Search Results (1,499)

Bacterial contamination of intravenous catheters in hospitalized horses may pose risks for both patient care and public health due to potential antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic transmission. This prospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the incidence of catheter contamination in equine patients admitted to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2020 and 2021. All horses requiring intravenous catheterization were included, and data were collected on patient signalment, clinical status, duration of catheterization, treatments, and outcomes. Two catheter types were used: 5 cm polytetrafluoroethylene and 11 cm polyurethane, both 14-gauge. Catheters were aseptically removed, and the distal ends were cultured on Blood Agar and Brain Heart Infusion broth. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques, and contamination was defined as any detectable bacterial growth. Of the 58 catheters collected from 52 patients, 38 (65.5%) showed bacterial growth, predominantly Staphylococcus spp. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified antibiotic treatment as significantly associated with positive bacteriological culture. These findings indicate a higher contamination rate than previously reported in horses. While colonization may not always result in clinical infection, the observed frequency of contamination underscores the need for careful catheter management and further investigation into its implications for antimicrobial stewardship. Full article

Liriope muscari is a medicinal and ornamental herbaceous plant with significant economic value, as its tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes. However, the current production of medicinal plants is characterized by wasteful use of resources and ecological risks caused by the unreasonable application of nitrogen fertilizers. In this study, based on uniform application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, six nitrogen application levels were set in pot experiments (expressed as N): N0: 0 kg/ha, N1: 208.33 kg/ha, N2: 416.66 kg/ha, N3: 625 kg/ha, N4: 833.33 kg/ha, N5: 1041.66 kg/ha). The morphological characteristics, photosynthetic physiology, tuber yield and quality, and seven nitrogen fertilizer utilization indices of L. muscari were analyzed and measured. Correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to investigate the mechanism by which nitrogen influences its growth and development, photosynthetic characteristics, tuber yield and quality, and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. The results showed that (1) nitrogen significantly promoted plant height, crown width, tiller number, and chlorophyll synthesis , with the N3 treatment (625 kg/ha) reaching the peak value, and the crown width and tiller number increasing by 26.44% and 38.90% compared to N0; the total chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate increased by 39.67% and 77.04%, respectively, compared to N0; high nitrogen (N5) inhibited photosynthesis and increased intercellular CO₂ concentration; (2) Fresh weight of tuberous roots, polysaccharide content, and saponin C content peaked at N3 (34.67 g/plant, 39.89%, and 0.21%), respectively, representing increases of 128.69%, 28.37%, and 33.66% compared to N0; (3) Nitrogen uptake, nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency, agronomic utilization efficiency, and apparent utilization efficiency were optimal at N3, while high nitrogen (N4–N5) reduced nitrogen fertilizer efficiency by 40–60%; (4) SEM analysis indicated that tiller number and transpiration rate directly drive yield, while stomatal conductance regulates saponin C synthesis. Under the experimental conditions, 625 kg/ha is the optimal nitrogen application rate balancing yield, quality, and nitrogen efficiency. Excessive nitrogen application (>833 kg/ha) induces photosynthetic inhibition and “luxury absorption”, leading to source-sink imbalance and reduced accumulation of secondary metabolites. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical support for the precise management of nitrogen in Liriope-type medicinal plants. It is expected to alleviate the contradictions of “high input, low output, and heavy pollution” in traditional fertilization models. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burn injuries are a major public health concern. This study estimated global, regional, and national burn burdens by total body surface area from 1990 to 2021 and projected trends to 2050. Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we examined the prevalence, mortality, and years lived with disability (YLDs) according to age, sex, and region. Future trends were predicted using Bayesian meta-regression models and Das Gupta decomposition analysis. Results: In 2021, global prevalence was 12.99 million for severe burns and 235.34 million for mild burns, with age-standardized rates of 158.75 and 2815.26 per 100,000. Severe burns were highest in Southern Latin America (7836.51 per 100,000) and mild burns in the Caribbean (626.94 per 100,000). The largest declines from 1990 to 2021 were in high-income North America for severe burns (−38.22%) and East Asia for mild burns (−73.03%). Females had higher severe burn prevalence at younger and older ages, while males had higher mild burn prevalence from early adulthood. Leading risk factors were fire, heat, and hot substances (38.22% of severe burn YLDs; 53.87% for mild burns). By 2050, severe burns are projected to rise by 233.4% and mild burns by 142.5%, with Eastern Europe showing the largest growth. Conclusions: Although age-standardized burn rates are declining, absolute cases are projected to rise due to population growth and aging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring the need for stronger prevention and improved burn care infrastructure. Full article

