Regional Variability Research Articles

Regional variability of the Black Sea ichthyoplankton state during the change of the spring hydrological season to the summer

The species diversity and spatial distribution of ichthyoplankton in the coastal and open waters of the northern part of the Black Sea and the southwestern part of the Sea of Azov in June 2020 are presented. The species diversity and abundance of ichthyoplankton changed in accordance with the regional conditions of warming of the sea upper layer during the formation of a vertical thermal structure of the summer type. The most favorable conditions for the survival of ichthyoplankton were observed in the open and coastal waters of the Western Sector of research in the initial phase of the summer hydrological season.

Regional Variability in the Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality among United States Children.

Understanding the association between food security status (FSS) and diet quality in children is crucial. This study investigated regional variability in FSS, participation in the federal nutrition assistance program (FNAP), and diet quality among US children. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2013 to 2016 were analyzed. The association between FSS, FNAP participation, and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index-HEI-2015) was assessed using multiple linear/logistic regression models. The sample included 6403 children (mean age: 7.5 years; 51% male; 33% Hispanic). Within the sample, 13% reported child food insecurity, and 30% reported household food insecurity. Additionally, 90% participated in the FNAP, and 88% were enrolled in school lunch programs. Children in urban areas were significantly more likely to report household food insecurity than those in rural areas (29.15% vs. 19.10%). The overall HEI-2015 score was 48.2. The associations between child/household FSS and FNAP participation as well as between child/household FSS and diet quality did not differ by urban/rural residence status, irrespective of the children's age groups. There is a need for improvement in children's diet quality, regardless of age or urban/rural residence. The findings suggest that improving children's diets requires broader action as well as the prioritizing of children in urban areas experiencing food insecurity in future dietary interventions.

Regional associations of white matter integrity and neurological, post-traumatic stress disorder and autonomic symptoms in Veterans with and without history of loss of consciousness in mild TBI.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) share overlapping symptom presentations and are highly comorbid conditions among Veteran populations. Despite elevated presentations of PTSD after mTBI, mechanisms linking the two are unclear, although both have been associated with alterations in white matter and disruptions in autonomic regulation. The present study aimed to determine if there is regional variability in white matter correlates of symptom severity and autonomic functioning in a mixed sample of Veterans with and without PTSD and/or mTBI (N = 77). Diffusion-weighted images were processed to extract fractional anisotropy (FA) values for major white matter structures. The PTSD Checklist-Military version (PCL-M) and Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) were used to determine symptom domains within PTSD and mTBI. Autonomic function was assessed using continuous blood pressure and respiratory sinus arrythmia during a static, standing angle positional test. Mixed-effect models were used to assess the regional specificity of associations between symptom severity and white matter, with FA, global symptom severity (score), and white matter tract (tract) as predictors. Additional interaction terms of symptom domain (i.e., NSI and PCL-M subscales) and loss of consciousness (LoC) were added to evaluate potential moderating effects. A parallel analysis was conducted to explore concordance with autonomic functioning. Results from the two-way Score × Tract interaction suggested that global symptom severity was associated with FA in the cingulum angular bundle (positive) and uncinate fasciculus (negative) only, without variability by symptom domain. We also found regional specificity in the relationship between FA and autonomic function, such that FA was positively associated with autonomic function in all tracts except the cingulum angular bundle. History of LoC moderated the association for both global symptom severity and autonomic function. Our findings are consistent with previous literature suggesting that there is significant overlap in the symptom presentation in TBI and PTSD, and white matter variability associated with LoC in mTBI may be associated with increased PTSD-spectra symptoms. Further research on treatment response in patients with both mTBI history and PTSD incorporating imaging and autonomic assessment may be valuable in understanding the role of brain injury in treatment outcomes and inform treatment design.

Influence of atmospheric rivers on extreme rainfall and high streamflow events in northwestern Europe: Rur (Roer) River basin

