Regional partitioning of agricultural non-point source pollution in China using a projection pursuit cluster model

A projection pursuit cluster（PPC） model was used to analyze the regional partitioning of agricultural non-point source pollution in China.The environmental factors impacting the agricultural non-point source pollution were compiled into a projection index to set up the projection index function.A novel optimization algorithm called Free search（FS） was introduced to optimize the projection direction of the PPC model.By making the appropriate improvements as we explored the use of the algorithm,it became simpler,and developed better exploration abilities.Thus,the multi-factor problem was converted into a single-factor cluster,according to the projection,which successfully avoided subjective disturbance and produced objective results.The cluster results of the PPC model mirror the actual regional partitioning of the agricultural non-point source pollution in China,indicating that the PPC model is a powerful tool in multi-factor cluster analysis,and could be a new method for the regional partitioning of agricultural non-point source pollution.

Infectious ENT Emergencies: A One-Year Experience at the ENT Department of Mamou Regional Hospital

Introduction: ENT infectious emergencies encompass all infectious pathologies affecting the ear, nose, sinuses, throat, and neck. A good understanding of these emergencies is essential for organizing appropriate care. In Guinea, few studies have described ENT infectious pathologies in rural areas. Objective: To study ENT infectious emergencies in the Otorhinolaryngology department of the Mamou Regional Hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective descriptive study, conducted from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022. All patients admitted to the ENT department of the Mamou Regional Hospital for an infectious emergency were included. Results: Among the 1854 recorded consultations, 261 cases involved ENT infectious emergencies, representing a prevalence of 14.07%. The most represented age group was 0 to 10 years (31.03%), with a majority of female patients (59%) and a predominantly urban origin (81.61%). Students accounted for 32.18% of the cases. The main reasons for consultation were odynophagia/dysphagia (32.42%) and otalgia (22.94%). The primary etiologies were tonsillitis (28.73%) and otitis (27.20%). Treatments administered included probabilistic antibiotic therapy (38.80%), analgesics (32.03%), and corticosteroid therapy (10.47%). The outcome was favorable in 98.85% of cases, with only 0.38% lost to follow-up. Conclusion: The results of our study confirm the frequency of ENT infectious pathologies. Their management requires joint actions for population awareness, staff training, and services equipment, particularly in rural areas.

External Otitis: Epidemiological, Clinical, Etiological, and Therapeutic Aspects at the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Department of Mamou Regional Hospital

Introduction: External otitis (OE) is an acute or chronic inflammation or infection of the external ear resulting from an imbalance in the external auditory canal secondary to microtrauma, maceration, eczema, or a foreign body in the external auditory canal. Objective: To study cases of external otitis at the Mamou Regional Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of six (6) months from July 1st to December 31st, 2016. It included all patients admitted to the ENT department of the Mamou Regional Hospital. Results: During the study period, 712 patients were admitted to the department for various pathologies, of which 103 met our selection criteria, representing a frequency of 14.46%. The mean age of the patients was 33.74 years with a range of 1 to 90 years. Males predominated in the sample, accounting for 59.22%. The vast majority of patients resided in urban areas, constituting 61.17% of the sample. In our study, all patients consulted for otalgia (100%), and over half (53.39%) for hypoacusis. We formally identified rhinitis in 66.66% of cases, while diabetes was found in only 4 patients (11.11%). Otomycosis was the most commonly identified condition (53.39%), followed by furuncles (33.98%). Ear drops containing antibiotics were administered to all patients, although 66.60% received antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: External otitis is a relatively common condition, particularly among children and the elderly. Diagnosis can be made based on pain upon traction of the pinna and pressure on the tragus.

Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and Cervicofacial Injuries Resulting from Road Accidents within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and cervicofacial traumas encompass injuries affecting the neck, face, and ORL region, resulting from external influence. The objective of this study was to conduct an epidemiological and clinical analysis of ORL and cervicofacial injuries observed in victims of road accidents treated at the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. Materials and Methods: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. It included patients hospitalized for ORL and/or cervicofacial traumas resulting from road accidents during the study period. Results: A total of 348 cases were included, representing 36.22% of all traumas related to road accidents (AVP) within the Regional Hospital of Mamou. The average age of the patients was 26.44 years, with a sex ratio of 3.83, favoring males. The dominant socio-professional category was students, encompassing 32.47% of cases. Road accidents were mainly associated with motorcycle use (31.32% motorcycle-to-motorcycle, 24.43% motorcycle skidding, 13.51% motorcycle-pedestrian). Facial region injuries were the most common, accounting for 69.03% of cases, followed by rhinological injuries (17.28%) and otological injuries (13.69%). Associated injuries were predominantly closed head traumas (52.55%) and lower limb fractures (20.41%). Imaging was underutilized. Regarding surgical interventions, reconstructive surgery was the most predominant, accounting for 52.51% of cases, with a management timeframe of 30 minutes to 12 hours for 99.72% of patients. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a serious public health issue, primarily affecting young males. Emphasis should be placed on road safety measures to reduce the frequency of these accidents.