Climate change poses significant threats to urban tree health and survival worldwide. This study evaluates climate suitability risks for 12 common tree species in Wuhan, a Chinese metropolis facing escalating climate challenges. We analyzed risk dynamics and interspecific variations across three periods, the baseline (1981–2022), near future (2023–2050), and distant future (2051–2100), quantifying climate risk as differences between local climate conditions and species’ climatic niches. We further examined how species’ geographic distribution and functional traits influence these climate risks. The results revealed significant warming trends in Wuhan during the baseline period (p < 0.05), with projected increases in temperature and precipitation under future scenarios (p < 0.05). The most prominent risk factors included the precipitation of the driest month (PDM), annual mean temperature (AMT), and maximum temperature of the warmest month (MTWM), indicating intensifying drought–heat stress in this region. Among the studied species, Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don, Platanus acerifolia (Aiton) Willd., Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & W.C.Cheng, and Ginkgo biloba L. faced significantly higher hydrothermal risks (p < 0.05), whereas Koelreuteria bipinnata Franch. and Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. exhibited lower current risks but notable future risk increases (p < 0.05). Regarding the factors driving these interspecific variation patterns, the latitude of species’ distribution centroids showed significant negative correlations with the risk values of the minimum temperature of the coldest month (MTCM) (p < 0.05). Among functional traits, the wood density (WD) and xylem vulnerability threshold (P50) were negatively correlated with precipitation-related risks (p < 0.05), while the leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and specific leaf area (SLA) were positively associated with temperature-related risks (p < 0.05). These findings provide scientific foundations for developing climate-adaptive species selection and management strategies that enhance urban forest resilience under climate change in central China. Full article

Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality, yet optimal intrapartum management remains debated. The contraction stress test (CST) has been proposed as a tool to assess fetal tolerance to labor, but its prognostic value in FGR pregnancies is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of CST in predicting perinatal outcomes among term fetuses with FGR and to compare these outcomes with those of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of term singleton deliveries at a tertiary care center over a two-year period. FGR was defined as birthweight below the 3rd percentile or, prenatally, below the 10th percentile with abnormal Doppler findings. SGA fetuses were defined as birthweights between the 3rd and 10th percentiles. Participants were stratified into the following three groups: (1) FGR with a negative CST result, (2) FGR without CST, and (3) SGA without FGR. The primary outcome was the rate of emergency cesarean delivery. Secondary outcomes included a composite of neonatal adverse events (Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, umbilical cord pH < 7.1, NICU admission, prolonged neonatal hospitalization, intubation, or intraventricular hemorrhage) and a combined metric of neonatal and maternal adverse events. Results: A total of 1688 term singleton pregnancies were included in this analysis, comprising 33 cases of FGR with negative CST results, 275 cases of FGR without CST, and 1123 cases classified as SGA. Emergency cesarean delivery rates were comparable between FGR with negative CST (15.2%) and FGR without CST (14.9%), both were significantly higher than in the SGA group (9.7%, p = 0.025). Composite neonatal adverse events did not differ significantly between the FGR groups (21.2% vs. 24.7%) but were more frequent than in the SGA group (8.1%, p < 0.001). Similarly, the incidence of combined neonatal and maternal adverse events was not different between the FGR groups (30.3% vs. 33.5%) yet exceeded that of the SGA group (15.1%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this cohort, a negative CST performed prior to labor induction did not reduce the risk of adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by FGR. These findings indicate that routine use of CST may offer limited prognostic benefit in the evaluation of term FGR, highlighting the necessity for further studies to establish evidence-based surveillance and management strategies for this high-risk group. Full article

In petroleum production processes, the water used to maintain formation pressure often plays a key role and is pumped into injection wells to compensate for the pressure drop in the formation after oil extraction and displacement of the remaining petroleum products to the development well. The source of such water may be produced by waters extracted together with oil and previously purified from mechanical impurities and hydrocarbons. However, a significant disadvantage of using such water is the presence of pollutants such as sulphur-reducing bacteria (SRB) and a high content of hydrogen sulfide. Traditional purification methods against them show low efficiency. Hydrogen sulfide and SRB are not only a threat of environmental pollution, but they also pose a high risk to pipelines in the petroleum industry due to an increase in the rate of metal corrosion. In this paper, formation water was treated with a field deployment flow-mode plasma discharge unit. A significant decrease in the growth rate of SRB in treated water was achieved. Bacterial growth was suppressed for up to 14 days after three treatment cycles of treatment. The hydrogen sulfide content was reduced by 33% after one cycle of plasma discharge water treatment. Full article

