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Climate variability, particularly, that of the annual air temperature and precipitation, has received a great deal of attention worldwide. The magnitude of the variability of the factors changes according to the locations. The present study focuses on detecting the trends and variability in the annual temperature and rainfall for the district of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, India. This study used annual and monsoon time series data for the time period 1981-2010 and modified the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator in analyzing the problem. The results of the analysis indicate that the annual maximum temperature (TMX) and annual minimum temperature (TMN) for the period of 30 years have shown an increasing trend, whereas the monsoon’s maximum and minimum temperatures have shown a decreasing trend, although it is statistically not significant. The amount of annual rainfall does not show any significant trend, but the monsoonal rainfall has shown an increasing trend that is also statistically not significant. The resulting Mann-Kendall test statistic (Z) and Sen’s slope estimate (Q) of all the parameters studied indicate that changes are occurring in the magnitude and timing of the precipitation and temperature events at the Mandi station.

Quercus afares, an endemic North African species that combines morphological, physiological and ecological traits ecological traits of both Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis, two distant species is presented. Two Quercus afares populations of both Quercus suber nad Quercus canariensis sampled both within and outside areas where these species overlap with Quercus afares is studied.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after repeated anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (IVI) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A retrospective study included 140 eyes without prior glaucoma, treated with at least three anti-VEGF injections for DME between 2012 and 2016. IOP elevation was defined by an increase above baseline IOP by ≥6 mmHg. Baseline IOP was defined as the mean of IOP values before treatment initiation. Three groups were differentiated: group 1 without IOP elevation, groups 2 and 3 with IOP elevation and IOP <21 mmHg (group 2) and ≥21 mmHg (group 3). Rate and several risk factors of IOP elevation were assessed and compared between the three groups. Results: IOP elevation occurred in ten eyes (7.1%). IOP was <21 mmHg in six eyes and ≥21 mmHg in four eyes. Statistically significant associations were found between IOP elevation and the number of injections, and HbA1c level. Two patients required local hypotonic treatment. Conclusions: In a real-life setting, we confirmed in eyes with center-involved DME without prior glaucoma or IOP elevation that repeated anti-VEGF IVI may increase the risk of sustained IOP elevation in about 7% of eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives We conducted a mortality study of members of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union who worked in poultry slaughtering/processing plants, and controls. Excess deaths from cancer at 11 different cancer sites including lung cancer were observed in the poultry workers. The study described here is a pilot case-cohort study of lung cancer nested within the cohort to examine if it is possible, in a larger study to be conducted later, to identify specific potentially carcinogenic occupational exposures in poultry workers. Methods Subjects or the next of kin of deceased subjects were interviewed by phone. Logistic regression ORs and Cox proportional HRs were estimated. Results Elevated risks for poultry exposure were recorded for subjects who (1) killed chickens at work (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 14.7; HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.3) and (2) ever had direct contact with chicken blood at work (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.8; HR 1.3, 95% CI 0.9 to 2.0). These activities are associated with high exposure to oncogenic viruses. Conclusion These results may have important public health implications, since the general population is also exposed to these viruses. Elevated risks were observed for non-poultry-related occupational exposures such as working in a stockyard, working in a chemical plant, use of chemicals to kill moulds, and working in plants where plastic products were manufactured. These preliminary findings indicate that full scale epidemiological studies of adequate statistical power are needed to examine the role of occupational exposures in cancer occurrence in poultry workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short term hydrothermal scheduling (STHTS) is a daily planning proposition in power system operation. The main purpose of hydro thermal generation scheduling is to minimize the overall operation cost and to satisfy the given constraints by optimally scheduling the power outputs of all hydro and thermal units under study periods, given electrical load and limited water resource. This paper presents the lambda-gamma iteration method for fixed head hydro-thermal problems. Also, hydro power input-output model with constant head has been developed for Sewa Hydro Electric Power Plant by using the curve fitting techniques by least square method in MATLAB 7.9 version software. From scheduling results, operational decisions can be made for the best performance under changing conditions of load, head, unit availability and other important constraints. Furthermore, these decisions may be used as an effective input to the on-line decision support system for real-time operation of reservoir systems in availability based tariff (ABT) context that results in increased power production and enhanced revenue earnings in the process of planning and management of a water resources project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To assess the public support for potential legislation to prohibit weight-based discrimination against obese individuals in the United States, and to examine whether certain message frames about weight discrimination influence public support.Design:Participants were randomly assigned to read one of the four paragraphs that framed the topic of weight discrimination in a distinct way (or a control condition with no paragraph). Participants were then asked to indicate their level of support for six antidiscrimination laws.Subjects:A national sample of 1114 participants (48% women, 52% men), mean age 44.78 years (s.d.