Global city data analysis using SciMAT: a bibliometric review.

Global cities play a significant role in world economy as they serve as key hubs of economic activity and trade. These cities are centers of innovation, finance, culture, and commerce, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs from all over the world. They are characterized by their openness, diversity, and their ability to attract and retain talent. This paper includes a bibliometric analysis of the structure of global cities through examining the literature on global cities, including the document type, country/territory distribution, institution distribution, geographical distribution of authors, specially most active authors and their interests or research areas, relationships between principal authors and more relevant journals, and the research hot spots. The input data consists of journal articles archived by the Web of Science from 1991 to 2023, and the analysis is performed using SciMAT and VOS Viewer. The result of this paper would provide valuable insights into the state of research on this topic, including who is conducting research, where it is being conducted, what types of publications are being produced, and which themes are having the most impact on the field. Such an analysis would be useful for researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in understanding the role of global cities in the world economy.

Spatiotemporal investigation of the digital divide, the case study of Iranian Provinces.

Many communities and territories in developing countries experience significant gaps in access to and use of information and communication technology (ICT), which is viewed as a major impediment to socioeconomic and health-related vulnerabilities. Geographic considerations, on the other hand, as well as variations in motivation for ICT usage and technology adoption within and across nations, as well as between cultures, have exacerbated the digital divide. This paper investigates disparities in access to and utilization of ICT in 31 Iranian provinces from 2011 to 2020. The research discovers evidence that family income and the number of R&D centers affected the formation of the digital divide, albeit the degree of the split has fluctuated through time and space. This study discovered that digital inequality is associated with social exclusion throughout Iranian regions, and it went on to try to better understand the underlying issues and potential solutions. In this regard, some policy avenues are suggested for government action, particularly for marginalized socioeconomic groups, such as the provision of infrastructure, training and skill augmentation, and the easing of digital services supplied by the government or private sector.

The genetics and physiology of seed dormancy, a crucial trait in common bean domestication.

BACKGROUND: Physical seed dormancy is an important trait in legume domestication. Although seed dormancy is beneficial in wild ecosystems, it is generally considered to be an undesirable trait in crops due to reduction in yield and / or quality. The physiological mechanism and underlying genetic factor(s) of seed dormancy is largely unknown in several legume species. Here we employed an integrative approach to understand the mechanisms controlling physical seed dormancy in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). RESULTS: Using an innovative CT scan imaging system, we were able to track water movements inside the seed coat. We found that water uptake initiates from the bean seed lens. Using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) we further identified several micro-cracks on the lens surface of non-dormant bean genotypes. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was conducted on a bi-parental RIL (recombinant inbred line) population, segregating for seed dormancy. This analysis revealed that the seed water uptake is associated with a single major QTL on Pv03. The QTL region was fine-mapped to a 118 Kb interval possessing 11 genes. Coding sequence analysis of candidate genes revealed a 5-bp insertion in an ortholog of pectin acetylesterase 8 that causes a frame shift, loss-of-function mutation in non-dormant genotype. Gene expression analysis of the candidate genes in the seed coat of contrasting genotypes indicated 21-fold lower expression of pectin acetylesterase 8 in non-dormant genotype. An analysis of mutational polymorphism was conducted among wild and domesticated beans. Although all the wild beans possessed the functional allele of pectin acetylesterase 8, the majority (77%) of domesticated beans had the non-functional allele suggesting that this variant was under strong selection pressure through domestication. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified the physiological mechanism of physical seed dormancy and have identified a candidate allele causing variation in this trait. Our findings suggest that a 5-bp insertion in an ortholog of pectin acetylesterase 8 is likely a major causative mutation underlying the loss of seed dormancy during domestication. Although the results of current study provide strong evidences for the role of pectin acetylesterase 8 in seed dormancy, further confirmations seem necessary by employing transgenic approaches.

Contrasting anther glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities between two bean varieties suggest an important role in reproductive heat tolerance.

