Regional air quality study by assessing trace metal atmospheric deposition.

This study addresses the atmospheric deposition of trace elements investigated in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia in 2010 as part of the European Moss Study. This study provides data on the concentration of ten metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Fe, Al, and Li) in naturally growing mosses. In general, all concentration data follow a lognormal distribution. Cd, Cr, Ni, and Zn show strong fluctuations in the moss samples from Albania and Macedonia, and Pb, Fe, and Al in the mosses from Croatia. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn were higher in the samples from Croatia than in those from Albania and Macedonia; the concentrations of Cr, Ni, V, Fe, Al, and Li were higher in the samples from Albania than in those from Croatia and Macedonia; and a higher concentration of Pb was found in the samples from Macedonia. The observed relationship between the concentration of lithogenic elements (Al, Fe, and V) and the air quality index (AQI) confirms that moss species have a high capacity to retain atmospheric deposition particles. The anthropogenic emission sources of these elements from local and long-range transport were considered to be the most important factors affecting air quality in the studied areas.

Seed local adaptation and seedling plasticity account for Gleditsia triacanthos tree invasion across biomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Phenotypic plasticity and local adaption can contribute to the success of invasive species. While the former is an environmentally induced trait, the latter involves a selection process to filter the best genotype for a location. We examined the evidence for phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation for seed and seedling traits of the invasive tree Gleditsia triacanthos, with three origins distributed along an approx. 10° latitude gradient across three biomes. METHODS: In sub-tropical forests, dry woodlands and secondary temperate grasslands in Argentina, we harvested seeds from clusters of neighbouring trees (i.e. families) distributed within 15-20 km in each origin (biome). We manipulated the environmental conditions relevant to each biome, assuming that propagule availability did not represent an ecological barrier. In growth chambers, we evaluated seed imbibition and seed germination under different light, temperature and water potential. In a 2 year common garden, we evaluated the impact of resident vegetation removal on seedling survival and growth. KEY RESULTS: Mean time to complete seed imbibition differed among origins; seeds from temperate grasslands reached full imbibition before seeds from dry woodlands and sub-tropical forests. Germination was always >70 %, but was differentially affected by water potential, and light quantity (dark-light) and quality (red-far red) among origins, suggesting local adaptation. In the common garden, vegetation removal rather than origin negatively affected seedling survival and enhanced seedling growth. Vegetation removal increased basal diameter, leaves per plant and spine number, and reduced the height:basal diameter ratio. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that local adaptation in seed germination traits and plastic changes in seedling allometry (e.g. height:diameter) may allow this tree to respond over the short and long term to changes in environmental conditions, and to contribute to shape G. triacanthos as a successful woody invader. Overall, our study revealed how local adaptation and plasticity can explain different aspects of tree invasion capacity across biomes.

Independent and joint associations of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and depression on cognitive function: findings from multi-regional cohorts and generalisation from community to clinic.

Background: Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) and depression are often co-occurring in older adults and associated with neurodegenerative outcomes. The present study aimed to estimate the independent and joint associations of CMM and depression on cognitive function in multi-regional cohorts, and to validate the generalizability of the findings in additional settings, including clinical. Methods: Data harmonization was performed across 14 longitudinal cohort studies within the Cohort Studies of Memory in an International Consortium (COSMIC) group, spanning North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Three external validation studies with distinct settings were employed for generalization. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they had data for CMM and were free of dementia at baseline. Baseline CMM was defined as: 1) CMM 5, ≥2 among hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease and 2) CMM 3 (aligned with previous studies), ≥2 among diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Baseline depression was primarily characterized by binary classification of depressive symptom measurements, employing the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale. Global cognition was standardized as z-scores through harmonizing multiple cognitive measures. Longitudinal cognition was calculated as changes in global cognitive z-scores. A pooled individual participant data (IPD) analysis was utilized to estimate the independent and joint associations of CMM and depression on cognitive outcomes in COSMIC studies, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Repeated analyses were performed in three external validation studies. Findings: Of the 32,931 older adults in the 14 COSMIC cohorts, we included 30,382 participants with complete data on baseline CMM, depression, and cognitive assessments for cross-sectional analyses. Among them, 22,599 who had at least 1 follow-up cognitive assessment were included in the longitudinal analyses. The three external studies for validation had 1964 participants from 3 multi-ethnic Asian older adult cohorts in different settings (community-based, memory clinic, and post-stroke study). In COSMIC studies, each of CMM and depression was independently associated with cross-sectional and longitudinal cognitive function, without significant interactions between them (Ps > 0.05). Participants with both CMM and depression had lower cross-sectional cognitive performance (e.g. ß = -0.207, 95% CI = (-0.255, -0.159) for CMM5 (+)/depression (+)) and a faster rate of cognitive decline (e.g. ß = -0.040, 95% CI = (-0.047, -0.034) for CMM5 (+)/depression (+)), compared with those without either condition. These associations remained consistent after additional adjustment for APOE genotype and were robust in two-step random-effects IPD analyses. The findings regarding the joint association of CMM and depression on cognitive function were reproduced in the three external validation studies. Interpretation: Our findings highlighted the importance of investigating age-related co-morbidities in a multi-dimensional perspective. Targeting both cardiometabolic and psychological conditions to prevent cognitive decline could enhance effectiveness. Funding: Natural Science Foundation of China and National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health.

