Contextual factors associated with diarrhea among under-five children in the Gambia: a multi-level analysis of population-based data.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea poses a significant threat to the lives of children in The Gambia, accounting for approximately 9% of all deaths among children under the age of five. Addressing and reducing child mortality from diarrhea diseases is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, specifically target 3.2, which aims to eliminate preventable deaths in newborns and children under the age of five by 2030. Thus, this research aims to assess the prevalence and contextual factors associated with diarrhea among under-five children in The Gambia. METHODS: This research employed secondary data from the 2019/20 Gambia Demographic Health Survey (GDHS). The study initially involved 8,362 women aged between 15 and 49 years. Of these, 6,929 women with children under five were included in this analysis. Data were analyzed using STATA with cross-tabulation and model fitting. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to accommodate the hierarchical structure of the demographic health survey data. The model comparison parameters were BIC, AIC, deviance, and LLR. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were selected for multivariable analysis. The statistical significance of the factors was determined using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of diarrhea in under-five children was 53.2% in males and 46.8% in females. In the final model, Kerewan (aOR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.33-0.98) and Basse (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.35-0.98) have significantly lower odds of childhood diarrhea compared to Banjul, female children show slightly lower, yet significant, odds of diarrhea compared to males (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.86-0.98), deliveries at government health centers are associated with higher odds of childhood diarrhea compared to home births (aOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01-1.52). Mothers with post-secondary education had significantly lower odds of having children with diarrhea than those without any education (aOR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.26-0.99) after controlling for confounders. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that several factors significantly impact the risk of childhood diarrhea in The Gambia. These factors include region of residence, sex of the child, place of delivery, and education level of the mother. The study suggests that existing interventions aimed at improving child health outcomes in the country should take into consideration these influential factors. Addressing these modifiable factors can enhance the effectiveness of interventions and promote better health outcomes for children in Gambia.

Antioxidant activity of Phellinus igniarius fermentation mycelia contributions of different solvent extractions and their inhibitory effect on α-amylase.

Phellinus spp. have historically been used as traditional medicines to treat various diseases owing to their antioxidant, antitumor, and antidiabetic activities. Polysaccharides exhibit antidiabetic activity. In the present study, the polysaccharide contents of four Phellinus strains were compared. Phellinus igniarius QB72 possessed higher polysaccharide production, stronger 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and α-amylase inhibitory activity. The three polysaccharides were sequentially extracted and partially purified from the fermentation mycelia using hot water, 1 % (NH4)2C2O4, and 1.25 M NaOH. Hot water extract polysaccharides exhibited higher DPPH radical scavenging and strong inhibitory activity against α-amylase with an IC50 value of 6.84 ± 0.37 mg/mL. The carbohydrate content of A1 (approximately 17457 Da) was approximately 88.28 %. The α-amylase inhibitory activity IC50 was decreased (3.178 ± 0.187 mg/mL) after DEAE water elution. P. igniarius QB72 hot-water extracts of partially purified polysaccharides have great potential as α-amylase inhibitors in food and medication-assisted additives.

Results of posterior spinal fusion after failed anterior vertebral body tethering.

PURPOSE: In patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergoing anterior vertebral tethering (AVBT), some will subsequently require posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Limited data exist on clinical and radiographic outcomes of fusion after tether failure. METHODS: 490 patients who underwent AVBT were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty patients (4.1%) subsequently underwent conversion to PSF. A control group of patients with primary PSF (no previous AVBT) was matched for comparison. Data were compared using paired t-tests and Fisher Exact Tests. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in estimated blood loss (EBL) (p = 0.002), percent estimated blood volume (%EBV) (p = 0.013), operative time (p = 0.002), and increased amount of fluoroscopy (mGy) (p = 0.04) as well as number of levels fused (p = 0.02) in the AVBT conversion group compared to primary fusion. However, no difference was found in implant density (p = 0.37), blood transfusions (p = 0.11), or intraoperative neuromonitoring events (p > 0.99). Both groups attained similar thoracic and lumbar percent correction (major coronal curve angle) from pre-op to the latest follow-up (thoracic p = 0.507, lumbar p = 0.952). CONCLUSION: A subset of patients with AVBT will require conversion to PSF. Although technically more challenging, revision surgery can be safely performed with similar clinical and radiographic outcomes to primary PSF.

