Study Of Urban Population Research Articles

Early-life diet does not affect preference for fish in herring gulls (Larus argentatus).

Urban populations of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) are increasing and causing human-wildlife conflict by exploiting anthropogenic resources. Gulls that breed in urban areas rely on varying amounts of terrestrial anthropogenic foods (e.g., domestic refuse, agricultural and commercial waste) to feed themselves. However, with the onset of hatching, many parent gulls switch to sourcing more marine than anthropogenic or terrestrial foods to provision their chicks. Although anthropogenic foods may meet chick calorific requirements for growth and development, some such foods (e.g., bread) may have lower levels of protein and other key nutrients compared to marine foods. However, whether this parental switch in chick diet is driven by chicks' preference for marine foods, or whether chicks' food preferences are shaped by the food types provisioned by their parents, remains untested. This study tests whether chick food preferences can be influenced by their provisioned diet by experimentally manipulating the ratio of time for which anthropogenic and marine foods were available (80:20 and vice versa) in the rearing diets of two treatment groups of rescued herring gull chicks. Each diet was randomly assigned to each of the 27 captive-reared chicks for the duration of the study. We tested chicks' individual food preferences throughout their development in captivity using food arrays with four food choices (fish, cat food, mussels and brown bread). Regardless of the dietary treatment group, we found that all chicks preferred fish and almost all refused to eat most of the bread offered. Our findings suggest that early-life diet, manipulated by the ratio of time the different foods were available, did not influence gull chicks' food preferences. Instead, chicks developed a strong and persistent preference for marine foods, which appears to match adult gulls' dietary switch to marine foods upon chick hatching and may reinforce the provisioning of marine foods during chick development. However, whether chicks in the wild would refuse provisioned foods, and to a sufficient extent to influence parental provisioning, requires further study. Longitudinal studies of urban animal populations that track wild individuals' food preferences and foraging specialisations throughout life are required to shed light on the development and use of anthropogenic resource exploitation.

There's an App for That: Exploring the Market for Contraceptive Fertility Tracking Apps in the Philippines.

For generations, women have relied on fertility awareness methods to plan and prevent pregnancy, for over a decade, many have been aided by digital tools to do so. New contraceptive fertility tracking apps (CFTAs)-that are backed by clinical efficacy trials to support their effectiveness as contraception-have the potential to enhance method choice and offer users a unique contraceptive option, but there is little evidence to inform the decisions around expanding access, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. We conducted a mixed methods study with quantitative online surveys (n = 1600) and qualitative interviews (n = 36) to explore the potential appeal of and demand for a hypothetical CFTA in one such market, the Philippines. Interest in using a CFTA was high among our Internet-engaged, urban study population, with 83.9% "definitely" or "probably" interested in using it. Across demographic profiles, respondents perceived the appeal of the method as "natural" and "convenient." A majority were willing to pay for the method, though notably at a price (5.20 USD) below that of currently available CFTAs. We discuss various important factors to be considered before bringing a method like this to new markets, including the potential implications of equity constraints in reaching a wider market and the unexpected prevalence of other period-tracking apps not intended as contraception being used in this market that could complicate any future roll-out. These issues could be explored further with additional research.

Socioeconomic, Health Services, and Multimorbidity Disparities in Chinese Older Adults

IntroductionAs one of the world's most populous countries, China persistently confronts a significant multimorbidity burden. This study aimed to elucidate the multimorbidity burden experienced by Chinese older adults, explore its interplay with socioeconomic disparity, and investigate potential correlations between these provincial disparities and health services availability. MethodsThe fourth wave of China's national Urban and Rural Elderly Population study, conducted in 2015, was used to construct a multimorbidity index (MHI) and elucidate the geographical differences in the multimorbidity burden. Incorporating macro-level indicators about socioeconomic and health services availability, quantile regression and spearman correlation analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between multimorbidity and socioeconomic disparities, and examine the potential linkages between these provincial disparities and health services availability. Analyses were performed in 2023. ResultsFinal analysis included a total of 213,857 older adults. At the provincial level, significant geographic disparities in multimorbidity burden were identified. After adjusting for individual social determinants of health, an independent association was found between the human development index (HDI) and a higher MHI [coefficient = -0.22; 95% CI: (-0.24, -0.19)]. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation emerged between HDI and both population and geographic densities of health services availability. Notably, geographic density displayed greater inequality (Gini coefficients of 0.45 to 0.48) compared to population density (Gini coefficients of 0.03 to 0.10). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that multimorbidity burden in China is linked to provincial socioeconomic disparities, and inequality in health services availability may account for this, which would advocate for a need to reduce disparities in health services availability.

