National Average Research Articles

Prevalence and distribution of Varroa destructor and Nosema spp. in symptomatic honey bee colonies across the USA from 2015 to 2022

USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory received symptomatic honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) samples across the United States for disease diagnosis. Here, we present a retrospective study and cartography of ectoparasite Varroa destructor and intracellular microsporidia parasite Nosema spp. These two major parasites were identified in the diseased honey bee samples between 2015 and 2022. Varroa infestation level (VIL) was examined by a wash technique (Mites/100 bees) and calculated as a percentage, while Nosema infection was quantified by microscopical spore count (Million Spores/Bee). Data were analyzed by month, year, state, and by nine geographical climate regions described in the U.S. Of adult bee samples (n = 4039) that were analyzed for Varroa mite infestation, the overall VIL in the U.S. ranged between 0.4 and 30.85%, with an overall national VIL and Varroa prevalence of 8.21% and 85.14%, respectively. Overall monthly data showed VIL constantly exceeded the critical level of 4% except from June to September and reached a maximum of 15% in January and December. Nationwide, VIL significantly (p < 0.001) increased from 2015 to 2018 (1.1–4.7%), plateaued from 2018 to 2021 (4.7–4.5%), followed by a significant decrease in 2022 (3.6%). Significant VIL differences (p < 0.001) were recorded among climate regions, with the highest mite infestation levels in the Upper Midwest region (13.9%) and the lowest in the West region (5.1%). Of adult bee samples (n = 2,994) that were analyzed for Nosema infection, Nosema spore count ranged between (1–16.8) million spores per bee among states, with a national average of 6.8 and a prevalence of 99.7%. The lowest and highest Nosema loads were respectively recorded in the South region (3.1) and Upper Midwest (10.5), a significant difference (p < 0.001). No statistical differences were recorded among the six other climate regions. Overall, VIL and Nosema infection correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with a regression coefficient of (R2 = 0.6). Our data, which originated from ailing bee colonies, showed significantly higher rates of maladies compared to data from healthy colonies obtained by the USDA-APHIS National Honey Bee Survey, demonstrating the role of bee diseases caused by Varroa mite and Nosema in honey bee population declines.

Prevalence of hepatitis C among pregnant women in an Appalachian population.

The opioid crisis has adversely affected West Virginia's pregnant and infant populations. With high rates of opioid use disorder and neonatal abstinence syndrome, West Virginia has the highest rates of Hepatitis C (HCV) acute infection among pregnant women. To better understand how HCV impacts an already high-risk population, the study purpose was to (1) describe its prevalence among women receiving prenatal care at a single tertiary care clinic in Appalachia and compare with state and national rates, and (2) determine whether it is associated with preterm birth (gestation <37 weeks). Data were collected on a retrospective cohort of pregnant patients universally screened for HCV between 2017 and 2021. The study cohort had an HCV infection rate of 119/988 = 11.94% or 119.4 per 1000. This is five times the rate of 22.6 per 1000 live births in West Virginia in 2014 and 35 times the national rate of 3.4 per 1000 live births (MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 66, 2017 and 470). Viral loads were detected in 63 (6.38%) of patients. The study cohort with birth outcome data had high rates of tobacco use (326/720; 45.3%) and substance abuse (209/720; 29.0%). The preterm birth rate was 17.8% (128/720), almost double the national average (10.09%) (Natl Vital Stat Rep 70, 2021 and 1). There was no statistically significant difference in preterm birth between HCV-positive (15/92; 16.3%) and HCV-negative (113/628; 18.0%) patients. HCV infection in our population presents a significant public health issue and missed opportunity for treatment in a population with continuity of care challenges. These findings could be used to justify a pilot program for early postpartum referral for treatment.

Neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status and prevalence of teacher-reported health disorders among Canadian kindergarten children.