Species Diversity of Lycoperdaceae (Agaricales) in Israel, with Some Insights into the Phylogenetic Structure of the Family.

The diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel was studied. Molecular phylogenetic relationships within the family, and genus Lycoperdon in particular, were inferred using original ITS rDNA sequences of 58 samples belonging to 25 species from Israel and six other countries, together with 66 sequences stored in the GenBank database. The current molecular phylogenetic study recovered the family Lycoperdaceae as a monophyletic group, which was supported in both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. The clades corresponding to the genera Apioperdon, Bovista, Calvatia, Disciseda, and Lycoperdon were revealed. The taxonomic structure of the named genera was partially resolved. Within the genus Lycoperdon, some species received significant statistical support; however, their relationships, as well as the problem of the genus monophyly, mostly remained questionable. As a result of a thorough literature survey, extensive sample collection, and studies of the material stored in the Herbarium of the Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa (HAI, Israel), fifteen species representing five genera were found in the territory of Israel. Six species, namely Apioperdon pyriforme, Bovista aestivalis, Calvatia candida, Lycoperdon decipiens, L. niveum, and L. perlatum, are new additions to the diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel. Detailed macro- and micromorphological descriptions, ecology, geography, and critical notes, together with light microscopy photos and SEM micrographs, are provided. In-depth discussion on some taxonomically challenging species is presented.

Exosomal Lipid Biomarkers of Oligodendrocyte Pathology to Predict Scoliosis in Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP), the most common cause of disability in children, is phenotypically heterogeneous. Approximately 20% of cases develop severe scoliosis. A pathological hallmark of CP is periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), which is due to dysmyelination, suggesting the possibility of a lipidomic abnormality. Risk factors for CP include perinatal hypoxia, prematurity, multiple gestation, ischemia, infection, and maternal alcohol consumption. There is evidence for low serum levels of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids in CP patients, and separately in idiopathic scoliosis. Many effects of free fatty acids (FFAs) are mediated via specific G protein-coupled free fatty acid receptors (FFARs), which play essential roles as nutritional and signaling molecules. FFAs, including ω-3, and their receptors are involved in the development and metabolism of oligodendrocytes (OLs), and are critical to myelination. Thus, the cases of CP that will develop severe scoliosis might be those in which there is a deficiency of ω-3, FFARs, or other lipidomic abnormality that is detectable early in the plasma. If so, we might be able to predict scoliosis and prevent it with dietary supplementation. Methods: Blood samples were collected from four groups of patients at the Philadelphia Shriners Children's Hospital (SCH-P): 1) patients with CP; 2) severe scoliosis (>40o); 3) CP plus scoliosis; and 4) non-impaired controls stratified by age (2-18 yrs), gender, and race/ethnicity, under an IRB-approved protocol. Serum proteins and RNA were purified, and OL-derived exosomes (OL-Es) isolated, using myelin basic protein (MBP) as a late OL marker. Protein was used for the detection of MBP and FFAR by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), and by flow cytometry. RNA was assayed by digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for OL markers and FFAR expression. Results: FFAR and MBP proteins were downregulated in each of the three patient groups compared to controls, and this difference was greatest in both patients with CP plus scoliosis. Conclusion: Altogether, MBP and FFAR levels were reduced in OL-Es from both children with CP plus scoliosis. The lipid abnormalities specific to CP with scoliosis were concentrated in OLs. Our data might i) suggest therapeutic targets to reduce dysmyelination and scoliosis in CP, ii) predict which children are at risk for developing scoliosis, iii) lead to therapeutic trials of fatty acids for CP and other dysmyelinating neurological disorders.

