Identifying local associations in biological time series: algorithms, statistical significance, and applications.

Local associations refer to spatial-temporal correlations that emerge from the biological realm, such as time-dependent gene co-expression or seasonal interactions between microbes. One can reveal the intricate dynamics and inherent interactions of biological systems by examining the biological time series data for these associations. To accomplish this goal, local similarity analysis algorithms and statistical methods that facilitate the local alignment of time series and assess the significance of the resulting alignments have been developed. Although these algorithms were initially devised for gene expression analysis from microarrays, they have been adapted and accelerated for multi-omics next generation sequencing datasets, achieving high scientific impact. In this review, we present an overview of the historical developments and recent advances for local similarity analysis algorithms, their statistical properties, and real applications in analyzing biological time series data. The benchmark data and analysis scripts used in this review are freely available at http://github.com/labxscut/lsareview.

Spatio-temporal analysis of toxigenic genes expression in the growing Bufo gargarizans based on RNA sequencing data.

BACKGROUND: Bufo gargarizans Cantor, a widely distributed amphibian species in Asia, produces and releases toxins through its retroauricular and granular glands. Although various tissues have been sequenced, the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxin production remain unclear. To elucidate these mechanisms, abdominal skin (non-toxic secretory glands) and retroauricular gland (toxic secreting glands) samples were collected at different time points (3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months) for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and analysis. RESULTS: In comparison to the S group during the same period, a total of 3053, 3026, 1516, 1028, and 2061 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified across five developmental stages. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that DEGs were primarily enriched in biological processes including cellular processes, single-organism processes, metabolic processes, and biological regulation. In terms of cellular components, the DEGs were predominantly localized in the cell and cell parts, whereas molecular function indicated significant enrichment in binding and catalytic activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the metabolism and synthesis of various substances, such as lipid metabolism, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and primary bile acid biosynthesis, were accompanied by the development of toads. Additionally, using trend analysis, we discovered candidate genes that were upregulated in the retroauricular glands during development, and the abundance of these genes in the abdominal skin was extremely low. Finally, we identified 26 genes that are likely to be involved in toxin production and that are likely to be involved in toxin anabolism. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results provide new insights into the genes involved in toxin production in B. gargarizans, which will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying toxigenic gene expression.

Brain reserve affects the expression of cognitive reserve networks.

Cognitive reserve (CR) explains differential susceptibility of cognitive performance to neuropathology. However, as brain pathologies progress, cognitive decline occurs even in individuals with initially high CR. The interplay between the structural brain health (= level of brain reserve) and CR-related brain networks therefore requires further research. Our sample included 142 individuals aged 60-70 years. National Adult Reading Test intelligence quotient (NART-IQ) was our CR proxy. On an in-scanner Letter Sternberg task, we used ordinal trend (OrT) analysis to extract a task-related brain activation pattern (OrT slope) for each participant that captures increased expression with task load (one, three, and six letters). We assessed whether OrT slope represents a neural mechanism underlying CR by associating it with task performance and NART-IQ. Additionally, we investigated how the following brain reserve measures affect the association between NART-IQ and OrT slope: mean cortical thickness, total gray matter volume, and brain volumes proximal to the areas contained in the OrT patterns. We found that higher OrT slope was associated with better task performance and higher NART-IQ. Further, the brain reserve measures were not directly associated with OrT slope, but they affected the relationship between NART-IQ and OrT slope: NART-IQ was associated with OrT slope only in individuals with high brain reserve. The degree of brain reserve has an impact on how (and perhaps whether) CR can be implemented in brain networks in older individuals.

Mapping the correlations between bandgap, HOMO, and LUMO trends for meta substituted Zn-MOFs.

Bandgap is a key property that determines electrical and optical properties in materials. Modulating the bandgap thus is critical in developing novel materials particularly semiconductors with improved features. This study examines the bandgap, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level trends in a metal organic framework, metal-organic framework 5 (MOF-5), as a function of Hammett substituent effect (with the constant σm in the meta-position of the benzene ring) and solvent dielectric effect (with the constant ε). Specifically, experimental design and response surface methodologies helped to assess the significance of trends and correlations between these molecular properties with σm and ε. While the HOMO and LUMO decrease with increasing σm, the LUMO exhibits greater sensitivity to the substituent's electron withdrawing capability. The relative difference in these trends helps to explain why the bandgap tends to decrease with increasing σm.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures in Germany - incidence rates and trends based on inpatient and outpatient data.