The evidence on the association between neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) and health disorders in young children is scarce. This study examined the prevalence of health disorders in Canadian kindergarten (5-6 years old) children in relation to neighborhood SES in 12/13 Canadian jurisdictions. Data on child development at school entry for an eligible 1,372,980 children out of the total population of 1,435,428 children from 2004 to 2020, collected using the Early Development Instrument (EDI), were linked with neighborhood sociodemographic data from the 2006 Canadian Census and the 2005 Taxfiler for 2,058 neighborhoods. We examined the relationship using linear regressions. Children's HD included special needs, functional impairments limiting a child's ability to participate in classroom activities, and diagnosed conditions. The neighborhood prevalence of health disorders across Canada ranged from 1.8 to 46.6%, with a national average of 17.3%. The combined prevalence of health disorders was 16.4%, as 225,711 children were identified as having at least one health disorder. Results of an unadjusted linear regression showed a significant association between neighborhood-level SES and prevalence of health disorders (F(1, 2051) = 433.28, p < 0.001), with an R2 of 0.17. When province was added to the model, the R2 increased to 0.40 (F(12, 2040) = 115.26, p < 0.001). The association was strongest in Newfoundland & Labrador and weakest in Ontario. Our study demonstrated that the prevalence of health disorders among kindergarten children was higher in lower SES neighborhoods and varied by jurisdiction in Canada, which has implications for practice and resource allocation.

Adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights for ethnic minority girls in Vietnam.

There has been significant progress in improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (ASRHR) for girls across low- to- middle-income countries (LMICs). However, progress has been uneven, and disparities persistent across and within countries. For example, Vietnam is one of only nine countries to have achieved the 2015 maternal mortality rate (MMR) target of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as a nation, but for some sub-populations, progress has been much slower, and MMR is more than twice that the national average. Ensuring equity is a current focus of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda that seeks to Leave No One Behind. This paper explores some of these inequities and potential drivers for ethnic minority adolescent girls in Vietnam, with a specific focus on the Tay community, the largest ethnic minority group in Vietnam. This paper highlights the challenges to progress, including areas where there is still limited evidence about the range of socio-cultural factors that may determine sexual and reproductive health outcomes for Tay adolescent girls. In the era of the SDGs, Vietnam's national policy platforms and current aid architecture provide a solid basis on which to build research, policy and practice investments that improve the health of adolescent ethnic minority girls in Vietnam.

Exploding the Myth of Job Security

Unions are exceptionally masterful in perpetuating the notion that they can obtain job security for their members. This, of course, is a myth that must be torpedoed as soon as it surfaces. The employer should communicate to employees that unions are in no position to boast about achieving job security, since some of the most highly organized groups in the country have some of the highest percentages of unemployment. For example, in October 2023, the unemployment rate in the coal industry was approximately 50% higher than the national average. Moreover, a union‐free employer should have no difficulty in citing mass layoffs in the automobile, steel, and other unionized industries. Copies of news items reporting such layoffs, as well as historical declines in union membership, can be used to effectively support this position and to lend greater credibility to an employer's message.

Levels of Regional Inequality of Health Infrastructure and Morbidity Pattern in West Bengal

This article examines the differences in health infrastructural availability in West Bengal. Furthermore, the study looks at the pattern of communicable and non-communicable diseases in the six different regions of the state. It measures and analyses the disparities through the lens of demand and supply gaps in healthcare. The trends, patterns and distribution of various diseases were captured through the NSS unit-level data from 60th and 71st rounds. The study shows that inter-regional and inter-district differences in health infrastructure are striking in West Bengal. The state’s health infrastructure lags behind the national average. The average population served per rural health facility in North Bengal as well as West Bengal is quite high compared to national figures. Similarly, the population served per hospital bed in North Bengal is also substantially higher in comparison to other regions. The inadequacy of hospital beds is one of the major obstacles in reducing the burden of disease in the region. The results for the distribution of diseases of inpatient cases show that the burden of communicable diseases in North Bengal is relatively higher than the other regions in both rounds of NSS. The inpatient cases of water- and food-borne infectious diseases like gastrointestinal diseases are considerably high in North Bengal.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis within the Pediatric Hereditary Polyposis Registry

