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Impact of climate change on the distribution of Ligustrum leucanthum using MaxEnt modeling

A dynamical systems analysis of criminal behavior using national longitudinal survey of youth data

Building on previous work on the spread and sustenance of crime, we construct and analyze a dynamical systems model of criminal involvement, arrest, desistance, and rehabilitation to be estimated empirically using interviews in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. We examine how marginal increases in flows between states interact to decrease or increase the long-run level of crime, and whether this varies by subgroup. We study how observed racial disparities along certain pathways interact to generate macro-level disparities in criminal involvement as measured by arrest and self-report. Finally, we discuss the implications of the model for a broader policy debate on crime control and for competing explanations of the Black-White gap in criminal involvement. We find, among other conclusions, that marginal independent increases in first-time arrest rates (but not arrest rates for repeat offenders) increase long-run crime for all subgroups; that long-run crime levels for Black men are most sensitive to initial flows into crime and arrest and to rehabilitation; and that among people with no arrest history, Black women are significantly more likely than other subgroups to desist the following year.

Clinical and pathological features of lymphomas in the breast: a comprehensive multicentric study

The PREDEP-SERT study protocol: A 6-month follow-up cohort study of predictors of effectiveness, tolerability and safety of sertraline for depression using Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Sertraline is a common first-line pharmacological treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). There is no established consensus nor clinical guidelines for personalized dose adjustments, which imply risks of toxicity and lack of efficacy. To address these challenges, there is preliminary evidence of the clinical utility of the determination of blood levels of sertraline by means of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Further evidence is needed regarding the optimal therapeutic range of sertraline in terms of an optimal efficacy/tolerability-safety balance, with need of prospective studies on the association between blood concentration of sertraline and clinical outcomes. The PREDEP-SERT study (PREdictors of response in DEPression treated with SERTraline) is a single-center, observational, longitudinal, ambispective cohort study of patients with MDD to investigate the association between blood concentration of sertraline and its effectiveness, tolerability and safety (pre-registered study in Spain, REec number: 0014-2022-OBS, https://reec.aemps.es/reec/observacional/0014-2022-OBS). It adopts wide inclusion and exclusion criteria in order to allow the inclusion of patients that are representative of real-world clinical practice. It includes an exploratory retrospective subcohort and a subsequent 6-month follow-up prospective subcohort, with repeated measures (blood concentrations of sertraline and clinical outcomes) at scheduled timepoints (15 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days and 6 months). Relevant clinical, pharmacogenetic and sociodemographic potential predictors, confounders and effect modifiers will be explored. Its primary objective is to prospectively assess the association between blood concentration of sertraline (and the ratio with its metabolite, N-desmethylsertraline) and the intensity of depressive symptoms measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale at 6 months of treatment. Other secondary objectives are to assess the association between blood concentration of sertraline/N-desmethylsertraline and clinical variables of effectiveness (by means of validated clinical scales) and side effects at every timepoint. Its results may elucidate the clinical utility of TDM in the therapeutic management of MDD in a personalized fashion.

Innovative nanostructured lipid-particles of apocynin and clove oil tagged with Chitin oligosaccharide for amelioration of tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract Tacrolimus (FK506) is a potent immunosuppressive agent widely employed to prevent allogeneic rejection in transplant recipients. However, its nephrotoxic effects pose significant limitations to long-term therapeutic use. To address this challenge, the present study aims to develop an innovative oral nano-delivery system designed to mitigate FK506-induced nephrotoxicity through the antioxidant properties of Apocynin (APO), clove oil (CO), and chitin oligosaccharide (CTOS). A nanostructured lipid carrier (NSLC) incorporating APO dissolved in CO and functionalized with CTOS was formulated using ultrasonic emulsification. Gelucire 43/01 and CO served as key lipid components in varying ratios. Physicochemical characterization of the developed NSLCs was conducted, assessing particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The optimized formulation (F4) exhibited an EE% of 63.85 ± 1.98, PS of 123 ± 2.21 nm, PDI of 0.17 ± 0.09, and ZP of − 28 ± 1.98, demonstrating a biphasic release profile and stability under refrigerated conditions for six months. In vivo nephroprotective efficacy was evaluated in FK506-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rat models, where oral administration of APO-loaded NSLCs significantly improved renal function and alleviated nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by biochemical markers and histopathological analyses. These findings underscore the potential of APO-loaded NSLCs as a promising oral phytopharmaceutical strategy for mitigating FK506-associated nephrotoxicity and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in transplant patients. Further studies are warranted to optimize and expand clinical applications.