The correlation between periodontitis and uncontrolled hypertension is mediated by inflammatory markers: results from a cross-sectional study of urban elderly population in southeast China

BackgroundPeriodontal diseases is considered the most important global oral health burden according to the world health organization (WHO) (Oral health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health#Overviewth (who.int). Accessed 21 Sep 2023). It is a common local inflammatory disease associated with hypertension, this study aims to explore the relationship between periodontitis and uncontrolled hypertension and whether inflammation indication such as white blood cell (WBC) count or neutrophil count is a mediator of this relationship.MethodsOne thousand four hundred eighty-eight elders attending annual physical and oral examinations in Zhejiang province were included in this study. The staging of Periodontitis was classified as none, mild-moderate and severe. Participants are categorized into two groups based on blood pressure: hypertensive( positive high blood pressure( HBP) history or underwent HBP medication or blood pressure( BP) ≥ 140/90 mmHg) and uncontrolled hypertensive (systolic blood pressure( SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or distolic blood pressure( DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg). Peripheral blood samples were collected, information on hypertension history and potential confounders (age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency, diabetes) was collected in questionnaires. The correlation between periodontitis and hypertension was investigated using logistics regression analyses, mediation analysis was assessed for the effect of inflammation on hypertension.ResultsThe study population includes 1,488 participants aged 55–90 years. Odds of uncontrolled hypertension increased significantly along with periodontitis in the regression models both in unadjusted model (odds ratio( OR): 1.407, 95% confidence intervals( CI): 1.037 ~ 1.910) and fully adjusted model (OR: 1.950, 95% CI: 1.127 ~ 3.373). Mediation analysis confirmed that WBC and neutrophic count function as a full mediator of the association between periodontitis and uncontrolled hypertension either in the unadjusted or the adjusted model.ConclusionsIn a study of urban elderly population in southeast China, periodontitis is found to be significantly associated with uncontrolled hypertension, such relation is mediated by WBC and neutrophil count. Periodontitis can increase the difficulty of controlling hypertension. Promotion of periodontal health strategies in the dental setting could help reduce the burden of hypertension and its complications.

Prevalence and healthcare utilization in managing herpes zoster in primary care: a retrospective study in an Asian urban population.

Herpes zoster (HZ) causes significant morbidity, particularly in older adults. With the advent of a recombinant zoster vaccine, HZ is potentially preventable. However, data on HZ burden and healthcare utilization in primary care populations remains scarce. This study described the prevalence and healthcare utilization in managing HZ in a developed community. A retrospective database review was conducted across a cluster of 8 public primary care clinics in urban Singapore. Data of multi-ethnic Asian patients with a diagnosis code of "herpes zoster" from 2018 to 2020 was extracted from their electronic medical records. Socio-demographic, clinical, visitation, medical leave, prescription, and referral data were analyzed. A total of 2,987 out of 737,868 individuals were diagnosed with HZ over 3 years. The mean age was 59.9 (SD + 15.5) years; 49.2% were male; 78.5% Chinese, 12.2% Malay, and 4.1% Indian. The prevalence was 221, 224, 203 per 100,000 persons in 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The 70 to 79-year age group had the highest prevalence (829/100,000) across 3 years. Oral acyclovir (median daily dose 4,000 mg; median duration 7 days) and topical acyclovir were prescribed in 71.6 and 47.6%, respectively. Analgesia prescribed were gabapentin (41.0%), paracetamol combinations (30.1%), oral NSAIDs (23.7%), opioids (6.0%), and tricyclic antidepressants (1.9%). Most individuals consulted only once (84.3%); 32.7% of them required medical leave and 5.6% had more than 7 days of absenteeism. HZ-related referrals to the hospital were required in 8.9% (4.9% emergency, 2.8% ophthalmology). The findings of this study suggest a need for HZ vaccination among older age groups. Visitation and referral rates were low. The use of topical acyclovir was uncovered, and further research should evaluate the underlying reasons, benefits, and harms of such practice. The use of analgesia combinations may be explored further.