To advance global climate governance, this study investigates the carbon emission efficiency (CEE) of 110 Chinese resource-based cities (RBCs) using a super-efficiency SBM-GML model combined with kernel density estimation and spatial analysis (2006–2022). Spatial Durbin model (SDM) and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) further elucidate the driving mechanisms. The results show that (1) RBCs achieved modest CEE growth (3.8% annual average), driven primarily by regenerative cities (4.8% growth). Regional disparities persisted due to decoupling between technological efficiency and technological progress, causing fluctuating growth rates; (2) CEE exhibited high-value clustering in the northeastern and eastern regions, contrasting with low-value continuity in the central and western areas. Regional convergence emerged through technology diffusion, narrowing spatial disparities; (3) energy intensity and government intervention directly hinder CEE improvement, while rigid industrial structures and expanded production cause negative spatial spillovers, increasing regional carbon lock-in risks. Conversely, trade openness and innovation level promote cross-regional emission reductions; (4) the influencing factors exhibit strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity, with varying magnitudes and directions across regions and development stages. The findings provide a spatial governance framework to facilitate improvements in CEE in RBCs, emphasizing industrial structure optimization, inter-regional technological alliances, and policy coordination to accelerate low-carbon transitions. Full article

Economic stability in emerging market economies is increasingly shaped by the interplay between global financial integration, domestic monetary dynamics, and asset price fluctuations. Yet, early detection of financial market disruptions remains a persistent challenge. This study constructs a Financial Stress Index (FSI) for Pakistan, utilizing monthly data from 2005 to 2024, to capture systemic stress in a globalized context. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the FSI consolidates diverse indicators, including banking sector fragility, exchange market pressure, stock market volatility, money market spread, external debt exposure, and trade finance conditions, into a single, interpretable measure of financial instability. The index is externally validated through comparisons with the U.S. STLFSI4, the Global Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) Index, the Geopolitical Risk (GPR) Index, and the OECD Composite Leading Indicator (CLI). The results confirm that Pakistan’s FSI responds meaningfully to both global and domestic shocks. It successfully captures major stress episodes, including the 2008 global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and politically driven local disruptions. A key understanding is the index’s ability to distinguish between sudden global contagion and gradually emerging domestic vulnerabilities. Empirical results show that banking sector risk, followed by trade finance constraints and exchange rate volatility, are the leading contributors to systemic stress. Granger causality analysis reveals that financial stress has a significant impact on macroeconomic performance, particularly in terms of GDP growth and trade flows. These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring sector-specific vulnerabilities in an open economy like Pakistan. The FSI offers strong potential as an early warning system to support policy design and strengthen economic resilience. Future modifications may include incorporating real-time market-based metrics indicators to better align the index with global stress patterns. Full article

In the context of the deep transformation of population structure and the coordinated advancement of high-quality development, exploring the mechanism of the impact of aging on economic growth has become a major issue related to the sustainable development of China. This study takes the 41 cities of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration as a sample, using the population and economic census data from 2000 to 2020. It comprehensively applies an improved Solow model, GIS spatial analysis, spatial econometric models, and mediation effect tests to arrive at the following findings: (1) There is a significant asynchrony between economic growth and population aging in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Economic growth has shifted from high-speed to high-quality development, while the aging process is accelerating and becoming more aged. (2) Population aging in the Yangtze River Delta has a nonlinear positive impact on economic growth. The intensity of this impact shows a characteristic of “strong-weak-strong,” with the first aging rate threshold being 11.63% and the second being 17.53%. (3) There is significant spatial autocorrelation between population aging and economic growth in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. The overall direction of the effect shows a spatial distribution pattern of “positive in the south and negative in the north.” The deepening of population aging in neighboring areas promotes local economic growth. (4) Labor productivity and optimization of the living environment constitute the core transmission pathways. Together, they account for more than 80% of the contribution and serve as the key mechanism for transforming aging pressures into growth momentum. This research provides practical guidance for solving the “rich” and “aging” contradictions in the Yangtze River Delta. It also offers a universal theoretical framework and a Chinese solution for aging economies worldwide to address the risk of growth stagnation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders of hemoglobin and are among the most common inherited diseases. The prevalence rates of sickle cell disease and thalassemia in Saudi Arabia are higher than those in other countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has launched many prevention programs such as a premarital screening program, genetic counseling programs, and neonatal screening in order to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases. The former program includes the most common genetic diseases: sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Many studies conducted since the premarital program started have reported a decrease in the prevalence of sickle cell disease and thalassemia. However, all studies focus on large cities, including their subdivisions, but there is a lack of studies on subdivisions specifically. Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, 5-year time trend, and distribution of β-thalassemia and sickle cell traits in Al-Kharj province using the data of the PMSGC program during the period from January 2017 to February 2021. Results: A total of 21,150 individuals were screened, and 508 were diagnosed with sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Also, we showed that thalassemia was more prevalent than sickle cell disease (66% and 34%, respectively), and there was an increase in β-thalassemia and α-thalassemia. Conclusions: Riyadh city’s prevalence rate of β-thalassemia was reported as 7 per 1000, while the current study found a prevalence rate of 5.6 per 1000 in Al-Kharj, which suggests a possible increase as a result of population growth in Al-Kharj province as part of Riyadh city. This study recommends further improvement in preventive measures in high-risk regions, as well as enhanced community awareness, to provide the highest rate of reduction for disorders. Full article