MSPA-informed SLEUTH urban growth modeling for green space protection in Ottawa

We created optimal urban expansion scenarios that also safeguard green spaces using SLEUTH-3r in the National Capital Region, Ottawa, Ontario. The scenarios were based on using two exclusion layers in SLEUTH-3r modeling, adjustments to the model’s calibrated growth coefficients for a compact city scenario and applying green space social equity weights to urban zones in model’s prediction results. The first exclusion layer contained common restricted areas for urban growth, while the second additionally incorporated cores of green spaces defined through Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), core importance and their corridors for connectivity. For each scenario, we selected 23,850 hectares as the required urban growth by the year 2050 and only 10% of this amount (2385 ha), to encourage more compact growth. We compared the scenarios based on the affected green space cores and urban growth polygons using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). In most cases, scenarios incorporating MSPA were the favored ones. As the first attempt integrating MSPA definition of green space cores, their importance and connectivity into SLEUTH-3r model, we showed that MSPA-informed SLEUTH-3r modeling affects prediction results and provides a useful platform for generating scenarios. Incorporating MSPA information into SLEUTH-3r modeling enhanced the protection of green space cores and their connectivity. However, it also led to the selection of smaller urbanization polygons for the year 2050, distributed across the study area. Focusing on the preferred options, social equity weights and the selected polygons, provides city planners and stakeholders with valuable assistance and flexibility in designing urban growth scenarios while protecting green spaces.

The sensitivity of locus of control to life events and implications for its moderating influence on wellbeing

Preliminary feasibility and clinical utility of the Unified Protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in people with long COVID-19 condition: A single case pilot study

Purpose The implementation of psychological interventions in long COVID-19 patients is still very limited. This study aims to analyze the feasibility and preliminary utility of the Unified Protocol (UP), for the psychological treatment of emotional disorders in long COVID-19 patients. Methods 12 long COVID-19 patients (mean age = 47.92; SD = 13.18) presenting emotional disorders/symptoms received the UP through 8 online sessions. Results All participants completed the UP psychological program, attending all eight sessions and the 6-month follow-up appointment. However, adherence to the assessment protocol was lower, with a 33% dropout rate at the 6-month follow-up. High satisfaction was reported with both the UP program (mean = 9.75) and the online format. Satisfaction with individual UP modules ranged from 7.17 to 9 points (from 0 = any satisfaction to 10 = highest satisfaction). Qualitative feedback emphasized the usefulness of the UP program, with some participants suggesting additional contents (i.e., training in assertive communication skills), more personalized modules (i.e., providing just some UP modules) or increasing the number of sessions. In terms of the UP clinical utility, 25 mental clinical diagnoses were established at pre-assessment; 50% of participants no longer met criteria for a mental clinical diagnosis at post-assessment, increasing to 67% at follow-up. Most therapeutic objectives were achieved or initiated over the course of the intervention (78% at post-assessment; 86% at follow-up). At post-assessment significant improvements were observed in anxiety (8 participants), depression (9 participants), emotion dysregulation (4 participants) and quality of life scores (7 participants), although 2 participants did not maintain these gains in emotion regulation and quality of life at follow-up. Conclusion The promising results of the UP in terms of high participant satisfaction and clinical improvements in anxiety and depression scores suggest that the UP could be a valuable psychological intervention for individuals with long COVID-19 and comorbid emotional disorders. The modest improvements found in other outcomes highlighted the need to better adapt the psychological interventions for long COVID-19 patients.