We examined incidence rates (IR) for all distal radius fracture (DRF) events based on inpatient and outpatient data from a large statutory health insurance in Germany. Of all DRF, 56% were treated as inpatients, and thus, 44% treated as outpatients. IR were higher in women than in men. PURPOSE: Although a distal radius fracture (DRF) is one of the most common fractures in the elderly population, epidemiological data are limited. Many studies examine only hospitalized patients, do not analyze time trends, or include only small populations. In this retrospective population-based observational study, routine data on inpatient and outpatient care of persons aged ≥ 60 years insured by a large statutory health insurance in Germany were analyzed from 2014 to 2018. METHODS: DRF were identified by ICD-10 codes. All DRF events of an individual were considered with a corresponding individual washout period. Incidence rates (IR) and time trends were estimated assuming a Poisson distribution per 100,000 person-years, with 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] and age-sex standardization to the German population in 2018. Associations of calendar year, age, sex, and comorbidity with IR were examined using Poisson regression estimating incidence rate ratios (IRR) with CI. RESULTS: The study population consists of 974,332 insured individuals, with 16,557 experiencing one or more DRF events during the observation period. A total of 17,705 DRF events occurred, of which 9961 (56.3%) were hospitalized. Standardized IR were 439 [424-453] (inpatient: 240 [230-251], outpatient: 199 [189-209]) in 2014 and 438 [423-452] (inpatient: 238 [227-249], outpatient: 200 [190-210]) in 2018. Female sex, older age, and comorbidity were associated with higher IR and adjusted Poisson regression showed no significant time trend (IRR overall 0.994 [0.983-1.006]). CONCLUSION: A relevant proportion of DRF were treated in outpatient settings, so both inpatient and outpatient data are necessary for a valid estimate.

Mapping the global, regional and national burden of bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2019: trend analysis on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Data on trends in the epidemiological burden of bipolar disorder are scarce. AIMS: To provide an overview of trends in bipolar disorder burden from 1990 to 2019. METHOD: Revisiting the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we analysed the number of cases, calculated the age-standardised rate (per 100 000 population) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of incidence, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) for bipolar disorder from 1990 to 2019. The independent effects of age, period and cohort were estimated by the age-period-cohort modelling. RESULTS: Globally, the bipolar disorder-related prevalent cases, incident cases and number of YLDs all increased from 1990 to 2019. Regionally, the World Health Organization Region of the Americas accounted for the highest estimated YLD number and rate, with the highest age-standardised prevalence rate in 1990 and 2019 and highest EAPC of prevalence. By sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles, all five SDI regions saw an increase in estimated incident cases. Nationally, New Zealand reported the highest age-standardised rate of incidence, prevalence and YLDs in 1990 and 2019. The most prominent age effect on incidence rate was in those aged 15-19 years. Decreased effects of period on incidence, prevalence and YLD rates was observed overall and in females, not in males. The incidence, prevalence and YLD rates showed an unfavourable trend in the younger cohorts born after 1990, with males reporting a higher cohort risk than females. CONCLUSIONS: From 1990 to 2019, the overall trend of bipolar disorder burden presents regional and national variations and differs by age, sex, period and cohort.

Trends in adverse effects of medical treatment in Paediatric populations in the United States: A global burden of disease study, 2000-2019.

BACKGROUND: Adverse effects of medical treatment (AEMT) pose significant risks to paediatric patients. However, the mortality trends associated with AEMT in this population have been unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the trends in the incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and mortality rates of AEMT for children in the US from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. We estimated age-standardized incidence, DALYs and mortality rates of paediatric AEMT per 100,000 children in the US using a Bayesian meta-regression model. We also analysed incidence, DALYs and mortality in different age groups, and employed Joinpoint regression models to assess the age- and sex-specific trends. RESULTS: The number of deaths due to AEMT in children, the number of cases, and DALYs were 105.1, 551,076 and 145,555 in 2019, decreased by 37.5%, 6% and 28% from those in 2000, respectively. Age-standardized mortality rates decreased across all age groups, while the incidence increased across all age groups with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 2.2% in those children <1 year and 4.5% in 5-9 years of age. The increases in DALYs over time was higher in children aged 1-4 years (AAPC: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.62) and 5-9 years (AAPC: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.50), with the 1-4 year age group being the highest. CONCLUSION: The study reveals declining AEMT mortality but rising incidence and DALYs, emphasizing a disproportionate burden in <1, 1-4 and 5-9 years. To develop effective mitigation strategies, future research is warranted to identify the causes of increased AEMT in children, especially young males.