A narrative review of e-health systems' evolution - evidence from a regional study.

PURPOSE: The growing implementation of electronic health (e-health) systems has raised the importance of analyzing how these systems have been implemented in diverse regions. By employing a contextual sensitive approach and social mechanism theory, this study aims to better understand the reasons for the success and failure of e-health initiatives in the ex-Yugoslav region and derive useful insights for policymakers. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: We employ a narrative review process grounded in the social mechanism theory, extended with field experts' review, to acquire state-of-the-art information. FINDINGS: Findings indicate that different e-health systems coexist and evolve in different contexts in different countries, with varying levels of success. The contextual differences shape the broader environment, affecting the level of preparedness and capability for e-health implementation. Top-down approaches dominate e-health implementation in most countries when it comes to design process features, and more developed countries do not rely on strong social mechanisms for implementing e-health due to the openness of their culture towards e-health innovations. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Analyzing the milestones, challenges and functionalities of e-health systems in the region of interest can assist policymakers, academics and practitioners in making informed decisions and recommendations to enhance future e-health implementation. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: No known studies evaluated e-health initiatives in the former ex-Yugoslav countries holistically and evolutionarily in the form of a comprehensive regional study. Further, our research endeavor is contextually specific since the health systems of these countries in the past were tied together under the federative umbrella health system and then diverged in terms of e-health development.

Prevalence of malocclusions requiring treatment according to the KIG classification : A multipart cross-sectional study over a 20-year period in the district of Viersen/North Rhine.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In Germany, the reimbursement of orthodontic treatment costs within the framework of the statutory health insurance (GKV) was restricted on 01 January 2002 by the introduction of the orthodontic indication groups (KIG). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of findings requiring treatment in a specialist practice over a 20-year period. The results were then compared with data from existing older studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The distribution of treatment-eligible KIG (KIG classifications grades 3-5) among patients with statutory health insurance in an orthodontic practice in North Rhine was determined over a 20-year period (2002-2021) after the introduction of the KIG system. This period was additionally scrutinized in four 5­year periods according to the operating cycles of the practice. Findings were classified into the highest of 19 possible KIG treatment needs levels. Multiple classifications were not made. RESULTS: Orthodontic treatment was indicated in a total of 4537 (2393 female, 2144 male) patients according to current statutory health insurance guidelines. The KIG classification "D" (increased overjet) was the most frequent within the observed 20 years with 24.3%. Among 11 KIG classifications, 86.1% of the 6 most frequent and 13.9% of the 5 rarest findings were observed constantly over all periods. Of 19 possible indications, "D4" was the most frequent with 19.6%. Of 4537 patients, 20.7% had KIG grade 3, 63.6% KIG grade 4 and 15.7% KIG grade 5. The prevalence of sagittal deviations "D" and "M" was 35.0%, transverse "B" and "K" 17.9% and vertical "O" and "T" 3.7%. Tooth position anomalies "E" and "P" had a share of 24.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms existing findings as well as the nationwide data of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) from 2020: The sagittal deviations "D" (increased overjet) and "M" (negative overjet) represented the most frequent findings with KIG D4 as the most common classification. The prevalence and age distribution of KIG grades 3-5 requiring treatment corresponded to nationwide comparative data.