Background/Objective: &#x0D; Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a condition characterized by values exceeding hundreds of colorectal adenomatous polyps. FAP has a prevalence of 1 in 8,300 people, demonstrating an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. This condition follows a pathogenic variation of the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene, located on chromosome 5q21-22. These mutations are heavily correlated with the incidence of colorectal carcinoma, requiring prophylactic colectomy. The management and treatment of FAP requires routine surveillance to reduce gastrointestinal polyp burden. The objective for this study is to characterize the current patient population at Riley with polyposis syndromes and assess clinical surveillance in patients diagnosed with FAP. &#x0D; Methods: &#x0D; Historical data from 2020-2022 GI clinical visits were reviewed using the diagnostic codes Family history of colonic polyps, Benign neoplasm of colon unspecified, and Other phakomatoses not elsewhere classified. These criteria identified 93 patients of which 64 patients were diagnosed with a hereditary polyposis syndrome for inclusion within the registry. Of the 64 patients, 42 had a diagnosis of FAP. Clinical data reviewed included the patient’s age of diagnosis, completion of genetic testing and follow-up, surgical treatment, routine endoscopic surveillance, and modes of imaging. &#x0D; Results: &#x0D; Results indicated a median age of diagnosis of 10 years, lower than previously reported national averages of 13.5-17 years. Evaluation of routine follow-up indicated a rate of endoscopy at 0.822 scopes per year and demonstrated that abdominal CT scans as well as abdominal X-rays were the most common supplemental modes of imaging. &#x0D; Conclusion/ Future Directions: &#x0D; The data from this registry will help direct care of patients with FAP, ensuring they receive treatment in accordance with national guidelines for routine surveillance and prophylactic colectomy. Moving forward, the intention is to expand the registry's date range to incorporate more patients and elaborate further on endoscopic findings for the specific subtypes of FAP.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database Study of Cataract Surgery: Report 13, monitoring post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis rates-the rule of X.

Cataract surgical safety has improved over recent decades, with endophthalmitis rates before 2006 typically 0.13-0.15% compared with the most recent UK national estimate of 0.02%. There remains, however, substantial variation in reported rates from different centres. Due to the low event rate, this disparity may not be noticed and opportunities to improve therefore be missed. We propose a method of monitoring post-cataract endophthalmitis rates that would help centres with higher rates identify this. A statistical tool, available to download or use online, permits comparison of local endophthalmitis rate with the estimated UK rate of 0.02%. Centres are encouraged to maintain a register of endophthalmitis cases, and when the number reaches a threshold (X cases), either in a certain time period or in a fixed number of procedures, then the centre can consider itself as an outlier and trigger local investigations to improve infection control. Example outputs are offered, such as for a unit doing 5000 cataracts annually, a value of X is suggested such that the third case of endophthalmitis (X = 3) in a 12-month period would give 85% confidence, the fourth case 90% confidence and the fifth case 95% confidence that the true endophthalmitis rate for that unit was higher than the national average. This statistical tool provides a basis for units to set a threshold number of cases of endophthalmitis within a given period that would trigger local processes, thus helping inform local monitoring processes for this rare but potentially catastrophic complication of cataract surgery.

Breast cancer survival in India across 11 geographic areas under the National Cancer Registry Programme.

Population-based cancer survival is a key indicator for assessing the effectiveness of cancer control by a health care system in a specific geographic area. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for over one quarter of all female cancers. The objective of this study was to estimate the 5-year survival of female patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2012 and 2015 from the existing Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) in India. In total, 17,331 patients who had breast cancer diagnosed between 2012 and 2015 from 11 PBCRs were followed until June 30, 2021. Active methods were used to track the vital status of registered breast cancer cases. The study conducted survival analysis by calculating the difference between the date of first diagnosis and the date of death or censoring to estimate observed survival and relative survival using the actuarial survival approach and the Ederer-II approach, respectively. The 5-year age-standardized relative survival (95% confidence interval [CI]) of patients with breast cancer was 66.4% (95% CI, 65.5%-67.3%). Mizoram (74.9%; 95% CI, 68.1%-80.8%), Ahmedabad urban (72.7%; 95% CI, 70.3%-74.9%), Kollam (71.5%; 95% CI, 69.2%-73.6%), and Thiruvananthapuram (69.1%; 95% CI, 67.0%-71.2%) had higher survival rates than the national average. Conversely, Pasighat had the lowest survival rate (41.9%; 95% CI, 14.7%-68.6%). The 5-year observed survival rates for localized, regional, and distant metastasis in the pooled PBCRs were 81.0%, 65.5%, and 18.3%, respectively. The overall disparity in survival rates was observed across 11 PBCRs, with lower survival rates reported in Manipur, Tripura, and Pasighat. Therefore, it is imperative to implement comprehensive cancer control strategies widely throughout the country.