The ventilator of the future: key principles and unmet needs.

Persistent shortcomings of invasive positive pressure ventilation make it less than an ideal intervention. Over the course of more than seven decades, clinical experience and scientific investigation have helped define its range of hazards and limitations. Apart from compromised airway clearance and lower airway contamination imposed by endotracheal intubation, the primary hazards inherent to positive pressure ventilation may be considered in three broad categories: hemodynamic impairment, potential for ventilation-induced lung injury, and impairment of the respiratory muscle pump. To optimize care delivery, it is crucial for monitoring and machine outputs to integrate information with the potential to impact the underlying requirements of the patient and/or responses of the cardiopulmonary system to ventilatory interventions. Trending analysis, timely interventions, and closer communication with the caregiver would limit adverse clinical trajectories. Judging from the rapid progress of recent years, we are encouraged to think that insights from physiologic research and emerging technological capability may eventually address important aspects of current deficiencies.

Global incidence and prevalence of gastritis and duodenitis from 1990 to 2019: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastritis and duodenitis, prevalent diseases of the digestive system, impose a significant global burden. This study aimed to examine their incidence and prevalence patterns worldwide, including changes over the past 30 years. METHODS: The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of gastritis and duodenitis, stratified by age, sex, geographical region, and sociodemographic index (SDI), were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. The dynamic trends were captured by calculating the average annual percentage changes (AAPC). RESULTS: In 2019, the global ASIR and ASPR of gastritis and duodenitis were 379.88/100 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 312.42/100 000-448.12/100 000) and 518.11/100 000 (95% UI: 420.62/100 000-631.66/100 000), respectively. The highest rates were observed among the 50-69 age group (ASIR: 856.48/100 000; ASPR: 1158.04/100 000) and in low SDI regions (ASIR: 443.33/100 000; ASPR: 631.22/100 000). From 1990 to 2019, there was a significant decrease in global ASIR (AAPC = -0.34%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.36% to -0.31%) and ASPR (AAPC = -0.34%, 95% CI: -0.37% to -0.31%) of gastritis and duodenitis. However, ASIR (AAPC = 0.47%, 95% CI: 0.42%-0.52%) and ASPR (AAPC = 0.51%, 95% CI: 0.47%-0.52%) of gastritis and duodenitis experienced a significant increase in low SDI regions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant decrease in the global incidence and prevalence of gastritis and duodenitis, these conditions continue to impose a burden on individuals aged 50-69 years and low SDI regions. Targeted interventions for those specific populations and regions are necessary.

Effects of coal mining and climate-environment factors on the evolution of a typical Eurasian grassland.

Coal mining can significantly impact vegetation evolution, yet the limited information on its patterns and driving factors hampers efforts to mitigate these effects and reclaim abandoned mines. This study aimed to 1) examine vegetation evolution in a semiarid steppe watershed in northeast China; and 2) characterize the driving factors behind this evolution. We analyzed the impact of twelve selected driving factors on fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) from 2000 to 2021 using a dimidiate pixel model, Sen's slope analysis, Mann-Kendall trend test, coefficient of variation analysis, and Geodetector model. At a significance level of α = 0.05, our findings revealed a south-to-north decline pattern in FVC, a significant decrease trend in proximity to coal mines, and a notable increase trend adjacent to river channels. Approximately 37% of the watershed exhibited low FVC, while the overall temporal trend across the watershed was deemed insignificant. Areas surrounding the mines experienced a substantial reduction in FVC due to coal mining activities, while FVC variations across the watershed were linked to precipitation, temperature, and soil type. FVC predictions improved notably when interactions between multiple two-way factors were considered. Each driving factors displayed an optimal range (e.g., precipitation = 63-71 mm) for maximizing FVC. Given the study watershed's status as a national energy base, understanding vegetation responses to coal mining and climate-environment changes is crucial for sustaining fragile terrestrial ecosystems and socioeconomic development. Achieving a long-time balance between coal extraction and ecological protection is essential. The study outcomes hold significant promise for advancing ecological conservation, vegetation restoration, and mitigation of environmental degradation in semiarid regions affected by extensive coal mining and climate fluctuations. These findings contribute to the strategic management of such areas, promoting sustainable practices amidst evolving environmental challenges.

