Seismic constraints and geodynamic implications of differential lithosphere-asthenosphere flow revealed in East Asia.

During the last 50 Ma, the East Asian continent has been a zone of massive continental collision and lithospheric deformation. While the consequences of this for Asian surface and lithospheric deformation have been intensively studied over the past 4 decades, the relationships between lithospheric deformation and underlying asthenospheric flow have been more difficult to constrain. Here we present a high resolution 3-D azimuthal anisotropy model for the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and its eastward continuation based on surface-wave tomography and shear-wave splitting measurements. This model shows that eastward lateral flow of asthenosphere beneath the northeastern Tibetan Plateau is being blocked by thick Ordos and Sichuan cratonic keels. The damming effect of these keels induces flow to first rotate around the Ordos keel and then transition into strong east-west flow beneath the thinner lithosphere that forms the lithospheric suture between the two cratonic keels. We further find that asthenosphere flow directions can differ from those of overlying lithosphere, with the asthenosphere neither being passively dragged by overlying lithosphere, nor being able to drag the overlying plate to mimic its subsurface flow. Finally, the region of eastward-channeled asthenospheric flow from Tibet underlies a belt of stronger intracontinental deformation in eastern China.

Clinical pathology and molecular examination of Babesia spp. infection in dogs; Mashhad, Northeast Iran.

This study aimed to fill a crucial gap in our understanding of Babesia infection in dogs in Mashhad, northeast Iran. We not only investigated the prevalence of Babesia species among dogs but also undertook a comprehensive comparison of clinical, hematological, and clinicopathological findings between infected and non-infected cases, a unique aspect of our research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our research was conducted with meticulous attention to detail. We randomly collected blood specimens from a diverse population of 150 dogs, including owned pets (n = 47), stray dogs (n = 66), and shelter dogs (n = 37), to ensure the reliability and representativeness of our findings. We then used microscopy and PCR to investigate Babesia spp. infection and analyzed various biochemical and hematological variables. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of babesiosis was 15.3 % (23/150) by PCR and 2 % (3/150) by microscopy. Upon microscopic examination, two cases of large Babesia and one case of small-sized Babesia were identified. The sequencing results confirmed that the two dogs testing positive for large-sized Babesia species in this study were both infected with B. vogeli, exhibiting 100 % sequence identity. There was no association between infection and gender, while housing status (k = 37.294, p = 0.000) and age (k = 6.897, p = 0.021) significantly related to infection rate. Among laboratory variables, infection with Babesia spp. showed a remarkable association with Hct (k = 4.749, p = 0.025) and RBC count (k = 14.669, p = 0.000), which were significantly lower in infected dogs compared to non-infected dogs (p < 0.05). Aside from severe non-regenerative anemia observed in all three clinically infected cases, the most clinicopathological changes were observed in one B. vogeli-infected dog, including pancytopenia, azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, hypocholesterolemia, hyponatremia. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a higher-than-expected prevalence of canine babesiosis in Northeastern Iran, necessitating further investigation of tick vectors and Babesia spp. distribution. Notably, many infected dogs were asymptomatic, raising concerns about silent spread via carriers. Moreover, the high prevalence of infection in shelters highlights the need for more effective control strategies in these centers.

Vertical Distribution of Rocky Intertidal Organisms Shifts With Sea-Level Variability on the Northeast Pacific Coast.

