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Background: This feasibility study has the primary aim of capturing and comparing participant expectations and experiences of using a formal consensus method (FCM) and to explore whether these views change following participation within a guideline committee where FCM are used. Methods: Twelve healthcare committee members and associated technical team members participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews before and after using FCM during guideline committee meetings. Interviews also focused on past experiences and expectations of informal consensus methods. Results: Participants said formal consensus included a greater range of evidence. They described positive reactions and found it a useful way to encourage involvement by balancing group power dynamics. Group discussion time was identified as important to clarify ideas, supported by good group chairing. However, participants reported that undertaking FCM required additional resources and suggested targeting its use for low quality evidence, limited committee expertise, or where the evidence is controversial. Conclusions: FCM is an acceptable alternative to informal consensus methods that has qualities specifically helpful to healthcare guidelines such as encouraging participation, inclusivity of a broad range of evidence, and managing group dynamics. More research is required to better understand when using formal consensus is most appropriate and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has spurred unprecedented research efforts worldwide. This comprehensive scientific review synthesizes key research developments and understandings, providing a nuanced exploration of the dynamic landscape of COVID-19. The virological section examines structural variations, viral replication mechanisms, immune responses and the impact of emerging variants of concern. Transmission dynamics are scrutinized, with a focus on airborne transmission, super-spreading events and the often elusive asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission phases. Clinical manifestations and severity are elucidated, exploring genetic factors, immunopathology and long-term sequelae. Advancements in diagnostics are discussed, highlighting molecular techniques, rapid antigen tests and serological assays, while therapeutic developments encompass antiviral agents, immunomodulatory treatments and the challenges in drug development. Vaccine research is scrutinized, with in-depth analyses of mRNA and vector-based vaccines, including efficacy against variants and distribution challenges. The socioeconomic impact section evaluates economic repercussions, health disparities and long-term societal changes. The review underscores the importance of ongoing research, emphasizing unanswered questions and knowledge gaps. Future research directions explore novel technologies and collaborative efforts for improved diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. In conclusion, this review provides a panoramic view of the current state of COVID-19 research, offering insights for future pandemic preparedness and global health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In early 2020, COVID-19 pandemic has mobilized researchers in finding new remedies including repurposing of medicinal plant products focusing on direct-acting antiviral and host-directed therapies. In this study, we performed an in vitro investigation on the standardized Marantodes pumilum extract (SKF7®) focusing on anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory activities. Methods: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential of the SKF7® was evaluated in SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero E6 cells and SARS-CoV-2-infected A549 cells by cytopathic effect-based assay and RT-qPCR, respectively. Target based assays were performed on the SKF7® against the S1-ACE2 interaction and 3CL protease activities. Anti-inflammatory activity of the SKF7® was evaluated by nitric oxide inhibitory and TLR2/TLR4 receptor blocker assays. Results: The SKF7® inhibited wild-type Wuhan (EC50 of 21.99 µg/mL) and omicron (EC50 of 16.29 µg/mL) SARS-CoV-2 infections in Vero-E6 cells. The SKF7® also inhibited the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection in A549 cells (EC50 value of 6.31 µg/mL). The SKF7® prominently inhibited 3CL protease activity. The SKF7® inhibited the LPS induced-TLR4 response with the EC50 of 16.19 µg/mL. Conclusions: In conclusion, our in vitro study highlighted anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory potentials of the SKF7®. Future pre-clinical in vivo studies focusing on antiviral and immunomodulatory potentials of the SKF7® in affecting the COVID-19 pathogenesis are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) episode occurred in the United Kingdom in 1998. The worst affected area was the city of Nottingham. METHODS: Emergency hospital admissions in Nottingham in the episode week were compared with those in the previous week. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in admissions for all respiratory diseases occurred in the episode week (odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) = 1.00-1.94). Ten of the 25 excess admissions were for asthma, although the excess for asthma alone was not statistically significant (OR = 1.90, 95 per cent CI = 0.87-4.15). CONCLUSIONS: The excess admissions for respiratory diseases could have been caused by exposure to SO(2), to other pollutants present in increased concentrations during the pollution episode, or by seasonal variations in the frequency of asthma symptoms, or prevailing weather conditions. This study shows how simple analyses of routinely collected health data can be used to assess public health impacts of pollution episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome that chiefly includes the development of new-onset hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in Nepal. Hyperhomocysteinemia may be a cause of the endothelial dysfunction provoked by oxidative stress in pre-eclampsia. This study was designed to evaluate the association of homocysteine with Vitamin B12 and folate in patients with pre-eclampsia. Method: An observational cross sectional study was performed in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of TUTH involving seventy two subjects with pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure, urinary protein levels, serum homocysteine, Vitamin B12 and folate levels were compared in both mild and severe forms of pre-eclampsia. Concentration of Vitamin B12 and folate were measured using Vitros ECI and homocysteine was measured using CLIA. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze the data. Tests were performed with Mann Whitney Test and Spearman's rank correlation test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study showed no significant difference in age and weeks of gestation in both mild and severe forms of pre-eclampsia. Mean concentration of homocysteine was higher (13.1 ± 6.4 micromol/L) in severe Pre-eclampsia as compared to mild cases (7.6 ± 2.8 micromol/L). Mean concentration of folate was lower in severe cases (35.4 ± 24.1 micromol/L) when compared with mild cases of pre-eclampsia (57 ± 23.4 micromol/L). Conclusion: Homocysteine levels were increased in severe Pre-eclampsia when compared with mild pre-eclampsia and this finding can be used to predict and prevent complications in patients with pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. that affects the avocado (Persea americana Mill.) crop and causes significant economic losses in the farming sector. To focus control measures, it is important to understand the spatial distribution and the dynamics followed by the disease under field conditions. The use of methods derived from spatial statistics facilitates this task. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial behavior of anthracnose in Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass in Donato Guerra, a municipality in the State of Mexico, Mexico, using a geostatistical and spatial analysis by distance indices. Four hundred trees were selected and georeferenced in the municipal area. In order to measure the incidence, 48 fruits were selected from every tree. Using these data, the experimental semivariogram was estimated, and adjustments were made to models that explain the spatial arrangement. Maps were created using ordinary kriging, and the infection area was estimated. The maps generated show the presence of aggregation centers and a spatial distribution mostly fitting Gaussian and exponential models, with ranges fluctuating between 12 and 56 m, indicating spatial association between data. Likewise, the greatest percentage of infected areas was 98 %, while the lowest was 45 %. Geostatistics enables a precise understanding of the distribution patterns of diseases such as anthracnose in avocado-growing areas of the State of Mexico, which facilitates the implementation of integrated management programs with greater effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Healthcare workers (HCWs), which include surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, technicians, and other non-medical staff working in the operation theatre (OT), change to surgical scrubs for providing designated services. This study was intended to investigate the association of moving in and out of OT to other hospital areas without changing scrubs and its impact on bacterial infection. Methods: After PROSPERO registration, we performed a systematic review to compare the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs) with or without the movement of HCWs outside OT. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library using relevant keywords. RoB-2 and ROBINS-E tools were used to assess the risk of bias in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, respectively. Results: We identified six articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria: three RCTs and three observational studies. A risk of bias assessment revealed an overall low bias in the RCTs and an overall high bias in the observational studies. The analysis revealed a comparable incidence of bacterial infection in terms of colony-forming units when scrubs when HCWs moved in and out of OT with the same scrubs. A meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity in participants and the OT set-up, as well as fewer studies and sample size. Conclusion: The evidence is insufficient to suggest that wearing scrubs outside the OT could increase the incidence of SSI in surgical patients or transmit the organisms to patients, causing infection. The present review neither supports nor is against wearing surgical scrubs outside OT premises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multiple pregnancies are much more common today than they were in the past. Twin pregnancies occur in about 4% of pregnancies in Africa. Adverse pregnancy outcome was more common in twin pregnancy than in singleton pregnancy. There is no pooled evidence on the burden and adverse pregnancy outcome of twin pregnancy in eastern Africa. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prevalence and adverse pregnancy outcomes of twin pregnancies. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis covers published and unpublished studies searched from different databases (PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCO), EMBASE, DOAJ, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Google search). Finally, 34 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. JBI checklist was used to assess the quality of included papers. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 14 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. A forest plot was used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effect model. Results: The prevalence of twin pregnancy in eastern Africa was 3% [95% CI: 2, 3]. The adverse pregnancy outcomes like neonatal intensive care unit admission (78%), low birth weight (44%), low APGAR score (33%), prematurity (32%), stillbirth (30%), neonatal mortality (12%) and maternal complications like hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (25%), postpartum hemorrhage (7%), Cesarean section (37%), premature rupture of membrane (12%) and maternal mortality are more common among twin pregnancy than singleton pregnancy. Conclusion: One in every 33 children born a twin in east Africa; admission to neonatal intensive care unit, low birth weight, low APGAR score, prematurity, stillbirth, neonatal mortality and maternal complications are its associated adverse birth outcomes. Since twin pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy, special care is needed during pregnancy, labor and delivery to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the association of maternal preconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation with gestational age and preterm birth in twin pregnancies, and whether the association varies by chorionicity or conception mode. Methods: From November 2018 to December 2021, the information of FA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes were collected in twin pregnant women. The linear regression models and the logistic regression were used to test the association of preconceptional FA supplementation with gestational age at delivery and preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Results: A total of 416 twin pregnancies were included. Compared with no use in twins, maternal preconceptional FA use was associated with a 0.385-week longer gestational age (95% CI 0.019–0.751) and lower risk of preterm birth < 36 weeks (adjusted OR 0.519; 95% CI 0.301–0.895) and PROM (adjusted OR 0.426; 95% CI 0.215–0.845). The protective effect on preterm birth < 36 weeks and PROM is similar whether taking FA supplements alone or multivitamins. However, the associations varied by chorionicity and conception mode of twins or compliance with supplementation. The positive associations between preconceptional FA use and gestational age only remained significant among twins via assisted reproductive technology or dichorionic diamniotic twins. Significant protective effects on preterm birth < 36 weeks and PROM were only found among women who took FA at least 4 times a week before conception. Conclusion: Maternal preconceptional FA supplementation was associated with longer gestation duration and lower risk of preterm birth < 36 weeks and PROM in twin pregnancies. To improve the success of their pregnancies, reproductive women should start taking FA supplements well before conception and with good compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nature exhibits rapid evolution in response to human activities. When using natural resources for their own profit, humans should account for such responses. Stackelberg evolutionary games (SEG) offer a method for modeling interactions between a rational leader (humans) and evolutionary followers (nature). The followers evolve according to the principles of natural selection, and the leader tries to steer these inevitable responses in a desired direction. While the separate elements of this method, Stackelberg and evolutionary game theory, are well established, their joint realization in SEG theory is underdeveloped. Thus far, simple examples and formalisms of SEGs have considered models where the manager and evolving species have a scalar-valued controller and scalar-valued trait, respectively. Here we provide examples from cancer therapy, fisheries management, and pest control to illustrate extensions of SEG theory, where managers are attempting to control a Darwinian system. The models we develop and present highlight extensions of SEG theory to include vector-valued management strategies and vector-valued traits in the evolving species, and traits influencing different life-history stages of the species under management. Throughout we highlight the mathematical challenges that lie ahead. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This objective of this study was to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in pregnant women using Questionnaire-based methods and to determine any association of Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB) with Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy (HDP). Additionally, the study aimed to identify factors associated with OSA. Methods: This case–control study was conducted in department of Obstetrics in tertiary care hospital in Delhi. We Identified SDB using Berlin Questionnaire and Modified Stop-Bang Questionnaire in 100 pregnant women with Hypertension and 100 normotensive controls. We compared the groups using appropriate statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of women with HDP (25.46 ± 4.38) was found to be slightly higher than controls (24.13 ± 3.89) (p value-0.02). Sleep apnoea as depicted by the presence of either high-risk STOP Bang or Berlin score was seen more often in hypertensive women in 45% as compared to controls in 8% (p value < 0.001). Higher pre-pregnancy weight (58.58 ± 9.77 vs. 53.0 ± 6.59), higher BMI (24.03 ± 5.89 vs. 20.68 ± 1.49), higher mean neck circumference (14.97 vs. 14.27 inches) weight gain more than 11 kg during pregnancy (55.6% vs. 38.2%) were the high-risk factors more commonly associated with SDB as seen in women with OSA in hypertensive women. On logistic regression analysis, the presence of OSA was singularly responsible for development of Hypertension (Odds Ratio–13.014, 95% CI 5.237–32.337) (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: Gestational hypertension appears to be strongly associated with the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea. The recognition and treatment of OSA during pregnancy may lead to improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium sulfate is used as prophylaxis and treatment of severe preeclampsia/eclampsia, albeit its safety and toxicity are a concern. We designed this study to estimate the incidence of critical hypermagnesemia in severely preeclamptic women under a magnesium sulfate regimen at 8 h following its administration and to identify the associated risk factors as the primary outcomes. Also, secondary outcomes were to compare baseline characteristics, laboratory findings, and maternal-neonatal complications stratified by the baseline serum magnesium (Mg2+) in those women, and to assess the degree of agreement between patellar reflex and serum Mg2+ concentration 8 h following magnesium sulfate administration. We conducted a retrospective study including severely preeclamptic women receiving magnesium sulfate from June 2016 to May 2021. We enrolled 429 women in the study. Two-hundred sixty-one (60.8%) of the included women developed critical hypermagnesemia. Preeclamptic women with high baseline serum Mg2+ concentration demonstrated significantly affected renal functions, hepatic transaminase activities, and low platelet count as well as more reported maternal complications compared to those with low baseline serum Mg2. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that a lower gestational age, a higher uric acid concentration, and a higher baseline serum Mg2+ concentration were independently associated with an increased risk of critical hypermagnesemia. The agreement between deep tendon reflex assessment and serum Mg2+ concentration was slight although not significant. The maternal-neonatal outcomes were non-significant in women with critical hypermagnesemia. More vigilant monitoring through assessment of both serum Mg2+ concentration and deep tendon reflex should be considered especially in high-risk women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guidelines advise ongoing follow-up of patients after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) to assess cardiovascular risk and manage future patient-specific pregnancy conditions. However, there are limited tools available to monitor patients, with those available tending to be simple risk assessments that lack personalization. A promising approach could be the emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-based techniques, developed from big patient datasets to provide personalized recommendations for preventive advice. In this narrative review, we discuss the impact of integrating AI and big data analysis for personalized cardiovascular care, focusing on the management of HDP. The pathophysiological response of women to pregnancy varies, and deeper insight into each response can be gained through a deeper analysis of the medical history of pregnant women based on clinical records and imaging data. Further research is required to be able to implement AI for clinical cases using multi-modality and multi-organ assessment, and this could expand both knowledge on pregnancy-related disorders and personalized treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecoscience (Ecoscience) is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We studied the species diversity of mites in five blackberry orchards [Rubus ulmifolius Schott (Rosales:Rosaceae)], three using organic production techniques and two conventional. Samples (n = 40 per orchard) were taken monthly over a period of eight months and each sample was comprised of leaves, flowers and fruits. We collected 16,667 mites in total; 1,391 specimens were mounted for identification. We analysed the population dynamics of the most abundant species and determined their spatial distribution using Spatial Analysis by Distance Indices (SADIE). We recorded 11 species from seven taxonomic families. The most abundant species throughout the study were Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Diptacus rubuscolum Trinidad, Duarte & Navia (Acari: Diptilomiopidae). Two predatory mite species were present in both production systems: Typhlodromalus peregrinus Muma and Neoseiulus californicus McGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae). There was no significant relationship between the population dynamics of D. rubuscolum or T. urticae and either precipitation or temperature. The distribution of both these phytophagous species was generally aggregated and uniform. Overall, species diversity was significantly greater in conventional compared with organic production orchards, whereas mite abundance was greater in organic orchards compared with conventional orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The development of rapid antigen tests has contributed to easing the burden on healthcare and lifting restrictions by detecting infected individuals to help prevent further transmission of the virus. We developed a state-of-art rapid antigen testing system, named DIAGNOVIR, based on immune-fluorescence analysis, which can process and give the results in a minute. In our study, we assessed the performance of the DIAGNOVIR and compared the results with those of the qRT-PCR test. Our results demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of the DIAGNOVIR were 94% and 99.2%, respectively, with a 100% sensitivity and 96.97% specificity, among asymptomatic patients. In addition, DIAGNOVIR can detect SARS‑CoV‑2 with 100% sensitivity up to 5 days after symptom onset. We observed that the DIAGNOVIR Rapid Antigen Test's limit of detection (LoD) was not significantly affected by the SARS‑CoV‑2 variants including Wuhan, alpha (B1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) variants, and LoD was calculated as 8 × 102, 6.81 × 101.5, 3.2 × 101.5, 1 × 103, and 1 × 103.5 TCID50/mL, respectively. Our results indicated that DIAGNOVIR can detect all SARS-CoV-2 variants in just seconds with higher sensitivity and specificity lower testing costs and decreased turnover time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Study in adults with T1D showed that delivery of insulin for pure-protein meals may not be obligatory. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of whey isolate protein drink consisting of 50 g/200 kcal from pure protein on postprandial glycemia (PPG) following with square-wave insulin bolus in comparison with no insulin strategy in T1D children on insulin pumps. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study including 58 children with mean: age 14.62 ± 3.64 years. Participants were randomly assigned into two treatment orders: NB-SQ (no bolus on the first day) and SQ-NB (square-bolus on the first day). The primary outcome was PPG during a 5-h follow-up. The secondary outcome was the frequency of hypoglycemia and glycemic variability parameters. Results: PPG [mg/dl] since 150 min of the follow-up was significantly lower when square-wave bolus was delivered (group SQ vs NB); at 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300 min: 130.6 versus 154.5 (p = 0.009), 153.4 versus 124.9 (p = 0.004), 151.0 versus 118.7 (p = 0.003), 146.4 versus 114.2 (p = 0.002), 141.2 versus 107.7 (p = 0.001), 131.0 versus 105.1 (p = 0.005). We observed statistically significant difference in overall rate of hypoglycemia < 70 mg/dl between groups SQ versus NB: 6.8% versus 2.5% (p = 0.001). The overall rate of hypoglycemia below 54 mg/dl was < 1% (p = 0.452). Conclusions: A meal containing 50 g of pure protein may be consumed without additional insulin dose. An additional square-wave bolus may be beneficial in reducing PPG. To avoid hypoglycemia, lower insulin dose should be calculated for 100 kcal from protein than for individual insulin-to-carb ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the effect of increasing grades of hypertensive retinopathy (HTR) on neonatal outcomes among preeclamptic women and assess the various maternal risk factors for HTR. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 258 preeclamptic women. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), liver, and renal function parameters were collected besides basic demographic details. Dilated fundus examination with the Keith–Wagner–Barker classification was used to grade HTR. Following delivery, neonatal outcomes were evaluated. Results: Of the 258 preeclamptic women recruited, 53.1% had preeclampsia (PE), and 46.9% had severe preeclampsia. With increasing grades of HTR, a significant association with low birth weight (LBW) (p = 0.012) and preterm gestational age (p = 0.002) was noted but not with the Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity and Respiration (APGAR) score (p = 0.062). Also, it did not increase the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with most babies, even those born to mothers with high grades of HTR, showing no evidence of ROP (p = 0.025). Among the maternal factors, increasing age (p = 0.016), SBP (p < 0.001), DBP (p < 0.001), serum creatinine (p = 0.035), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.008), lower hemoglobin (Hb) (p = 0.009), lower platelet (p < 0.001), and severe PE (p < 0.001) have been found to significantly affect the grade of HTR. Conclusion: Higher grades of HTR in the preeclamptic mother are associated with preterm delivery and LBW of the neonates but neither affect the APGAR score nor pose the risk of developing ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus (Marsham) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an invasive pest infesting canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L. (Brassicales: Brassicaceae)) crops in North America. Larval feeding causes significant damage leading to yield losses of 5–30%. Native to the Palearctic region, the species was accidentally introduced to North America over 90 yr ago, and now occupies most temperate regions of Canada and the United States. Currently, the species has been projected to continue its range expansion to potentially infest most canola producing regions in North America. Here, we review the taxonomic nomenclature, distribution, biology, pest status, and management of the cabbage seedpod weevil in North America with an emphasis on spring-planted canola crops in the Great Plains and highlight areas for future research to develop a comprehensive integrated pest management program against this debilitating pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibody-mediated central nervous system (CNS) disorders including those associated with aquaporin-4 or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG and autoimmune encephalitis often affect women of childbearing age. Pathogenic antibodies of these diseases can potentially alter reproductive functions and influence fetal development. Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy may modify the course of autoimmune diseases by influencing relapse risk, attack severity, and affect the delivery and postpartum period. Moreover, balancing treatment related safety issues with the risk of potentially disabling relapses during pregnancy and breastfeeding are major challenges. Intentional prenatal, gestational, and post-partum counseling is paramount to address these issues and mitigate these risks. Fortunately, new insights on risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes and possible preventive strategies are emerging. This review aims to summarize the interplay between antibody-mediated CNS disorders and pregnancy during the prenatal, gestational, and postpartum periods, highlight current treatment recommendations, and discuss future areas of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: We reviewed the effects of hypertension and the means to prevent and treat it across the spectrum of a woman's lifespan and identified gaps in sex-specific mechanisms contributing to hypertension in women that need to be addressed. Recent Findings: Hypertension continues to be an important public health problem for women across all life stages from adolescence through pregnancy, menopause, and older age. There remain racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic differences in hypertension rates not only overall but also between the sexes. Blood pressure cutoffs during pregnancy have not been updated to reflect the 2017 ACC/AHA changes due to a lack of data. Additionally, the mechanisms behind hypertension development in menopause, including sex hormones and genetic factors, are not well understood. Summary: In the setting of increasing inactivity and obesity, along with an aging population, hypertension rates are increasing in women. Screening and management of hypertension throughout a women's lifespan are necessary to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease, and further research to understand sex-specific hypertension mechanisms is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low birth weight is one of the leading factors for infant morbidity and mortality. To a large extent affect, various maternal risk factors are associated with pregnancy outcomes by increasing odds of delivering