Prevalence of KIG-grades 3–5 in an orthodontic practice in North Rhine Westphalia compared with results of the DMS•6 and with KZBV data

Background and aimThe prevalence of tooth and jaw malocclusions in 8- to 9-year-olds was surveyed in a nationwide setting as part of the orthodontic module of the Sixth German Study on Oral Health (DMS•6), using the orthodontic indication groups (KIG) as index. Aim of this study was the detection of the prevalence of malocclusions requiring treatment according to the KIG index in statutorily insured patients of an orthodontic practice in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany, and to compare results with corresponding DMS•6 and KZBV data.Patients and methodsBetween 2017–2021, n = 953 statutorily insured patients called for an initial consultation and subsequent determination of the KIG-classification and -grades. The malocclusions were classified and graded in the highest possible KIG-grade according to valid SHI guidelines. Multiple classifications were not recorded. KIG-grade > 3 according to the valid guidelines was detected in n = 815 patients. Since the DMS•6 does not contain information on KIG classifications "U" and "S", their inclusion was waived despite evaluation, leaving data from n = 683 patients for analysis and comparison.ResultsDuring the study period, n = 235 patients (34.4%) had KIG-classification "D". More than 10% were classified as "K" (120 patients, 17.6%), "P" (98 patients, 14.2%), "M" (89 patients, 13.0%), and "E" (81 patients, 11.9%). Of 16 possible classifications with KIG-grade > 3, "D4" was the most common with 26.6% (182 patients). The results confirm the findings from the multicentric DMS•6 from2021 and corresponding KZBV data from 2020.ConclusionsSagittal deviations described by classifications "D" and "M" represent with 47.4% almost half of the malocclusions with treatment need. KIG-grade D4 is the most frequent classification. There were no regional deviations of the prevalence of KIG-grades 3–5 in the district of Viersen / North Rhine compared with the national average, not even when scrutinizing a five-year-period.

Genetic structure and drug resistance of &lt;i&gt;Mycobacterium tuberculosis&lt;/i&gt; strains in the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass

Background. Kemerovo Region has a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) with incidence rates twice the national average. The circulating variants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis significantly influence the TB epidemic process. Screening of epidemically significant variants of the pathogen in areas with a high burden of TB underlies epidemiological diagnosis and is necessary for the development of effective prevention measures. However, the population structure of M. tuberculosis in the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass is poorly understood.&#x0D; Aims: to study genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs of M. tuberculosis strains in the Kemerovo Region.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The MIRU-VNTR genotyping of 163 M. tuberculosis strains isolated from TB patients in the Kemerovo Region in March–October 2022 was carried out. Cultivation of M. tuberculosis, drug susceptibility testing, and isolation of genomic DNA were carried out by standard methods. Genotypic identification was performed using MIRU-VNTR (24 loci) typing. In parallel, express genotyping was carried out: identification of isolates of the Beijing genotype (by RD105/207) and non-Beijing; subtyping Beijing using real-time PCR tests for detection of Central Asian Russian and B0/W148; identification of the non-Beijing group by real-tine PCR RT tests for LAM, S, Ural.&#x0D; Results. The isolates of the Beijing genotype (67.5%) were found to dominate both among newly diagnosed (64.4%) and previously treated patients (88.5%). MIRU-VNTR typing revealed 75 profiles, of which 94-32 (35.3%) and 100-32 (15.7%) were the most abundant and belonged to the Beijing genotype. Overall, 39.9% and 20.9% of isolates, respectively, were assigned to the Beijing Central Asian Russian and B0/W148 epidemic clusters, which differed significantly in MDR levels (50.8% and 85.3%, respectively; p = 0.005). The second most common were strains of the genetic family of the Euro-American lineage (L4) (31.9%): LAM (6.7%) Ural (7.4%) Haarlem (4.9%) and L4-unclassified (12.9%), MDR among of these minor genotypes was significantly lower than among Beijing genotype strains, and amounted to 11.5% (p 0.001). Strains from HIV-TB patients (56.4% of the total sample) carried an MDR profile more often (54.8%) compared to TB cases without HIV infection (35.2%) (p = 0.005), which may be due to higher proportion of Beijing genotype strains in the HIV-TB group (75.0% vs. 57.7%; p = 0.026). Complete comparability of the SNP analysis (in-house tests) to identify the main genotypes and epidemically significant Beijing subtypes was shown, which made it possible to characterize 75.5% of the sample by the express method.&#x0D; Conclusions. The molecular genetic screening carried out in the Kemerovo Region revealed the heterogeneity of the M. tuberculosis population, which was dominated by strains of the Beijing genotype, with the frequency of subtypes comparable with other territories of the Siberian Federal District.