Effect of the Lingzi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) on Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemia with Experimental Metabolic Syndrome.

The effect of Ganoderma lucidum hot water extract of submerged cultivated mycelium suspensia on carbohydrate metabolism and lipid profile during fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats was studied. The outbred white male Wistar rats, in which metabolic syndrome was induced by consuming a 10% fructose solution instead of drinking water for 42 days, were used. After the induction of metabolic syndrome, the mycelium of G. lucidum in the form of water suspension (a dose of 1 g/kg of the animal's body weight) was administered to animals per os for 7 and 14 days. Glucose concentration was determined using the glucose oxidase method. The content of glycosylated hemoglobin in erythrocytes was determined by the colorimetric method. The concentration of triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins in blood plasma was determined by enzymatic methods. A significant decrease in the content of glycosylated hemoglobin was established in animals with metabolic syndrome against the background of administration of the studied suspension. Under the conditions of experimental metabolic syndrome, the administration of mycelium for 7 and 14 days led to a decrease in the concentration of triglycerides by 17.8 and 44.8%, cholesterol by 10.7 and 21.3%, low-density lipoproteins by 14.8 and 28.4%, and to an increase in high-density lipoproteins concentration by 11.9 and 21.5%, compared with metabolic syndrome. The obtained results demonstrate the corrective effect of the suspension of the G. lucidum powdered mycelium on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which was directly proportional to the duration of administration.

Validation of the TNM-8 AJCC classification for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers in patients undergoing trans-oral robotic surgery.

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with some oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). HPV-OPSCC have better survival outcomes compared to HPV negative tumours. The new TNM-8 AJCC staging (2018) is based on ICON-S data with 98% of patients treated with primary chemoradiation. To validate the TNM-8 AJCC classification in HPV-OPSCC treated primarily with surgery (trans-oral robotic surgery or open). There were 102 patients with HPV-OPSCC treated between July 2009 and December 2014 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The median age was 57 years (range: 38-83) and mostly males (84.5%). 27.2% were active smokers and 50.5% reformed smokers. Early T-stage cancer in 72.8%. Primary treatment was surgery & adjuvant therapy (70%) while primary chemoradiation (30%). Survival analyses were performed for the 7th and 8th AJCC systems. The reclassification to the AJCC 8th edition staging system resulted in a change of 54 patients from stage 4 to stages 1 and 2. This was mainly an effect of changes with N2a and N2b nodal disease being reclassified to N1. Survival outcomes were comparable with the ICON-S data. The new TNM-8 classification is, therefore, validated in a cohort treated, predominantly, with primary surgery and adjuvant therapy.

Antioxidant Activities of Hot Water Extracts from Mycelial Biomass of Different Combinations of Medicinal Agaricomycetes Mushrooms.

This study aimed to determine the free radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of hot water extracts prepared from different combinations and ratios of submerged cultivated mycelial biomass of medicinal mushrooms. Total phenolic compounds, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for combined crude hot water extracts from medicinal higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms belonging to ten genera. The results demonstrate that almost all tested combinations were good sources of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, ranging between 16.42 and 18.83 gallic acid equivalents/g and 1.5 and 4.34 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively. Moreover, free radical scavenging properties were evaluated with the DPPH and ABTS assays and metal chelating effects were investigated. All tested samples and/or extracts demonstrated significant free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant potential.

Reappraisal of the Genus Exsudoporus (Boletaceae) Worldwide Based on Multi-Gene Phylogeny, Morphology and Biogeography, and Insights on Amoenoboletus.

