is constructed using the Shapley value and the largest consistent set method. By comparing the willingness of each entity to engage in the alliance, as well as the multiscale operation stability and economic change rule of different alliances, the results demonstrate that: (1) Alliance 1 has the advantage of economic operation. (2) The common stability period of different alliances is influenced by the participation preferences of each entity (wind power, photovoltaic, and thermal power tend to participate in Alliance 1, while hydropower tends to participate in Alliance 2). (3) Alliance internal restructuring can be carried out by utilizing spatial and temporal difference characteristics of different entities’ participation in alliance preferences, thereby achieving alliance stability and efficient operation. This study provides a theoretical basis for making decisions regarding the optimized stable operation of the alliance.

Hospitalisations and Deaths Averted by COVID-19 Vaccination in Navarre, Spain, 2021-2022.

In 2021-2022, most of the Spanish population received COVID-19 vaccines and a high proportion of them had SARS-CoV-2 infection. We estimated the rate of hospitalisations and deaths that were averted by risk reduction among vaccinated COVID-19 cases. Hospitalisations and deaths were analysed among COVID-19 cases confirmed in 2021 and 2022 in Navarre, Spain. To calculate the number of prevented outcomes by sex, age, comorbidities, and semester, the difference in the risk of each outcome between unvaccinated and vaccinated cases was multiplied by the number of vaccinated cases. COVID-19 vaccination coverage with any dose reached 88%, 86% with full vaccination, and 56% with a booster dose. The cumulative rates per 1000 inhabitants were 382 COVID-19 confirmed cases, 6.70 hospitalisations, and 1.15 deaths from COVID-19. The estimated rates of prevented events by vaccination were 16.33 hospitalisations and 3.39 deaths per 1000 inhabitants, which was 70.9% and 74.7% of expected events without vaccination, respectively. People aged 80 years and older or with major chronic conditions accounted for the majority of hospitalizations and deaths prevented by COVID-19 vaccination. One hospitalisation and death due to COVID-19 were averted for every 53 and 258 people vaccinated, respectively. The high COVID-19 vaccine effect in reducing the risk of severe outcomes and the high vaccination coverage in risk populations prevented three out of four hospitalisations and deaths due to COVID-19 during a period of intense circulation of SARS-CoV-2.