Search Results (178)

The city of Uvira, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is increasingly experiencing flood events with devastating impacts on human life, infrastructure, and livelihoods. This study evaluates flood susceptibility in Uvira using Geographic Information Systems (GISs), and an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making approach. It integrates eight factors contributing to flood occurrence: distance from water bodies, elevation, slope, rainfall intensity, drainage density, soil type, topographic wetness index, and land use/land cover. The results indicate that proximity to water bodies, drainage density and slope are the most influential factors driving flood susceptibility in Uvira. Approximately 87.3% of the city’s land area is classified as having high to very high flood susceptibility, with the most affected zones concentrated along major rivers and the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. The reliability of the AHP-derived weights is validated by a consistency ratio of 0.008, which falls below the acceptable threshold of 0.1. This research provides valuable insights to support urban planning and inform flood management strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Since the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended HIV self-testing as an alternative to traditional facility-based testing in 2016, it has been increasingly adopted worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the ConfiSign HIV Self-Test (GenBody Inc., Republic of Korea), a newly developed blood-based immunochromatographic assay for the qualitative detection of total antibodies (IgG and IgM) against HIV-1/HIV-2. Methods: The evaluation included four components: (1) retrospective analysis of 1400 archived serum samples (400 HIV-positive and 1000 HIV-negative samples), (2) prospective self-testing by 335 participants (112 HIV-positive participants and 223 individuals with an unknown HIV status, including healthy volunteers), (3) assessment using seroconversion panels and diverse HIV subtypes, and (4) analytical specificity testing for cross-reactivity and interference. The Elecsys HIV combi PT and Alinity I HIV Ag/Ab Combo assays were used as reference assays. Results: In retrospective testing, the ConfiSign HIV Self-Test achieved a positive percent agreement (PPA) of 100%, a negative percent agreement (NPA) of 99.2%, and a Cohen’s kappa value of 0.986, showing excellent agreement with the reference assays. In the prospective study, the test showed 100% sensitivity and specificity, with a low invalid result rate of 1.8%. All HIV-positive samples, including those with low signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) values in the Alinity I assay, were correctly identified. The test also reliably detected early seroconversion samples and accurately identified a broad range of HIV-1 subtypes (A, B, C, D, F, G, CRF01_AE, CRF02_AG, and group O) as well as HIV-2. No cross-reactivity or interference was observed with samples that were positive for hepatitis viruses, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, varicella zoster virus, influenza, HTLV-1, HTLV-2, or malaria. Conclusions: The ConfiSign HIV Self-Test demonstrated excellent sensitivity, specificity, and robustness across diverse clinical samples, supporting its reliability and practicality as a self-testing option for HIV-1/2 antibody detection. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) and undernutrition are intricately linked, significantly impacting health outcomes. However, nutritional support for TB patients is not systematically implemented in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). This study evaluated the effects of nutritional counselling and support on nutritional recovery and TB treatment outcomes. A longitudinal study involved 297 individuals with drug-susceptible TB, 39.4% of whom had a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m². Participants were divided into an observation group and an intervention group, the latter receiving nutritional support. Nutritional support included ready-to-use therapeutic food and therapeutic milk products, tailored to patients’ nutritional status. Data collection was conducted at four intervals during treatment. By the end of treatment, 84.3% of participants improved their nutritional status to a BMI of 18.5 kg/m² or higher. The intervention group showed early nutritional recovery, particularly during the intensive phase of TB treatment, although the p-value (p = 0.067) should be interpreted with caution. The overall treatment success rate was high at 90.6%, with no significant difference between groups. Factors associated with treatment success included age under 45, HIV-negative status, a BMI of 18.5 kg/m² or higher, and clinically diagnosed pulmonary TB. Further assessment is required for the operational feasibility to provide systematic nutritional assessment and counselling for people with TB in Lao PDR. Full article

The cosmopolitan nematode Spirinia parasitifera has long been considered a single, morphologically variable species; however, mounting molecular evidence suggests that it represents a complex of cryptic taxa. In this study, we describe Spirinia koreana sp. nov., a new species collected from intertidal sediments of the Republic of Korea. The new species exhibits a high degree of morphological resemblance to both S. antipodea and S. parasitifera, with overlapping ranges in most morphological traits. While certain measurements, such as relatively shorter body length, more slender form (higher a ratio), moderately long tail length, and shorter spicule length differ from those in some described populations, no single morphological character alone reliably separates S. koreana from all previously reported specimens of S. parasitifera or S. antipodea. Nevertheless, molecular evidence from multiple genetic markers clearly supports its distinction as a separate species. Molecular data from mitochondrial COI, 18S rRNA, and 28S rRNA genes confirm the genetic distinctness of the Korean specimens from S. parasitifera and S. antipodea. Notably, S. koreana sp. nov. differs from other Spirinia species by 2.1–3.4% in 18S and up to 34.4% in 28S sequences, surpassing thresholds previously used to delimit marine nematode species. Our results emphasize the value of integrative taxonomy combining fine-scale morphology and multi-marker molecular data to uncover hidden diversity in meiofaunal nematodes. Full article