Assessment of registered and hidden epidemic process of tick-borne encephalitis in the Republic of Karelia

Introduction. The incidence of tick-borne encephalitis in the Russia remains relevant. The assessment of the epidemic process in the Republic of Karelia is important not only in terms of understanding its general patterns, but in connection with the growth of tourist attendance in the region.&#x0D; Aims: To assess the current epidemic situation of tick-borne encephalitis in the Republic of Karelia, and to compare the characteristics of registered and hidden epidemic processes.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The risk of infection and incidence were estimated based on the analysis of the registered cases of seeking medical help in connection with tick bites, the results of a study of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection rate in ticks, and the epidemiological investigation of cases of tick-borne encephalitis in 1992–2022. Clinical, gender and age structure, territorial distribution of patients and victims of the tick bites were compared with the results of serological studies of 2379 blood samples of the adult population, conducted in 2011–2022.&#x0D; Results. Infection rates of ticks removed from humans ranged from 23.6–27.0% in 2002–2005 to 1.0% in 2022. In 2004, the TBEV antigen was detected in mosquitoes. The territory of risk is the southern part of Republic. However, the increase in number of cases of seeking medical help was observed in the northern part of Republic. The incidence rates exceeded the national average, especially in 2003–2004 (15.3–11.6 per 100 thousand). In 2021–2022, it decreased to 1.8–1.5 per 100,000. The dynamics of incidence had a high-degree correlation with the dynamics of seeking medical help and infection rates in ticks (R = 0.92 and 0.73). The reported incidence was lower than the estimated risk of infection. The meningeal forms of infection were most often diagnosed. The risk of the disease was higher in the elderly and in men, which was determined by the conditions of infection. Antibodies to TBEV were detected in 11.8 ± 0.7% of the examined persons.&#x0D; Conclusion. A steady decrease in rates of registered tick-borne encephalitis incidence has been revealed in the Republic of Karelia, mainly due to the action of biological and natural factors. The assessment of seroprevalence made it possible to reveal the hidden part of the epidemic process.

Prevalence of asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns in northeast Florida.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of hearing loss and neurocognitive delay among children. Affected infants may be asymptomatic at birth and even pass their universal hearing screen. Early identification of CMV-infected infants will allow earlier detection, evaluation and management. The prevalence of congenital CMV infection in the developed world varies geographically from 0.6% to 0.7% of all deliveries and certain regions are at higher risk. The prevalence of congenital CMV is unknown for our region. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of CMV infection among the neonatal population at an urban, tertiary hospital in northeast Florida which serves a large population of patients with low socioeconomic status to assess if universal screening program for congenital asymptomatic CMV infection can be determined. The study was submitted and approved by our Institutional Review Board. We tested the urine for CMV infection in 100 asymptomatic newborns (>32 weeks gestational age and >1,750 g weight at the time of delivery) delivered between June 2016 and July 2017. Urine CMV was tested on 100 infants. One infant had a positive urine NAAT for CMV, making the prevalence of congenital CMV infection among asymptomatic newborns in our hospitals' population 1%. CMV prevalence in our setting of an urban, tertiary hospital is relatively consistent with the national average of all congenital CMV infections. A policy of universal screening for congenital CMV may be necessary.