Study regionLimburg, the Netherlands; west Germany; Rur / Roer River basin. Study focusAtmospheric rivers (ARs) are long (≥ 2000 kilometers) tropospheric bands of water vapor responsible for 90% of poleward atmospheric water transport linked to extreme rainfall events (EREs). The meteorological impacts of ARs have been well-studied in high-relief regions with the implication being that rainfall generated by such events is exacerbated by the orographic influence of mountainous topography. While prior research has examined linkages between ARs and precipitation with ad-hoc flood events, few studies have systematically examined the influence of ARs to streamflow variability in regions low-to-moderate relief. We assess the effects of ARs on high precipitation and high streamflow events in northwestern Europe, and specifically for the Rur (Roer) River basin, a region characterized by low to moderate relief that has received little hydrologic research attention related to atmospheric rivers. New hydrological insights for the regionThe study is novel in that it reveals that daily precipitation and streamflow are significantly increased, by 2.84 mm and 1.91 m3/s, respectively, during AR conditions. Moreover, 47.7% of EREs and 23.2% of high streamflow events were found to be associated with ARs. An AR occurrence also increases the likelihood of a rain day occurring by 36.6%. Lastly, AR presence was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with precipitation (ρ = 0.33). Study results illustrate that ARs are important to understanding EREs and high streamflow events, which is relevant considering a predicted increase in AR occurrence due to climate change.

Satellite derived trends and variability of CO2 concentrations in the Middle East during 2014–2023

The Middle East has major sources of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but a dearth of ground-based measurements precludes an investigation of its regional and temporal variability. This is achieved in this work with satellite-derived estimates from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and OCO-3 missions from September 2014 to February 2023. The annual maximum and minimum column (XCO2) concentrations are generally reached in spring and autumn, respectively, with a typical seasonal cycle amplitude of 3–8 ± 0.5 ppmv in the Arabian Peninsula rising to 8–10 ± 1 ppmv in the mid-latitudes. A comparison of the seasonal-mean XCO2 values with the CO2 emissions estimated using the divergence method stresses the role played by the sources and transport of CO2 in the spatial distribution of XCO2, with anthropogenic emissions prevailing in arid and semi-arid regions that lack persistent vegetation. In the 8-year period 2015–2022, the XCO2 concentration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) increased at a rate of about 2.50 ± 0.04 ppmv/year, with the trend empirical orthogonal function technique revealing a hotspot over northeastern UAE and southern Iran in the summer where anthropogenic emissions peak and accumulate aided by low-level wind convergence. A comparison of the satellite-derived CO2 concentration with that used to drive climate change models for different emission scenarios in the 8-year period revealed that the concentrations used in the latter is overestimated, with maximum differences exceeding 10 ppmv by 2022. This excess in the amount of CO2 can lead to an over-prediction of the projected increase in temperature in the region, an aspect that needs to be investigated further. This work stresses the need for a ground-based observational network of greenhouse gas concentrations in the Middle East to better understand its spatial and temporal variability and for the evaluation of remote sensing observations as well as climate models.

Effects of Photovoltaic Power Station Construction on Terrestrial Environment： Retrospect and Prospect

With the rapid growth of global energy consumption, the environment will further deteriorate, and the competition among countries to reduce emissions will become more intense. Photovoltaic power generation using solar energy as a clean energy source is of strategic importance for achieving a carbon-neutral planet. Therein, centralized photovoltaic power stations in terrestrial ecosystems cover the earth's surface, which leads to changes in land use and has a significant effect on the surface energy balance and precipitation regimes, altering soil nutrient cycling and plant productivity, and ultimately significantly affects ecosystem functions and services. By synthesizing relevant studies on this topic over the past 20 years, we summarized the effects of photovoltaic power station construction on microclimate, soil, flora and fauna, and potential changes in terrestrial ecosystem functions. Overall, the photovoltaic power stations improved the quality of the soil condition, especially in harsh environments, and increased the vegetation coverage. In addition, photovoltaic power stations could affect ecosystem functions including plant productivity, soil erosion resistance, and soil carbon sequestration by regulating microclimatic factors such as solar radiation intensity, air temperature and humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Although numerous studies have anticipated the potential effect of photovoltaic power stations on ecosystem structure and functions, empirical evidence remains scarce. Therefore, more studies focusing on the regional variability of the ecological impacts of photovoltaic power stations and the potential pathways of photovoltaic power stations affecting ecosystem functions are needed in the future. Improving the understanding of the ecological effects of photovoltaic power stations may help to provide a basis for ecological protection and restoration.