Disentangling the effects of cyclical variability in environmental forcing and long-term climate change on natural communities is a major challenge for ecologists, managers, and policy makers across ecosystems. Here we examined whether the vertical distribution of rocky intertidal taxa has shifted with sea-level variability occurring at multiple temporal scales and/or long-term anthropogenic sea-level rise (SLR). Because of the distinct zonation characteristic of intertidal communities, any shift in tidal dynamics or average sea level is expected to have large impacts on community structure and function. We found that across the Northeast Pacific Coast (NPC), sea level exhibits cyclical seasonal variability, tidal amplitude exhibits ecologically significant variability coherent with the 18.6-year periodicity of lunar declination, and long-term sea-level rise is occurring. Intertidal taxa largely do not exhibit significant vertical distribution shifts coherent with short-term (monthly to annual) sea-level variability but do exhibit taxa-specific vertical distribution shifts coherent with cyclical changes in lunar declination and long-term SLR at decadal timescales. Finally, our results show that responses to cyclical celestial mechanics and SLR vary among taxa, primarily according to their vertical distribution. Long-term SLR is occurring on ecologically relevant scales, but the confounding effects of cyclical celestial mechanics make interpreting shifts in zonation or community structure challenging. Such cyclical dynamics alternatingly amplify and dampen long-term SLR impacts and may modify the impacts of other global change related stressors, such as extreme heat waves and swell events, on intertidal organisms living at the edge of their physiological tolerances. As a result, intertidal communities will likely experience cyclical periods of environmental stress and concomitant nonlinear shifts in structure and function as long-term climate change continues. Our results demonstrate that consistent, large-scale monitoring of marine ecosystems is critical for understanding natural variability in communities and documenting long-term change.

Un desafío crucial para ecólogos, gestores y responsables políticos en todos los ecosistemas es entender los efectos de la variabilidad cíclica de los forzamientos ambientales y el cambio climático a largo plazo en las comunidades naturales. Aquí examinamos si la distribución vertical de los taxones del intermareal rocoso ha cambiado con la variabilidad del nivel del mar que ocurre en múltiples escalas temporales o con el aumento del nivel del mar antropogénico a largo plazo (ANM). Se espera que cualquier cambio en la dinámica de las mareas o el nivel medio del mar tenga grandes impactos en la estructura y función de la comunidad debido a la distintiva zonación característica de las comunidades intermareales. Encontramos que a lo largo de la costa del Pacífico Noreste, el nivel del mar exhibe variabilidad estacional cíclica, que la amplitud de las mareas exhibe una variación ecológicamente significativa coherente con la variación en la declinación lunar con una periodicidad de 18.6 años, y que el aumento del nivel del mar a largo plazo está ocurriendo. Los taxones del intermareal no exhiben cambios significativos en su distribución vertical asociado a la variabilidad del nivel del mar a corto plazo (mensual a anual); sin embargo, muestran cambios específicos en la distribución vertical, variando para cada taxón en respuesta a los cambios cíclicos en la declinación lunar y al ANM a largo plazo en escala de décadas. Finalmente, nuestros resultados demuestran que las respuestas a las mecánicas celestes cíclicas y al ANM varían según los taxones, principalmente de acuerdo con su distribución vertical. El ANM a largo plazo está ocurriendo en escalas ecológicamente relevantes, pero los efectos confusos de las mecánicas celestes cíclicas hacen que interpretar los cambios en la zonación o la estructura de la comunidad sea un desafío. Tales dinámicas cíclicas alternadas amplifican y atenúan los impactos del ANM a largo plazo y pueden modificar los impactos de otros factores estresantes relacionados con el cambio global, como las olas de calor extremas y los eventos de oleaje, en los organismos intermareales que viven al límite de su tolerancia fisiológica. Como resultado, mientras continúe el cambio climático a largo plazo, las comunidades del intermareal probablemente experimentarán periodos cíclicos de estrés ambiental y cambios no lineales concurrentes de su estructura y función. Nuestros resultados demuestran que el monitoreo consistente y a gran escala de los ecosistemas marinos es fundamental para entender la variabilidad natural en las comunidades y documentar cambios a largo plazo.