Assessing groundwater quality dynamics in Madhya Pradesh: Chemical contaminants and their temporal patterns.

Groundwater is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and overall well-being as a pivotal resource for plants and animals. The increasing public consciousness of the deterioration of groundwater quality has emphasized the significance of undertaking extended evaluations of groundwater water quality, particularly in regions undergoing substantial hydrological alterations. This study primarily aims to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in groundwater quality and evaluate its suitability for potable purposes in the region of Madhya Pradesh. The study combines the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope (SS) to analyze the changes in groundwater quality of all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, utilizing 12 water quality indices using MATLAB. Data was sourced from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in India from the year 2001-2021. The data was then tested for homogeneity at all 1154 sampling stations using the software XLSTAT. Piper plot clustering characterized the state's groundwater as bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium (HCO3--Ca2+-Mg2+) type. The study found that the groundwater in the area is heavily impacted by high levels of nitrate and hardness, which is caused by an increase in multivalent cations. The water was classified as ranging from hard to extremely hard, and approximately 25.49% of the state's groundwater has nitrate levels that exceed the acceptable limits. The MK test showed a significant increasing correlation in trends for parameters such as nitrate, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, bicarbonate, total hardness, and electrical conductivity. It also showed a significant decreasing correlation for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These results were observed at a confidence level of 95%. The analysis of trends has shown that human-related factors have a considerable effect on the characteristics of groundwater quality. It is therefore recommended that such human-related factors be taken into consideration when developing policies for managing groundwater resources. Consequently, these policies should emphasize the strict enforcement of rules and standards that limit the overuse of fertilizers, ensure the appropriate disposal of municipal solid and liquid wastes, and regulate industrial pollutants.

Chronic Pancreatitis in a Large Developing Country: Temporal Trends of Over 64,000 Hospitalizations from 2009 to 2019.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammatory disorder associated with marked morbidity and mortality and frequently requires hospitalization. This study aimed to investigate the time trends and geographical distribution of hospital admissions, the lethality rate of CP across Brazil, and the potential relationship with social indicators and associated risk factors. METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from the Brazilian Public Health System Registry between January 2009 and December 2019. The prevalence and lethality rates of CP per 100,000 inhabitants in each municipality were estimated from hospitalizations to in-hospital deaths and classified by age, sex, and demographic features. RESULTS: During the study period, 64,609 admissions were retrieved, and most of the patients were males (63.54%). Hospitalization decreased by nearly half (-54.68%) in both sexes. CP rates in males were higher in all age groups. The greatest reduction in admissions (- 64%) was also noted in patients ≥ 70y. CP In-hospital lethality remained stable (5-6%) and similar for males and females. Patients ≥ 70y showed the highest lethality. The greatest increase in CP lethality rates (+ 10%) was observed in municipalities integrated into metropolises, which was mainly driven by small-sized municipalities (+ 124%). CONCLUSIONS: CP hospitalizations decrease in both urban and rural areas, particularly in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions, and in those above 70 years of age, but are not correlated with lethality rates in the South. This suggests ongoing changes in the environmental and socioeconomic factors in Brazil.