Research on dimension reduction for visualization of simplified security region of integrated energy system considering renewable energy access

This paper proposes the research on dimension reduction for visualization of simplified security region of integrated energy system considering renewable energy access. Reason: Integrated energy system is conducive to achieving low-carbon transition and efficient utilization of energy. As the penetration of renewable energy increases, the security of integrated energy system faces severe challenges. It holds significance for comprehensively studying N-1 security test method in the operation scenario of integrated energy system, the impact of renewable energy on the IES security region model, and the optimal selection for observation variables. Methods: Firstly, a model for interval security region of integrated energy system is constructed, according to the N-1 safety constraints of energy hub key equipment and pipeline. The imbalance between energy demand and supply caused by the renewable energy uncertainty is defined as a special N-1 fault. Then, an engineering simplification approach for interval security region model is proposed, in order to quantify the security boundary, security distance, and interval total supply capability. On the basis, a dimension reduction observation method based on observation variable optimization is proposed, the selection of observation variables help to expand the volume of area unaffected by renewable energy uncertainty. Results: To the existed problem in current research, an example is presented to verify the effectiveness of proposed method, which brings forward N-1 security test method in the operation scenario of integrated energy system, analyzes the impact of renewable energy on the security region model, and realizes the optimal selection for observation variables of simplified security region. Conclusions: Interval security region of integrated energy system can intuitively estimate the security status of operating points and observe the security boundaries. The simplified model can satisfy the needs of calculating precision. Optimal selection of observation variables is necessary, and the volume of area unaffected by renewable energy uncertainty can be effectively increased.

Performance of Regional Climate Model Precipitation Simulations Over the Terrain‐Complex Andes‐Amazon Transition Region

AbstractRegional climate models (RCMs) are widely used to assess future impacts associated with climate change at regional and local scales. RCMs must represent relevant climate variables in the present‐day climate to be considered fit‐for‐purpose for impact assessment. This condition is particularly difficult to meet over complex regions such as the Andes‐Amazon transition region, where the Andean topography and abundance of tropical rainfall regimes remain a challenge for numerical climate models. In this study, we evaluate the ability of 30 regional climate simulations (6 RCMs driven by 10 global climate models) to reproduce historical (1981–2005) rainfall climatology and temporal variability over the Andes‐Amazon transition region. We assess spatio‐temporal features such as spatial distribution of rainfall, focusing on the orographic effects over the Andes‐Amazon “rainfall hotspots” region, and seasonal and interannual precipitation variability. The Eta RCM exhibits the highest spatial correlation (up to 0.6) and accurately reproduces mean annual precipitation and orographic precipitation patterns across the region, while some other RCMs have good performances at specific locations. Most RCMs simulate a wet bias over the highlands, particularly at the eastern Andean summits, as evidenced by the 100%–2,500% overestimations of precipitation in these regions. Annual cycles are well represented by most RCMs, but peak seasons are exaggerated, especially at equatorial locations. No RCM is particularly skillful in reproducing the interannual variability patterns. Results highlight skills and weaknesses of the different regional climate simulations, and can assist in the selection of regional climate simulations for impact studies in the Andes‐Amazon transition zone.

EDNA metabarcoding reveals the role of habitat specialization and spatial and environmental variability in shaping diversity patterns of fish metacommunities.

Information is scarce on how environmental and dispersal processes interact with biological features of the organisms, such as their habitat affinity, to influence patterns in biodiversity. We examined the role of habitat specialist vs. generalist species, and the spatial configuration, connectivity, and different environmental characteristics of river-floodplain habitats to get a more mechanistic understanding of alpha and beta diversity of fish metacommunities. We used environmental DNA metabarcoding to characterize species (taxa) richness and composition in two separate floodplains of the river Danube (Austria and Hungary) during two different hydrological conditions. Results showed that differences in the number of generalist and specialist species and their responses to connectivity and environmental gradients influenced patterns in alpha and beta diversity. Of the components of beta diversity, richness difference (nestedness) showed consistently higher values than replacement (turnover), mainly due to the decrease of specialist species along the connectivity gradient (i.e., from the mainstem to the most isolated oxbows). Variance in both alpha and beta diversity could be well predicted by a set of local and regional variables, despite high environmental variability, which characterizes river-floodplain ecosystems. Of these, the joint or shared variance fractions proved to be the most important, which indicates that the effects of local and regional processes cannot be unambiguously separated in these river-floodplain systems. Local scale environmental variables were more important determinants of both alpha and beta diversity in the low water period than in the high water period. These results indicate the differential role of local and regional processes in community organization during different hydrological conditions. Maintenance of both local and regional scale processes are thus important in the preservation of alpha and beta diversity of floodplain fish metacommunities, which should be considered by environmental management.

