Understanding life satisfaction among the original inhabitants in the suburbanized areas at the outskirts of a major city: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Suburbanization has become a major characteristic of urban development in sub-Saharan Africa, and shifting from agricultural-based areas modus vivendi to urban lifestyles affects subjective wellbeing of the original settlers. While there is lack of evidence in the literature of wellbeing in these areas, this study examines life satisfaction of these populations by means of individuals' own appreciation and evaluation of quality of life. METHODS: The study uses interpretionist and reflexive approaches, and analyses 76 interviews conducted through snowball sampling in two major suburbanized areas. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Generally, the findings show that respondents are satisfied with material living conditions due to improvement of availability of economic opportunities, roads and other transport services, social and community support. However, income inequality and urban poverty result in the inability to afford modern and high-quality urban living conditions, which creates feelings of vulnerability while limiting social relationships. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to strenghten existing frameworks to fully respond to urban life requirements that relate to transport, education, hygiene, and sanitation services. It is also important to develop support systems that mitigate issues of gender discrimination, human rights, household decision-making, fashion, and cultural norms.

Factors influencing optimal diabetes care and clinical outcomes in Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a multilevel modelling analysis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing levels of poor glycaemic control among Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) motivated us to compare T2DM care between urban and suburban primary care units (PCUs), to identify gaps in care, and to identify significant factors that may influence strategies to enhance the quality of care and clinical outcomes in this population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 2160 patients with T2DM treated at four Thai PCUs from 2019 to 2021, comprising one urban and three suburban facilities. Using mixed effects logistic regression, we compared care factors between urban and suburban PCUs. RESULTS: Patients attending suburban PCUs were significantly more likely to undergo eye (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.83, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.72), foot (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI 0.65 to 4.59) and HbA1c (AOR: 1.66, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.30) exams and achieved all ABC (HbA1c, blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)) goals (AOR: 2.23, 95% CI 1.30 to 3.83). Conversely, those at an urban PCU were more likely to undergo albuminuria exams. Variables significantly associated with good glycaemic control included age (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.79), T2DM duration (AOR: 0.59, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.88), FAACE (foot, HbA1c, albuminuria, LDL-C and eye) goals (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.36) and All8Q (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.41). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly linked with high triglyceride and HbA1c levels (AOR: 5.23, 95% CI 1.21 to 7.61). Elevated HbA1c levels, longer T2DM duration, insulin use, high systolic BP and high lipid profile levels correlated strongly with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and CKD progression. CONCLUSION: This highlights the necessity for targeted interventions to bridge urban-suburban care gaps, optimise drug prescriptions and implement comprehensive care strategies for improved glycaemic control, DR prevention and CKD progression mitigation among in Thai patients with T2DM. The value of the clinical target aggregate (ABC) and the process of care aggregate (FAACE) was also conclusively demonstrated.

The predictors of voluntary participation in pulmonary tuberculosis screening program: a study in a suburban community of southern Thailand.

Background: The health belief model (HBM), baseline health condition, and sociocultural factors impact the decision to participate in a tuberculosis screening program. Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out among the "Kao Taew" community dwellers aged 18 years and above, who voluntarily underwent the provided pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) screening by chest radiographs (CXRs). The level of individual HBM domain perception, attitudes toward PTB prevention, and regularity of PTB prevention practices by the participants were evaluated. The significantly associated or correlated factors such as demographic characteristics, individual HBM domain perception, and attitudes toward PTB prevention with the regularity of PTB prevention practices from the univariate analysis were further analyzed by multiple linear regression (p < 0.05) to determine the independent significant predictors of PTB prevention practices. Results: Among 311 participants comprising 65% women, 57.9% aged ≥ 65 years and 67.2% had an underlying disease. The study participants had a high level of perception of HBM domains but a low level of perception of the barrier. In addition, a high level of attitudes toward PTB prevention and a high regularity of PTB prevention practices were found. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the perceived benefits of PTB screening [Beta = 0.20 (0.04, 0.36) p = 0.016] and acquiring underlying diseases [Beta = 1.06 (0.38, 1.73), p = 0.002] were significant predictors for PTB prevention practices, while belief in Islam was a reverse predictor [Beta = -0.84 (-1.47, -0.21), p = 0.010]. Conclusions: The level of perception of the individual domain of HBM, health status, and religious belief significantly predicted voluntary participation in PTB screening programs. Careful consideration by integration of the relevant health psychology, physical, and sociocultural factors is crucial for planning a health screening program.