an infant with low birth weight. Despite this association, understanding the maternal risk factors affecting term low birth weight has been a challenging task. To date, limited studies have been conducted in India that exert independent magnitude of these effects on term low birth weight. The aim of this review is to examine the current knowledge of maternal risk factors that contribute to term low birth weight in the Indian population. In order to identify the potentially relevant articles, an extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Goggle Scholar and IndMed databases (1993 - Dec 2020). Our results indicate that maternal age, educational status, socio-economic status, ethnicity, parity, pre-pregnancy weight, maternal stature, maternal body mass index, obstetric history, maternal anaemia, gestational weight gain, short pregnancy outcome, hypertension during pregnancy, infection, antepartum haemorrhage, tobacco consumption, maternal occupation, maternal psychological stress, alcohol consumption, antenatal care and mid-upper arm circumference have all independent effects on term low birth weight in the Indian population. Further, we argue that exploration for various other dimensions of maternal factors and underlying pathways can be useful for a better understanding of how it exerts independent association on term low birth weight in the Indian sub-continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The "fourth trimester" concept, defined as the first 12 weeks after delivery (and beyond), is a critical window of time for clinicians to intervene to optimize women's cardiovascular health after pregnancy. A timely and comprehensive postpartum cardiovascular assessment should be performed in all women following delivery in order to (1) follow up medical conditions present prior to conception, (2) evaluate symptoms and signs of common postpartum complications, and (3) identify risk factors and prevent future adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we aim to discuss major maternal cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, postpartum weight retention, and postpartum depression, as well as lactation as a potential protective risk modifying factor. Additionally, we will review effectiveness of outpatient interventions to enhance transitions in cardiovascular care during the fourth trimester. Recent Findings: A seamless hand-off from obstetric to primary care, and potentially cardiology, is needed for early detection and management of hypertension, weight, glycemic control, stress and mood, and long-term cardiovascular risk. Additionally, the use of telemedicine, blood pressure self-monitoring, remote activity monitoring, and behavioral health coaches are potentially feasible modalities to augment clinic-based care for cardiovascular risk factors and weight management, but additional studies are needed to study their long-term effectiveness. Summary: Development of a comprehensive postpartum care plan with careful consideration of each patient's risk profile and access to resources is critical to improve maternal morbidity and mortality, reduce health disparities, and achieve long-term cardiovascular health for women. Supporting postpartum well-being of women during this transition period requires a multidisciplinary approach, especially primary care engagement, and planning should start before delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate paper-based technology (APT) is used to provide postural support for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-resourced settings. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of APT on the children's and families' lives. A convenience sample of children with CP and their families participated. Inclusion was based on the Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV and V. APT seating or standing frames were provided for six months. A mixed methods impact of APT devices on the children and families included the Family Impact Assistive Technology Scale for Adaptive Seating (FIATS-AS); the Child Engagement in Daily Life (CEDL) questionnaire; and a qualitative assessment from diary/log and semi-structured interviews. Ten children (median 3 years, range 9 months to 7 years). Baseline to follow-up median (IQR) FIATS-AS were: 22.7 (9.3) and 30.3 (10.2), respectively (p=.002). Similarly mean (SD) CEDL scores for "frequency" changed from 30.5 (13.2) to 42.08 (5.96) (p=.021) and children's enjoyment scores from 2.23 (0.93) to 2.91 (0.79) (p=.019). CEDL questionnaire for self-care was not discriminatory; seven families scored zero at both baseline and 6 months. Qualitative interviews revealed three key findings; that APT improved functional ability, involvement/interaction in daily-life situations, and a reduced family burden of care. APT devices used in Kenyan children with non-ambulant CP had a meaningful positive effect on both the children's and their families' lives. Assistive devices are often unobtainable for children with cerebral palsy (CP) in low-income countries. APT is a low cost and sustainable solution to make seating and standing devices for disabled children in Kenya. The regular use of a postural support device enhanced the children's motor skills, ability to function and participate in everyday activities, reduced the burden of care for the families and promoted the children's social interaction. The postural support devices were highly valued and utilised by the children and families in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of biological diversity is one of the greatest challenges that our civilization must face nowadays. Reaction to the diminishing biodiversity of agricultural landscapes is various measures promoting free-living organisms. The study deals with the vegetation composition and structure of agro-environmental-climatic measures applied on arable land in operating conditions (intensively farmed regions of the Czech Republic). Additional study focus was applied to a popular measure of the feeding bio-belts. Bio-belts are not only hiding places for free-living animals but can provide them a rich food offer in the period from the harvest of main crops until winter. Thanks to the bio-belts, the landscape gains in biodiversity, and sloping sites can be protected from soil erosion. The vegetation of land parts used as bio-belts was assessed using phytocoenological relevés. Dominant plant species sown in the bio-belts were Avena sativa, Panicum miliaceum, Brassica oleracea var. acephala, Fagopyrum esculentum, Phacelia tanacetifolia, and Pisum arvense. Apart from the sown plants, there were also weeds occurring in the bio-belts, of which the most abundant were Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria verticillata, Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense, etc. Risks connected with the realization of feeding bio-belts in respect of weeds occurring on arable land are negligible. Weeds from bio-belts have only a limited potential to spread to adjacent arable land. A potential spreading of weeds from the bio-belts to adjacent arable land was not demonstrated. On the contrary, thanks to its composition, the vegetation of bio-belts has the potential to extend the food offer for animals. Thus, bio-belts are useful for supporting biodiversity in regions intensively used for agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To gain an insight into cross infection protocols being followed by dental postgraduate residents in the prevention of the spread of coronavirus. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted using questionnaires, which were distributed among dental postgraduate residents working in different public and private institutes in Karachi, through social media. Data was analysed using SPSS, version 21.0 with p-value <0.05 to determine significant differences between both sectors. RESULTS: Ninety seven residents from both institutes responded. 60 (93.75%) and 29 (87.87%) residents from the public and private institutes respectively, reported to having the patient's temperature checked with an infrared thermometer. However, a lower compliance was noted in regard to the use of hand sanitization with a hydro alcoholic solution by both institutes with 28 (43.75%) from public and 24 (72.72%) from private institutes. 11 (17.18%) residents from public institutes responding with disposal of PPE after every patient, whereas 1 (3.03%) resident from a private institute responded with disposal after every patient. However, due to a smaller sample size, the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The pandemic has exposed numerous shortcomings in the dental healthcare system, regardless of the sector. Since COVID-19 is likely to become an endemic, compliance with cross infection protocols needs to be improved so as to prevent its rapid spread. In a third world country like Pakistan, where resources are already scarce, greater emphasis needs to be placed on funding the dental healthcare system to enhance basic cross infection controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm complications and neonatal asphyxia are the leading causes of death in those under 5 years of age. However, little information exists for the province of Henan, China. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in the live birth profile in a provincial hospital over the past 32 years in Henan, China. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to reveal the characteristics of live neonates from 1987 to 2018. Results: There were 118 253 live births during the period, including 19 798 (16.74%) preterm births. The neonatal death rate was 6.45‰, and the top risk factor was preterm birth complications and birth asphyxia. Before 1998, neonatal death occurred primarily among term infants. Between 1999 and 2018, preterm infants, especially extreme and very preterm infants with very low birthweight, constituted more than half of all mortalities, and the preterm birth rate increased from 5.94% in 1999 to 16.69% in 2018. The risk factors associated with preterm birth were being male (aOR = 1.18, P < 0.001), advanced maternal age (>35 years old; aOR = 1.08, P = 0.008), gravidity ≥2 (aOR = 1.15, P < 0.001), parity ≥2 (aOR = 1.50, P < 0.001), placenta previa (aOR = 7.41, P < 0.001), twin or multiple births (aOR = 10.63, P < 0.001), hypertension (aOR = 2.08, P < 0.001), and rupture of membrane (aOR = 5.03, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The preterm birth rate has increased over the past 32 years from 4.98% to 16.69% in a provincial hospital in China. Preterm birth was the leading reason for neonatal death, and birth asphyxia was the major risk factor for death in term infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is the most widely used drug to prevent PE, but the recommended dose of LDA varies according to different guidelines. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ is involved in the formation of the placenta during pregnancy and is expressed in women with severe PE. In the present study, Our purpose was to investigate whether aspirin intervention in preeclampsia was related to PPAR-γ.Methods: We administered pregnant mice with PPAR-γ-specific antagonist(T0070907) 2 mg/kg/d at 8.5-12.5 days of pregnancy. Mice treated with T0070907 developed key features of preeclampsia. Two doses of LDA (10 mg/kg/d and 20 mg/kg/d) were administered to the mice with a PE phenotype for intervention.Results: LDA effectively decreased the increase in blood pressure in mice caused by T0070907 and decreased urinary protein levels and the urinary protein/creatinine ratio. LDA also inhibited the overexpression of endoglin and IL-β treated by T0070907. In addition, LDA evidently increased the placental weight and alleviates the degree of placental lesions of placenta and kidney. LDA alleviated the inhibition of PPAR-γ mRNA expression. The beneficial effect of 20 mg LDA was significantly better than that of 10 mg.Conclusions: (1) LDA has a preventive effect against PE treated by PPAR-γ antagonist. (2) The preventive effect of LDA against PE is dose-dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with an increasing prevalence regionally and globally. It is characterized by intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions. With the increase in the availability of treatment options for healthcare practitioner and patients, new challenges arise for treatment selection and approach. The current consensus statement has been developed to provide up-to-date evidence and evidence-based recommendations to guide dermatologists and healthcare professionals managing patients with AD in Saudi Arabia. By an initiative from the Ministry of Health (MOH), a multidisciplinary work group of 11 experts was convened to review and discuss aspects of AD management. Four consensus meetings were held on January 14, February 4, February 25, and March 18 of 2021. All consensus content was voted on by the work group, including diagnostic criteria, AD severity assessment, comorbidities, and therapeutic options for AD. Special consideration for the pediatric population, as well as women during pregnancy and lactation, was also discussed. The present consensus document will be updated as needed to incorporate new data or therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome needing intensive care admission and may lead to death. As a virus that transmits by respiratory droplets and aerosols, determining the duration of viable virus shedding from the respiratory tract is critical for patient prognosis, and informs infection-control measures both within healthcare settings and the public domain. Methods We prospectively examined upper and lower airway respiratory secretions for both viral RNA and infectious virions in mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital of Wales. Samples were taken from the oral cavity (saliva), oropharynx (subglottic aspirate), or lower respiratory tract (nondirected bronchoalveolar lavage [NBAL] or bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL]) and analyzed by both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and plaque assay. Results 117 samples were obtained from 25 patients. qPCR showed extremely high rates of positivity across all sample types; however, live virus was far more common in saliva (68%) than in BAL/NBAL (32%). Average titers of live virus were higher in subglottic aspirates (4.5 × 107) than in saliva (2.2 × 106) or BAL/NBAL (8.5 × 106) and reached >108 PFU/mL in some samples. The longest duration of shedding was 98 days, while most patients (14/25) shed live virus for ≥20 days. Conclusions ICU patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can shed high titers of virus both in the upper and lower respiratory tract and tend to be prolonged shedders. This information is important for decision making around cohorting patients, de-escalation of personal protective equipment, and undertaking potential aerosol-generating procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel human coronavirus first identified in late 2019 and subsequently declared a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. In this review, we provide an overview of the implications of SARS-CoV-2 for blood safety and sufficiency. Summary: Approximately one-third of SARS-CoV-2 infections are asymptomatic. The reported mean incubation period typically varies from 2 to 11 days, but