PERENCANAAN PEMBANGUNAN EKONOMI WILAYAH BERBASIS PERTANIAN DALAM RANGKA PENGURANGAN KEMISKINAN DI PROVINSI GORONTALO 2008-2019

This research is motivated by the issue of high poverty rates in the Province of Gorontalo, as well as the low value added in the agricultural sector, reflected by the sluggish growth of the agricultural sector and the prevalence of poverty among the population employed in this sector. The aim of this study is to investigate how the growth of the agricultural sector and other control variables influence poverty reduction in the Province of Gorontalo. The research employs panel data analysis using data encompassing all districts/cities in the Province of Gorontalo over a span of 12 years. Poverty plays the role of the dependent variable, while the growth of the agricultural sector serves as the independent variable along with other control variables, namely agricultural basis/non-basis region dummies, Human Development Index, Economic Realization, and Open Unemployment Rate. The results indicate that the dummy variables for agricultural basis and non-basis regions, Human Development Index, and Economic Realization have a significant negative impact on poverty. However, the variable of agricultural sector growth has an insignificant effect, and the open unemployment rate also has an insignificant influence on poverty.

Brain Temporal-Spectral Functional Variability Reveals Neural Improvements of DBS Treatment for Disorders of Consciousness.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is establishing itself as a promising treatment for disorders of consciousness (DOC). Measuring consciousness changes is crucial in the optimization of DBS therapy for DOC patients. However, conventional measures use subjective metrics that limit the investigations of treatment-induced neural improvements. The focus of this study is to analyze the regulatory effects of DBS and explain the regulatory mechanism at the brain functional level for DOC patients. Specifically, this paper proposed a dynamic brain temporal-spectral analysis method to quantify DBS-induced brain functional variations in DOC patients. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) that promised to evaluate consciousness levels was used to monitor brain variations of DOC patients. Specifically, a fNIRS-based experimental procedure with auditory stimuli was developed, and the brain activities during the procedure from thirteen DOC patients before and after the DBS treatment were recorded. Then, dynamic brain functional networks were formulated with a sliding-window correlation analysis of phase lag index. Afterwards, with respect to the temporal variations of global and regional networks, the variability of global efficiency, local efficiency, and clustering coefficient were extracted. Further, dynamic networks were converted into spectral representations by graph Fourier transform, and graph energy and diversity were formulated to assess the spectral global and regional variability. The results showed that DOC patients under DBS treatment exhibited increased global and regional functional variability that was significantly associated with consciousness improvements. Moreover, the functional variability in the right brain regions had a stronger correlation with consciousness enhancements than that in the left brain regions. Therefore, the proposed method well signifies DBS-induced brain functional variations in DOC patients, and the functional variability may serve as promising biomarkers for consciousness evaluations in DOC patients.

The Influence of Regional Original Income (PAD) and General Allocation Funds (DAU) on Poverty in West Nias Regency 2012 - 2022

West Nias Regency is the district with the highest poverty rate in North Sumatra. In an effort to reduce poverty in a region, the central government has given authority to regional governments to manage their respective regional finances through regional autonomy. The purpose of this study is to see how the effect of local original income and general allocation funds on poverty. The type of data used in this study is secondary data with time series data types sourced from BPS. Based on testing using a regression model, it is known that the regional original income variable has a t-statistic value of 0.729042 and a probability value of 0.48680.05, so it can be concluded that the regional original income variable has a positive and insignificant relationship with the poverty variable where H1 rejected. The general allocation fund variable has a t-statistic value of -1.696930 and a probability value of 0.12810.05, so it can be concluded that the general allocation fund variable has a negative relationship but does not significantly affect the poverty variable. Therefore H2 rejected.

RAS/RAF/MAPK Pathway Mutations as Predictive Biomarkers in Middle Eastern Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

This review article aims to investigate the prevalence and spectrum of rat sarcoma (RAS) and V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) mutations, and their connection with geographical location, clinicopathological features, and other relevant factors in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in the Middle East. A systematic literature review, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, was conducted to investigate the association between the frequency of relevant mutations and the descriptive clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. Multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, were searched to analyze the relevant literature. A total of 19 eligible studies comprising 2960 patients with CRC were included in this review. A comprehensive analysis of the collected literature data as well as descriptive and methodological insights is provided. Men were predominant in reviewed studies for the region, accounting for 58.6%. Overall, RAS mutation prevalence was 38.1%. Kirsten RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS) mutations were the most common, accounting for 37.1% of cases and distributed among different exons, with the G12D mutation being the most frequent in exon 2 (23.2%) followed by G12V (13.7%), G13D (10.1%), G12C (5.1%), G12A (5.04%), and G12S (3.6%). Neuroblastoma RAS Viral Oncogene Homolog (NRAS) mutations were identified in 3.3% of tumor samples, with the most common mutation site located in exons 2, 3, and 4, and codon 61 being the most common location for the region. The total mutation frequency in the BRAF gene was 2.6%, with the V600E mutation being the most common. The distribution patterns of RAS and BRAF mutations among CRC patients exhibit notable variations across diverse ethnic groups. Our study sheds light on this phenomenon by demonstrating a higher prevalence of KRAS mutations in CRC patients from the Middle East, as compared with those from other regions. The identification of these mutations and geographical differences is important for personalized treatment planning and could potentially aid in the development of novel targeted therapies. The distinct distribution patterns of RAS and BRAF mutations among CRC patients across different ethnic groups, as well as the regional variability in mutation prevalence, highlight the need for further research in this area.