Healthier Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Better Sleep Quality among Shanghai Suburban Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: More is to be explored between dietary patterns and sleep quality in the Chinese adult population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including 7987 Shanghai suburban adults aged 20-74 years was conducted. Dietary information was obtained using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to a priori dietary patterns, such as the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and Mediterranean diet (MD), was assessed. Sleep quality was assessed from self-reported responses to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Logistic regression models adjusting for confounders were employed to examine the associations. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of poor sleep (PSQI score ≥ 5) was 28.46%. Factor analysis demonstrated four a posteriori dietary patterns. Participants with a higher CHEI (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.95), DASH (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60-0.82) or MD (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64-0.87) had a lower poor sleep prevalence, while participants with a higher "Beverages" score had a higher poor sleep prevalence (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.27). CONCLUSIONS: In Shanghai suburban adults, healthier dietary patterns and lower consumption of beverages were associated with better sleep quality.

Rationale, Design and Methodology of a Population-Based Ocular Study in a Suburbanization Region in Tianjin, China: The Beichen Eye Study.

PURPOSE: The urbanization of suburbs has a significant impact on ocular health, however, the effect of this phenomenon on the epidemiology of eye diseases in the sub-urbanization region of China remains unclear. In this context, the population-based Beichen Eye Study (BCES) was conducted in the Beichen District of Tianjin, China. This article aims to summarize the background, design scheme and operation process of the study. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number was ChiCTR2000032280. METHODS: In total, 8218 participants were randomly selected by a multi-stage sampling method. After their qualification was confirmed, participants were mainly invited to a centralized clinic via telephone interviews after promotion of the study in the community. Examinations included a standardized interview, anthropometric assessment, autorefraction, ocular biometry, visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examinations, dry eye disease (DED), intra-ocular pressure, visual field testing, gonioscopy, and imaging of anterior segment, posterior segment, fundus, and optic disc. A peripheral venous blood sample was also collected for biochemical testing. For observational purposes, a community-based type II diabetes mellitus management mode was created and assessed for its effect in preventing the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). RESULTS: Of the 8,218 residents, 7,271 were eligible for inclusion, and 5,840 (80.32%) subjects were enrolled in the BCES. Most of the participants were female (64.38%) with a median age of 63 years, and 98.23% representing Han Chinese descent. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the epidemiological characteristics of major ocular diseases and their moderators in a suburbanized region of China.

Suburban Population of Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in Connecticut, USA, Tested Negative for SARS-CoV-2, November 2021-February 2022.

A SARS-CoV-2 genomic and serologic survey was performed in a population of bobcats (Lynx rufus) inhabiting the state of Connecticut, USA. Wild animal populations are becoming established in densely populated cities with increased likelihood of direct or indirect contact with humans, as well as with household cats and dogs. Wild-caught bobcats (n=38) tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and for virus-neutralizing antibodies by ELISA, suggesting that either the species is not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 or that the surveyed population has not yet been exposed to a source of infectious virus. However, this limited survey cannot rule out that human-to-bobcat or unknown reservoir-to-bobcat transmission of the virus occurs in nature.

High school science fair: School location trends in student participation and experience.