Background: China and the Republic of Korea, two countries facing rapid population aging, are actively promoting healthy aging. Physical activity (PA), aging, anxiety, depression, and discrimination determine the health and quality of life of older adults. This study compared the levels of PA, ageism, and aging anxiety among Chinese and Korean adults aged 55–64 years. In this study, we explored the effect of PA on ageism and aging anxiety in these individuals. Methods: We surveyed 200 pre-elderly individuals in Shaanxi Province, China, and 201 pre-elderly individuals in Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. The survey assessed PA, ageism, and aging anxiety levels and collected data on nationality, sex, body mass index, marital status, smoking status, and education level. The collected data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, t-tests, analysis of variance, and structural equation model path analysis, which were performed using SPSS and AMOS. Results: The PA level was higher among the Korean participants than among the Chinese participants (p = 0.027). In contrast, ageism (p < 0.001) and aging anxiety (p = 0.001) levels were higher among Chinese participants than among Korean participants. PA was negatively related to aging anxiety (p = 0.044) but did not affect ageism (p > 0.05). Furthermore, ageism was positively correlated with aging anxiety (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Pre-elderly Chinese and Korean individuals should be aware of the importance of PA and increase its presence in daily life. Pre-elderly individuals must be prepared for healthy aging. This can be achieved by implementing social policies and increasing awareness of healthy aging. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and sensitivity of real-time video capsule endoscopy (RT-VCE) when detecting surgical and nonsurgical gastric lesions in dogs that presented with acute vomiting. Additionally, the patient tolerance and the utility of the RT-VCE data for clinical decision-making were assessed. Eleven client-owned dogs with an acute onset of vomiting were included. Each dog received an antiemetic and antacid before undergoing an RT-VCE (MC1200, MiroCam^®, Intromedic, Seoul, Republic of Korea). We independently reviewed the RT-VCE images to assess the image quality, detect gastric lesions, and make clinical decisions. The time taken to reach a diagnosis and the inter-clinician agreement were evaluated. RT-VCEs were successfully completed in all the dogs, with a mean time to diagnosis of 21.82 ± 15.26 min (range: 1–48 min). Both clinicians reached unanimous agreement on the RT-VCE findings. Five dogs were diagnosed with gastric foreign bodies and underwent surgical removal, while the remaining six were diagnosed with gastritis, a gastric ulcer or erosion, or hemorrhages, which were managed medically. No adverse effects, including vomiting, were observed after the capsule administration. RT-VCE proved to be an effective, accurate, and well-tolerated diagnostic method for evaluating gastric conditions in dogs with acute vomiting. Its rapid diagnostic capability and non-invasive nature make it a valuable modality in emergency veterinary settings. Full article

This study investigates the often-overlooked phenomenon of land drainage interventions as a means of climate change adaptation, focusing on a conceptual case study from Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. The intensification of agriculture has led to extensive tile drainage systems, which have had significant environmental impacts, including disruption of water balance, nutrient leaching, and ecological degradation. With climate change expected to alter precipitation patterns and increase temperatures, these impacts are likely to intensify, leading to more frequent droughts and pollutant delivery from soil to water bodies. This study explores the options for the allocation and implementation of drainage-related measures such as controlled drainage, constructed wetlands, and partial drainage elimination to mitigate these effects, with the use of readily available archival data as well as aerial images, current as well as historical soil, land use, geomorphological and landowner-land user relationships. At two cadastral units with local potable water resources at the hilly Lovečkovicko case study, the paper proposes conceptual, practical approaches for integrating drainage-related measures into land consolidation processes. Here, eleven sites based on the cross-intersection of the above interventions’ criteria were selected, and twenty various drainage-related measures were tentatively designed. This study categorizes the implementation potential of the proposed measures into three levels: high, medium, and low, highlighting the feasibility and transferability of these interventions within the land consolidation or similar process. Full article