Potential effect of non-nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis on growth promotion of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress

Abstract Numerous microalgae have been used as modern eco-friendly biostimulants under abiotic stress conditions; however, the application of non-nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria, such as Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) has not been extensively investigated. In this study, the effects of A. platensis (60 mg/L) applied twice as a foliar application on the growth, photosynthetic pigments, and oxidative metabolism of Triticum aestivum seedlings grown under salt stress (150 mM) were evaluated. Under salt stress conditions, growth attributes such as shoot and roots fresh weights, lengths, and photosynthetic pigments were significantly inhibited compared to the control group. Treatment with A. platensis effectively improved all growth parameters. Under salt stress conditions, shoot fresh weight and length increased by 49% and 44%, respectively, while root fresh weight and length were enhanced by 105% and 223%. The contents of chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids in wheat were significantly reduced by 57%, 35%, and 43%, respectively. Additionally, seedlings exposed to salinity showed improved accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), along with decreased peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity. Spirulina extract (SPE) mitigated salt and induced oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, SPE protected wheat seedlings from the detrimental effects of H2O2 by promoting secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Additionally, SPE increased the proline content by 25%, aiding in the regulation of osmotic stress. Taken together, the results of this study support the application of A. platensis as an effective biostimulant for improving wheat growth and food security by reducing the harmful impacts of salt stress in semi-arid regions.

Spatial epidemiology of tuberculosis diagnostic delays, healthcare access disparities, and socioeconomic inequities in Nairobi County, Kenya

Introduction Kenya ranks among the top 30 countries with a high tuberculosis (TB) burden globally. With a TB prevalence of 558 per 100,000, only 46% of TB cases are diagnosed and treated, leaving 54% undiagnosed and at risk of spreading the disease. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of tuberculosis diagnostic delays and their association with health care accessibility and socioeconomic inequalities in Nairobi County, Kenya. Materials and methods The cross-sectional study included 222 newly diagnosed bacteriologically confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) patients from Mbagathi County Hospital (MCH), Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital (MLKH), and Rhodes Chest Clinic (RCC) in Nairobi County, Kenya. Patients were recruited consecutively through census sampling and categorized into two groups: delayed diagnosis (≥21 days from symptom onset) and non-delayed (<21 days) as defined by the WHO cutoff point. Patients’ residential locations were georeferenced using handheld GPS devices and captured digitally via Kobo Collect. Spatial analyses were performed using ArcGIS Pro, version, where Global Moran’s I statistic was used to assess spatial autocorrelation in the distribution of TB cases. Result Spatial analyses identified 28 statistically significant clusters of delayed TB diagnoses within Nairobi County. Spatial autocorrelation analysis using Moran’s I revealed a significant clustered distribution (Moran’s Index = 0.471, z-score = 3.370, p < 0.001). Hotspot analysis with the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic detected high-delay clusters (z > 2.58, p < 0.001) in informal settlements. Discussion and conclusion The study revealed significant spatial clustering of delayed TB diagnoses in Nairobi County, particularly in informal settlements. In contrast, timely diagnoses were predominantly clustered in high-income areas like Lang’ata and Karen. These clusters were significantly associated with lower household income and increased travel time to health facilities which underscored the need for targeted implementation of TB diagnostic services and control measures in the wards with the highest delays.

Advanced dynamic ensemble framework with explainability driven insights for precision brain tumor classification across datasets

Relationship between stress hyperglycemia ratio of one-year mortality in patients with heart failure: Analysis of the MIMIC-IV database

Background Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR) has been confirmed to be a predictor for adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases in recent years. However, the impact of SHR on one-year mortality in patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF) is still unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between SHR and one-year mortality in HF patients, both complicated with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This study enrolled 3747 patients with HF from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database. 1865 patients were set into the group of lower SHR (SHR < 0.964) and 1882 patients were in the higher group (SHR ≥ 0.964). The primary endpoint was one-year mortality. Results The mean age of the total study population was 69 ± 13, and 1530 (40.8%) of them were female. Finally, 188 (5.0%) patients died in the hospital and 766 (20.4%) patients died during a one-year follow-up. Patients in the higher SHR group had a longer hospital stay (2.7% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001) and higher in-hospital mortality (8 vs. 7, p < 0.001) than those in the lower group. The Kaplan–Meier curves also show that higher SHR is associated with an elevated risk of one-year mortality in patients with HF, both in the DM and non-DM groups (all log-rank p < 0.0001). As a continuous variable, SHR was an independent predictor for one-year mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 2.893; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.198–3.808]. Elevated SHR was significantly associated with higher risk of one-year mortality in patients with (HR, 1.499; 95% CI, 1.104–2.036) and without DM (HR, 1.300; 95% CI, 1.096–1.542), consistently. The RCS curve shows a gradual increase in the probability of one-year mortality as the value of SHR increases for HF patients. Conclusion Our findings indicated that a higher level of SHR was associated with elevated one-year mortality in HF patients both with and without DM, suggesting that SHR is a promising stratification indicator for predicting the risk of death in patients with HF.