Visual impairment burden in retinopathy of prematurity: trends, inequalities, and improvement gaps.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important cause of avoidable childhood visual impairment, and the increase in number and survival of premature infants may inflate its burden globally. We aimed to comprehensively assess the trends and inequalities in the burden of ROP-related visual impairment and to identify improvement gaps to facilitate appropriate actions in neonatal care systems. We obtained ROP data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. We employed joinpoint regression analysis to assess the trends of the burden of ROP-related visual impairment, measured by age-standardised prevalence rates, health equity analysis methods to evaluate cross-country burden inequalities, and data envelopment and stochastic frontier analyses to identify improvement gaps based on the development status, i.e., sociodemographic index (SDI). Between 1990 and 2019, the age-standardised prevalence rates of ROP-related visual impairment significantly increased worldwide (average annual percentage change: 0.23 [95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.26] among males and 0.26 [0.25-0.27] among females), primarily in developed regions. Although significant SDI-related cross-country inequalities were identified, these reduced over time (slope index of inequality: -57.74 [-66.22 to -49.25] in 1990 to -29.68 [-38.39 to -20.97] in 2019; health concentration index: -0.11 [-0.13 to -0.09] in 1990 to -0.07 [-0.09 to -0.06] in 2019). Notably, some less-developed countries exhibited superior performance despite limited resources, whereas others with a higher SDI delivered lagging performance.  Conclusion: The global burden of ROP-related visual impairment has steadily increased between 1990 and 2019, with disproportionate burden concentration among less-developed countries, requiring appropriate preventive and intervention measures. What is Known: • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important cause of avoidable childhood visual impairment. • The prevalence of ROP is anticipated to increase due to the growing number of extremely premature infants. What is New: • The prevalence of ROP-related visual impairment has increased worldwide, primarily in developed regions, with declining but persisting cross-country inequalities. • The increasing burden of ROP-related visual impairment should be considered as part of global and national health agendas, requiring interventions with proven efficacy.

Spatial and temporal patterns of disease burden attributable to high BMI in Belt and Road Initiative countries, 1990-2019.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyse the spatial and temporal patterns of disease burden attributed to high BMI (DB-hBMI) from 1990 to 2019 in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries, in light of increasing hBMI prevalence worldwide. DESIGN: The study was a secondary analysis of Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) that analysed (using Joinpoint regression analysis) numbers and the age-standardised rate of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of hBMI-induced diseases and their trends from 1990 to 2019 and in the final decade. SETTING: GBD 2019 study data for BRI countries were categorised by country, age, gender and disease. PARTICIPANTS: GBD 2019 data were used to analyse DB-hBMI in BRI countries. RESULTS: In 2019, China, India and Russia reported the highest mortality and DALY among BRI countries. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardised DALY increased in Southeast Asia and South Asia, whereas many European countries saw declines. Notably, Bangladesh, Nepal and Vietnam showed the steepest increases, with average annual percentage change (AAPC) values of 4·42 %, 4·19 % and 4·28 %, respectively (all P < 0·05). In contrast, Israel, Slovenia and Poland experienced significant reductions, with AAPC values of -1·70 %, -1·63 % and -1·58 %, respectively (all P < 0·05). The most rapid increases among males were seen in Vietnam, Nepal and Bangladesh, while Jordan, Poland and Slovenia recorded the fastest declines among females. Across most BRI countries, the burden of diabetes and kidney diseases related to hBMI showed a significant uptrend. CONCLUSION: DB-hBMI varies significantly by region, age, gender and disease type across BRI countries. It can pose a substantial threat to public health.

Trends in adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines among US adolescents from 2011 to 2019: Evidence from repeated cross-sectional cycles of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines is associated with various health benefits, but given the novelty of these integrative recommendations, little is known about year-to-year trends in guideline adherence in adolescents. This study investigated trends of adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines among US adolescents. METHODS: Data from 2011 to 2019 cycles of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System were used, which included 62 589 US adolescents aged 14-17 years (female: unweighted sample size = 31 876, 51%; weighted% = 50.1%). Participants self-reported their demographic information (i.e., sex, age, race/ethnicity), physical activity, screen time and sleep duration. Meeting the 24-h movement guidelines was operationalized as simultaneously engaging in 60 min or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, no more than 2 h of screen time, and 8-10 h of sleep per day. Trend analysis was used to examine the secular changes in adherence to the integrated guidelines from 2011 to 2019. RESULTS: Downward trends in adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines were observed among adolescents from 2011 (3.6%) to 2019 (2.6%). After stratification by sex, age, and race/ethnicity, similar downward trends in the guideline adherence were observed in females and Black/African American adolescents. The lowest prevalence of meeting the individual guidelines was for the PA guidelines (25.6%). Movement guideline adherence was consistently lowest among females, older adolescents, and those who identified as Black/African American. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to the 24-h movement guidelines has declined among US adolescents over the past decade. Interventions should prioritize an integrative approach that could increase concurrent adherence to each of the 24-h movement guideline, particularly among female, older and minority adolescents.