The findings reported in this paper are based on surveys of U.S. high school students who registered and managed their science and engineering fair (SEF) projects through the online Scienteer website over the three years 2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22. Almost 2500 students completed surveys after finishing all their SEF competitions. We added a new question in 2019/20 to our on-going surveys asking the students whether their high school location was urban, suburban, or rural. We learned that overall, 74% of students participating in SEFs indicated that they were from suburban schools. Unexpectedly, very few SEF participants, less than 4%, indicated that they were from rural schools, even though national data show that more than 20% of high school students attend rural schools. Consistent with previous findings, Asian and Hispanic students indicated more successful SEF outcomes than Black and White students. However, whereas Asian students had the highest percentage of SEF participants from suburban vs. urban schools- 81% vs. 18%, Hispanic students had the most balanced representation of participants from suburban vs. urban schools- 55% vs. 39%. Differences in students' SEF experiences based on gender and ethnicity showed the same patterns regardless of school location. In the few items where we observed statistically significant (probability < .05) differences based on school location, students from suburban schools were marginally favored by only a few percentage points compared to students from urban schools. In conclusion, based on our surveys results most students participating in SEFs come from suburban schools, but students participating in SEFs and coming from urban schools have equivalent SEF experiences, and very few students participating in SEFs come from rural schools.

The Effect of Dietary Pattern on Metabolic Syndrome in a Suburban Population in Shanghai, China.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is recognized as one of the most severe non-communicable chronic diseases. Diet plays an essential role in the development and exacerbation of MetS. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and MetS in a suburban population in Shanghai, China. Data were collected on the Zhongshan community from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB) study between May and September 2017. A total of 5426 participants who completed the questionnaire investigation, physical measurements, and biological sample collection were effectively enrolled in this study. Both posteriori and priori methods were utilized to generate different dietary patterns, including the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diet (MD). The prevalence of MetS in this study was 22.47%. Compared to the reference, dietary patterns with a higher intake of "dairy and fruits" and "coarse cereals and soy products" had protective effects on MetS (p < 0.05). However, no significant correlation with MetS was observed for DASH and MD. Our study recommends higher consumption of fruits, coarse cereals, and soy products, which was associated with a lower prevalence of MetS in the suburban population of Shanghai. The correlation of DASH and MD with MetS in the Chinese population requires further exploration.

Temporal and spatial variations in local sex ratios in a suburban population of the European green toad Bufotes viridis.

BACKGROUND: Sex ratios of animal populations are important factors of population demographics. In pond-breeding amphibians, the operational sex ratio (OSR) among the breeding population is usually male-biased. Also, in European green toads (Bufotes viridis), males usually outnumber females at breeding sites, while the sex ratio of the total adult population (ASR) is assumed to be balanced. It has been suggested that sex-specific breeding behavior causes male-predominance at the breeding sites. We used a dataset of 5 years of street patrols to test this hypothesis. For this we analyzed local sex ratios of green toads in terrestrial habitats and at two artificial breeding ponds. We expected temporal and/or spatial changes of local sex ratios which would indicate sex dependent differences in breeding behavior. RESULTS: Overall observed ASR among 2111 green toads, counted in the course of street patrols from 2016 to 2020, was slightly male-biased (ASR = 0.56, annual ASRs = 0.49-0.63). Based on the data of 1631 toads (920 males, 711 females) captured within a radius of 300 m around nine main breeding sites, temporal and spatial variations in local ASRs were evaluated. Resulting values were compared to the calculated OSR at two artificial breeding ponds in 2021 (645 adult: 553 males, 92 females). Estimates predict more equally distributed females and males prior to the main breeding season. During breeding season, males predominated at both breeding sites (B1: 0.83, B2: 0.89), whereas females are estimated to outnumber males in terrestrial habitats. Proportions of females highly significantly increased with advancing time of the year and increasing distance to the breeding sites. While males tended to accumulate in proximity to water bodies, females dispersed soon after breeding to more distant areas. CONCLUSIONS: Observed sex ratios in the studied green toad population changed with time and sampling site, deviating from the population-wide sex ratio. Expanding sampling effort in amphibian conservation assessments in time and space, i.e., outside the main breeding season and away from the breeding sites, would be important to encompass such variations.