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are highly sensitive to elevated temperatures, and rising global temperatures threaten bean production. Plants at the reproductive stage are especially susceptible to heat stress due to damage to male (anthers) and female (ovary) reproductive tissues, with anthers being more sensitive to heat. Heat damage promotes early tapetal cell degradation, and in beans this was shown to cause male infertility. In this study, we focus on understanding how changes in leaf carbon export in response to elevated temperature stress contribute to heat-induced infertility. We hypothesize that anther glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity plays an important role at elevated temperature and promotes thermotolerance. To test this hypothesis, we compared heat-tolerant and susceptible common bean genotypes using a combination of phenotypic, biochemical, and physiological approaches. Our results identified changes in leaf sucrose export, anther sugar accumulation and G6PDH activity and anther H2 O2 levels and antioxidant-related enzymes between genotypes at elevated temperature. Further, anther respiration rate was found to be lower at high temperature in both bean varieties. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that enhanced male reproductive heat tolerance involves changes in the anther oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, which supplies reductants to critical H2 O2 scavenging enzymes.

Effect of Metformin on Circulating Levels of Inflammatory Markers in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates that metformin has anti-inflammatory effect; however, the results differ concerning randomized controlled trails of the effect of metformin on inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. OBJECTIVE: This study reassessed the data on the effect of metformin treatment on inflammatory markers in T2D patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, ISI Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases to collect relevant published data up to September 2020. Data of each study was combined using random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed based on subgroups of the treatment duration, dose and target population. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs including 1776 participants with T2D were analyzed. Although CRP levels significantly decreased [SMD: -0.76 mg/L; 95% CI (-1.48, -0.049); P = 0.036] in patients with T2D following metformin treatment, circulating levels of TNF-α [SMD: -0.17 pg/mL; 95% CI (-0.55, 0.20); P = 0.37] and IL-6 [SMD: -0.06 pg/mL; 95% CI (-0.38, 0.25); P = 0.69] were insignificant after metformin treatment. Compared to treatment duration of less than 24 weeks, longer treatment duration (more than 24 weeks) was associated with reduced level of CRP. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: Based on available evidence from RCTs in this meta-analysis, metformin decreased CRP level. However, strategies for the treatment of inflammation should focus on metformin in patients with T2D. CONCLUSION: The present study evidences that therapy with metformin can reduce CRP level significantly in T2D patients compared to other inflammatory markers.

Elevated temperatures cause loss of seed set in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) potentially through the disruption of source-sink relationships.

BACKGROUND: Climate change models predict more frequent incidents of heat stress worldwide. This trend will contribute to food insecurity, particularly for some of the most vulnerable regions, by limiting the productivity of crops. Despite its great importance, there is a limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms of variation in heat tolerance within plant species. Common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, is relatively susceptible to heat stress, which is of concern given its critical role in global food security. Here, we evaluated three genotypes of P. vulgaris belonging to kidney market class under heat and control conditions. The Sacramento and NY-105 genotypes were previously reported to be heat tolerant, while Redhawk is heat susceptible. RESULTS: We quantified several morpho-physiological traits for leaves and found that photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf area all increased under elevated temperatures. Leaf area expansion under heat stress was greatest for the most susceptible genotype, Redhawk. To understand gene regulatory responses among the genotypes, total RNA was extracted from the fourth trifoliate leaves for RNA-sequencing. Several genes involved in the protection of PSII (HSP21, ABA4, and LHCB4.3) exhibited increased expression under heat stress, indicating the importance of photoprotection of PSII. Furthermore, expression of the gene SUT2 was reduced in heat. SUT2 is involved in the phloem loading of sucrose and its distal translocation to sinks. We also detected an almost four-fold reduction in the concentration of free hexoses in heat-treated beans. This reduction was more drastic in the susceptible genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data suggests that while moderate heat stress does not negatively affect photosynthesis, it likely interrupts intricate source-sink relationships. These results collectively suggest a physiological mechanism for why pollen fertility and seed set are negatively impacted by elevated temperatures. Identifying the physiological and transcriptome dynamics of bean genotypes in response to heat stress will likely facilitate the development of varieties that can better tolerate a future of elevated temperatures.