The population sizes of Mexican cities follow a power-law distribution

ABSTRACT Geography, for example because of the presence of rivers, ravines, or peaks, can subdivide a city. These subdivisions raise the question of identifying the area occupied by the city, of deciding whether or not they are aggregates of distinct built-up areas, and whether or not geographical separations are merely asperities in a certain continuum of built-up areas. The city as a union of administrative units allows for jurisdictional practices, but for public policy in health for example, identification by built-up areas is more operational. The study of urban populations thus requires that cities be circumscribed on objective criteria. Circumscribing a city requires knowledge of commuting flows, but in the absence of this piece of information, circumscribing it relies on the fact that it is made up of close built-up areas. This is reflected in the intersection of the convex envelopes of the spatial extent of these built-up areas. The algorithm treats coordinates of the vertices of polygons encompassing built-up areas provided by the Census Bureau for the United States or the National Institute of Statistics and Geography for Mexico. It allows for computing whether convex hulls of polygons intersect or not. If they do, then the built-up areas circumscribed by these polygons are part of the same city. The result is that cities now reflect the geographic extent of urban areas rather than their administrative areas. With this delineation method applied to Mexico’s 2020 census data, the population sizes of urban areas with at least 2,126 inhabitants follow a power law, with exponent 0.954 (standard deviation = 0.016), whereas this is no longer the case when considering only the administrative extents of cities with more than 15,000 inhabitants.

Enhancing the value of death registration with verbal autopsy data: a pilot study in the Senegalese urban population in 2019

BackgroundThere is no source of data on causes of death in Senegal that covers both community and hospital deaths. Yet the death registration system in the Dakar region is relatively complete (>80%) and could be expanded to provide information on the diseases and injuries that led to death.MethodsIn this pilot study, we recorded all deaths that occurred over 2 months and were reported in the 72 civil registration offices in the Dakar region. We selected the deaths of residents of the region and administered a verbal autopsy to a relative of the deceased to identify the underlying causes of death. Causes of death were assigned using the InterVA5 model.ResultsThe age structure of deaths registered at the civil registry differed from that of the census, with a proportion of infant deaths about twice as high as in the census. The main causes of death were prematurity and obstetric asphyxia in newborns. Meningitis and encephalitis, severe malnutrition, and acute respiratory infections were the leading causes from 1 month to 15 years of age. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for 27% of deaths in adults aged 15-64 and 45% of deaths among adults above age 65, while neoplasms accounted for 20% and 12% of deaths in these two age groups, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the epidemiological transition is at an advanced stage in urban areas of Dakar, and underlines the importance of conducting regular studies based on verbal autopsies of deaths reported in civil registration offices.

Do Suburban Populations of Lizards Behave Differently from Forest Ones? An Analysis of Perch Height, Time Budget, and Display Rate in the Cuban Endemic Anolis homolechis

Urbanization transforms natural ecosystems into novel habitats, which can result in negative consequences for biodiversity. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of maintenance of native species in urbanized environments, including behavior—which can act as a fast response to rapid environmental changes. We compared some behavioral traits between two suburban and two forest populations of Anolis homolechis. Direct observations of 779 individuals revealed that perch height was positively influenced by body size, but not by sex. Suburban individuals perched higher than forest ones, and even more so in the afternoon compared to the morning; a behavior that was not observed in forests populations. These differences might be due to a change from foraging activities in the morning to vigilance, display, and/or thermoregulation in the afternoon, promoted by suburban habitat conditions (e.g., higher predator abundance, open habitat structure, and urban heat). Video recordings of 81 focal individuals showed that males were more active than females (i.e., spending less time in stationary behavior and having a higher display rate), with no significant effect of habitat type. As some of our results diverge from previous studies on invasive anoles, we recommend extending comparative studies of urban and non-urban populations to other native Anolis.