The boletoid genera Butyriboletus and Exsudoporus have recently been suggested by some researchers to constitute a single genus, and Exsudoporus was merged into Butyriboletus as a later synonym. However, no convincing arguments have yet provided significant evidence for this congeneric placement. In this study, we analyze material from Exsudoporus species and closely related taxa to assess taxonomic and phylogenetic boundaries between these genera and to clarify species delimitation within Exsudoporus. Outcomes from a multilocus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, nrLSU, tef1-α and rpb2) clearly resolve Exsudoporus as a monophyletic, homogenous and independent genus that is sister to Butyriboletus. An accurate morphological description, comprehensive sampling, type studies, line drawings and a historical overview on the nomenclatural issues of the type species E. permagnificus are provided. Furthermore, this species is documented for the first time from Israel in association with Quercus calliprinos. The previously described North American species Exsudoporus frostii and E. floridanus are molecularly confirmed as representatives of Exsudoporus, and E. floridanus is epitypified. The eastern Asian species Leccinum rubrum is assigned here to Exsudoporus based on molecular evidence, and a new combination is proposed. Sequence data from the original material of the Japanese Boletus kermesinus were generated, and its conspecificity with L. rubrum is inferred as formerly presumed based on morphology. Four additional cryptic species from North and Central America previously misdetermined as either B. frostii or B. floridanus are phylogenetically placed but remain undescribed due to the paucity of available material. Boletus weberi (syn. B. pseudofrostii) and Xerocomus cf. mcrobbii cluster outside of Exsudoporus and are herein assigned to the recently described genus Amoenoboletus. Biogeographic distribution patterns are elucidated, and a dichotomous key to all known species of Exsudoporus worldwide is presented.

Environmental performance and international trade in China: The role of renewable energy and eco-innovation.

Renewable energy and green innovation can enhance environmental performance by encouraging international trade, as anticipated by the current theoretical framework. This study investigates how renewable energy and eco-innovation affect international trade and environmental performance using quarterly data series from 1981 to 2018 for China. The study applies a quantile-based autoregressive distributed lag model. The results indicate that environmental innovation and renewable energy are consistent with environmental quality, while trade openness and urbanization contribute to environmental degradation by stimulating CO2 emissions. In addition, the quantile causality test showed a bidirectional causality between renewable energy and CO2 emissions, trade openness and CO2 emissions, and urbanization and CO2 emissions. Additionally, the findings lend theoretical support for the formulation of environmentally protective policies to better understand the role of renewable energy in stimulating international trade, which eventually enhances environmental performance. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:813-823. © 2021 SETAC.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Different Combinations of Submerged Cultured Mycelia of Medicinal Mushrooms.

This research describes the investigation of submerged cultivated mycelial biomass and hot water extracts prepared from different combinations and ratios of medicinal mushroom (MM) dry powders, comprising various biologically active compounds/secondary metabolites. In particular, it was evaluated the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, total carbohydrates, and total energy), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ergothioneine (ERG), amino acid content of mycelia of 16 higher Basidiomycetes MM species. The results obtained demonstrate that almost all tested combinations were found to be good sources of polysaccharides, with content varying in the ranges of 4.73 ± 1.33% and 58.46 ± 4.15%. Total protein contents varied in 1.97 ± 0.40% - 5.37 ± 0.40% range. ERG was detected in all tested samples, while GABA existed only in eight samples out of 15 and varied from 0.03 ± < 0.01 to 0.61 ± 0.03 mg/g, and from 0.16 ± 0.03 to 5.69 ± 0.41 mg/g respectively. Analyses of total phenolic and flavonoid contents demonstrate considerable content in all samples (15.53 ± 0.23 - 18.88 ± 0.34 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 1.23 ± 0.04 - 4.34 ± 0.73 mg rutin equivalents/g respectively). In present research the complexity of samples/extracts were evaluated by multiple antioxidant assays to verify their antioxidant capacity. Determination of in vitro antioxidant activity was successfully carried out by several different methods such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity, reducing power, chelating ability, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothi-azoline-6-sulfonic acid scavenging activity. Therefore, all tested samples confirm the capable antioxidant activities of bioactive compounds extracted from MMs.