Long-Term Vitamin D Supplementation and the Effects on Recurrence and Metabolic Status of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 2 or 3: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the recurrence and metabolic status of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3). METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out among 58 women diagnosed with CIN2/3. Participants were randomly assigned into 2 groups to receive either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 (n = 29) or placebo (n = 29) every 2 weeks for 6 months. RESULTS: The recurrence rate of CIN1/2/3 was 18.5 and 48.1% in the vitamin D and placebo groups respectively (p = 0.02). When we excluded CIN1, the recurrence rate of CIN2/3 became nonsignificant. Vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (-7.8 ± 9.2 vs. -1.1 ± 8.6 mg/dL, p = 0.006) and insulin levels (-3.2 ± 4.8 vs. -0.9 ± 3.4 µIU/mL, p = 0.03), and significantly increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (0.01 ± 0.02 vs. 0.002 ± 0.01, p = 0.02) compared with the placebo. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-815.3 ± 1,786.2 vs. 717.5 ± 1,827.3 ng/mL, p = 0.002) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (113.4 ± 137.4 vs. -53.7 ± 186.7 mmol/L, p < 0.001) following the supplementation of vitamin D compared with the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D3 supplementation for 6 months among women with CIN2/3 had beneficial effects on CIN1/2/3 recurrence and metabolic status; however, it did not affect CIN2/3 recurrence.

Synergistic activity of sub-inhibitory concentrations of curcumin with ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing related genes and virulence traits.

Quorum sensing (QS) system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be an important target for pharmacological intervention. The present study aimed to investigate the synergetic activity of sub-MIC concentrations of curcumin (C) with ceftazidime (CAZ) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) against P. aeroginusa QS system. We determined the MIC and synergistic activity of C, CAZ and CIP against P. aeroginusa PAO1 using broth microdilution and checkerboard titration methods. The activity of sub-MIC (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) concentrations of C on the QS signal molecules was assessed using a reporter strain assay. The influence of sub-MIC of C, CAZ and CIP alone and in combination on motility and biofilm formation was also determined and confirmed by RT-PCR to test the expression of QS regulatory genes lasI, lasR, rhlI and rhlR. The addition of C decreased the MIC of CAZ and CIP. Curcumin showed synergistic effects with CAZ and additive activity with CIP. Treated PAO1 cultures in the presence of C showed significant reduction of signals C12-HSL and C4-HSL (P < 0.05). Sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) of C, CAZ and CIP alone and in combination significantly reduced swarming and twitching motilities and biofilm formation. Expression of QS regulatory genes lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR using 1/4 MIC of C, CAZ and CIP alone and in combination was repressed significantly relative to untreated PAO1. Our results indicate that a combination of the sub-MIC concentration of C and CAZ exhibited synergism against P. aeroginusa QS system. This combination could lead to the development of a new combined therapy against P. aeruginosa.

Novel nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction in wheat (Triticum aestivum) induces vigorous plants.

Interspecific hybridization can be considered an accelerator of evolution, otherwise a slow process, solely dependent on mutation and recombination. Upon interspecific hybridization, several novel interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes emerge which provide additional sources of diversity. The magnitude and essence of intergenomic interactions between nuclear and cytoplasmic genomes remain unknown due to the direction of many crosses. This study was conducted to address the role of nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions as a source of variation upon hybridization. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) alloplasmic lines carrying the cytoplasm of Aegilops mutica along with an integrated approach utilizing comparative quantitative trait locus (QTL) and epigenome analysis were used to dissect this interaction. The results indicate that cytoplasmic genomes can modify the magnitude of QTL controlling certain physiological traits such as dry matter weight. Furthermore, methylation profiling analysis detected eight polymorphic regions affected by the cytoplasm type. In general, these results indicate that novel nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions can potentially trigger an epigenetic modification cascade in nuclear genes which eventually change the genetic network controlling physiological traits. These modified genetic networks can serve as new sources of variation to accelerate the evolutionary process. Furthermore, this variation can synthetically be produced by breeders in their programs to develop epigenomic-segregating lines.

Investigation of the Performance of HEMT-Based NO, NO2 and NH3 Exhaust Gas Sensors for Automotive Antipollution Systems.

We report improved sensitivity to NO, NO2 and NH3 gas with specially-designed AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMT) that are suitable for operation in the harsh environment of diesel exhaust systems. The gate of the HEMT device is functionalized using a Pt catalyst for gas detection. We found that the performance of the sensors is enhanced at a temperature of 600 °C, and the measured sensitivity to 900 ppm-NO, 900 ppm-NO2 and 15 ppm-NH3 is 24%, 38.5% and 33%, respectively, at 600 °C. We also report dynamic response times as fast as 1 s for these three gases. Together, these results indicate that HEMT sensors could be used in a harsh environment with the ability to control an anti-pollution system in real time.

Accelerated evolution of the mitochondrial genome in an alloplasmic line of durum wheat.