Long-term stability of thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) in serum in the Danish General Suburban Population Study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the long-term stability of thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO). METHODS: In the Danish General Suburban Population Study (GESUS), serum samples were biobanked at -80 °C during 2010-2013. In a paired design with 70 subjects, we compared anti-TPO (30-198 U/mL) measured on fresh serum on Kryptor Classic in 2010-2011 (anti-TPOfresh) with anti-TPO remeasured on frozen serum (anti-TPOfrozen) on Kryptor Compact Plus in 2022. Both instruments used the same reagents and the anti-TPOn automated immunofluorescent assay, which was calibrated against the international standard NIBSC 66/387, based on the Time Resolved Amplified Cryptate Emission (TRACE) technology from BRAHMS. Values greater than 60 U/mL are regarded as positive in Denmark with this assay. Statistical comparisons included Bland-Altman, Passing-Bablok regression, and Kappa statistic. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 11.9 years (SD: 0.43). For anti-TPOfrozen vs. anti-TPOfresh, the line of equality was within the confidence interval of the absolute mean difference [5.71 (-0.32; 11.7) U/mL] and the average percentage deviation [+2.22% (-3.89%; +8.34%)]. The average percentage deviation of 2.22% did not exceed analytical variability. Passing-Bablok regression revealed both a statistically significant systematic and proportional difference: Anti-TPOfrozen=-22.6 + 1.22*(anti-TPOfresh). Frozen samples were correctly classified as positive in 64/70 (91.4%; Kappa=71.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TPO serum samples in the range 30-198 U/mL were stable after 12-years of storage at -80 °C with an estimated nonsignificant average percentage deviation of +2.22%. This comparison is based on Kryptor Classic and Kryptor Compact Plus, which used identical assays, reagents, and calibrator, but for which the agreement in the range 30-198 U/mL is unclarified.

The Role of Suburbanization in Metropolitan Segregation After 1940.

The three decades from 1940 through 1970 mark a turning point in the spatial scale of Black-White residential segregation in the United States compared with earlier years. We decompose metropolitan segregation into three components: segregation within the city, within the suburbs, and between the city and its suburbs. We then show that extreme levels of segregation were well established in most cities by 1940, and they changed only modestly by 1970. In this period, changes in segregation were greater at the metropolitan scale, driven by racially selective population growth in the suburbs. We also examine major sources of rising segregation, including region, metropolitan total, and Black population sizes, and indicators of redlining in the central cities based on risk maps prepared by the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) in the late 1930s. In addition to overall regional differences, segregation between the city and suburbs and within suburbia increased more in metropolitan areas with larger Black populations, but this relationship was found only in the North. In contrast to some recent theorizing, there is no association between preparation of an HOLC risk map or the share of city neighborhoods that were redlined and subsequent change in any component of segregation.

"A queimada não estanca": experiência de mulheres no dispositivo grupal / "La quemada no cesa": experiencia de mujeres en el dispositivo grupal / "The Burn doesn't stop": experience of women on group dispositive

Neste artigo analisamos cenas emergentes de um projeto de pesquisa-intervenção intitulado "Oficinas de Artes na Queimada". O projeto investe no dispositivo grupal em encontros com mulheres que residem na periferia da cidade e na participação delas em eventos culturais, acadêmicos e feiras, oportunidade para a comercialização dos colares produzidos nas oficinas. As saídas para esses espaços nos confrontam com cenas em que se evidenciam as violências estruturantes das relações de gênero, classe, raça e etnia em nossa sociedade. Objetivamos analisar algumas dessas cenas e problematizar, a partir da ética de Espinosa e teóricos/as da Psicologia Social Comunitária, as forças que constituem a experiência das mulheres na relação com o dispositivo grupal, com a cidade e os efeitos e sentidos que a experiência produz em suas vidas. Analisamos também as relações que estabelecemos com essas mulheres e os deslocamentos que se produzem na direção de uma Psicologia implicada com lutas interseccionais.