=15.93).Results:There was moderate support for several laws to prohibit weight-based discrimination, but gender differences were observed across experimental conditions indicating that some message frames may increase support for certain laws among women, but not men. However, message frames had no effect on support for laws with specific provisions to prohibit weight discrimination in the workplace, suggesting that public support for these particular legal measures is consistent and high (65% of men and 81% of women expressed support) regardless of how the issue of weight discrimination is framed to the public.Conclusion:The present findings provide evidence of current levels of public support for legislation to prohibit weight-based discrimination, and offer potential ways for policy makers and interest groups to communicate messages about weight discrimination in efforts to increase support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene flow is particularly frequent in the genus Quercus (oaks), especially between closely related species. We focus here on Quercus ilex and the cork-producing Quercus suber, which occasionally hybridize although they are phylogenetically markedly separated. Morphological observations were combined with both allozymic and chloroplastic diagnostic markers to characterize hybridization and introgression and to infer their dynamics in two French regions (French Catalonia and Provence), which are separated by several hundred kilometres. Some hybrids were found in both regions, indicating recent hybridization events. As expected from previous studies, most hybrids resulted from ♀ Q. ilex × ♂ Q. suber crosses, but our data showed that the reciprocal cross is also possible. Partial independence between nuclear and chloroplastic introgression was observed in the two species. Nuclear introgression was limited in both species and both regions, with no preferred direction. In Provence, chloroplastic introgression was very rare in both species. Conversely, all Q. suber individuals from French Catalonia were introgressed by Q. ilex chlorotypes. This might be explained by introgression in the Iberian Peninsula antedating the first occurrence of the two species in French Catalonia. We also observed a new chlorotype that was created locally, and was exchanged between the two species. However, the two species still remain genetically differentiated. The dynamics and complexity of exchanges and the factors determining them (including human management of Q. suber) are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation in a homogeneous alluvial channel due to complete stoppage of sediment downstream of a high capacity reservoir has been studied empirically. Based on dimensional analysis, a method has been established for predicting transient bed profiles in degrading alluvial stream. In addition, prediction procedures for other degradation elements like maximum degradation at any time at upstream section and degradation extent has also been evolved. The prediction procedures when tested against known data gave satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the CBR behaviour of waste plastic strip reinforced-stone dust/fly ash overlying saturated clay. Three different sizes of waste plastic strips were used in this study. The effect of waste plastic strip content (0.25% to 4%) and length on the CBR and secant modulus of strip reinforced-stone dust/fly ash overlying saturated clay was investigated. The study reveals that addition of waste plastic strip in stone dust/fly ash overlying saturated clay resulted in an appreciable increase in the CBR and the secant modulus. The reinforcement benefit increased with an increase in waste plastic strip content and strip length. The benefit of adding waste plastic strips beyond 2% does not improve the CBR or secant modulus appreciably. Reinforced stone dust is more effective than reinforced fly ash overlying saturated clay in improving the behaviour of the system. The material can be used in base courses in constructing rural roads over saturated clay, thereby leading to safe disposal of these waste materials in an environmentally friendly manner. Further research is recommended to study the cost economics of the use of waste materials in base courses in rural roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridisation is a potent force in plant evolution, although there are few reported examples of stabilised species that have been created through homoploid hybridisation. We focus here on Quercus afares, an endemic North African species that combines morphological, physiological and ecological traits of both Q. suber and Q. canariensis, two phylogenetically distant species. These two species are sympatric with Q. afares over most of its distribution. We studied two Q. afares populations (one from Algeria and one from Tunisia), as well as several populations of both Q. suber and Q. canariensis