Understanding the coupling mechanism and coordinated development between digital transformation and operational efficiency in logistics enterprises is vital for optimizing resource allocation and promoting high-quality, sustainable growth in the logistics industry. This study analyzes panel data from 52 listed logistics enterprises in China from 2014 to 2023. It constructs evaluation index systems for digital transformation and operational efficiency and applies an integrated methodology comprising the super-efficiency SBM model, coupling coordination degree model, and random forest regression model to evaluate efficiency, assess coupling dynamics, and forecast future trends. The main findings are as follows: (1) Overall operational efficiency has shown a pattern of fluctuating growth, increasing from 0.520 to 0.585. Road transport consistently outperformed other sectors, water transport maintained steady growth, and air transport exhibited significant volatility, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) The coupling coordination degree remains in the initial coordination stage (0.642–0.677), with road transport achieving intermediate-level coordination (0.718) by 2021. Water transport showed gradual but stable improvement, and air transport remained unstable due to external shocks. (3) Road transport leads in overall industry performance, while water transport exhibits stable progress, and air transport is hindered by international supply chain disruptions and technological adoption challenges. (4) Projections for 2024–2026 suggest an average annual growth rate of 0.31% in coupling coordination across all subsectors, although inter-sectoral synergistic mechanisms require further enhancement. Based on these findings, this study proposes targeted recommendations: increasing comprehensive investments in digital technologies across the entire supply chain, cultivating interdisciplinary talent, optimizing risk management frameworks, and refining policy support. These measures aim to strengthen the integration of digital transformation and operational efficiency, contributing to the sustainable development of the logistics industry. Full article

Maize, as a critical crop for China’s food security, is constantly challenged by weed infestations and environmental risks associated with herbicide overuse. Improving herbicide utilization efficiency through equipment optimization and intelligent control during spraying has become an essential strategy for weed management in Chinese maize fields. However, most current sprayers fail to achieve coordinated control of spray volume and nozzle parameters, and their performance is typically evaluated using single indices, such as the coefficient of variation (CV) for spray uniformity and deposition density. In this study, a split-split-plot experiment was conducted in 2022–2023 to assess the feasibility of herbicide reduction using intelligent variable-rate boom sprayers in summer maize fields on the North China Plain (NCP). The key variables included spray volume (225 vs. 180 L/ha), nozzle type (AI11003VS/LECHLER11003 in 2022; TTI11004/LECHLER11004 in 2023), and herbicide dose (recommended, −15%, and −30% reduction). Results showed that the coefficients of variation for droplet coverage and density remained below 12% for all treatments (n = 4), indicating stable spray performance. A higher spray volume (225 L/ha) significantly improved deposition uniformity (p < 0.01). In 2022, herbicide input could be reduced by 15–30% while maintaining efficacy above 90% when applied at the 3–4 leaf stage of dominant weeds. However, in 2023, efficacy dropped to 72.67% when the herbicide was applied at a 30% reduced dose with 180 L/ha and when dominant weeds had reached the 5–6 leaf stage or higher, indicating an agronomic risk. Reduced herbicide input decreased maize injury by 47–53%. Only the 30% reduced-dose treatment significantly increased maize yield by 3.05% in 2022 and 2.62% in 2023 compared to the control (both p < 0.05). Spray volume significantly influenced droplet deposition and weed control efficacy; thus, caution is warranted regarding herbicide reduction for later weed growth stages. This study demonstrates that real-time variable-rate boom sprayers, optimized for spray volume and nozzle type, can reduce herbicide use without compromising weed control efficacy or maize yield, providing both theoretical support and practical guidance for sustainable herbicide management in summer maize fields on the NCP. Full article