Temperature variability and common diseases of the elderly in China: a national cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn the context of climate change, it has been well observed that short-term temperature variability (TV) could increase the overall and cause-specific mortality and morbidity. However, the association between long-term TV and a broader spectrum of diseases is not yet well understood, especially in the elderly.MethodsOur study used data from the fourth Urban and Rural Elderly Population (UREP) study. Long-term TV was calculated from the standard deviation (SD) of daily minimum and maximum temperatures within the study periods (2010–2014, 2011–2014, 2012–2014, 2013–2014, and 2014). Ten self-reported diseases and conditions were collected by questionnaire, including cataract, hypertension, diabetes, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, stomach diseases, arthritis, chronic lung disease, asthma, cancer, and reproductive diseases. The province-stratified logistic regression model was used to quantify the association between long-term TV and the prevalence of each disease.ResultsA total of 184,047 participants were included in our study. In general, there were significant associations between TV and the prevalence of most diseases at the national level. Cardio-cerebrovascular disease (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.20) generated the highest estimates, followed by stomach diseases (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.19), asthma (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.22), chronic lung diseases (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.13), arthritis (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.11), and cataract (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.10). Moreover, the associations varied by geographical regions and across subgroups stratified by sex, household income, physical activity, and education.ConclusionsOur study showed that long-term exposure to TV was associated with the prevalence of main diseases in the elderly. More attention should be paid to the elderly and targeted strategies should be implemented, such as an early warning system.

The tolerance to chemoradiation for cervical cancer patients: A comparative prospective study of rural versus urban population.

Rural versus urban cervical cancer. This study aims to study the difference in toxicities and clinical outcome of chemoradiation in urban and rural cervical cancer patient. This was a prospective study. In a double-arm prospective study, cervical cancer patients were treated with chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy. Patients were monitored weekly for hematological, gastrointestinal toxicities, and electrolyte imbalance. Acute toxicities and long-term outcome were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for analysis of disease free and overall survival and Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact tests for analysis of toxicities were used. Fifty-seven patients from urban and 114 from rural region were studied. There were no difference between the two groups as far as the patient characteristics, overall treatment time (OTT), hematological, electrolyte imbalance, local control, and disease-free survival between the two groups. Associated comorbidities were significantly higher (53% vs. 17%) with P < 0.0001 in urban population. Grade II and III enteritis were significantly higher 15.78% versus 21.05% (P = 0.00001) and 12.28% versus 11.40% (P = 0.03) in urban patients, respectively. Tolerance to chemoradiation, disease-free survival, and overall survival are similar in both urban and rural patients of cervical cancer, with more enteritis in urban group. However, this did not increase OTT.

Lung function in Lolland-Falster Health Study (LOFUS).

BackgroundCOPD prevalence in Denmark is estimated at 18% based on data from urban populations. However, studies suggest that using the clinical cut‐off for airway obstruction in population studies may overestimate prevalence. The present study aims to compare estimated prevalence of airway obstruction using different cut‐offs and to present lung function data from the Lolland‐Falster Health Study, set in a rural‐provincial area.MethodsDescriptive analysis of participant characteristics and self‐reported respiratory disease and of spirometry results in the total population and in subgroups defined by these characteristics. Airway obstruction was assessed using previously published Danish reference values and defined according to either FEV1/FVC below lower limit of normal (LLN) 5% (as in clinical diagnosis) or 2.5% (suggested for population studies), or as FEV1/FVC < 70%.ResultsUsing either FEV1/FVC < 70% or LLN 5% cut‐off, 19.0% of LOFUS participants aged 35 years or older had spirometry, suggesting airway obstruction. By the LLN 2.5% criterion, the proportion was considerably lower, 12.2%. The prevalence of airway obstruction was higher among current smokers, in participants with short education or reporting low leisure‐time physical activity and in those with known respiratory disease. Approximately 40% of participants reporting known respiratory disease had normal spirometry, and 8.7% without known respiratory disease had airway obstruction.ConclusionPrevalence of airway obstruction in this rural population was comparable to previous estimates from urban Danish population studies. The choice of cut‐off impacts the estimated prevalence, and using the FEV1/FVC cut‐off may overestimate prevalence. However, many participants with known respiratory disease had normal spirometry in this health study.