This article analyzes scenes that have emerged along the project of research-intervention entitled "Art Workshops at Queimada". The project focuses on the group dispositive through meetings with periferic women, their communion in cultural and academic events, as well as solidarity economy fairs where the necklaces produced in these workshops are sold. These encounters confront us with scenes in which the structural violence of the relations of gender, class and ethnicity in our society is manifested. We aim to analyze some of these scenes and problematize -under Espinosa's Ethics and some theorists of social psychology -the lines that constitute the experience of these women in relation with the group dispositive and the city, and the effects and meanings that the experience produces in their lives. We also analyze the relationships that we establish with these women and the shifts that take place towards a psychology involved with intersectional struggles. (AU)

Este artículo analiza escenas del proyecto de investigación-intervención titulado "Talleres de Artes en la Queimada". El proyecto apuesta en el dispositivo grupal para los encuentros con mujeres residentes de regiones periféricas de la ciudad y en la participación de ellas en eventos culturales, académicos y ferias, oportunidad para la comercialización delos collares producidos en los talleres. Las salidas para esos espacios nos confrontan con escenas en las que se evidencian violencias sociales y estructurales de género, clase y etnia. Objetivamos analizar algunas de estas escenas a partir de la ética deEspinosa y teóricos/as de la Psicología social, las fuerzas que constituyen la experiencia de las mujeres en relación con el dispositivo grupal, con la ciudad y los efectos que la experiencia produce en sus vidas. Analizamos también las relaciones que establecemos con las mujeres y los desplazamientos en la dirección de una Psicología implicada con luchas interseccionales. (AU)

Health literacy and quality of life among people in semi-urban and urban areas / Letramento em saúde e qualidade de vida entre pessoas em áreas semiurbanas e urbanas / Alfabetización en salud y calidad de vida entre personas en áreas semiurbanas y urbanas

Abstract Objective: to investigate health literacy level, quality of life and related factors in semi-urban and urban areas. Method: this cross-sectional study was carried out between December 2018 and February 2019 with 595 participants. The variables found significant in the bivariate regression analysis were included in the multivariate regression analysis. Results: according to the scores obtained from the Health Literacy Scale, participants' health literacy 76.5% levels were adequate. The factors affecting the Health Literacy Scale score in semi-urban areas were educational status, income status, presence of a chronic disease, perceived health, and understanding the health information provided. The factors affecting the Health Literacy Scale score in urban areas were age, marital status, reading habits, presence of a chronic disease, and understanding the health information provided (p < .05). There was a statistically significant difference between participants living in semi-urban and urban areas in terms of their health literacy and quality of life levels (p < .001). Conclusion: the health literacy level was inadequate in three out of ten participants, and it was even lower in semi-urban areas.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar o nível de letramento em saúde, qualidade de vida e fatores relacionados em áreas semiurbanas e urbanas. Método: este estudo transversal foi realizado entre dezembro de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019 com 595 participantes. As variáveis encontradas significativas na análise de regressão bivariada foram incluídas na análise de regressão multivariada. Resultados: de acordo com os escores obtidos na Health Literacy Scale, os níveis de letramento em saúde dos participantes de 76,5% estavam adequados. Os fatores que afetaram a pontuação da Health Literacy Scale em áreas semiurbanas foram escolaridade, renda, presença de doença crônica, percepção de saúde e compreender as informações de saúde fornecidas. Os fatores que afetaram a pontuação da Health Literacy Scale em áreas urbanas foram idade, estado civil, hábitos de leitura, presença de doença crônica e compreender as informações de saúde fornecidas (p < 0,05). Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os participantes que vivem em áreas semiurbanas e urbanas em termos de letramento em saúde e níveis de qualidade de vida (p < 0,001). Conclusão: o nível de letramento em saúde foi inadequado em três dos dez participantes, sendo ainda menor nas áreas semiurbanas.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar el nivel de alfabetización en salud, calidad de vida y factores relacionados en áreas semiurbanas y urbanas. Método: este estudio transversal se realizó entre diciembre de 2018 y febrero de 2019 con 595 participantes. Las variables que se encontraron significativas en el análisis de regresión bivariante se incluyeron en el análisis de regresión multivariante. Resultados: según los puntajes obtenidos en la Health Literacy Scale, los niveles de alfabetización en salud de los participantes del 76,5% fueron adecuados. Los factores que afectaron los puntajes de la Health Literacy Scale en áreas semiurbanas fueron la educación, los ingresos, la presencia de enfermedades crónicas, la salud percibida y comprender la información de salud proporcionada. Los factores que afectaron el puntaje de la Health Literacy Scale en áreas urbanas fueron la edad, el estado civil, los hábitos de lectura, la presencia de una enfermedad crónica y comprender la información de salud proporcionada (p < 0,05). Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los participantes que vivían en áreas urbanas y semiurbanas en términos de alfabetización en salud y niveles de calidad de vida (p < 0,001). Conclusión: el nivel de alfabetización en salud fue inadecuado en tres de cada diez participantes, y fue aún más bajo en las áreas semiurbanas.