Childhood vaccination uptake and associated factors among children 12-23 months in rural settings of the Gambia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Globally, immunization prevents 2-3 million deaths annually from vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. In developing countries, several immunization programs have made progress, but the coverage remains a standstill in some areas. In order to inform policies and practices, the present study aimed at assessing vaccination uptake and contextual-associated factors among children aged 12-23 months in rural Gambia. METHODS: A community-based triangulated cross-sectional design was conducted in January 2020, with 200 caregivers with children aged 12-23 months in selected households in rural communities across Upper River Region of the Gambia using multistage sampling technique were recruited. A structured interview questionnaire was developed and Infant Welfare Cards were assessed to elicit information regarding contextual household characteristics towards childhood immunization uptake. Percentages, chi-square/fisher exact test for variables with p-value ≤0.15 were considered for inclusion into logistic regression model. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported to declare significance. RESULTS: The proportion of children who received all the required vaccines was 66%. At the level of antigen-specific coverage, about 88.5% received BCG, 71% received OPV 3, 82.5% received Penta 3, while 72 and 71% received Measles-Rubella and yellow fever, respectively. Caregivers who had primary education level 88.8% (aOR = 0.112; 95% CI = 0.029-0.434), secondary & above 87.2% (aOR = 0.128; 95% CI = 0.029, 0. 561) and arabic/madrassa 95.7% (aOR = 0.043; 95% CI = 0.008-1.227) were less likely to be fully vaccinated when compared to those who have never been to school. Farmers are less likely by 88.9% (aOR = 0.111; 95% CI 0.020, 0.635) while children from family size of more than 20 members had reduced odds (aOR = 0.420; 95% CI = 0.197, 0.894) for their children to complete their vaccination schedule as compared to those with at most 20 household members. CONCLUSION: There is moderately a burden of incomplete vaccination in rural Gambia. Vaccination programs should be constantly monitored and evaluated by the Ministry of Health, especially in rural areas. To increase societal awareness and vaccine acceptance, a robust community-based health education efforts are desperately needed as part of initiatives to increase vaccine service utilization for these high-risk classes.

3D Printing of Carotid Artery and Aortic Arch Anatomy: Implications for Preprocedural Planning and Carotid Stenting.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) has been associated with increased periprocedural stroke in comparison with carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Three-dimensional (3D) printing of aortic arch and carotid artery may aid with preprocedural planning and adaptive learning, possibly reducing procedure-related complications. METHODS: Five CAS cases with available computed tomography angiography (CTA) were retrospectively evaluated and 3D-printed models (3D-PMs) were made. One additional case that was 3D printed preprocedurally provided prospective analysis. Standard 3D printing software was used to create a computer-aided image from CTA series that were 3D printed. The models were painted with acrylic paint to highlight anatomical features. The type of aortic arch, common carotid artery (CCA) to internal carotid artery (ICA) angle, and ICA distal landing zone for embolic protection device (EPD) were analyzed. In addition, stent and EPD sizing was determined preprocedurally for the prospective case. Comparisons of 3D-PM were made with 3D-CTA reconstruction and carotid angiography. RESULTS: Of 6 cases, 2 had type III and 4 had type I aortic arches. One case, a failed endovascular approach from femoral artery access site requiring reattempt via right brachial artery, had a CCA to ICA angle >60° and a tortuous innominate artery and distal ICA for EPD. The remaining 5 cases had straight distal landing zones for EPD and <60° CCA to ICA angles with successful first endovascular attempt. Additionally, vessel-specific stent and EPD sizing was appropriately chosen for the 1 prospective case. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-PM for CAS offers added value compared with CTA by providing improved perceptual and visual understanding of 3D anatomy.

Assessing the effect of improved feed trough on feed utilization by small ruminants in Northern Ghana.