Determinants of compliance with outpatient examinations for infants at risk for retinopathy of prematurity

PurposeTo assess the level and the determinants of compliance with outpatient retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination appointments at a tertiary academic center. MethodsThe medical records of babies scheduled for outpatient ROP examination between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, were reviewed retrospectively. Data collected included appointments scheduled and attended, birth weight, gestational age, ROP staging at discharge, maternal ethnicity (self-identified), household type, proximity to hospital and median family income (US Census based on home zip codes). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThe records of 66 babies were analyzed. Forty-nine babies (74%) attended all scheduled ROP examination appointments (fully compliant). The mean appointment compliance rate was 86%, with a 1.5% no-show rate. Seven children (11%) required the intervention of Child Protective Services. One baby was never seen in the clinic. In unadjusted analysis, maternal ethnicity (P = 0.028) and median family income lower than the national average (P = 0.049) were sociodemographic factors associated with lower compliance. Clinical factors associated with lower compliance were lower gestational ages (P = 0.005) and lower birth weight (P = 0.006). In multivariable logistic regression adjusting for all candidate predictors, only birth weight remained significantly associated with lower compliance (P = 0.036). ConclusionsClinical and sociodemographic factors may be associated with compliance with outpatient ROP examination recommendations. Extremely low-birth-weight babies were at the greatest risk for noncompliance.

Integrated biobehavioral surveillance among people who inject drugs in Ukraine, 2007-2020

BackgroundRepeated integrated biobehavioral surveys (IBBS) have been implemented among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine to monitor the trends in key epidemiologic and programmatic indicators. MethodsThe study analyzed seven PWID IBBS rounds from 2007 to 2020 in seven Ukrainian cities. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling, tested for HIV and anti-HCV antibodies, and completed a structured questionnaire. Composite weights (based on individual sampling probability and population size) were applied to generate point estimates and confidence intervals for HIV and HCV prevalence, injection risk behaviors, prevention service coverage, and HIV treatment cascade. Multi-level regression assessed temporal trends in these indicators in 2007-2020. ResultsThe samples consisted of 1587 participants in 2007, 1905 in 2008/9, 3066 in 2011, 2846 in 2013, 2699 in 2015, 2798 in 2017, and 3651 in the 2020 rounds. HIV prevalence decreased from 27% to 19% overall, and among PWID younger than 25 from 10.5% to 5.5%. Anti-HCV prevalence increased from 50% to 73% overall but decreased from 58% to 27% in the younger subgroup. Past-30-days injection risk behaviors consistently decreased, reaching a minimum of 38% for any risk in 2020. HIV treatment cascade indicators and coverage with opioid agonist treatment substantially improved in the last three rounds. Harm reduction services coverage fluctuated, declining from 52% to 33% in the last three rounds. ConclusionsThis analysis demonstrates the potential of repeated IBBS for monitoring the HIV epidemic and program coverage. We confirmed a sustained decline in overall HIV and HCV transmission, likely driven by reduced risky injection practices among PWID. The impact of harm reduction services requires further study. HIV status awareness and treatment coverage among PWID markedly increased, reaching the national average, possibly indicating the success of case-finding and linkage-to-care interventions. The upcoming IBBS round in Ukraine will also assess the impact of the war on service provision, risk behavior, and HIV transmission among PWID.

Численность населения региона с точки зрения его репродуктивно-демографического потенциала.

As a result of the study, the transformation of the age structure of the population of the Kostroma region was noted, which leads to a negative change in the demographic burden – the proportion of the working-age population decreases with an increase in the proportion of the population older than the working-age population, there is a significant decrease in the number of women of fertile age in urban and rural areas, while the number of women aged 15–24 years has significantly decreased. In recent years, the total fertility rate has decreased, there has been an increase in the average age of the mother at birth, the birth rate is decreasing under the age of 20 and at the age of 20–24, it is increasing in the group of 30–34-year-olds and older. Despite the decrease in the mortality rate, the indicators of the Kostroma region exceed the national average. Life expectancy has a pronounced upward trend, but remains lower than the average for the Russian Federation and the Central Federal District. The identified trends determine the demographic situation in the region, which requires operational decisions on the development and implementation of scientifically based special family-oriented programs aimed through interdepartmental interaction at stabilizing regional reproductive and demographic indicators.