Investigating non-point pollution mitigation strategies in response to changing environments: A cross-regional study in China and Germany.

Climate change and urbanization have altered regional hydro-environments. Yet, the impact of future changes on the pollution risk and associated mitigation strategies requires further exploration. This study proposed a hydraulic and water-quality modeling framework, to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of pollution risk mitigation by low impact development (LID) strategies under future Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios. Results demonstrated that the LID strategies exhibited an effective performance of pollutant removal in the current hydro-environment, with the removal rates ranging from 33% to 56%. In future climate and urbanization scenarios, the LID performance declined and turned to be uncertain as the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increased, with the removal rates ranging from 12% to 59%. Scenario analysis suggested that the LID performance was enhanced by a maximum of 73% through the diversified implementation of LID practices, and the performance uncertainty was reduced by a maximum of 67% through the increased LID deployment. In addition, comparative analysis revealed that the LID strategies in a well-developed region (Dresden, Germany) were more resilient in response to changing environments, while the LID strategy in a high-growth region (Chaohu, China) exhibited a better pollutant removal performance under low-GHG scenarios. The methods and findings in this study could provide additional insights into sustainable water quality management in response to climate change and urbanization.

Motivation for and Effect of Cooking Class Participation: A Cross-Sectional Study Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

We explored the association between the motivation for and effects of cooking class participation in disaster-affected areas following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. We conducted questionnaire surveys in January and February 2020, and applied three Poisson regression models to a cross-sectional dataset of participants, analyzing three perceived participation effects: increase in new acquaintances and friends, increase in excursion opportunities, potential for gaining motivation, and a new sense of life purpose. We also applied the interaction term of motivation variables and usual eating patterns (eating alone or with others). We obtained 257 valid responses from 15 cooking venues. The interaction term for participants' motivation and eating patterns was associated with their perceived participation effects. "Motivation for nutrition improvement × eating alone" was positively associated with an increase in new acquaintances and friends (IRR: 3.05, 95% CI, 1.22-7.64). "Motivation for increasing personal cooking repertoire × eating alone" was positively associated with increased excursion opportunities (IRR: 5.46, 95% CI, 1.41-21.20). In contrast, the interaction effect of "motivation of increasing nutrition improvement × eating alone" was negatively associated with increased excursion opportunities (IRR: 0.27, 95% CI, 0.12-0.69). The results show that the cooking class was effective, as residents' participation improved their nutritional health support and increased their social relationships.

Ensaio comparativo de cultivares de soja em época convencional em Selvíria, MS: características agronômicas e produtividade / Comparative study among different cultivars at conventional time in Selvíria, MS: agronomical characteristics and productivity

A avaliação de desempenho é um dos pontos básicos na recomendação de cultivares para determinada região, pois os materiais genéticos mais adaptados apresentam melhor desenvolvimento e, consequentemente, maior nível de produtividade. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento das cultivares de soja IAC 15-1, IAC 18, IAC 20, BRS 133, FT-2000, KI-S 602 RCH, MT/BRS-55 (Uirapuru), MT/BR-45 (Paiaguás), MT/BRS-51 (Xingu), KI-S 801, MSOY 7701, MT/BR-49 (Pioneira), EMBRAPA 65 (Itapoty), EMBRAPA 64 (Ponta Porã), EMBRAPA 61, IAC 8-2, IAC 19, FT Cristalina RCH, KI-S 702, IAC Foscarin 31, IAC-PL1 e MT/BRS-46 (Conquista) quanto às características agronômicas (ciclo, altura de plantas, altura de inserção das primeiras vagens e estande) e produtividade de grãos, quando semeadas em época convencional. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o em blocos casualizados, com 4 repetições, e as médias comparadas pelo Teste de Tukey (5%). É viável a produção de soja na região de Selvíria, MS, uma vez que praticamente todas as cultivares avaliadas estão adaptadas às condições edafoclimáticas dessa região. Para a cultivar KI-S 801, o uso de estande menor ao observado nesse trabalho pode evitar acamamento. Deve-se ter cautela na utilização da cultivar MT/BRS-55 (Uirapuru).