Scales matter: regional environment factors affect α diversity but local factors affect β diversity of macroinvertebrates in Thousand Islands Lake catchment area

A more profound comprehension of various facets of biodiversity is essential for advancing sustainable governance of biodiversity and its associated ecosystem services. In this study, we delved into the composition of beta diversity within macroinvertebrates communities in the Thousand Islands Lake catchment area. Subsequently, we investigated the factors influencing the diverse facets of macroinvertebrates alpha and beta diversity, and ultimately employed structural equation modeling to analyze the pathways through which both regional environmental factors, like climate and land use, and local environmental variables collectively impact distinct facets of alpha and beta diversity within the ecosystem. Our results showed that (i) taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversities were primarily determined by turnover, while functional beta diversity is predominantly determined by nestedness; (ii) alpha and beta diversity are primarily influenced by spatial variables, with local environment and climate ranking the second, and land use explaining the lowest proportion according to the results of variance partitioning; (iii) alpha diversity is mainly affected by regional variables, especially climatic factors (precipitation) while beta diversity is more affected by local variables, especially hydrological factors (depth) revealed by the structural equation modeling. These results offer compelling evidence that biodiversity composition, ecological drivers, and the specific pathways of influence vary across different scales. Future studies of macroinvertebrates could focus on different facets of alpha and beta diversity as well as consider the effects of environment variables at different scales, which would provide new insights into potential patterns of community associations.

Skeletal phenotypes and molecular mechanisms in aging mice.

Aging is an inevitable physiological process, often accompanied by age-related bone loss and subsequent bone-related diseases that pose serious health risks. Research on skeletal diseases caused by aging in humans is challenging due to lengthy study durations, difficulties in sampling, regional variability, and substantial investment. Consequently, mice are preferred for such studies due to their similar motor system structure and function to humans, ease of handling and care, low cost, and short generation time. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the characteristics, limitations, applicability, bone phenotypes, and treatment methods in naturally aging mice and prematurely aging mouse models (including SAMP6, POLG mutant, LMNA, SIRT6, ZMPSTE24, TFAM, ERCC1, WERNER, and KL/KL-deficient mice). We also summarize the molecular mechanisms of these aging mouse models, including cellular DNA damage response, senescence-related secretory phenotype, telomere shortening, oxidative stress, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) abnormalities, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Overall, this review aims to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of aging-related bone diseases.

Two decades of cropland monitoring in Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan city group: trends and future predictions

Rapid urbanization currently poses a threat to cropland areas. Therefore, exploring the pattern of change in cropland areas and its driving mechanism is of great significance in safeguarding regional economic development and food security. In this study, data regarding cropland in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan city group (CZTCG) from 2000 to 2020 were collected, and dynamic changes in cropland in the past 20 years were analyzed. Based on this, the mechanisms that drive cropland change were explored in the context of multiple dimensions. Furthermore, an Inertial Development Scenario and a Cropland Priority Scenario were designed to simulate land use/land cover (LULC) changes in the CZTCG in 2025 and 2035, and, in particular, to analyze the characteristics of future spatiotemporal changes of cropland. The results demonstrated that the cropland area in the CZTCG in the past 20 years has shown a two-stage trend of increasing (2000–2015, increase of 8.25%) and decreasing (2015–2020, decrease of 2.91%), and the main reasons for cropland loss in the whole process of change were forest and building, with serious loss of cropland area in Changsha County and Wangcheng District. Between 2000 and 2020, socio-economic factors (GDP, total agricultural output), topography (elevation, slope), and climate change (average annual temperature, annual precipitation) were highly correlated with changes in cropland area, exhibiting significant temporal and regional variability. The simulation results indicate that until 2035, the Cropland Priority Scenario shows a significant increase in the area of cropland in the study area compared to the Inertial Development Scenario. Consequently, the implementation of a strategy that prioritizes cropland can effectively protect it, while helping to promote ecological development and regional socio-economic development.