BACKGROUND: Wheat is an excellent plant species for nuclear mitochondrial interaction studies due to availability of large collection of alloplasmic lines. These lines exhibit different vegetative and physiological properties than their parents. To investigate the level of sequence changes introduced into the mitochondrial genome under the alloplasmic condition, three mitochondrial genomes of the Triticum-Aegilops species were sequenced: 1) durum alloplasmic line with the Ae. longissima cytoplasm that carries the T. turgidum nucleus designated as (lo) durum, 2) the cytoplasmic donor line, and 3) the nuclear donor line. RESULTS: The mitochondrial genome of the T. turgidum was 451,678 bp in length with high structural and nucleotide identity to the previously characterized T. aestivum genome. The assembled mitochondrial genome of the (lo) durum and the Ae. longissima were 431,959 bp and 399,005 bp in size, respectively. The high sequence coverage for all three genomes allowed analysis of heteroplasmy within each genome. The mitochondrial genome structure in the alloplasmic line was genetically distant from both maternal and paternal genomes. The alloplasmic durum and the Ae. longissima carry the same versions of atp6, nad6, rps19-p, cob and cox2 exon 2 which are different from the T. turgidum parent. Evidence of paternal leakage was also observed by analyzing nad9 and orf359 among all three lines. Nucleotide search identified a number of open reading frames, of which 27 were specific to the (lo) durum line. CONCLUSIONS: Several heteroplasmic regions were observed within genes and intergenic regions of the mitochondrial genomes of all three lines. The number of rearrangements and nucleotide changes in the mitochondrial genome of the alloplasmic line that have occurred in less than half a century was significant considering the high sequence conservation between the T. turgidum and the T. aestivum that diverged from each other 10,000 years ago. We showed that the changes in genes were not limited to paternal leakage but were sufficiently significant to suggest that other mechanisms, such as recombination and mutation, were responsible. The newly formed ORFs, differences in gene sequences and copy numbers, heteroplasmy, and substoichiometric changes show the potential of the alloplasmic condition to accelerate evolution towards forming new mitochondrial genomes.

Analysis of ATP6 sequence diversity in the Triticum-Aegilops species group reveals the crucial role of rearrangement in mitochondrial genome evolution.

Mutation and chromosomal rearrangements are the two main forces of increasing genetic diversity for natural selection to act upon, and ultimately drive the evolutionary process. Although genome evolution is a function of both forces, simultaneously, the ratio of each can be varied among different genomes and genomic regions. It is believed that in plant mitochondrial genome, rearrangements play a more important role than point mutations, but relatively few studies have directly addressed this phenomenon. To address this issue, we isolated and sequenced the ATP6-1 and ATP6-2 genes from 46 different euplasmic and alloplasmic wheat lines. Four different ATP6-1 orthologs were detected, two of them reported for the first time. Expression analysis revealed that all four orthologs are transcriptionally active. Results also indicated that both point mutation and genomic rearrangement are involved in the evolution of ATP6. However, rearrangement is the predominant force that triggers drastic variation. Data also indicated that speciation of domesticated wheat cultivars were simultaneous with the duplication of this gene. These results directly support the notion that rearrangement plays a significant role in driving plant mitochondrial genome evolution.

Revision decompression and collagen nerve wrap for recurrent and persistent compression neuropathies of the upper extremity.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent or persistent compression neuropathies of the upper extremity, including carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome, present a difficult treatment challenge to the hand or peripheral nerve surgeon. Collagen conduits have been used successfully for decades in nerve injury repair, but have not been studied in the treatment of compression neuropathy. METHODS: Patients with recurrent or persistent compression neuropathies treated with a repeat decompression and collagen wrap from a 5-year period were retrieved from the Computerized Patient Record System database and 15 patient records were identified. A systematic review was performed for all articles from 1946 to 2012 on secondary carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome. RESULTS: The mean age of the 15 patients treated was 63.3 years and ranged from 35 to 86 years. The patients with revision carpal tunnel decompression had an 89% subjective response rate, whereas those with revision cubital tunnel decompression had an 83% resolution or improvement of symptoms. Visual analog scale decreased from a preoperative mean 2.47 to 0.47 postoperatively and the mean number of opiate medications decreased from 0.67 to 0.40. We identified 32 papers using various treatment strategies for recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome with success rates ranging from 53% to 100%. We identified 18 papers on recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome, with success rates ranging from 33% to 100%, with a weighted success of 78.1% overall but 71.7% in the submuscular transposition group. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report on the novel technique of using a collagen matrix wrap in recurrent compression neuropathies with good success. The collagen wrap allows nerve gliding, protection from perineural scar formation, and a favorable microenvironment. Submuscular transposition seems to be no better than other methods of decompression for recurrent cubital tunnel syndrome in contrary to traditional teaching.