What are future doctors learning about sex? An assessment of sexual health curricula across medical schools in the Northeastern United States.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health is an imperative area of study in medical school education, yet many medical schools do not offer a comprehensive curriculum nor is it standardized across the United States (US). AIM: This study aims to assess written curriculum materials from sexual health curricula in medical schools across the northeast region of the US and compare the current teachings to suggested standards. METHODS: A compilation of academic resources including lecture materials and syllabi were systematically reviewed utilizing a standardized and validated rubric with variables assessed including: biological and psychological aspects of human sexual development, anatomy and physiology of the human sexual response cycle, sexual health in relation to human reproduction, and contraceptive options. We analyzed our data from the document analysis to look at the frequency of inclusion and exclusion of the sexual health topics included in our rubric. OUTCOMES: The outcomes of our data set were in line with our hypothesis that there is significant variance between sexual health curricula across institutions as well as an overall lack in material covering sexual health topics. RESULTS: The data show significant sex specific differences such that male-specific topics were covered more frequently than female-specific information. Additionally, only one of the 10 schools examined taught about vulvar conditions. There was also a paucity of information about sexuality in the post-partum period. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The clinical implications of this study aim to highlight the discrepancy between an ideal sexual health curriculum and what is actually being taught in medical schools and help to guide future work of creating a comprehensive and standardized sexual medicine education in US. medical schools. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The validity of this study was strengthened by analyzing direct curricula materials as opposed to previous use of subjective, self-reported questionnaires. However, the sample location being restricted to the Northeast was a limitation to generalize findings across the country. Future studies would aim to analyze medical school curricula across different regions in the US. CONCLUSION: This study shows that there is a lack of comprehensive and standardized sexual health curriculum in medical schools in the Northeastern US and serves as initial evidence for further investigation of this topic across American medical schools.

Confusing boundaries of the Labrador Tea species: dispersal history explains the lack of clear species structure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Labrador Teas (genus Rhododendron, subsection Ledum) are a complex of species widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. They occupy cold-resistant plant communities from highlands to forest understory and wetland habitats almost circumboreally and they are especially abundant in Northeast Asia (NE Asia) and northern North America (NN Am), still there are no clear species boundaries in this group. The genetic structure of species of the subsect. Ledum from Eurasia and North America as well as the dispersal history of the group require clarification. METHODS: Phylogeny and biogeography of the subsect. Ledum of the genus Rhododendron were assessed using phylogenetic trees constructed based on the analysis of variation in chloroplast petB-petD, trnV-ndhC, trnH-psbA, K2R-K707, atpB oligo2 - rbcL oligo5 and nuclear (ITS1) markers of four Eurasian and one American species (65 populations, 408 individuals). The data were evaluated with Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian analysis. Molecular dating and ancestral areas reconstruction were obtained. KEY RESULTS: Dense sampling revealed widespread presence of shared haplotypes and ribotypes among Ledum populations and species. Two American, three Eurasian and one mixed lineage diversified during the Neogene climate cooling and then rapidly dispersed during the Pleistocene. The ability to accumulate high genetic diversity and to preserve it across distribution ranges and generations prevented Ledum from lineage sorting. As a result, a species complex with a reserve of genetic variability appeared. CONCLUSIONS: Although no clear phylogenetic inference can be obtained at present, the plastid genealogy is consisted with the nuclear genealogy and demonstrates the processes involved in speciation in the Ledum species complex.

Impact of serious adverse drug reactions on the quality of life of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria: a four-year retrospective study.

ABSTRACTSerious adverse drug reactions (sADRs) have a serious impact on the progress being made in providing antiretroviral therapy. The presence of HIV/AIDS and its complications associated with sADRs, has a negative effect on the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This was a descriptive retrospective cohort study of 400 adult HIV patients in which the QoL of PLWHA with sADRs was compared to patients that did not experience ADR who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was followed up for 48 months using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to measure QoL. Out of 400 patients, 373 (93.25%) respondents completed the study with an overall mean age was 40.8 years (SD ± 8.64). One hundred and ninety-nine patients (53.4%) reported to have experiencing sADR. The response consistently showed significantly higher mean scores in the QoL of patients who had no ADRs in the psychological, social and environments state of health domains compared to those who had ADRs with mean scores (P = 0.000, 0.037 and 0.028), respectively. This study revealed significantly higher scores in patients who had no ADRs compared to those who had ADRs. Low QoL due to serious ADR may add additional burden to HIV disease and complications, and the related discrimination often faced by PLWHA. This study would help clinicians pay serious attention to identifying and promptly managing ADR.