Feet on the ground: Marine archaeomalacology resources during the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition in the Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is the ideal setting for the study of the use of marine resources in the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. Previous studies have focused on specific geographical areas and on a single chronological period. Instead, we offer here a synthesis of the peninsula covering a broad period of time, thus allowing a study of the role of marine resources in the Neolithisation process. Published data on the exploitation of marine molluscs from 59 archaeological levels, close to the coast and dated between 10,400 and 4650 cal BP, in the Iberian Peninsula are reviewed in order to examine the change that occurred in the consumption of marine resources following the introduction of domestic plants and animals. The analysis of the composition and diversity of assemblages collected at each site has allowed us to identify specialisation in the management strategy of marine molluscs during the Neolithic. Regional variability in the diversity of species collected, particularly in the Cantabrian region, where there is continuity in the management of molluscs between the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, could be linked to the pace at which agriculture and animal husbandry were adopted. In short, together with environmental factors, the establishment of farming practices may have had a slight impact on the specialisation in the management of coastal environments.

Awareness of women at reproductive age towards premenstrual syndrome and its association with psychosocial and lifestyle variables in al Qassim region

Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) significantly impacts women&amp;apos;s health and daily functioning. This study investigated the awareness and prevalence of PMS among women aged 15 to 40 in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The study aimed to identify gaps in awareness and establish correlations between lifestyle choices and PMS severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used, targeting 400 women selected through random sampling. Data were collected via an online self-assessment questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, PMS diagnostic criteria, and awareness levels. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing chi-square tests to explore relationships between variables. Results: The results showed no significant association between physical activity (χ2(1) = 0.48, p = 0.489), relaxation exercises (p = 0.615), and smoking (p = 1) with PMS symptoms. However, a significant association existed between depression and PMS symptoms (χ²(1) = 8.51, p = 0.004), underscoring the need for mental health interventions. Additionally, vitamin intake was significantly associated with menstrual cycle regularity, suggesting potential benefits of nutritional supplementation. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of PMS in the context of Al Qassim&amp;apos;s cultural and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for public health initiatives and healthcare providers in developing targeted treatment strategies for affected women. Conclusion: The study examined menstrual cycle regularity and premenstrual syndrome symptoms, exploring their relationships with lifestyle factors. The research investigated how smoking, depression, physical activity, relaxation, and vitamin intake impacted these reproductive health outcomes. Regular exercise and relaxation showed no significant effects, but there was a substantial correlation between depression and the severity of PMS symptoms.

Recovery of SMOS Salinity Variability in RFI-Contaminated Regions

Recovery of SMOS Salinity Variability in RFI-Contaminated Regions

Circulation of new lineages of RSV-A and RSV-B in Kuwait shows high diversity in the N- and O-linked glycosylation sites in the G protein between 2020 and 2022.

The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant health concern, particularly for infants, young children, and the elderly. This virus is known to evolve continuously due to environmental factors and herd immunity. In light of this, our study aimed to analyze the genetic variability of the G protein in RSV-A and RSV-B genotypes in Kuwait from 2020 to 2022. Between January 2020 and September 2022, we collected 490 respiratory samples from hospitalized patients with acute respiratory tract infections. These samples were tested and confirmed positive for RSV using multiplex Real-Time PCR. Subsequently, the samples underwent nucleic acid sequencing using the advanced Nanopore sequencing technology to analyze the full-length G gene. Sequence analysis showed that 64 isolates (76%) were RSV-A, and 20 isolates (24%) were RSV-B. The G genes of RSV-A belonged to genotype GA2.3.5, while all the RSV-B genotypes belonged to GB5.0.5a. New lineages and sub-lineages of RSV-A and RSV-B were detected, indicating the circulation of new strains in Kuwait. Many unique and new amino acid changes, including insertions, were found in the G proteins of Kuwaiti isolates, with the highest variability in the second hypervariable region. An increased number of N and O-linked glycosylation sites were also identified in the G protein, which could speculate to alter the antigenicity of RSV. The identified changes in the G protein of RSV-A and RSV-B genotypes might result from immune pressure and could affect the antigenic characteristics of circulating strains in Kuwait. This could potentially lead to new RSV variants that can evade the immune response. Our in-depth analysis of the G proteins of both RSV-A and RSV-B could aid in the development of more potent treatments and vaccines.