Background: Hiking is a physical activity recommended for people of all ages. In an era of increased incidence of cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases, directing individuals to hiking can be very important from both public health and socioeconomic perspectives. Since the health status of recreational hikers and the general population in the Republic of Serbia has not been compared yet, our objectives are to compare the health-related characteristics of those two groups, including the prevalence of comorbidities, pharmacotherapy, and drug consumption. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted. Research questions were asked via two specially prepared questionnaires distributed through the Google Forms platform. The means of the two groups were tested by a two-sample Student t-test for independent variables. Results: The sample consisted of 259 hikers and 292 people from the general population. A total of 199 hikers (76.8%) and 218 people from the general population group (74.7%) were declared as healthy. The statistically significant differences between the groups included age, sex, education level, and body mass index. In both groups, the majority of those with pre-existing medical conditions had at least one cardiovascular disease (23.5% of the hikers and 19.5% of the individuals in the general group). Pre-existing psychiatric diseases were noted in 6% of the hikers and in 12% of those in the general group. The average durations of the disease in the hiker and general population were 11.9 and 8.4 years, respectively (p < 0.05), whereas, there were no differences in drug consumption. Conclusions: This pilot study represents the comparison of the cardiovascular and mental health among hikers and the general population in the Republic of Serbia. Although psychiatric diseases were clearly less prevalent among hikers, the prevalence and burden of cardiovascular diseases must be interpreted with caution, due to big age difference between the respondents from both groups. However, our future studies will employ objective measurements and clinical parameters rather than self-reported surveys, so that the health benefits of hiking appear more clearly. Full article

This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the interactions between lifestyle-related, diagnostic, and physical strength-related sarcopenia factors. The study included 512 female participants aged 60–100 years from Incheon, Republic of Korea, recruited from 12 institutions. Participants engaged in the study from June to August 2023. We administered questionnaires on demographic characteristics and health indicators and undertook physical measurements, including grip strength and body composition. Hierarchical regression analysis and two-way analysis of variance were conducted to examine the association between sarcopenia and the examined variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Hierarchical regression analysis of the variables affecting sarcopenia showed each characteristic’s effect: Model 1 (basic characteristic): R², 0.391; p < 0.001; Model 2 (Model 1 + additional characteristics): R², 0.427; p < 0.001. Hierarchical regression analysis of diagnostic and fitness factors affecting sarcopenia also showed an effect on sarcopenia (Model 1 (basic characteristics): R², 0.318; p < 0.001; Model 2 (Model 1 + body composition): R², 0.419; p < 0.001; Model 3 (Model 2 + fitness factors): R², 0.664; p < 0.001). This study enhances the understanding of sarcopenia by investigating its connections with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle choices, and physical activity. The study underscores that lifestyle factors sustainably influence sarcopenia while confirming its correlation with fitness-related factors. Notably, this study highlights the results that muscle function is very important in preventing sarcopenia and that continuous physical activity and types of physical activity affect it. Full article

Background/Objectives: Several factors, such as age, parity, body mass index, a favorable cervix, and fetal birth weight, are known to be related to the success of labor induction. With advancements in ultrasound technology, these factors have been studied to predict the success of vaginal delivery. However, there has been limited research on ultrasound measures that can effectively predict entry into the active phase of labor. Thus, we aimed to assess the use of cervical quantitative strain sonoelastography to predict entry into the active phase of labor induction. Methods: This prospective study included nulliparous term singleton pregnant women scheduled for labor induction between July 2018 and July 2022. Sonographic parameters were obtained using a transvaginal ultrasound approach with semiautomatic quantitative strain elastography software (E-Cervix; Samsung WS80A ultrasound device with a VR5-9 transducer, Samsung Medison Co., Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea), which provides objective measurements through the pixel-based analysis of elastographic maps. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression and area-under-the-curve analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the variables under consideration in predicting the onset of the active phase of labor. Results: A total of 71 women were included in the study, and 29 progressed to the active phase. The cervical length, angle of progression, and mean strain from the external cervical os were significantly associated with successful entry into the active phase. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve model also indicated a higher predictive value when the elastographic parameters were combined. Conclusions: Cervical elastography can be used as a sonographic index to predict progression to the active phase of labor. Full article