The performance evaluation it's an important procedure for recommendation of a cultivar to an specific region, because the better adapted will present superior development and bigger level of productivity. The work aimed evaluates the behavior of soybean cultivars IAC 15-1, IAC 18, IAC 20, BRS 133, FT-2000, KI-S 602 RCH, MT/BRS-55 (Uirapuru), MT/BR-45 (Paiaguás), MT/BRS-51 (Xingu), KI-S 801, MSOY 7701, MT/BR-49 (Pioneer), EMBRAPA 65 (Itapoty), EMBRAPA 64 (Ponta Porã), EMBRAPA 61, IAC 8-2, IAC 19, Crystalline FT RCH, KI-S 702, IAC Foscarin 31, IAC-PL1 and MT/BRS-46 (Conquista), related to agronomical characteristics of plants (cycle, height, height of first beans insertion and stand) and productivity of grains, when sowed in conventional time. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replicates, and the averages compared with Tukey Test (5%). It is viable soybean production at Selvíria, MS, because practically all cultivars evaluated are adapted to the soil and climate conditions of that area. To cultivar KI-S 801, the use of smaller stand to the observed in that work it can avoid lodging. Caution should be had to use cultivar MT/BRS-55 (Uirapuru).

Histórico del proceso de creación de la Escuela de Odontología de la Universidad del Valle: primera acción investigativa de base: estudio de recursos Odontológicos en el Área sur-occidental de Colombia / Historical review of the process of creation of the Dental School of the Universidad del Valle: first base action of investigation: study of dentistry resources in the southwestern area of Colombia

Se presenta el resultado de la única Investigación Epidemiológica Cuantitativo–Cualitativa Regional e Interinstitucional que se ha realizado en América Latina como base para la fundación de una Facultad de Odontología. En 1.969, por acción integrada de la Sección de Odontología Sanitaria del Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y de Salud Publica de la Universidad del Valle y del Programa de Especialización en Odontología Sanitaria y de Salud Pública de la Escuela de Salud Pública de la Universidad de Antioquia, con la Asesoría de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud “OPS”, se llevó a cabo una investigación de campo en Odontología cuyos métodos y resultados generales, algunos de cuyos hallazgos se presentan en este manuscrito, se utilizaron como fundamento para la toma de decisiones curriculares por parte del Comité Universitario Pro Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad del Valle, “CUPFO” y por el Consejo Directivo de la Universidad para aprobar, en Junio de 1.970, la creación del Departamento de Estomatología de la División de Salud (por la Reforma Administrativa llevada a cabo en 1.968, las Facultades de disciplinas afines se agruparon en unos nuevos entes administrativos: las Divisiones. Dentro de estas, las antiguas y las nuevas Facultades pasaron a ser Departamentos) en la mencionada Alma Mater. La investigación incluyó algunos aspectos que no fueron tomados en cuenta en el Estudio de Recursos Humanos para la Salud que formó parte de la Encuesta Nacional de Morbilidad realizada en 1.965, aspectos que si se incluyeron en el Estudio de Recursos Odontológicos llevado a cabo por el Instituto Nacional para Programas Especiales de Salud, del cual el autor de la Reseña que aquí se presenta fue Asesor - Consultor y Odontólogo de trabajo de Campo en las Unidades de Cali, Santa Rosa de Cabal y Quibdó.

Results of the unique Epidemiological Quantitative - Qualitative Regional and Interinstitutional Research performed at Latin America as essential base to found a new Dental School are presented trough this paper. In 1969 by a cooperative work between the Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia and the Antioquia University Public Health and Sanitarian Dentistry Program, on the advice of the Pan American Health Dental Health (PAHO) it was carried out a field research to establish the dental health practice conditions and the data obtained were used as a baseline of curricular determination by the Pro Dental Scholl Committee at the Universidad del Valle “CUPFO”. The study took on accountsome aspects that have been neglected on the National Health Human Resources Research as part of the National Morbidity Research Study realized on 1965 but included in the Dental Health Resources Research performed by the National Special Health Resources Institute. It is necessary to clarify that the author of the present paper participated as a special member of the advisors committee and as field dentist of the Dental Health Resources Research realized by theNational Special Health Resources Institute in 1.965.