Incidence, prevalence and clinical management of achalasia since the introduction of high-resolution manometry in Western Australia.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies in achalasia and its clinical management in Australia are limited. AIMS: To determine the prevalence and trends in incidence rates and describe the types of treatment stratified by subtypes of achalasia. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a single site that offers a state-wide high-resolution manometry (HRM) service in Western Australia (WA). Patients (aged ≥ 18 years) newly diagnosed with achalasia based on HRM findings between 2012 and 2021 were extracted from the HRM database. The crude incidence rate and age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) along with the 2021-point prevalence were calculated. Trends were assessed by the Kendall τb test. The patients' initial and subsequent treatment modalities were described. RESULTS: A total of 296 new cases were identified, and the median age at diagnosis was 56 years. The patient's median age, sex and year of the first treatment did not vary significantly with the subtypes. The lowest and highest ASIR (cases/100 000 person-years) were 0.8 in 2012 and 2.1 in 2021, respectively. Only type 2 achalasia showed a significant increasing trend (P = 0.009). The 2021-point prevalence was 16.9 cases/100 000 people and increased with age. Pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) was the most common treatment for types 1 and 2, while laparoscopic Heller myotomy was most common for type 3. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has become common in the past 5 years. CONCLUSION: The ASIR of type 2 achalasia significantly increased in WA. PBD was most commonly performed, although peroral endoscopic myotomy has recently increased as a preferred treatment option.

Epidemiological variations and trends in glaucoma burden in the Belt and Road countries.

BACKGROUND: Analyzing the glaucoma burden in "Belt and Road" (B&R) countries based on age, gender, and risk factors from 1990 to 2019 in order to provide evidence for future prevention strategies. METHODS: We applied global burden of disease(GBD) 2019 to compare glaucoma prevalence and Years lived with disabilities (YLDs) from 1990 to 2019 in the B&R countries. Trends of disease burden between 1990 and 2019 were evaluated using the average annual percent change and the 95% uncertainty interval (UI) were reported. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, most B&R countries showed a downward trend in age-standardized prevalence and YLDs (all P < 0.05). Additionally, only the age-standardized YLDs in males of Pakistan has a 0.35% increase (95%CI:0.19,0.50,P < 0.001), and most B&R countries has a decline(all P < 0.05) in age-standardized YLDs in every 5 years age group after 45 years old except for Pakistan(45-79 years and > 85 years), Malaysia(75-84 years), Brunei Darussalam(45-49 years), Afghanistan(70-79 years). Finally, in all Central Asian countries, the age-standardized YLDs due to glaucoma caused by fasting hyperglycemia demonstrated have an increase between 1990 and 2019 (all P < 0.05), but Armenia and Mongolia have a decrease between 2010 and 2019 (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of glaucoma continues to pose a significant burden across regions, ages, and genders in countries along the "B&R". It is imperative for the "B&R" nations to enhance health cooperation in order to collaboratively tackle the challenges associated with glaucoma.

Trends and disparities in ever-breastfeeding practice and early breastfeeding initiation in Ethiopia: a 20-year trend analysis from EDHS datasets.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has had a long-standing national commitment to improving child health for the last five decades. However, evidence on trends of ever-breastfeeding and early initiation remained fragmented, and there existed a paucity of holistic evidence on the extent of the impacts of the policy and the associated factors. This study examined trends, disparities, and factors influencing ever-breastfed and early initiation in the last twenty years. METHODS: The Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS 2000-2019) datasets were used and extracted for children aged 0-23 months and their mothers. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Trend and time-series analysis was used to visualize changes over time. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. RESULTS: Prevalence of ever-breastfeeding declined from 99.4% in 2000, to 84.01% in 2019; and early initiation showed inconsistency, increasing from 48.55% in 2000 to 69.57% in 2016 and remained unchanged (69.78%) in 2019. Maternal age, religion, and maternal healthcare utilization significantly influenced early initiation (p < 0.001). Both ever-breastfeeding and early initiation varied across regional states (< 0.001). Disparities in breastfeeding and early initiation were observed across socio-cultural settings and regional states (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ever-breastfeeding declined nationwide between 2000 and 2019, which was not uniform and early initiation showed inconsistency across socio-cultural settings and regional states. These findings highlight the need to revisit current policies and interventions. Further research is crucial to inform the development of regionally tailored and culturally sensitive strategies that promote equitable and sustained breastfeeding improvement across Ethiopia.