One of the concepts behind Generation IV reactors is a molten salt coolant system, where the materials for the reactor itself and for the primary and secondary circuit components are subjected to extreme chemical and thermal stresses. Due to the unavailability of these materials, a nickel–molybdenum alloy known as MoNiCr has been developed in the Czech Republic. This paper discusses the manufacturing process for the MoNiCr alloy, covering conventional casting technology, forming, powder atomization, additive manufacturing (AM) using the directed energy deposition (DED-LB) process, and final heat treatment. Special attention was given to the quality of the input powders for additive manufacturing, particularly regarding the optimization of the chemical composition, which significantly influenced the quality of the additively manufactured components. AM enables the realization of complex structural designs that are critical for energy applications, despite the high susceptibility of the MoNiCr alloy to solidification cracking. Through AM, a test body was successfully produced with a maximum defect rate of 0.03% and the following mechanical properties: a yield strength (YS) of 279 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 602 MPa, and an elongation (El) of 51%. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite with a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts, where the transmission primarily occurs through ingesting T. gondii oocysts in the environment. Hence, animals inhabiting a wide geographical range can be sentinels for the environmental contamination of T. gondii oocysts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in two generalist ungulates in the Republic of Korea (ROK), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus), and identify the risk factors associated with this infection. Commercial ELISA kits confirmed a seroprevalence of 34.9% in wild boar (170/487, 95% CI: 30.7–39.3%) and 29.9% in Korean water deer (135/452, 95% CI: 25.7–34.3%). In both species, the seroprevalence was highest in winter, and showed no sex-related differences. In wild boars, the seroprevalence showed steep reduction in 2020 and increased with body mass. Meanwhile, in Korean water deer, seroprevalence did not show significant association with any of the tested variables, although an increase in seroprevalence was observed in 2020 compared to previous years. This study documents the widespread yet heterogeneous nature of T. gondii prevalence in its intermediate host population. Hence, the constant monitoring of T. gondii prevalence in its host species, both definitive and intermediate, while simultaneously considering risk factors would be necessary to identify the drivers behind the fluctuating pattern of T. gondii prevalence. Full article

Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) are environmental contaminants known for their persistence and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues. SCCPs are considered potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, with similar effects expected for MCCPs. This study investigated the body burden of SCCPs and MCCPs in residents of two regions of the Czech Republic with different levels of industrial pollution. Blood serum samples from 62 individuals in Ceske Budejovice (control area) and Ostrava (industrial area) were analysed. The results showed higher concentrations of SCCPs (<120–650 ng/g lipid weight (lw)) and MCCPs (<240–1530 ng/g lw) in Ostrava compared to Ceske Budejovice (SCCPs: <120–210 ng/g lw, MCCPs: <240–340 ng/g lw). The statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between chemical concentrations and demographic variables such as age, BMI, or gender. The findings are consistent with European and Australian studies but significantly lower than levels reported in China. This is the first comprehensive survey of SCCPs and MCCPs in human blood serum in the Czech Republic and the second study in Europe. The data collected in this study are essential for assessing SCCPs and MCCPs. They will contribute to a better understanding the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise. However, whether obesity affects the degree of intra-abdominal solid organ damage following blunt trauma remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between obesity and intra-abdominal solid organ damage. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a regional trauma center in the Republic of Korea from January 2018 to December 2022 and included 582 patients aged 18–98 years with blunt abdominal trauma. Patients were categorized into four groups—underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity—based on their body mass index (BMI). Odds ratios (ORs), beta coefficients, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for intra-abdominal organ damage were calculated across BMI categories using multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting for the confounding variables. Results: The obesity group exhibited a significant decrease in the prevalence of liver injury (OR: 0.553, CI: 0.316 to 0.966) and a reduction in liver injury severity (β: −0.214, CI: −0.391 to −0.037) compared with the normal-weight group after adjusting for the confounding factors. However, no significant association was observed between the BMI and injuries to other solid organs, such as the spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. Additionally, the younger obesity group (participants aged < 45 years) exhibited a significant negative association with both liver injury and injury grade. However, the older obesity group (participants aged > 65 years) exhibited a statistically significant association only with the liver injury grade compared with the normal-weight group. Conclusions: Obesity can serve as a predictive factor for the presence and severity of liver damage caused by blunt abdominal trauma. Full article

Background: Understanding the impact of pandemic measures on elderly mobility is crucial for shaping public health responses. This retrospective study assesses the changes in mobility of 216 elderly individuals (average age 84 years) in the Czech Republic before and during COVID-19 restrictions, using two years of GPS tracking data. Methods: We conducted statistical analyses across various physical, demographic, and social factors. Data were analyzed for mobility patterns, SOS alarm usage, and relationships between mobility and factors such as age group, body mass index, sex, city size, and housing type. Results: During the study, 4409 SOS alarms were triggered, with only 16.6% requiring action. Alarms triggered outside the home decreased from 34% pre-COVID-19 to 29% during COVID-19, reflecting reduced outdoor activity. Mobility decreased by 43.9% overall during the pandemic. The largest year-on-year decline in mobility was in May, reaching 57.6%. However, 10% of the participants exhibited increased mobility. Factors such as age group, body mass index, sex, city size, and type of housing were analyzed, and we found that city size and housing type did not significantly influence mobility levels. Conclusions: These findings highlight the substantial decline in elderly mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasize the need for tailored interventions, such as outdoor mobility programs and telemedicine, to support elderly populations during public health crises. Full article