Large Seasonal Variation in Nitrogen Isotopic Abundances of Ammonia Volatilized from a Cropland Ecosystem and Implications for Regional NH3 Source Partitioning.

Ammonia (NH3) volatilization from agricultural lands is a main source of atmospheric reduced nitrogen species (NHx). Accurately quantifying its contribution to regional atmospheric NHx deposition is critical for controlling regional air nitrogen pollution. The stable nitrogen isotope composition (expressed by δ15N) is a promising indicator to trace atmospheric NHx sources, presupposing a reliable nitrogen isotopic signature of NH3 emission sources. To obtain more specific seasonal δ15N values of soil NH3 volatilization for reliable regional seasonal NH3 source partitioning, we utilized an active dynamic sampling technique to measure the δ15N-NH3 values volatilized from maize cropping land in northeast China. These values varied from -38.0 to -0.2‰, with a significantly lower rate-weighted value observed in the early period (May-June, -30.5 ± 6.7‰) as compared with the late period (July-October, -8.5 ± 4.3‰). Seasonal δ15N-NH3 variations were related to the main NH3 production pathway, degree of soil ammonium consumption, and soil environment. Bayesian isotope mixing model analysis revealed that without considering the seasonal δ15N variation in soil-volatilized NH3 could result in an overestimate by up to absolute 38% for agricultural volatile NH3 to regional atmospheric bulk ammonium deposition during July-October, further demonstrating that it is essential to distinguish seasonal δ15N profile of agricultural volatile NH3 in regional source apportionment.

Social fund and infant mortality: Evidence from an anti-poverty policy in Northeast Brazil.

This paper evaluates the effects of a social fund that meets the needs of the poor in Northeast Brazil, the Fundos Estaduais de Combate e Erradicação da Pobreza (FECEP). The program could have improved infant health by reducing poverty and improving access to health care, sanitation, food, and housing. Using a difference-in-differences approach robust to heterogeneous treatment effects, we confirm that the program has effectively reduced poverty in treated areas. Furthermore, we document that this poverty reduction is associated with a significant decline in infant mortality. These findings provide consistent evidence that targeted public investments can improve living conditions in vulnerable regions.

Acid mine drainage from coal mines in the eastern Himalayan sub-region: Hydrogeochemical processes, seasonal variations and insights from hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes.

Uncontrolled coal mining using non-scientific methods has presented a major threat to the quality of environment, particularly the water resources in eastern himalayan sub-region of India. Water bodies in the vicinity of mining areas are contaminated by acid mine drainage (AMD) that is released into streams and rivers. This study attempted to assess the impact of AMD, deciphering hydrogeochemical processes, seasonal fluctuations, and stable isotope features of water bodies flowing through and around coal mining areas. Self-organizing maps (SOMs) used to separate and categorize AMD, AMD-impacted and non-AMD impacted water from the different study locations for two sampling seasons revealed four clusters (C), with C1 and C2 impacted by AMD, C3 and C4 showing negligible to no impact of AMD. AMD impacted water was SO42- - Mg2+- Ca2+ hydrochemical type with sulphide oxidation and evaporation dominating water chemistry, followed by silicate weathering during both the sampling seasons. Water with negligible-to-no AMD-impact was Mg2+- Ca2+- SO42- to Ca2+ - HCO3- to mixed hydrochemical type with rock weathering and dissolution, followed by ion exchange as major factors controlling water chemistry during both the sampling seasons. Most of physicochemical parameters of C1 and C2 exceeded the prescribed limits, whereas in C3 and C4 water samples, parameters were found within the prescribed limits. Stable isotopes of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) during post-monsoon (PoM) varied between -41.04 ‰ and -29.98 ‰, and -6.60 ‰ to -3.94 ‰; and during pre-monsoon (PrM) varied between -58.18 ‰ and - 33.76 ‰ and -8.60 ‰ to -5.46 ‰. Deuterium excess (d-excess) ranged between 1.57 ‰ and 12.47 ‰ during PoM and 5.70 ‰ to 15.17 ‰ during PrM season. The stable isotopes analysis revealed that evaporation, mineral dissolution and mixing with rainwater are the key factors in study area.