Does digitalization mitigate regional inequalities?Evidence from China

Regional inequality significantly influences sustainable development and human well-being.In China,there exists pronounced regional disparities in economic and digital advancements;however,scant research delves into the interplay between them.By analyzing the economic development and digitalization gaps at regional and city levels in China,extending the original Cobb-Douglas production function,this study aims to evaluate the impact of digitalization on China's regional inequality using seemingly unrelated regression.The results indicate a greater emphasis on digital inequality compared to economic disparity,with variable coefficients of 0.59 for GDP per capita and 0.92 for the digitalization index over the past four years.However,GDP per capita demonstrates higher spatial concentration than digitalization.Notably,both disparities have shown a gradual reduction in recent years.The southeastern region of the Hu Huanyong Line exhibits superior levels and rates of economic and digital advancement in contrast to the northwestern region.While digitalization propels economic growth,it yields a nuanced impact on achieving balanced regional development,encompassing both positive and negative facets.Our study highlights that the marginal utility of advancing digitalization is more pronounced in less developed regions,but only if the government invests in the digital infrastructure and education in these areas.This study's methodology can be utilized for subsequent research,and our findings hold the potential to the government's regional investment and policy-making.

Construction and Application of a Regional Kilometer-Scale Carbon Source and Sink Assimilation Inversion System(CCMVS-R)

CO_(2)is one of the most important greenhouse gases(GHGs)in the earth’s atmosphere.Since the industrial era,anthropogenic activities have emitted excessive quantities of GHGs into the atmosphere,resulting in climate warming since the 1950s and leading to an increased frequency of extreme weather and climate events.In 2020,China committed to striving for carbon neutrality by 2060.This commitment and China’s consequent actions will result in significant changes in global and regional anthropogenic carbon emissions and therefore require timely,comprehensive,and objective monitoring and verification support(MVS)systems.The MVS approach relies on the top-down assimilation and inversion of atmospheric CO_(2)concentrations,as recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)Inventory Guidelines in 2019.However,the regional high-resolution assimilation and inversion method is still in its initial stage of development.Here,we have constructed an inverse system for carbon sources and sinks at the kilometer level by coupling proper orthogonal decomposition(POD)with four-dimensional variational(4DVar)data assimilation based on the weather research and forecasting-greenhouse gas(WRF-GHG)model.Our China Carbon Monito ring and Verification Support at the Regional level(CCMVS-R)system can continuously assimilate information on atmospheric CO_(2)and other related information and realize the inversion of regional and local anthropogenic carbon emissions and natural terrestrial ecosystem carbon exchange.Atmospheric CO_(2)data were collected from six ground-based monito ring sites in Shanxi Province,China to verify the inversion effect of regio nal anthropogenic carbon emissions by setting ideal and real experiments using a two-layer nesting method(at 27 and 9 km).The uncertainty of the simulated atmospheric CO_(2)decreased significantly,with a root-mean-square error of CO_(2)concentration values between the ideal value and the simulated after assimilation was close to 0.The total anthropogenic carbon emissions in Shanxi Province in 2019 from the assimilated inversions were approximately 28.6%(17%-38%)higher than the mean of five emission inventories using the bottomup method,showing that the top-down CCMVS-R system can obtain more comprehensive information on anthropogenic carbon emissions.

Is there regional convergence between Morocco and its OECD partner countries in terms of well-being?