Differences in sex ratio, tail autotomy, body size and body condition between suburban and forest populations of the cuban endemic lizard Anolis homolechis

Although growing evidence suggests that natural and sexual selection pressures may differ between natural and urban habitats, their consequences in terms of morphological differentiation, extent of sexual dimorphism and sex ratio remain poorly studied. Anolis lizards are an ideal model to study the phenotypic effects of urbanization, as they are well known for the existence of ecomorphs adapted to particular microhabitats. However, so far most studies of urban populations of anoles have considered invasive species and largely focused on males. Here, we compared morphological differentiation, sexual dimorphism and sex ratio between suburban and forest populations of the native A. homolechis, in western Cuba, based on large sample size (n > 800) and a balanced nested design. Overall, both male and female individuals from suburban populations were larger and in better body condition than individuals from forest populations. In addition, evidence of caudal autotomy was more than twice more frequent in suburban populations compared to forest ones, with no sex effect. Habitat type and season of the year had additive effects on sex ratios, with a significant excess of males in suburban habitats and during the non-reproductive season. Accordingly, the extent of sexual dimorphism in size was more pronounced in suburban populations compared to forest ones. Our results suggest that the shape and direction of natural selection may differ between urban and natural populations of anoles.

TELOMERE LENGTH IS NEGATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH BMI, R WAVE IN AVL AND IL-6 LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH NEW CASES OF HYPERTENSION

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between lymphocyte telomere length and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with new cases of hypertension according to 10-years prospective study in urban randomised population. Design and method: In 2007/2008 10-years prospective study of 3500 persons living in a district of Vitebsk (Belarus) and selected by the random number method started (coverage of the survey was 97.9%). According to the results of first examination 2170 persons had normal blood pressure. 1862 of them were examined on the second stage of the study in 2012/2013 (coverage of the survey was 85,8%). 286 new cases of hypertension were revealed and they had significant positive relationship with the IV quartile of uric acid level (&gt; = 339 mol/l), determined on the first stage of the study. A 10-years prospective analysis was provided in 2017/2018 and included 145 randomized subjects with hypertension diagnosed on the second stage of the study. Results: We examined 2170 persons with normal blood pressure in 2007/2008. On the second stage of the study 286 new cases of hypertension were diagnosed in these subjects (14,4% of men and 12,2% of women). According to multifactorial regression analysis of 145 randomized subjects of 286 new cases of hypertension, adjusted for age and sex, the IV quartile of uric acid level (339–527 mol/l), determined on the first stage of the study, was associated with the I quartile of telomere length in 10 years (df = 1; 2Wald = 4,5; p &lt; 0,05). Cross-sectional analysis of these subjects showed that the level of telomere length had a significant negative association with BMI (=-0,19; p &lt; 0,05), R wave in aVL (=-0,18; p &lt; 0,05), IL-6 level (=-0,20; p &lt; 0,05) in 2017/2018. Conclusions: Regardless of age and sex, telomere length has negative association with BMI, R wave in aVL and IL-6 level in patients with new cases of hypertension.

Lifestyle factors and psychological well-being: 10-year follow-up study in Lithuanian urban population