Seascape genomics of the pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata): An insight into a cross-border species in the northeast Pacific coast.

Seascape genomics gives insight into the geographic and environmental factors shaping local adaptations. It improves the understanding of the potential effects of climate change, which is relevant to provide the basis for the international management of fishery resources. The pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata) is distributed from California, United States to Baja California Sur, Mexico, exposed to a latitudinal environmental gradient in the California Current System. Management of the pink abalone contrasts between Mexico and the United States; Mexico has an active fishery organized in four administrative areas, while the United States has kept the fishery in permanent closure since 1996. However, the impact of environmental factors on genetic variation along the species distribution remains unknown, and understanding this relationship is crucial for effective spatial management strategies. This study aims to investigate the neutral and adaptive genomic structure of H. corrugata. A total of 203 samples from 13 locations were processed using ddRADseq, and covering the species' distribution. Overall, 2,231 neutral, nine potentially adaptive and three genomic-environmental association loci were detected. The neutral structure identified two groups: 1) California, United States and 2) Baja California Peninsula, México. In addition, the adaptive structure analysis also detected two groups with genetic divergence observed at Punta Eugenia. Notably, the seawater temperature significantly correlated with the northern group (temperate) and the southern (warmer) group. This study is a valuable foundation for future research and conservation initiatives, emphasizing the importance of considering neutral and adaptive genetic factors when developing management strategies for marine species.

Factors associated with depression among war-affected population in Northeast, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Depression is the most common mental health outcome of exposure to war-related traumatic stressors. Due to inter-communal conflict, Dessie City residents have experienced prolonged armed conflict in 2021. This conflict leads to widespread violence, negative impact on mental health, and large-scale forced migration. However, the problem is not properly addressed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of depression in the war-affected area in Dessie City, Ethiopia. METHOD: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 785 participants in 2022. The study subjects were selected using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique. The outcome measures used in the study were validated with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data was entered using Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS version 25 was used to analyze data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were done to identify factors related to depression. In multivariable logistic regression variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered significant and, adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was used to present the strength of the association. RESULT: The prevalence of depression among participants was found to be 24.5% (95% CI,21.7, 27.5). In multivariable analysis, post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.76-4.43), middle-perceived life threats (AOR = 8.25, 95% CI 2.47-17.49), low social support (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.23-2.96) were variables significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSION: This study found a high prevalence of depression among Dessie City residents. post-traumatic stress disorder, middle-perceived life threats, and low social support were associated with depression. Interventional strategies should be implemented to promote healing, resilience, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities. However, the findings underscore the need to address the current lack of mental health care resources in post-conflict populations.

Factors associated with neonatal jaundice among neonates admitted at referral hospitals in northeast Ethiopia: a facility-based unmatched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice is a significant contributor to illness and death in newborns, leading to frequent admissions to neonatal intensive care units. To better understand this issue, a study was conducted to identify the factors contributing to neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to Dessie and Woldia comprehensive specialized hospitals in northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: The study took place from April 1 to May 30, 2022, using unmatched case-control design. A total of 320 neonates paired with their mothers were involved, including 64 cases and 256 controls. Data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a review of medical records. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23, and a multivariate logistic regression model was employed to understand the relationship between independent factors and the occurrence of neonatal jaundice. Statistical significance was determined at a threshold of P value less than 0.05. RESULTS: The study findings revealed that maternal age over 35 years, residing in urban areas [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23, 4.82], male gender (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.90, 9.74), prematurity (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.88, 8.09), and ABO incompatibility (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.16, 5.96) were significant determinants of neonatal jaundice. Conversely, the study indicated that cesarean birth was associated with a 76% lower likelihood of infant jaundice compared to vaginal delivery (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.72). CONCLUSION: To prevent, diagnose, and treat neonatal jaundice effectively, efforts should primarily focus on managing ABO incompatibility and early detection of prematurity. Additionally, special attention should be given to neonates born through vaginal delivery, those with mothers over 35 years old, and those residing in urban areas, as they are at higher risk of developing newborn jaundice. Close monitoring of high-risk mother-infant pairs during the antenatal and postnatal periods, along with early intervention, is crucial for reducing the severity of neonatal jaundice in this study setting.