longer periods up to 22 days have been reported. The blood phase of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be brief and low level, with RNAaemia detectable in only a small proportion of patients, typically associated with more severe disease and not demonstrated to be infectious virus. A small number of presymptomatic and asymptomatic blood phase cases have been reported. Transfusion-transmission (TT) of SARS-CoV-2 has not been reported. Therefore, the TT risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 is currently theoretical. To mitigate any potential TT risk, but more importantly to prevent respiratory transmission in donor centers, blood services can implement donor deferral policies based on travel, disease status, or potential risk of exposure and encourage staff vaccination. Key Messages: The TT risk of SARS-CoV-2 appears to be low. The biggest risk to blood services in the current COVID-19 pandemic is to maintain the sufficiency of the blood supply while minimizing respiratory transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to donors and staff while donating blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the development of assisted reproductive technology, the twinning rate in China has been increasing. However, little is known about twinning from 2014 onwards. In addition, previous studies analysing optimal gestational times have rarely considered maternal health conditions. Therefore, whether maternal health conditions affect the optimal gestational time remains unclear.Methods: Data of women delivered between January 2012 and December 2020 were collected through China's National Maternal Near Miss Surveillance System. Interrupted time series analysis was used to determine the rates of twinning, stillbirth, smaller than gestational age (SGA), and low Apgar scores (< 4) among twins in China. To estimate the risk of each adverse perinatal outcome for separate gestational weeks, a multivariate generalised linear model was used. Infants born at 37 weeks of gestational age or foetuses staying in utero were used as reference separately. The analyses were adjusted for the sampling distribution of the population and the cluster effect at the hospital and individual levels were considered.Results: There were 442,268 infants enrolled in this study, and the adjusted rates for twinning, stillbirth, SGA, and low Apgar scores were 3.10%, 1.75%, 7.70%, and 0.79%, respectively. From 2012 to 2020, the twinning rate showed an increasing trend. Adverse perinatal outcomes, including stillbirth, SGA, and low Apgar scores showed a decreasing trend. A gestational age between 34 and 36 weeks decreased most for rate of stillbirth (average changing rate -9.72%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -11.41% to -8.00%); and a gestational age of between 37 and 38 weeks decreased most for rates of SGA (average changing rate -4.64%, 95% CI -5.42% to -3.85%) and low Apgar scores (average changing rate -17.61%, 95% CI -21.73% to -13.26%). No significant difference in changes in twinning rate or changes of each perinatal outcome was observed during periods of different fertility policies. Infants born at 37 weeks of gestation had a decreased risk of stillbirth, SGA, and low Apgar scores. Maternal antepartum or medical complications increased the risk of SGA and low Apgar scores in different gestational weeks.Conclusion: China's twinning rate showed an increasing trend, while adverse perinatal outcomes decreased from 2012 to 2020. Fertility policy changes have had little effect on the twinning rate or the rate of adverse perinatal outcomes such as stillbirth, SGA, or low Apgar scores. The optimal gestational age for twins was 37 weeks. Women pregnant with twins and with antepartum or medical complications should be cautious due to an increased risk of SGA and low Apgar scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether hematocrit level is associated with pre-eclampsia and assess its predictive value in diagnosing pre-eclampsia. Study Design: Cross-sectional validation study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CMH Quetta, from Jul 2019 to Jan 2020. Methodology: A total of 561 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy were included in the study. The diagnosis of preeclampsia was made as per operational definition. The samples were collected by non-probability consecutive sampling. Pregnant females with a parity of 0-4, gestational age > 16 weeks on last menstrual period (LMP) and singleton pregnancy on ultrasound were included in the study. In addition, data on plasma hematocrit findings and incidence of pre-eclampsia (positive/negative) were recorded. Results: The age range in this study was from 18 to 40 years, with a mean age of 28.805 ± 2.41 years, mean parity of 1.258 ± 1.07 and mean gestational age was 11.352 ± 2.22 weeks. Plasma hematocrit findings predict 26 (4.6%) patients, and the incidence of pre-eclampsia was in 35 (6.2%) patients. Plasma hematocrit findings had shown a sensitivity of 60%, specificity 99%, diagnostic accuracy by 97%, PPV 80.7%, NPV 97.3%, (p<0.001) in diagnosis of preeclampsia. Conclusion: Haematocrit can be valuable as a screening test for the timely diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in health centres. Women with a hematocrit above the cut-off of 38% must be scrutinized prudently for the signs of pre-eclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by people without symptoms include the prevention of ill health due to COVID-19 among their close contacts and the prevention of onward transmission to ever greater numbers of people. The remaining study reported percentages of the total reproduction number accounted for presymptomatic, asymptomatic and symptomatic transmission (presymptomatic transmission, 47% (95% CrI 11% to 58%), asymptomatic transmission, 6% (95% CrI 0% to 57%), and symptomatic transmission, 28% (95% CrI 9% to 49%)) [[13]]. The Working Party recognised the potential for subclinical or pauci-symptomatic infection while emphasising that truly asymptomatic infection or carriage of SARS-CoV-2 occurs and transmission is to be expected [[59]]. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Infection; Transmission; Presymptomatic; Asymptomatic; Post-symptomatic; Guideline EN SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Infection Transmission Presymptomatic Asymptomatic Post-symptomatic Guideline 1 15 15 05/18/22 20220512 NES 220512 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-022-07440-0. The Working Party noted that the evidence regarding relative risks of transmission according to symptom status suggested that presymptomatic infections are less transmissible than are symptomatic infections, and that asymptomatic infections are less transmissible than are presymptomatic infections. [Extracted from the article]