A novel wastewater-based epidemiology indexing method predicts SARS-CoV-2 disease prevalence across treatment facilities in metropolitan and regional populations.

There is a need for wastewater based epidemiological (WBE) methods that integrate multiple, variously sized surveillance sites across geographic areas. We developed a novel indexing method, Melvin's Index, that provides a normalized and standardized metric of wastewater pathogen load for qPCR assays that is resilient to surveillance site variation. To demonstrate the utility of Melvin's Index, we used qRT-PCR to measure SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA levels in influent wastewater from 19 municipal wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF's) of varying sizes and served populations across the state of Minnesota during the Summer of 2020. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected at each WWTF during the 20-week sampling period at a mean concentration of 8.5 × 104 genome copies/L (range 3.2 × 102-1.2 × 109 genome copies/L). Lag analysis of trends in Melvin's Index values and clinical COVID-19 cases showed that increases in indexed wastewater SARS-CoV-2 levels precede new clinical cases by 15-17 days at the statewide level and by up to 25 days at the regional/county level. Melvin's Index is a reliable WBE method and can be applied to both WWTFs that serve a wide range of population sizes and to large regions that are served by multiple WWTFs.

Community-based point-of-care testing to identify new HIV infections: A cross-sectional study from Pune, India.

ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization recommends point-of-care testing (POCT) to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals in the community. This will help improve treatment coverage through detection of HIV infection among those who are unaware of their status.This study was planned with an objective to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of POCT for HIV in the community.A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural and peri-urban areas of Pune, India. These sites were selected based on the distance from the nearest HIV testing center. Testing locations were identified in consultation with the local stakeholders and grass-root health workers to identify and capture the priority population. The POCT was performed on blood samples collected by the finger-prick method.The proportion of participants seeking HIV tests for the first time was 79.6% that signifies the feasibility of POCT. The acceptability in the peri-urban and rural areas was 70.2% and 69.7%, respectively. POCT was performed at construction sites (24.9%), nearby industries (16.1%) and parking areas of long-distance trucks (8.1%) in the peri-urban area. Three newly diagnosed HIV-infected participants (0.1%) were detected from the peri-urban areas but none from the rural areas. Two of the newly diagnosed participants and their spouses were linked to care.There was a high acceptability of POCT and wider coverage of priority population with a strategy of testing at places preferable to the study population. Therefore, we believe that community-based POCT is a promising tool for improving HIV testing coverage even in low prevalence settings with the concentrated HIV epidemic.

The Effects of Host Availability and Fitness on Aedes albopictus Blood Feeding Patterns in New York.

Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of numerous pathogens, representing a range of transmission cycles involving unique hosts. Despite the important status of this vector, variation in its feeding patterns is poorly understood. We examined the feeding patterns of Ae. albopictus utilizing resting collections in Long Island, NY, and contextualized blood meal sources with host availability measured by household interviews and camera traps. We identified 90 blood meals, including 29 humans, 22 cats, 16 horses, 12 opossums, 5 dogs, 2 goats, and 1 each of rabbit, rat, squirrel, and raccoon. This is only the third study of Ae. albopictus blood feeding biology that quantitatively assessed domestic host availability and is the first to do so with wild animals. Host feeding indices showed that cats and dogs were fed upon disproportionately often compared with humans. Forage ratios suggested a tendency to feed on cats and opossums and to avoid raccoons, squirrels, and birds. This feeding pattern was different from another published study from Baltimore, where Ae. albopictus fed more often on rats than humans. To understand whether these differences were because of host availability or mosquito population variation, we compared the fitness of New York and Baltimore Ae. albopictus after feeding on rat and human blood. In addition, we examined fitness within the New York population after feeding on human, rat, cat, horse, and opossum blood. Together, our results do not indicate major mosquito fitness differences by blood hosts, suggesting that fitness benefits do not drive Northeastern Ae. albopictus feeding patterns.