Antibiotic susceptibility trends in bacterial isolates from wound infections

Pyogenic infections leading to pus formation are associated with various inflammatory mediators and the proliferation of microbial flora. Wound infections can be caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even protozoans. Timely treatment of infected patients is critical since untreated or poorly treated pyogenic infections can lead to mortality or severe complications. Successful treatment is defined by choosing the right antibiotic, which is hindered by the spreading of bacterial drug resistance. It is well documented that overuse of antimicrobials before and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the emergence of drug resistance among various microorganisms. Our study aimed to identify common etiological agents associated with wound infections and to evaluate their antibiotic resistance patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing the antibiograms of different aerobic bacteria isolated from wound samples of patients from the Palakkad District Hospital in Kerala, India, from 2017 through 2019. All variables, including age, sex, bacterial isolate, and antibiogram, were tabulated and the chi-square test was used for analysis. Out of the 1,269 bacterial isolates analyzed, the most common gram-negative strain was Escherichia coli (23%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%). Among the gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common (19%). We found only 15% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant, against the national average of 41%. The most resistant strain in our study was Acinetobacter baumannii. Statistically significant changes in antibiotic resistance patterns were observed over the three years of the study period.

2020–2022年三江平原主要农作物种植分布遥感监测数据集

Sanjiang Plain, renowned for its expansive and fertile black soil, serves as a crucial hub for commodity grain production in China. The per capita cultivated land area and per capita grain output in the region are five times the national average. Accurate crop acreage information is of great significance for understanding regional food security and agricultural development planning in Sanjiang Plain. In this paper, we used the Sentinel-2 satellite remote sensing data of time series and the survey data of typical ground features in Sanjiang Plain to screen the feature bands of major crops and typical ground features of surrounding areas. Using the random forest classification algorithm, we extracted the data to produce a dataset of remote sensing monitoring of planting distribution for major crops (rice, corn and soybean) in Sanjiang Plain from 2020 to 2022. Based on field survey data, it has been verified that the overall accuracy of the three crops extraction in 2020, 2021 and 2022 stands at 95.18%, 95.0% and 94.5%, and the Kappa coefficients of these three years are 0.924, 0.925 and 0.919. This dataset can not only offer basic data for the analysis of temporal and spatial changes of crop planting distribution in Sanjiang Plain, but also contribute to informed decision-making in agricultural production management for the region. Furthermore, it can support the development of agricultural informatization as well as the preservation and utilization of black soil resources.

Trends in Democratic Attitudes: Bolivia 2004-2021

After more than a decade of political stability, in 2019 Bolivia suffered a major political crisis that ended with the resignation of a long-standing President, amidst popular unrest after a questioned election. While the crisis was the immediate result of a questionable attempt by the President to skip constitutional term limits, its roots can be found in the declining rates of support and satisfaction with democracy among citizens and in the polarization reaching democratic support. Using survey data from LAPOPs AmericasBarometer, this article finds that national averages for different measures for democratic support show declining trends, and, perhaps more importantly, they also show high levels of polarization, with supporters of the president showing radically different attitudes that those who are critics of the government, particularly during critical times. Cluster analyses performed on the same data indicate that the proportion of individuals who share attitudes that can be considered as “institutionalists” has been declining, while the proportion of those who support extra-powers for the executive and authoritarian alternatives, has increased. The article concludes discussing some risks for Bolivian democracy within its citizens’ attitudes towards democratic institutions.

Examining maternal influences on low birth weight of baby: a study in Washim district

Background: This research investigated low birth weight (LBW) in Washim district, Maharashtra, India, recognizing its profound impact on infant health. With a prevalence of 13.3%, lower than state and national averages, the study focuses on maternal factors such as anemia, premature deliveries, and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy as contributors to LBW. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving LBW infants and mothers was conducted in Washim district. The census approach (universal sampling) was employed in this study, encompassing the entire population of low birth weight babies born across all blocks in the Washim district and could be tracked by healthcare workers. This involved every eligible individual, eliminating the need for traditional sampling techniques. Data were collected from 6 Blocks, 153 Health sub-centers, and 25 primary health centers between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, using a standardized questionnaire administered by healthcare workers. The study included 876 babies and mothers. Results: Washim district reported a 13.3% LBW rate, lower than the state (20.1%) and national (17.8%) averages. High LBW incidence was noted among mothers with anemia (91.4%), premature deliveries (78.18%), and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy (average gain: 7.9 kg). Conclusions: The study identified anemia during pregnancy, premature deliveries, and inadequate weight gain as primary contributors to LBW in the district.