Prevalence and determinant factors of premenstrual syndrome among secondary and preparatory school students in Dessie city administration, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was predominantly studied among university students who were in their early 20s; as a result, little is known about the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome among adolescent girls. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and identify factors associated with premenstrual syndrome among secondary school female students in the Dessie city administration, 2023. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 630 participants. A structured self-administered data collection tool was used to gather the necessary information. To ensure data quality, the pretesting and training of the data collectors and supervisors were conducted. The collected data were entered into Epi-data software and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Frequency tables, graphs, means, and medians were used to describe the characteristics of the study participants. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify significant factors. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of adjusted odds ratio (AOR) in the final multivariable logistic regression were reported as statistically significant factors associated with PMS. Model fitness was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. RESULTS: In the present study, the prevalence of PMS was 22%, 95% CI = 19-26%. FACTORS: Age ≥ 18 years (AOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.86), duration of menstruation ≥ 7 days (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.25, 10.37), presence of chronic illness (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI:1.04, 4.16), coffee intake (AOR = 6.05; 95% CI: 2.05, 17.87), alcohol intake (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.86), use of pain medication (AOR = 2.06; 95% CI:1.10, 3.86), use of hormonal contraceptives (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI:1.58, 9.62), sleep disturbance (AOR = 3.82; 95% CI: 2.29, 6.42) and physical exercise (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.87) were significantly associated with PMS. CONCLUSION: A significant number of students in this study were affected by premenstrual syndrome. Age, duration of menstruation, presence of chronic illness, coffee intake, use of pain medication, use of hormonal contraceptives, and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with PMS. Students should avoid excessive use of alcohol, coffee intake and use of pain medication without prescription.

Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for soldiers with frostbite in northeast China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges of physical training in extreme condition is frostbite, especially in Northeast China. In this study, we aimed to construct a risk prediction model for frostbite among soldiers in Northeast China, and verify its effect. METHODS: 698 participants were selected via convenience sampling from Northeast China from December 2021 to January 2022 (winter). They were randomly divided into a training set (N = 479) and a testing set (N = 202) in a ratio of 7:3. All participants completed a researcher-made questionnaire on frostbite. The prediction model was constructed through the use of Logistic regression analysis, which was used to predict the independent risk factors for frostbite formation and screen significant indicators. The model's performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the prediction efficiency and goodness of fit. RESULTS: The incidence of frostbite in the training set was 19.83% (95 people), all of which were first-degree frostbite. Among them, frostbite in multiple parts was the most common (58.95%), followed by singular body parts like hands (24.21%), ears (11.58%) and feet (5.26%). Single factor logistic regression analyses showed that ambient temperature, ambient wind speed, outdoor stationary time, stationary status, and history of frostbite are independent risk factors that affect the occurrence of frostbite. Furthermore, we constructed the frostbite risk prediction model for soldiers in the northeastern region of China. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the risk of frostbite in the training set and testing set was 0.816 (95% CI, 0.770 ~ 0.862) and 0.787 (95% CI, 0.713 ~ 0.860), respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test of the model showed χ2 = 11.328 and P = 0.184 (> 0.05). The DCA curve indicated that most of the clinical net benefits of the model are greater than 0, demonstrating good clinical usefulness. CONCLUSION: The constructed frostbite prediction model can effectively identify soldiers with a higher risk of frostbite. It provided theoretical support for commanders to take preventive measures to reduce the incidence of frostbite among soldiers and was of great clinical guiding significance.