Utilization of telemedicine in healthcare delivery to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) populations: a scoping review

Frailty trajectory and its associated factors in older patients undergoing abdominal surgery involving the digestive system: A longitudinal study

Frailty is a common multifactorial clinical syndrome in older patients that seriously affects their prognosis. However, most studies to date have ignored the dynamics of frailty. Therefore, we employed a one-month observational longitudinal study to explore frailty trajectories using a latent class growth model. In total, 155 older patients who underwent abdominal surgery involving the digestive system were assessed preoperatively, at discharge, and at the one-month follow-up, and multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing frailty trajectories. Four frailty trajectory patterns were identified: no frailty (13.5%), frailty exacerbation (40.0%), frailty improvement (20.0%), and persistent frailty (26.5%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index, the Charlson comorbidity index score, the type of surgery, the intraoperative drainage tube retention time (drainage time), the first time the patient got out of bed after surgery, the time of the first oral feed after surgery, postoperative complications, mobility, nutritional risk, and anxiety were associated with frailty trajectories. We identified four frailty trajectories in older patients undergoing abdominal surgery involving the digestive system and found that these trajectories were influenced by multiple factors. Focusing on individual specificity is conducive to accurately addressing frailty-associated clinical problems and guiding relevant nursing decisions.

Accelerated wound healing through tannin-rich Jaft extract, concentration-dependent efficacy and mechanistic insights from Quercus brantii ointment formulations

Spatial distribution and factors associated with coexisting undernutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia: Evidence from the 2019 Mini-Demographic and Health Survey

Background Undernutrition remains a critical public health issue in Ethiopia, driving high under-five morbidity and mortality. Coexisting forms; stunting, wasting, and underweight magnify these risks but their spatial patterns and determinants remain poorly understood. This study investigates the geographic distribution and key factors of coexisting undernutrition among Ethiopian children under five to inform targeted, geographic-specific interventions. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS), including a weighted sample of 4,952 children under five years of age. Spatial analysis was employed to explore the geographic distribution of coexisting forms of undernutrition, and significant spatial clusters were identified using SaTScan version 10. To examine associated factors, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable model. Effect measures were reported using Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). Results The national prevalence of coexisting forms of undernutrition among children under five in Ethiopia was 19.6% (95% CI: 18.5,20.7), with marked regional disparities ranging from 5.2% in Addis Ababa to 30.7% in the Afar region. Spatial analysis identified a significant high-risk cluster spanning Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul-Gumuz, and northern Somali regions (Log-Likelihood Ratio [LLR] = 38.83, p < 0.001), indicating pronounced geographic heterogeneity. Maternal education at primary (AOR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.98), secondary (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.77), and higher levels (AOR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.51), higher household wealth (richer: AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.92; richest: AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.80), and female sex (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.92). Conversely, multiple births (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.33, 3.18) and residing in communities with high poverty levels (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.87) significantly increased the risk of coexisting undernutrition. Conclusion Significant geographic disparities in coexisting undernutrition among Ethiopian children under five highlight urgent hotspots in Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Benishangul, and northern Somali regions. Protective factors such as maternal education, household wealth, and female sex, while multiple births and poverty were risk factors. These findings highlight the need for geographically targeted interventions focused on hotspot areas, with an emphasis on improving maternal education and alleviating poverty to reduce coexisting forms of undernutrition and enhance child survival.