2020 COVID-19 lockdown and the impacts on air quality with emphasis on urban, suburban and rural zones.

Air quality improvements pollution changes due to COVID-19 restrictions have been reported for many urban developments and large metropolitan areas, but the respective impacts at rural and remote zones are less frequently analysed. This study evaluated air pollution changes across all Portugal (68 stations) considering all urban, suburban and rural zones. PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, ozone was analysed in pre-, during, and post-lockdown period (January-May 2020) and for a comparison also in 2019. NO2 was the most reduced pollutant in 2020, which coincided with decreased traffic. Significant drop (15-71%) of traffic related NO2 was observed specifically during lockdown period, being 55% for the largest and most populated region in country. PM was affected to a lesser degree (with substantial differences found for largely populated areas (Lisbon region ~ 30%; North region, up to 49%); during lockdown traffic-related PM dropped 10-70%. PM10 daily limit was exceeded 50% less in 2020, with 80% of exceedances before lockdown period. SO2 decreased by 35%, due to suspended industrial productions, whereas ozone concentrations slightly (though not significantly) increased (83 vs. 80 µg m-3).

Self-management using crude herbs and the health-related quality of life among adult patients with hypertension living in a suburban setting of Malaysia.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of crude herbs' use in the self-management of hypertension and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with hypertension. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed among patients with hypertension attending a government health clinic. Socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle modifications, medical history and predictors of crude herbs users were obtained. The diversity of crude herbs used was assessed using a modified international complementary and alternative medicine questionnaire (I-CAM-Q) and the HRQOL was assessed using the SF36 instrument. RESULTS: Out of the 294 patients recruited, 52.4% were female, 41.5% were Malay and 38.8% were within the 60 to69 age category. The prevalence of crude herbs users was 30.6% and the most common herbs used were pegaga (Centella asiatica), peria (Momordica charantia) and betik (Carica papaya). Using the regression analysis, significantly higher odds of using crude herbs are noted among Malay or Indian patients who have these characteristics: attained secondary education, experienced falls or muscle pain, and had systolic blood pressure of more than 140 mmHg. There was no significant difference in HRQOL domains between the crude herb users and non-users (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Besides taking allopathic medications, certain patients with hypertension use crude herbs as a form of self-management. Although patients are adamant about integrating crude herbs as a form of self-management, the effects of doing so have not been properly investigated. This implies that the healthcare staff members need to communicate with the patients regarding the use of crude herbs together with conventional drugs.

Incidence of grinspan syndrome among tribal and suburban population of Maharashtra - A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Grinspan syndrome is characterised by presence of the triad: hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and oral lichen planus (OLP). OLP, seen in hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is caused by drugs used to treat these diseases according to literature, however the incidence of this syndrome in India has not yet been reported anywhere. Hence the present study was conducted with the following objectives: (i) To determine the incidence of Grinspan syndrome amongst tribal and suburban study population of Maharashtra in different gender and age groups (ii) To correlate occurrence of OLP with DM type 2 and hypertension (iii) To find out the number of patients with OLP, DM type 2 and hypertension either alone or in combination. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The present study was conducted on 4681 new patients attending the routine outpatient department (O.P.D.) of the dental hospital between January 2017 and December 2018. Patients with OLP or DM (type-2) or hypertension or any combination of these diseases were included in the present study. Brief case history of each patient was recorded. Data thus collected were analysed using SPSS version 20 for Chi-square test. RESULTS: Grinspan syndrome was found in 1.62% of the study population. Syndrome was seen in 1.02% of female and 0.59% of male. Maximum patient affected by syndrome were in 35-50 years of age group. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of Grinspan syndrome was 1.62%, mainly seen in sub-urban females of 35-50 years and OLP seen in hypertension and diabetes mellitus has different etiology and is not caused by drugs used to treat these diseases.