The prevalence of sexual problems in the divorced population and the prevalence of separation in populations with sexual problems: a meta-analysis.

The prevalence of divorce has significantly increased in the world, and scattered studies reveal that one of the main causes of divorce is sexual problems. The present study aimed to review the existing studies on the prevalence of sexual problems in separated people such as divorce applicants and people separated due to sexual problems. Another aim of this study was to find the prevalence of separation in patients with diseases affecting sexual function. A wide range of articles were searched in electronic databases until 21 April, 2023. The studies on both sexual problems and separation were included. From among 4110 studies, the data of 14 studies were reviewed and meta-analyzed. The prevalence of sexual problems was found to be 47% (CI: 29-64%) in separated people, 43% (CI: 18-68%) in women, and 52% (CI: 25-79%) in men and the prevalence of separation was 16% (CI: 6-26%) in people with sexual problems, 27% (CI: 21-33%) in women, and 11% (CI: -1-23%) in men. Moreover, the prevalence of separation in patients with diseases affecting sexual function was 4% (CI: 2-6%), 2% (CI: 0-3%) in women, and 5% (CI: 2-8%) in men. A considerably high rate of separations could be attributed to sexual problems.

Police and hospital data linkage for traffic injury surveillance: A systematic review.

This systematic review examines studies of traffic injury that involved linkage of police crash data and hospital data and were published from 1994 to 2023 worldwide in English. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were the basis for selecting papers from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, and for identifying additional relevant papers using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and supplementary snowballing (n = 60). The selected papers were reviewed in terms of research objectives, data items and sample size included, temporal and spatial coverage, linkage methods and software tools, as well as linkage rates and most significant findings. Many studies found that the number of clinically significant road injury cases was much higher according to hospital data than crash data. Under-estimation of cases in crash data differs by road user type, pedestrian cases commonly being highly under-counted. A limited number of the papers were from low- and middle-income countries. The papers reviewed lack consistency in what was reported and how, which limited comparability.

Neural sheath tumors of the brachial plexus: a multidisciplinary team-based approach.

Peripheral tumors of the brachial plexus, although rare, provide an opportunity for the plastic surgeon to coordinate a multidisciplinary team and achieve excellent outcomes. Most of the case series are reported from the neurosurgical literature. We report on the experience of the Kaiser Permanente Brachial Plexus Clinic over a recent 2-year period. A retrospective review was conducted to examine the medical records, radiographic images, operative reports, and pathologic findings of 13 consecutive patients with peripheral nerve sheath tumors of brachial plexus origin. Of the 10 patients requiring surgical exploration, 90% had significant improvement or resolution of pain, with sensory and motor recovery showing mixed results. Average follow-up consisted of 2 years with occupational therapy beginning shortly after operative intervention. Our results are similar to or better than those published in the literature. The plastic surgeon with subspecialty training can safely and successfully treat tumors of the brachial plexus by implementing a multidisciplinary approach.

Trends in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: an analysis of the national survey of ambulatory surgery database.

PURPOSE: To ascertain trends in the surgical treatment of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow within the United States. METHODS: We analyzed the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery to study trends in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome from 1994 to 2006. The National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery provides a comprehensive overview of ambulatory surgical procedures performed in the United States. Patients identified in the database with surgically treated cubital tunnel syndrome were verified by members of our research staff and compiled into these 3 groups: decompression, transposition, and other. The data were then statistically analyzed for trends in treatment, utilization, and demographics. RESULTS: A total of 52,133 surgical procedures were recorded in the National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery for the treatment of ulnar nerve compression in 2006. This represents an increase from 26,283 in 1994 and 35,406 in 1996. In the 11 years from 1996 to 2006, the total surgical procedures on the ulnar nerve increased by 47%. Transposition went from 49% of all cubital tunnel procedures in the 1990s to 38% in 2006. In 2006, women were much more likely to have a simple decompression (70%) than a transposition or other technique. Decompression had a mean surgical time of 48 minutes, and transposition had a mean surgical time of 59 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of transpositions used in the treatment of cubital syndrome has decreased to 37% in the last survey. Possible reasons include expanded indications or changing surgical preferences. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

How the Built Environment Moderates Gender Gap in Active Commuting to Schools.