An integrated FoodNet in North East India: fostering one health approach to fortify public health.

BACKGROUND: Food safety is a critical factor in promoting public health and nutrition, especially in developing countries like India, which experience several foodborne disease outbreaks, often with multidrug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, implementing regular surveillance of enteric pathogens in the human-animal-environment interface is necessary to reduce the disease burden in the country. OBJECTIVE: To establish a network of laboratories for the identification of major food and waterborne pathogens prevailing in the northeast region of India through integrated surveillance of animal, food, human, and environment and investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the pathogens of public health significance. METHODS: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has identified FoodNet laboratories; based on their geographical location, inclination to undertake the study, preparedness, proficiency, and adherence to quality assurance procedures, through an 8-step process to systematically expand to cover the Northeastern Region (NER) with comprehensive diagnostic capacities for foodborne pathogens and diarrhea outbreak investigations. Network initiated in the NER given the unique food habits of the ethnic population. FINDINGS: This surveillance network for foodborne enteric pathogens was established in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim, and expanded to other four states, i.e., Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, thereby covering the entire NER by including nine medical and three veterinary centers. All these centers are strengthened with periodic training, technical support, funding, capacity building, quality assurance, monitoring, centralized digital data management, and website development. RESULTS: The ICMR-FoodNet will generate NER-specific data with close to real-time reporting of foodborne disease and outbreaks, and facilitate the updating of food safety management protocols, policy reforms, and public health outbreak response. During 2020-2023, 13,981 food samples were tested and the detection of enteric pathogens ranged from 3 to 4%. In clinical samples, the detection rate of the pathogens was high in the diarrheal stools (8.9%) when 3,107 samples were tested. Thirteen outbreaks were investigated during the study period. CONCLUSION: Foodborne diseases and outbreaks are a neglected subject. Given the frequent outbreaks leading to the deaths of children, it is crucial to generate robust data through well-established surveillance networks so that a strong food safety policy can be developed for better public health.

Effects of community ecological network construction on physicochemical, microbial, and quality characteristics of inoculated northeast sauerkraut: A new insight in food fermentation processes.

The enhancement of the quality of northeast sauerkraut can be achieved by inoculation with lactic acid bacteria. However, a comprehensive ecological understanding of the intricate dynamic processes involved is currently lacking, which could yield valuable insights for regulating sauerkraut fermentation. This study compares spontaneously sauerkrauts with the sauerkrauts inoculated with autochthonous Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SC-MDJ and commercial L. plantarum, respectively. We examine their physicochemical properties, quality characteristics, bacterial community dynamics, and ecological network interactions. Inoculation with L. plantarum leads to reduced bacterial community richness and niche breadth, but an increase in robustness, interactions, and assembly processes. Notably, there appears to be a potential correlation between bacterial community structure and quality characteristics. Particularly, sauerkraut inoculated with L. plantarum SC-MDJ may produce a sourness more quickly, possibly attributed to the enhanced ecological role of L. plantarum SC-MDJ. This study establishes a foundation for the targeted regulation of sauerkraut fermentation.

High non-use of contraception among tribal and non-tribal women in North-Eastern India: alarming but neglected.

Limited evidence exists about the contraception uptake in indigenous tribal groups of the north-eastern region of India. This study based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) IV (2015-2016) reports aimed to describe the pattern and factors associated with contraceptive non-use in the tribal women of the north-eastern part of India. The study was a cross-sectional analytical study based on secondary analysis of NFHS-IV data. All women in the age group of 15-49 years from the north-eastern part of India were included. Data were extracted and analysed using modified STATA-14 software. The association of socio-demographic and economic characteristics with contraceptive non-use was assessed using logistic regression. The inter-group differences of population characteristics for non-use contraceptives were assessed by modified Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition technique using 'Fairlie decomposition'. A total of 65,941 women were included, of whom 34,936 (52.9%) were tribal women. The proportion of contraceptive non-use was higher in tribal women. Tribal women with age at marriage above 30 years, Christian community, and women from Assam and Manipur state had higher odds of contraceptive non-use. The decomposition analysis showed that geographical variations, parity, and Christian religion contributed the most to contraceptive use disparity in the population. A huge gap was observed in contraceptive non-use among tribal and non-tribal women in the north-eastern part of India. The healthcare system must involve community representatives in designing context-specific community-based initiatives to increase the uptake of contraceptive use in these remote vulnerable communities.