Trends in parkinson's disease mortality in China from 2004 to 2021: a joinpoint analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the trends of Parkinson's disease (PD) mortality rates among Chinese residents from 2004 to 2021, provide evidence for the formulation of PD prevention and control strategies to improve the quality of life among PD residents. METHODS: Demographic and sociological data such as gender, urban or rural residency and age were obtained from the National Cause of Death Surveillance Dataset from 2004 to 2021. We then analyzed the trends of PD mortality rates by Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: The PD mortality and standardized mortality rates in China showed an overall increasing trend during 2004-2021 (average annual percentage change [AAPC] = 7.14%, AAPCASMR=3.21%, P < 0.001). The mortality and standardized mortality rate in male (AAPC = 7.65%, AAPCASMR=3.18%, P < 0.001) were higher than that of female (AAPC = 7.03%, AAPCASMR=3.09%, P < 0.001). The PD standardized mortality rates of urban (AAPC = 5.13%, AAPCASMR=1.76%, P < 0.001) and rural (AAPC = 8.40%, AAPCASMR=4.29%, P < 0.001) residents both increased gradually. In the age analysis, the mortality rate increased with age. And the mortality rates of those aged > 85 years was the highest. Considering gender, female aged > 85 years had the fastest mortality trend (annual percentage change [APC] = 5.69%, P < 0.001). Considering urban/rural, rural aged 80-84 years had the fastest mortality trend (APC = 6.68%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate of PD among Chinese residents increased from 2004 to 2021. Male sex, urban residence and age > 85 years were risk factors for PD-related death and should be the primary focus for PD prevention.

Polysubstance mortality trends in White and Black Americans during the opioid epidemic, 1999-2018.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive drug combinations are increasingly contributing to overdose deaths among White and Black Americans. To understand the evolving nature of overdose crisis, inform policies, and develop tailored and equitable interventions, this study provides a comprehensive assessment of polysubstance mortality trends by race and sex during the opioid epidemic. METHODS: We used serial cross-sectional US mortality data for White and Black populations from 1999 through 2018 to calculate annual age-adjusted death rates (AADR) involving any opioid, opioid subtypes, benzodiazepines, cocaine, psychostimulants, or combinations of these drugs, stratified by race and sex. Trend changes in AADR were analyzed using joinpoint regression models and expressed as average annual percent change (AAPC) during each period of the three waves of the opioid epidemic: 1999-2010 (wave 1), 2010-2013 (wave 2), and 2013-2018 (wave 3). Prevalence measures assessed the percent co-involvement of an investigated drug in the overall death from another drug. RESULTS: Polysubstance mortality has shifted from a modest rise in death rates due to benzodiazepine-opioid overdoses among White persons (wave 1) to a substantial increase in death rates due to illicit drug combinations impacting both White and Black populations (wave 3). Concurrent cocaine-opioid use had the highest polysubstance mortality rates in 2018 among Black (5.28 per 100,000) and White (3.53 per 100,000) persons. The steepest increase in death rates during wave 3 was observed across all psychoactive drugs when combined with synthetic opioids in both racial groups. Since 2013, Black persons have died faster from cocaine-opioid and psychostimulant-opioid overdoses. Between 2013 and 2018, opioids were highly prevalent in cocaine-related deaths, increasing by 33% in White persons compared to 135% in Blacks. By 2018, opioids contributed to approximately half of psychostimulant and 85% of benzodiazepine fatal overdoses in both groups. The magnitude and type of drug combinations with the highest death rates differed by race and sex, with Black men exhibiting the highest overdose burden beginning in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: The current drug crisis should be considered in the context of polysubstance use. Effective measures and policies are needed to curb synthetic opioid-involved deaths and address disparate mortality rates in Black communities.