The feeding systems of small ruminants in Northern Ghana are characterized by waste which necessitates efficient use of the available feed resources, particularly in the dry season. To this end, the use of improved feed trough was demonstrated in three communities in Northern Ghana, namely Duko and Tibali in Northern region; Gia in Upper East region in the late dry, wet, and early dry seasons between March 2019 and February 2020. This study involved 10 farmers randomly selected in each community. The participating farmers were provided with one improved feed trough each which was then compared to the traditional feed trough. Data were collected on the quantity of feed offered, amount wasted, and time spent feeding the animals for six consecutive days in the three study sites across seasons. To document the perception of the farmers on the improved feed trough, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered. Results showed that improved feed trough reduced feed waste significantly in the study sites across seasons. For example, the percentages of waste in feeding the animals using the traditional feed trough were 35%, 22%, and 27% in Duko, Gia, and Tibali, respectively, in the late dry season compared to less than 1% with the improved feed trough during the same season. The farmers' perceptions were similar to the findings of this study which suggest that efficient feed utilization by small ruminants can be enhanced with the use of improved feed trough.

Patient-Specific Coronary Artery Bypass Graft 3D Printing: Implications for Procedural Planning in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has seen tremendous growth in augmenting didactics, research, and preprocedural planning with structural heart procedures. Limited investigative efforts have been made in other areas of the cardiovascular spectrum. 3D-printed models (PMs) of anatomically complex coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) have implications for adaptive learning and preprocedural planning. METHODS: Five patients with CCTA who underwent subsequent coronary angiography were 3D printed for retrospective comparisons. Standard slicer software was used to create a computer-aided image of the ascending aorta, native coronary arteries, bypass grafts, aortic arch, and great vessels and 3D printed using polylactic acid filament. The models were painted with acrylic paint to highlight anatomical features and comparison was made with coronary angiography and 3D-CTA images. RESULTS: All occluded vein grafts, left and right internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts, patent saphenous vein grafts, along with distal graft anastomotic sites, were accurately 3D printed. In cases with chronic total occlusions (CTOs), ambiguous ostial caps, mid or distal vessel chronic occlusions, and occlusions seen as CTOs on coronary angiography were 3D printed showing either distal vessel reconstitution via collaterals or complete arterial filling seen in a setting of calcification, microchannels, and collateral flow. Lastly, 3D printing of the aortic root and great vessels allowed for better appreciation of vessel tortuosity to aid in the cannulation of IMA grafts and optimizing engagement with diagnostic and guiding catheters. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing of anatomically complex CABG patients has the potential to assist with preprocedural planning and operator understanding of complex coronary anatomy.

Does economic growth, international trade, and urbanization uphold environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa? Insights from quantile and causality procedures.

International trade and urbanization are increasing at an unprecedented rate in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The region has also witnessed a fair share of economic growth, with minimal investment and consumption of renewables. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of economic growth, international trade, and urbanization on CO2 emissions in SSA. The current study enriches the existing literature by employing the panel quantile regression analysis to account for existing levels of CO2 emissions in the region. Empirical findings reveal that GDP increases CO2 emissions across quantiles, especially in countries where the existing level of CO2 emissions is low. International trade improves environmental sustainability in countries where the existing levels of CO2 emissions are at their lowest and highest levels but exacts a reversed impact on CO2 emissions at the median. Further findings suggest that urbanization increases CO2 emissions across the observed quantiles with a more pronounced effect in countries where the existing levels of CO2 emissions are at its lowest level. The study also reveals a bi-directional causality between economic growth, international trade, urbanization, and the emissions of CO2. The limitations of the study and possible direction for future research have been highlighted. Policy directions are discussed.

Medicinal Mushrooms against Influenza Viruses.

This review provides results obtained by scientists from different countries on the antiviral activity of medicinal mushrooms against influenza viruses that can cause pandemics. Currently, the search for antiviral compounds is relevant in connection with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Medicinal mushrooms contain biologically active compounds (polysaccharides, proteins, terpenes, melanins, etc.) that exhibit an antiviral effect. The authors present the work carried out at the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector in Russia, whose mission is to protect the population from biological threats. The research center possesses a collection of numerous pathogenic viruses, which allowed screening of water extracts, polysaccharides, and melanins from fruit bodies and fungal cultures. The results of investigations on different subtypes of influenza virus are presented, and special attention is paid to Inonotus obliquus (chaga mushroom). Compounds produced from this mushroom are characterized by the widest range of antiviral activity. Comparative data are presented on the antiviral activity of melanin from natural I. obliquus and submerged biomass of an effective strain isolated in culture against the pandemic strain of influenza virus A/California/07/09 (H1N1 pdm09).