A comparative analysis of the role of containment policies, vaccination strategies and virus variants in the COVID-19 pandemic across nine European countries

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted public health, economies, and societies worldwide, with lasting effects still visible today. Containment policies were implemented to reduce viral transmission, but their effectiveness varied across geographic regions. Understanding the interplay between policies, epidemiological variables, vaccines, and variants is crucial for optimizing future epidemic responses. This study applies a vector autoregressive mixed-effect model to data from nine European countries over the entire pandemic duration, using weekly data to provide both global and country-specific analyses. Policy stringency was assessed using the Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker. Our findings reveal that the relationship between epidemiological indicators and policy stringency evolved over time. Initially, hospitalizations were the primary driver of containment measures, but as vaccinations increased and new variants emerged, new case numbers became an important factor too. While all vaccine doses contributed to reducing cases and hospitalizations, only the second dose was associated with policy stringency. No significant association was found between virus variants and policy measures. Despite small country-specific differences, these insights highlight the complex interdependencies that shaped pandemic management. This framework can support future public health decision-making by balancing epidemiological trends with tailored policy responses at both national and international levels.

Work-related stress and sleep problems among small-scale miners in Ghana: The role of psychological factors

Objectives Sleep problems (SP) are prevalent among small-scale miners, yet little is known about their psychological and occupational determinants. We examined the association between work-related stress (WRS) and SP among small-scale miners in Ghana and explored the mediating roles of anxiety and depression in this association., Methods In this community-based cross-sectional study, data were collected from 664 miners in Obuasi,Ghana. WRS and SP were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), respectively, while anxiety and depression were measured using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Adjusted multivariate regressions and bootstrapped serial mediation models (Hayes’ PROCESS Model 6) evaluated the hypothesized pathways. Results The mean (SD) age was 28.8 (8.2) years, and 84.3% were males. WRS was significantly associated with SP (B = 0.2964, 95% CI = 0.2398–0.3530), with both direct (42.5%) and indirect (57.5%) effects. Anxiety mediated 38.0% of the total effect, depression 11.4%, and the anxiety–depression pathway 8.1%. Conclusions The study findings suggest that anxiety and depression serially mediate the WRS–SP link. These results underscore the need to address occupational stressors and incorporate mental health support into workplace policies to improve sleep quality and overall well-being in this vulnerable workforce.

Network dynamics reveal drought synchronization hubs in the Po River Basin

Abstract The intensifying climate crisis has exacerbated the frequency and severity of prolonged droughts, particularly in environmentally and socio-economically vulnerable climate change hot-spot regions. Despite advancements in monitoring, the spatiotemporal propagation and interdependencies of drought events remain poorly understood. This study analyzes drought synchronization within the Po River Basin, a critical hydrological system contributing approximately 40% of Italy’s GDP. Using the 12-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-12) and complex network methods, we reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics of drought propagation, identifying key hubs and hot-spot regions. Our analysis identifies spatial hubs where droughts originate and terminal zones where impacts converge. This process follows a diffusive propagation mechanism, whereby local events spread through preferential pathways until they are interrupted by seasonal climatic conditions that restore precipitation regime. These findings enhance understanding of drought dynamics in interconnected systems, advancing the application of complex network theory to hydro-climatology. They also provide a foundation for research on societal resilience to climate change and the development of adaptive strategies for sustainable hydrological systems.

RETRACTED: Perennial plants and traditional medicine: Assessing the socio-demographic impacts on traditional remedies

This study assessed the curative uses of wild medicinal plants and investigated the socio-demographic aspects influencing traditional medicinal knowledge in Tehsil Hasilpur, Punjab. Using snowball sampling, data were collected from 300 respondents through interviews and field surveys. Analysis included plant life span, plant parts used, preparation methods, and quantitative indices such as Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), and Fidelity Level (FL). The findings revealed that males comprised 85.6% of respondents, reflecting cultural constraints on women’s participation. Traditional knowledge was more prevalent among individuals with primary education (53%) and the illiterate (24%). Perennial species dominated (98.6%), leaves are the most commonly utilized plant part (65.33%), and decoctions are the most popular preparation method (24%). High ICF values indicated strong consensus on plant efficacy, with Eucalyptus globulus exhibiting significant use value. These findings emphasize the impact of gender, education, and occupation on knowledge transfer, as well as the ecological significance of local flora. The study recommends integrating traditional medicinal knowledge into healthcare strategies and promoting collaborative conservation efforts to ensure sustainable use of ethnomedicinal resources.