sampled both within and outside areas where these species overlap with Q. afares. A genetic analysis was conducted using both nuclear (allozymes) and chloroplastic markers, which shows that Q. afares originates from a Q. suber × Q. canariensis hybridisation. At most loci, Q. afares predominantly possesses alleles from Q. suber, suggesting that the initial cross between Q. suber and Q. canariensis was followed by backcrossing with Q. suber. Other hypotheses that can account for this result, including genetic drift, gene silencing, gene conversion and selection, are discussed. A single Q. suber chlorotype was detected, and all Q. afares individuals displayed this chlorotype, indicating that Q. suber was the maternal parent. Q. afares is genetically, morphologically and ecologically differentiated from its parental species, and can therefore be considered as a stabilised hybrid species.Heredity (2006) 96, 175–184. doi:10.1038/sj.hdy.6800782; published online 21 December 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ureteral polyp causing ureteral intussusception is a rare phenomenon and only 16 cases have been reported in the world literature. We report one case of ureteral polyp causing ureteral intussusception due to fibroepithelial polyp. Subject, Methodology and Results: Fibroepithelial polyp: 40 year old female presented with difficulty of passing urine, mass prolapsing from right ureteric orifice with backpressure changes in the kidney. The biopsy showed fibroepithelial polyp. On exploration about 6 cm ureter was intussuscepted. Segmental ureteric resection with reanastomosis was done. Discussion: Ureteral polyp causing ureteral intussusception is a rare phenomenon possibly due to; 1. Small ratio between the thickness of the ureter and ureteric lumen caliber. 2. Limited range of the ureteral mobility. Following different mechanisms can be proposed; 1. It is an accidental combination. 2. Ureteral invagination is secondary to the presence of a mass in the ureteric lumen (polyp) & the flow of urine. 3. In case of polyp, the invagination develop first and the inflammatory changes cause fibroepithelial polyp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We report a rare case of Pelvic lipomatosis with obstructive uropathy and stone disease. It has been reported that these patients are always associated with cystitis glandularis and cystitis cystica. This is a first reported case of Pelvic lipomatosis with left renal stone and cystitis glandularis. Materials and Methods: 42-year male patient presented to our department with increased urinary frequency, constipation, left loin pain. After investigations in the form of USG, X-ray KUB, IVP, CT Pelvis, Cystoscopy and Histopathology, he was diagnosed to have Pelvic lipomatosis with left renal stone and cystitis glandularis but there was no evidence of malignancy as adenocarcinoma of bladder is known to occur. He underwent antegrade stenting as retrograde approach was not possible and Lithotripsy with pelvic exploration and excision of pelvic fatty tissue. Result: After a follow up of 6 month, patient is free of his symptoms of increase frequency, constipation and renal stone. Disscussion: Pelvis lipomatosis is benign condition associated with deposition of mature uncapsulated fat in retroperitoneal pelvic space. This is the first reported case of Pelvic lipomatosis with left renal stone and cystitis glandularis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that exposure to poultry oncogenic viruses that widely occurs occupationally in poultry workers and in the general population, may be associated with increased risks of deaths from liver and pancreatic cancers, and to identify new risk factors. METHODS: A pilot case-cohort study of both cancers within a combined cohort of 30,411 highly exposed poultry workers and 16,408 control subjects was conducted, and risk assessed by logistic regression odds ratios (OR) and proportional hazards risk ratios. RESULTS: New occupational findings were recorded respectively for pancreatic/liver cancers, for slaughtering of poultry (OR = 8.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-29.3)/OR = 9.1, 95% CI: 1.9-42.9); catching of live chickens (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.2-10.9)/OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.1-8.5); killing other types of animals for food (OR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.5-16.6)/OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.2-18.2), and ever worked on a pig raising farm (OR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0-8.2) for pancreatic cancer only. New non-occupational findings for liver cancer were for receiving immunization with yellow fever vaccine (OR = 8.7, 95% CI: 1.0-76.3); and vaccination with typhoid vaccine (OR = 6.3, 95% CI: 1.1-37.4). The study also confirmed previously reported risk factors for both diseases. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that exposure to poultry oncogenic viruses may possibly be associated with the occurrence of liver and pancreatic cancers. Case-control studies nested within occupational cohorts of highly exposed subjects of sufficient statistical power may provide an efficient and valid method of investigating/confirming these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Quantify disparities and identify correlates and predictors of 'wellness' supplement use among nurses during the first year of the pandemic., Design: Longitudinal secondary analysis of Nurses' Health Studies 2 and 3 and Growing Up Today Study data., Methods: Sample included 36,518 total participants, 12,044 of which were nurses, who completed surveys during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020 to April 2021). Analyses were conducted in March 2023. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate disparities in 'wellness' supplement use between nurses and non-healthcare workers and, among nurses only, to quantify associations with workplace-related predictors (occupational discrimination, PPE access, workplace setting) and psychosocial predictors (depression/anxiety, county-level COVID-19 mortality). Models included race/ethnicity, gender identity, age and cohort as covariates., Results: Nurses were significantly more likely to use all types of supplements than non-healthcare workers. Lacking personal protective equipment and experiencing occupational discrimination were significantly associated with new immune supplement use. Depression increased the risk of using weight loss, energy and immune supplements., Conclusion: Nurses' disproportionate use of 'wellness' supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic may be related to workplace and psychosocial stressors. Given well-documented risks of harm from the use of 'wellness' supplements, the use of these products by nurses is of concern., Impact: 'Wellness' supplements promoting weight loss, increased energy, boosted immunity and cleansing of organs are omnipresent in today's health-focused culture, though their use has been associated with harm. This is of added concern among nurses given their risk of COVID-19 infection at work. Our study highlighted the risk factors associated with use of these products (lacking PPE and experiencing occupational discrimination). Findings support prior research suggesting a need for greater public health policy and education around the use of 'wellness' supplements., Reporting Method: STROBE guidelines were followed throughout manuscript., Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution was involved., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study examined concordance of family members' perspectives of family functioning and mental health across two years in families with transgender and/or nonbinary youth (TNBY). Participants were 89 family members (30 TNBY, age 13-17 years; 44 cisgender caregivers; 15 cisgender siblings, age 14-24 years) from 30 families from the U.S. New England region. Family members completed an online survey every 6-8 months for 5 waves between December 2015 and Feb 2019. Surveys assessed family functioning (quality of communication, satisfaction with family) and the following mental health-related outcomes: depression and anxiety symptoms, non-suicidal self-injury, suicidality, self-esteem, and resilience. Analyses tested concordance of family functioning and mental health across family members. Reports of family functioning changed over time, and family members were not consistently concordant in their reports of family functioning. Caregivers perceived a higher quality family communication than TNBY at all waves and higher than siblings at some waves. Perceptions of family satisfaction did not show a clear pattern between family member types across waves. The greatest concordance of perceived family functioning was between caregivers and siblings and between TNBY and siblings. Across all waves, TNBY reported more severe depression and anxiety symptoms than their caregivers and siblings, and more non-suicidal self-injury than their siblings. Compared to siblings, TNBY reported higher self-esteem, but less resilience. This study highlights opportunities for intervention in clinical work with TNBY and their families. Providers working with families with TNBY should use family systems approaches to support the mental health of all family members., Competing Interests: Competing interests. Dr. Katz-Wise is a diversity consultant for Paramount Global. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Aim: This observational study investigated the association between remdesivir treatment during hospitalization for COVID-19 and 30-day COVID-19-related and all-cause readmission across different variants time periods. Patients & methods: Hospitalization records for adult patients discharged from a COVID-19 hospitalization between 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2022 were extracted from the US PINC AI Healthcare Database. Likelihood of 30-day readmission was compared among remdesivir-treated and nonremdesivir-treated patients using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, corticosteroid treatment, Charlson comorbidity index and intensive care unit stay during the COVID-19 hospitalization. Analyses were stratified by maximum supplemental oxygen requirement and variant time period (pre-Delta, Delta and Omicron). Results: Of the 440,601 patients discharged alive after a COVID-19 hospitalization, 248,785 (56.5%) patients received remdesivir. Overall, remdesivir patients had a 30-day COVID-19-related readmission rate of 3.0% and all-cause readmission rate of 6.3% compared with 5.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for patients who did not receive remdesivir during their COVID-19 hospitalization. After adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics, remdesivir treatment was associated with significantly lower odds of 30-day COVID-19-related readmission (odds ratio 0.60 [95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.62]), and all-cause readmission (0.73 [0.72-0.75]). Significantly lower odds of 30-day readmission in remdesivir-treated patients was observed across all variant time periods. Conclusion: Treating patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with remdesivir is associated with a statistically significant reduction in 30-day COVID-19-related and all-cause readmission across variant time periods. These findings indicate that the clinical benefit of remdesivir may extend beyond the COVID-19 hospitalization.