Human activities and river course change have a complex reciprocal interaction. The river channel is altered by human activity, and these alterations have an impact on the activities and settlements along the riverbank. Understanding the relationship between urbanization and changes in river morphology is crucial for effective river management, safeguarding the urban environment, and mitigating flood hazards. In this context, this study has been conducted to investigate the interrelationship between morphological dynamics, built-up growth, and urban flood risk along the Manohara River in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The Sinuosity Index was used to analyze variation in river courses and instability from 1996 to 2023. Built-up change analysis is carried out using supervised maximum likelihood classification method and rate of change is calculated for built-up area growth (2003–2023) and building construction between 2003 and 2021. Flood hazard risk manning was carried out using flood frequency estimation method integrating HEC-GeoRAS modeling. Linear regression and spatial overlay analysis was carried out to examine the interrelationship between river morphology, urban growth, and fold hazed risk. In recent years (2016–2023), the Manohara River has straightened, particularly after 2011. Before 2011, it had significant meandering with pronounced curves and bends, indicating a mature river system. However, the SI value of 1.45 in 2023 and 1.80 in 2003 indicates a significant straightening of high meandering over 20 years. A flood hazard modeling carried out within the active floodplain of the Manohara River shows that 26.4% of the area is under high flood risk and 21% is under moderate risk. Similarly, over 10 years from 2006 to 2016, the rate of built-up change was found to be 9.11, while it was 7.9 between 2011 and 2021. The calculated R² value of 0.7918 at a significance level of 0.05 (with a p value of 0.0175, and a standard error value of 0.07877) indicates a strong positive relationship between decreasing sinuosity and increasing built-up, which demonstrates the effect of built-up expansion on river morphology, particularly the anthropogenic activities of encroachment and haphazard constructions, mining, dumping wastes, and squatter settlements along the active floodplain, causing instability on the river course and hence, lateral shift. The riverbank and active floodplain are not defined scientifically, which leads to the invasion of the river area. These activities, together with land use alteration in the floodplain, show an increased risk of flood hazards and other natural calamities. Therefore, sustainable protection measures must be prioritized in the active floodplain and flood risk areas, taking into account upstream–downstream linkages and chain effects caused by interaction between natural and adverse anthropogenic activities. Full article

The rapid desiccation of the Aral Sea has transformed the region into one of the world’s most severe soil wind-erosion hotspots. Despite growing concern, long-term, high-resolution assessments and driver attribution remain insufficient. This study integrates the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ) with multi-source remote sensing data on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to simulate wind erosion dynamics from 1990 to 2020. The residual trend method was used to disentangle the contributions of climate change and human activities, while erosion risk was assessed using the Information Quantity model and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This study reveals five key findings: (1) wind erosion increased significantly after 2011, peaking in 2015 with an annual growth rate of 2.418 kg/m². (2) The Aral Sea Basin’s relative contribution to regional erosion declined sharply, indicating a shift in dominant erosion zones to peripheral deserts. (3) Climate change emerged as the primary driver, contributing 70.19% overall, and up to 92.13% in recent years, while human activities showed a peak influence (55.53%) in 2005. (4) Spatial attribution showed climate dominance in desert areas and localized human impact in exposed lakebeds. (5) High-risk erosion zones expanded rapidly into the Kyzylkum Desert after 2010, due to rising wind speeds and vegetation loss. This study provides a robust remote sensing–based framework for wind erosion monitoring and attribution, offering critical insights for erosion mitigation and ecological restoration in arid, climate-sensitive regions. Full article

Objective: This study aims to evaluate obstetric and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by RDs and to identify hemogram-derived biomarkers associated with adverse perinatal events. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 360 pregnancies in individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Sjögren’s disease, sarcoidosis, undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), and other autoimmune conditions, followed up at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, between 2013 and 2018. Data on disease activity, maternal complications, neonatal outcomes, and inflammatory markers were extracted from electronic medical records. Results: Patients with SSc had the highest rates of preterm birth (57.1%) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) (42.9%), whereas those with SLE (50%) and AS (25%) exhibited the highest disease flare rates. Neonates born to mothers with SSc, SLE, and Sjögren’s disease had significantly lower Apgar scores, suggesting increased neonatal distress. NICU admission was associated with elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR), with higher NLR and ELR also predicting spontaneous abortion. Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and ELR demonstrated the highest predictive value for composite adverse perinatal outcomes. Additionally, RA patients experiencing disease flares had an 87.5% cesarean section (CS) rate, significantly exceeding the general population rate. Conclusions: This study underscores the increased risk of preterm birth, FGR, and neonatal complications in RD pregnancies, particularly in SSc and SLE patients. The findings suggest that early risk assessment using hemogram-based inflammatory markers may improve perinatal management and patient stratification. Full article