Site-specific weed management (SSWM) can provide significant herbicide savings but requires the reliable detection of weed populations. In this work, the effect of sample size on sampling precision was studied in four sub-field areas of winter cereals infested with Galium aparine. Plots of 1170 m2, 4212 m2, 2592 m2 and 2880 m2 were marked and the positions of all G. aparine individuals were recorded using a precise navigation system. Mapping cells of 3 m × 3 m were arranged over experimental data and then various sampling intensities of G. aparine populations were simulated. The relative root mean square error, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and false negative rate were calculated and plotted against individual sampling intensities. Regressions were fitted to non-linear models. Experimental plots had relatively low mean densities of G. aparine (1.00–2.98 plants m−2) and the spatial distributions of plants were patchy in all cases. The values of all error measures decreased with increasing sampling intensity. On the basis of the fitted model, keeping MAPE below 30% required the sampling of 32.2% of the total area for the low-density population and 13.4% for the highest-density population. The results presented demonstrate that reliable sampling of low-density populations requires a very high sampling intensity and could be helpful in the design of reliable sampling strategies for SSWM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Early in the pandemic, the transmissibility of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) by transfusion was unknown. We piloted a systematic, post‐donation outreach programme to contact blood donors and inquired about symptoms post‐donation. Materials and Methods: Persons who donated on on May 1 and 2, 2020 were contacted 3 days post‐donation, by phone to assess COVID‐19‐related symptoms. Half of the donors were administered a short questionnaire, consisting of only three questions. Others were questioned using a longer, more specific questionnaire. If symptoms were reported, products were quarantined until donors were contacted again by a trained nurse who more thoroughly assessed the likelihood of COVID‐19. Blood products were withdrawn if symptoms indicative of COVID‐19 were identified. Results: Of 654 donors, 609 (93.1%) were successfully contacted. Of 310 donors who answered the short questionnaire and 299 who answered the long questionnaire, 19 (6.1%) and 8 (2.7%) had one or more symptoms, respectively. Based on the nurses' assessment, two donations (0.3%) had to be withdrawn. Conclusion: These results suggest that actively seeking post‐donation information might be feasible to mitigate emerging, unqualified transfusion risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many industrial applications, reactive filters, which remove toxic substances using chemical reactions, prove very efficient and versatile. One such example is the removal of sulphur dioxide from flue gas by converting it into liquid sulphuric acid. In this paper, we extend a model developed in Kiradjiev et al. (SIAM J Appl Math 82:591–619, 2021) for the operation of a reactive filter to consider the long-time behaviour and determine how the filter becomes clogged with liquid and becomes inefficient. We explore how the parameters that govern the operation of the filter affect its efficiency and discuss optimal filtration strategies. We also consider a distinguished asymptotic limit in terms of the key dimensionless parameters and obtain an explicit solution that compares well with the numerical solution to the full problem. Finally, we compare the results of our model with those from a simplified model for a reactive filter considered in Breward and Kiradjiev (J Eng Math, 129(14):1–28, 2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to compare obstetric outcomes in Korean women with and without future cardiovascular disease (CVD) within 10 years after pregnancy, and assessed whether pregnancy complications are independent risk factors, and whether the combination of pregnancy complications has an additive function for risk factors for CVD.Methods: This was a nationwide population-based study combining the database of the Korea National Health Insurance claims and National Health Screening Programs to assess preeclampsia, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm delivery as risk factors for CVD. Cox proportional hazards models was used to evaluate the risk of total CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke after the pregnancy complications, with adjustment for potential confounding variables.Results: Women with CVD were likely to have a higher prevalence of pregnancy complications than women without CVD. The risk of total CVD was associated with preeclampsia (adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 1.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-1.72]), LBW (1.20 [1.12-1.28]), and preterm delivery (1.32 [1.22-1.42]), after adjustment for confounders, including cardiovascular risk factors before pregnancy. The risk estimates of pregnancy complications for IHD were higher than those for stroke. In this study, the risk of total CVD was higher in the combined presence of preeclampsia and preterm delivery (2.23 [1.57-3.17] or all three complications (2.06 [1.76-2.40]), relative to no complications. The highest HR was noted in the risk of all pregnancy complications for IHD (2.39 [1.98-2.89]).Conclusion: Preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and LBW were independently associated with CVD in young Korean women. In addition, the combination of pregnancy complications had less-than-additive effects on CVD incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are an effective source of bioindicators to screen any changes of the natural ecosystem in the environment. With the increase in air pollution due to different potential sources, pollution monitoring stations are deployed across the nation with sophisticated analytical methodologies. However, phytoplankton can also serve as an indicator of air pollution as they possess the ability to absorb particulate contaminants. With previous studies on indicator species based on aquatic habitats, this study was carried out to comprehend the interaction between gaseous oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, particulate matter with diameter less than 10 and 2.5 μm (PM10, PM 2.5), with the population density, abundance and frequency of terrestrial epiphytic microalgae from residential and commercial areas of Chennai District, Tamil Nadu. There was a significant correlation between the members of Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae with the abovementioned air pollutants. Cluster analysis, CCA and NMDS analysis were done to find the interaction pattern. The results suggested few indicator species from genera Chlorella, Phormidium, Nitzschia, Navicula, Spirogyra and Oscillatoria. Species of Desmodesmus, Gleocapsa, Gleocyctis and Lyngbya can be considered as an addition to Palmer's list of tolerant species. During this study, the occurrence of filamentous Cladophora crispata is reported for the first time from Tamil Nadu, India. This study unveiled the list of microalgal species resistant to air pollutants from one of the highly polluted cities of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lineament extraction has long been performed through extensive field mapping. Recent advances in the field of remote sensing have made possible the availability of imageries from earth observation satellites with different Spatio-temporal resolutions, paving way for new automatic, semi-automatic, and manual techniques for the extraction of natural lineaments. The study focuses on the extraction of lineaments representing tectonic fault zones; the lineaments are extracted automatically and semi-automatically/manually. Results show that indirect information about the tectonic lineaments can be derived through automatic techniques whereas, the semi-automatic techniques are more effective to directly identify them. Detailed analyses of lineaments and landslides revealed that areas near lineaments, in general, experienced higher frequency of landslides. Moreover, it is also observed that lineaments are not the only factor that affects landslide density; other parameters like slope and lithology were also found to be the controlling factors in determining the spatial landslide distribution. Lastly, some recommendations have been made based on observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]