Towards achieving environmental sustainability: environmental quality versus economic growth in a developing economy on ecological footprint via dynamic simulations of ARDL.

Studies have shown that factors like trade, urbanization, and economic growth may increase the ecological footprint (EFP) since ecological distortions are mainly human-induced. Therefore, this study explores the effect of economic growth and urbanization on the EFP, accounting for foreign direct investment and trade in Nigeria, using data from 1977 to 2016. This study used the EFP variable as against the CO2 emissions used in the previous studies since the former is a more comprehensive and extensive measure of environmental quality. We apply the novel dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) simulations for model estimation, the Bayer and Hanck J Time Ser Anal 34: 83-95, (2013) combined cointegration, and the ARDL bounds test for cointegration. Although the results affirmed the presence of long-run relationship among the variables, economic growth deteriorates the environment in the short run, while urbanization exacts no harmful impact. In the long run, FDI and trade deteriorate the environment while economic growth adds to environmental quality. It is recommended that policymakers strengthen the existing environmental regulations to curtail harmful trade and provide rural infrastructures to abate urban anomaly.

Botanical drugs and supplements affecting the immune response in the time of COVID-19: Implications for research and clinical practice.

In times of health crisis, including the current COVID-19 pandemic, the potential benefit of botanical drugs and supplements emerges as a focus of attention, although controversial efficacy claims are rightly a concern. Phytotherapy has an established role in everyday self-care and health care, but, since botanical preparations contain many chemical constituents rather than single compounds, challenges arise in demonstrating efficacy and safety. However, there is ample traditional, empirical, and clinical evidence that botanicals can offer some protection and alleviation of disease symptoms as well as promoting general well-being. Newly emerging viral infections, specifically COVID-19, represent a unique challenge in their novelty and absence of established antiviral treatment or immunization. We discuss here the roles and limitations of phytotherapy in helping to prevent and address viral infections, especially regarding their effects on immune response. Botanicals with a documented immunomodulatory, immunostimulatory, and antiinflammatory effects include adaptogens, Boswellia spp., Curcuma longa, Echinacea spp., Glycyrrhiza spp., medicinal fungi, Pelargonium sidoides, salicylate-yielding herbs, and Sambucus spp. We further provide a clinical perspective on applications and safety of these herbs in prevention, onset, progression, and convalescence from respiratory viral infections.

Natural resource, globalization, urbanization, human capital, and environmental degradation in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The world is increasingly getting urbanized and globalized, and the increase in natural resource exploration could have a far-reaching impact on environmental quality. Since most Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACCs) have proximity to the Amazon, they, therefore, rely heavily on agriculture and mining which develop via deforestation which could exacerbate the already increasing carbon dioxide emissions (CO2 emissions). Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, this study becomes the first to investigate the link between natural resources, globalization, urbanization, and environmental degradation in LACCs countries from 1990 to 2017 with advanced panel data econometric techniques. The unit root tests affirm all the variables to be stationary at first difference, and the Westerlund (Oxf Bull Econ Stat 69(6):709-748, 2007) cointegration test confirms the long-run relationship among the variables. The augmented mean group (AMG) and the common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) results affirm that the aforementioned variables add to CO2 emissions, while human capital mitigates it. Further findings reveal that human capital performs a moderating role in promoting urbanization sustainability. The country-specific results confirm that economic growth adds to emissions in all the countries, except in the Dominican Republic. A feedback causality exists between economic growth, globalization, urbanization, and CO2 emissions. This study argues for the development of human capital, a gradual transition to sustainable growth-driven and knowledge-based industries, and the introduction of sustainability practices in the natural resource sector to mitigate CO2 emissions in LACCs.