Second world record for Barathronus roulei Nielsen, 2019 (Ophidiiformes, Bythitidae), from the Porcupine Bank (Northeast Atlantic).

Barathronus is a genus of blind cusk eels comprising 11 valid species. In this paper, we report the second specimen ever documented of Barathronus roulei (Bythitidae) obtained from the Porcupine Bank by R.V. Vizconde de Eza using a bottom trawl at a depth of 1349 m. Morphological description and illustrations, including a radiograph, are provided. In addition, three new sequences corresponding to three different genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)-DNA barcoding, 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), and recombination activating protein 1 (RAG1), have been added to the molecular repositories, representing the first sequences for the species.

The prey availability and diet of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in low-productivity rivers in northern Europe.

The availability of resources varies across a species distributional range, and a low-productivity area can make a species more vulnerable. We investigated the invertebrate composition and prey choice of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in low-productivity rivers in northeast Iceland, which is one of the species' most northerly distributions. By sampling benthic and drift invertebrate populations, we found that prey availability was similar within and between rivers. Gut content samples showed that the main prey choice for juvenile S. salar was the Chironomidae. The type of food items consumed varied across different weight groups of S. salar, with smaller juveniles having more diverse diet. S. salar did not have a selection preference for chironomids, which indicates that they were eating the highly available prey in their environment, rather than hunting high biomass items such as terrestrial invertebrates and large Dipterans. Estimates of dietary niche showed that S. salar in these low-productivity rivers relied on consuming what was most readily available, the chironomids, and that they must share resources with other salmonid species. This may be due to the low diversity of freshwater invertebrates (fewer prey options), whereas S. salar in nutrient-rich rivers could rely more on terrestrial invertebrates as an additional subsidy in their diet. In conclusion, with limited prey choices, juvenile S. salar in nutrient-poor rivers, especially in a biogeographically isolated region with low species diversity, may increase in vulnerability and decrease in adaptability to environmental change. Management methods that increase benthic prey abundance and diversity are recommended for conserving the S. salar population in a nutrient-poor river.

Identification of Gene-Allele System Conferring Alkali-Tolerance at Seedling Stage in Northeast China Soybean Germplasm.

Salinization of cultivated soils may result in either high salt levels or alkaline conditions, both of which stress crops and reduce performance. We sampled genotypes included in the Northeast China soybean germplasm population (NECSGP) to identify possible genes that affect tolerance to alkaline soil conditions. In this study, 361 soybean accessions collected in Northeast China were tested under 220 mM NaHCO3:Na2CO3 = 9:1 (pH = 9.8) to evaluate the alkali-tolerance (ATI) at the seedling stage in Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China. The restricted two-stage multi-locus model genome-wide association study (RTM-GWAS) with gene-allele sequences as markers (6503 GASMs) based on simplified genome resequencing (RAD-sequencing) was accomplished. From this analysis, 132 main effect candidate genes with 359 alleles and 35 Gene × Environment genes with 103 alleles were identified, explaining 90.93% and 2.80% of the seedling alkali-tolerance phenotypic variation, respectively. Genetic variability of ATI in NECSGP was observed primarily within subpopulations, especially in ecoregion B, from which 80% of ATI-tolerant accessions were screened out. The biological functions of 132 candidate genes were classified into eight functional categories (defense response, substance transport, regulation, metabolism-related, substance synthesis, biological process, plant development, and unknown function). From the ATI gene-allele system, six key genes-alleles were identified as starting points for further study on understanding the ATI gene network.