BackgroundSeveral lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition habits, and social activity have been associated with psychological well-being (PWB). However, their effect on PWB prospectively has been less studied. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of lifestyle factors on higher future PWB during the 10-year follow-up of middle-aged and elderly urban population.MethodsIn the baseline survey (2006 to 2008), 7115 men and women 45–72 years of age were examined within the framework of the international study Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in the Eastern Europe (HAPIEE). In the follow-up survey (in 2016), which was performed among all 6210 participants who survived till that year, 4266 individuals participated responding to postal questionnaires. PWB was assessed by a CASP-12 questionnaire. The lifestyle behaviours, including smoking and nutrition habits, alcohol consumption, social and physical activity, were evaluated by the questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied for statistical data analysis.ResultsAfter accounting for several potential confounders, healthy levels of lifestyle behaviours were associated with higher PWB after 10-year follow-up. Never-smokers in men and former smokers in women had higher PWB by 43 and 67% odds respectively in comparison with smokers. Physical activity in women and high social activity both in men in women was positively related to higher PWB. More frequent fresh vegetable and fruit consumption was associated with higher odds of higher PWB (odds ratio 1.57 in men and 1.36 in women, p < 0.05) compared to less frequent consumption of such food groups. Dose-response relationship between increasing number of healthy lifestyle factors and higher PWB was determined both in men and women.ConclusionsLifestyle factors such as never smoking and former smoking, high social activity, and more frequent fresh vegetable and fruit consumption increased the odds of higher PWB over 10 years of follow-up in men and women groups. The increase of the protective health behaviour score was directly associated with the odds of higher PWB.

Knowledge, attitude and perception of perimenopausal and menopausal changes in middle age women (40-45 years) of urban population

: Menopause is the period in women’s life when menstruation ceases for atleast 12 months. Perimenopause refers to the time during which body makes the natural transition to menopause. M Majority women attain menopause without having adequate knowledge and approaches to cope with the menopausal changes. So, they face many physical and psychological disorders during their menopause. So knowledge and awareness regarding it is very necessary.: To study knowledge, attitude and perception of perimenopausal and menopausal changes in middle age women of 40-45years of urban population.: It was a cross-sectional study in urban population (community set-up).: 100 female participants between the age group 40-45 years having regular or irregular menstrual cycle were asked to fill a self-made questionnaire which was face validated. : Descriptive analysis.: 99% women have heard about the term perimenopause and menopause of which 96% women have knowledge about it. 46% were aware about the physical symptoms, 84% about the emotional/psychological symptoms, 78% about the hormonal deficiency related symptoms and 92% about the bone and muscle related problems. 41% of women had knowledge about Hormonal Replacement Therapy. 51% of the women have knowledge about the exercise which helps cope with perimenopause and menopause symptoms.: More efforts are needed for creating awareness about symptoms, complication and risk factors associated with perimenopause and menopause and importance of exercise as the first line of treatment option to cure the symptoms.

Mortality in People with Type2 Diabetes Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Population Level Analysis of Potential Risk Factors.

IntroductionResearch is ongoing to increase our understanding of how much a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects someone’s risk of becoming seriously unwell following a COVID-19 infection. In this study we set out to determine the relative likelihood of death following COVID-19 infection in people with T2DM when compared to those without T2DM. This was conducted as an urban population study and based in the UK.MethodsAnalysis of electronic health record data was performed relating to people living in the Greater Manchester conurbation (population 2.82 million) who had a recorded diagnosis of T2DM and subsequent COVID-19 confirmed infection. Each individual with T2DM (n = 13,807) was matched with three COVID-19-infected non-diabetes controls (n = 39,583). Data were extracted from the Greater Manchester Care Record (GMCR) database for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021. Social disadvantage was assessed through Townsend scores. Death rates were compared in people with T2DM to their respective non-diabetes controls; potential predictive factors influencing the relative likelihood of admission were ascertained using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsFor individuals with T2DM, their mortality rate after a COVID-19 positive test was 7.7% vs 6.0% in matched controls; the relative risk (RR) of death was 1.28. From univariate analysis performed within the group of individuals with T2DM, the likelihood of death following a COVID-19 recorded infection was lower in people taking metformin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) or a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hypertension were associated with increased mortality and had odds ratios of 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.96–0.97) and 1.92 (95% confidence interval 1.68–2.20), respectively. Likelihood of death following a COVID-19 infection was also higher in those people with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe enduring mental illness but not with asthma, and in people taking aspirin/clopidogrel/insulin. Smoking in people with T2DM significantly increased mortality rate (odds ratio of 1.46; 95% confidence interval 1.29–1.65). In a combined analysis of patients with T2DM and controls, multiple regression modelling indicated that the factors independently relating to a higher likelihood of death (accounting for 26% of variance) were T2DM, age, male gender and social deprivation (higher Townsend score).ConclusionFollowing confirmed infection with COVID-19 a number of factors are associated with mortality in individuals with T2DM. Prescription of metformin, SGLT2is or GLP-1 agonists and non-smoking status appeared to be associated with a reduced the risk of death for people with T2DM. Age, male sex and social disadvantage are associated with an increased risk of death.