This study investigates the influences of built environmental (BE) factors, network design, and sociodemographic factors on active school travel (AST). Although numerous studies have explored these relationships, this study is trying to assess this issue with a focus on gender differences. Data from a cross-sectional sample of children from first to sixth grades from 16 public primary schools exclusive for girls and boys (N = 1260) in Shiraz collected in November 2019 was used. The analysis of the data revealed that, on average, boys are more willing to walk than girls, but that the boys' tendency to walk is less elastic with respect to distance. Moreover, it is shown that street connectivity for all distance thresholds has a positive relationship with walking level, but the street network choice parameter decreases the chance of walking within an 800 metre threshold. It is demonstrated the need to take gender differences into account in local planning policies to promote AST in a developing country context.

Road crashes in Adelaide metropolitan region, the consequences of COVID-19.

Background: Many countries instituted lockdown rules as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, however, the effects of COVID-19 on transportation safety vary widely across countries and regions. In several situations, it has been shown that although the COVID-19 closure has decreased average traffic flow, it has also led to an increase in speeding, which will indeed increase the severity of crashes and the number of fatalities and serious injuries. Methods: At the local level, Generalized linear Mixed (GLM) modelling is used to look at how often road crashes changed in the Adelaide metropolitan area before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Geographically Weighted Generalized Linear Model (GWGLM) is also used to explore how the association between the number of crashes and the factors that explain them varies across census blocks. Using both no-spatial and spatial models, the effects of urban structure elements like land use mix, road network design, distance to CBD, and proximity to public transit on the frequency of crashes at the local level were studied. Results: This research showed that lockdown orders led to a mild reduction (approximately 7%) in crash frequency. However, this decrease, which has occurred mostly during the first three months of the lockdown, has not systematically alleviated traffic safety risks in the Greater Adelaide Metropolitan Area. Crash hotspots shifted from areas adjacent to workplaces and education centres to green spaces and city fringes, while crash incidence periods switched from weekdays to weekends and winter to summer. Implications: The outcomes of this research provided insights into the impact of shifting driving behaviour on safety during disorderly catastrophes such as COVID-19.

Drug use patterns and related factors among female sex workers in Iran in 2019-2020: results from Integrated Bio-Behavioral Surveillance-III (IBBS-III).

INTRODUCTION: Drug use is highly prevalent among female sex workers (FSWs). Some forms of drug use, such as injecting drug users (IDU), put them at greater risks for HIV and blood born disease (BBD). In this study, the pattern of drug use and its related factors among Iranian FSWs were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed based on the data of the integrated bio-behavioral surveillance-III (IBBS-III) on FSWs in 8 cities of Iran using the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method conducting in 2019-2020. Of the 1515 FSWs participating in the IBBS-III study, 1,480 answered questions about drug use. To calculate the prevalence of drug use lifetime and in the past month, weighted analysis was used. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate the factors related to drug use. RESULTS: The prevalence of lifetime drug use and the prevalence of current drug use (single and poly drug use) among FSWs were estimated to be 29.3% and 18.86%, respectively. According to multivariate regression analysis, the odds ratio (odds) of lifetime drug use showed a statistically significant association with lower education (AOR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.07-1.3), being a direct sex worker (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.21-2.61), working in team houses or hangouts (AOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.10-2.06), a history of intentional abortion (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.07-1.87), condom use in the last sex (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.19-2.17), a history of imprisonment (AOR = 3.05; 95% CI: 2.25-4.14), HIV positive tests (AOR = 8.24; 95% CI: 1.66-40.9), alcohol use (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.29-2.29), and finding sexual clients in places such as parties, shopping malls, streets, and hotels, or by friends (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.01-2.12). CONCLUSION: Given that drug use among FSWs is about 14 times higher than that of the Iranian general population, it is imperative that drug reduction programs be integrated into service packages. Specifically, prevention programs should be prioritized for occasional drug users within this population as they are at a greater risk of developing drug use issues compared to the general population.