Genetic population structure defines wild boar as an urban exploiter species in Barcelona, Spain

Urban wildlife ecology is gaining relevance as metropolitan areas grow throughout the world, reducing natural habitats and creating new ecological niches. However, knowledge is still scarce about the colonisation processes of such urban niches, the establishment of new communities, populations and/or species, and the related changes in behaviour and life histories of urban wildlife. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) has successfully colonised urban niches throughout Europe.The aim of this study is to unveil the processes driving the establishment and maintenance of an urban wild boar population by analysing its genetic structure. A set of 19 microsatellite loci was used to test whether urban wild boars in Barcelona, Spain, are an isolated population or if gene flow prevents genetic differentiation between rural and urban wild boars. This knowledge will contribute to the understanding of the effects of synurbisation and the associated management measures on the genetic change of large mammals in urban ecosystems.Despite the unidirectional gene flow from rural to urban areas, the urban wild boars in Barcelona form an island population genotypically differentiated from the surrounding rural ones. The comparison with previous genetic studies of urban wild boar populations suggests that forest patches act as suitable islands for wild boar genetic differentiation. Previous results and the genetic structure of the urban wild boar population in Barcelona classify wild boar as an urban exploiter species.These wild boar peri-urban island populations are responsible for conflict with humans and thus should be managed by reducing the attractiveness of urban areas. The management of peri-urban wild boar populations should aim at reducing migration into urban areas and preventing phenotypic changes (either genetic or plastic) causing habituation of wild boars to humans and urban environments.

Construction of a refined population analysis unit based on urban forms and population aggregation patterns

ABSTRACT The population analysis unit (PAU) is the basic unit employed in studies of urban populations. The commonly used PAUs are mostly administrative divisions, regular geographic grids. However, these units are different from urban forms, and cannot be used to consider the characteristics of population distributions and flow changes. In this study, we proposed a method for constructing a fine population analysis zone (FPAZ) based on the population aggregation pattern and urban form elements. First, considering the spatial structure of a city and the fine-grained demands of population analysis, the basic analysis unit was divided according to the functional heterogeneity of the population activity region at the micro-scale by combining urban form elements. Next, a population aggregation preference model was established by considering the spatial distribution characteristics of the local aggregation of the urban population flow and long-term stability characteristics depending on the dynamic changes in entrances and exits. Finally, we divided the FPAZ combined with the microstructural elements. Experimental results showed that compared with other types of PAUs, the FPAZ was more consistent with the urban morphology and was an appropriate and general spatial unit for expressing the accurate characteristics of population distributions and changes at the micro-scale.

A Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence of Postpartum Depression among Recently Delivered Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai, India

Background: Postpartum depression is a common type of depression most people are not much aware and the most important causes being poverty, unwanted child/gender, marital disharmony and lack of family support.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression among recently delivered women in a tertiary care hospital in an urban setup.&#x0D; Methodology: It was a cross sectional type of study in urban population in a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Data on postpartum depression was collected using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS).&#x0D; Results: A total 165 postpartum women participated in the study. The prevalence of postpartum depression was found to be 19.23% (an EPDS score of 10 and above) and it was noted in our study that none of these women sort to any medical help.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study shows prevalence of postpartum depression is quite high and none of those women seeked appropriate medical help. All health care professionals have to be trained to raise awareness, detect and treat postpartum depression among women promptly.

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine for the Prevention of Cancer Cervix—Awareness and Acceptability: A Study in Urban Population of UT, Chandigarh (Hospital Based): A Prospective Observational Study

Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine for the Prevention of Cancer Cervix—Awareness and Acceptability: A Study in Urban Population of UT, Chandigarh (Hospital Based): A Prospective Observational Study