Morocco wants its 12 regions to play the role as the main lever of its public policies to initiate harmonized spatial multidimensional development. In the context of this goal and Morocco’s openness over the past two decades to bilateral and multilateral cooperation in an effort toward regional integration, this article studies the convergence of 389 regions in 36 countries(Morocco and 35 of its partner member countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)) between 2000 and 2019 in terms of well-being. To this end, we considered the territorial dimension of β-convergence models for well-being and its four domains(economic, social, environmental, and governance). Then, we adapted the absolute β-convergence model by taking into account the existence of spatial heterogeneity according to five specifications of spatial models. Thus, apart from environmental domain, we found that β-convergence of regions is significant for well-being and three of its domains(economic, social, and governance). These convergences are made by a spatially autocorrelated error model(SEM). However, the speed and period of convergence are relatively low for social domain, partly explaining the very exacerbated tensions at the territorial level. The fastest convergence was achieved in governance domain, followed by economic domain. This suggests that emerging countries must pay particular attention to national public action in favor of social cohesion at the territorial level. The lack of convergence in environmental domain calls for common actions for all countries at the supranational level to protect the commons at the territorial level.

Uncertainties of ENSO-related Regional Hadley Circulation Anomalies within Eight Reanalysis Datasets

El Nino-Southern Oscillation(ENSO),the leading mode of global interannual variability,usually intensifies the Hadley Circulation(HC),and meanwhile constrains its meridional extension,leading to an equatorward movement of the jet system.Previous studies have investigated the response of HC to ENSO events using different reanalysis datasets and evaluated their capability in capturing the main features of ENSO-associated HC anomalies.However,these studies mainly focused on the global HC,represented by a zonal-mean mass stream function(MSF).Comparatively fewer studies have evaluated HC responses from a regional perspective,partly due to the prerequisite of the Stokes MSF,which prevents us from integrating a regional HC.In this study,we adopt a recently developed technique to construct the three-dimensional structure of HC and evaluate the capability of eight state-of-the-art reanalyses in reproducing the regional HC response to ENSO events.Results show that all eight reanalyses reproduce the spatial structure of HC responses well,with an intensified HC around the central-eastern Pacific but weakened circulations around the Indo-Pacific warm pool and tropical Atlantic.The spatial correlation coefficient of the three-dimensional HC anomalies among the different datasets is always larger than 0.93.However,these datasets may not capture the amplitudes of the HC responses well.This uncertainty is especially large for ENSO-associated equatorially asymmetric HC anomalies,with the maximum amplitude in Climate Forecast System Reanalysis(CFSR)being about 2.7 times the minimum value in the Twentieth Century Reanalysis(20CR).One should be careful when using reanalysis data to evaluate the intensity of ENSO-associated HC anomalies.

Characteristics of transfer zones under the influence of preexisting faults and regional stress transformation:Wenchang A subsag,Zhujiang River Mouth Basin,northern South China Sea

A transfer zone in rift basins preserves important information on regional tectonic evolution and plays significant roles in hydrocarbon accumulation.Based on the systematic analysis of 3D seismic data and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions,the geometry,kinematics,and reservoir control of a large synthetic overlapping transfer zone in the south of the Wenchang A subsag in the Zhujiang(Pearl)River Mouth basin were investigated.Results indicate that the development and evolution of the transfer zone was controlled by the interaction between pre-existing faults and regional stress transformation.The intense rifting of the main faults of the transfer zone controlled the development of source rocks and faultcontrolled slope break paleogeomorphology.The strike-slip overprint since the Oligocene is conducive to the formation of a large-scale fault-anticline trap,and the secondary faults in the transfer zone contribute to the hydrocarbon transportation.The conjugate intersection area of the NE-and NW-trending faults offers more opportunity for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation.

Impacts of forest plantation programs on sectoral CO_(2) emissions regionally in New Zealand

Investing in projects that support environmental benefits,such as tree harvesting,has the potential to reduce air pollution levels in the atmosphere in the future.However,this kind of investment may increase the current level of emissions.Therefore,it is necessary to estimate how much the policy affects the current level of CO_(2) emissions.This makes sure the policy doesn’t increase the level of CO_(2) emis-sions.This study aims to analyze the effect of the One Bil-lion Trees program on CO_(2) emissions in New Zealand by employing the 2020 input–output table analysis.This inves-tigation examines the direct and indirect effects of policy on both the demand and supply sides across six regions of New Zealand.The results of this study for the first year of plantation suggest that the policy increases the level of CO_(2) emissions in all regions,especially in the Waikato region.The direct and indirect impact of the policy leads to 64 kt of CO_(2) emissions on the demand side and 270 kt of CO_(2) emis-sions on the supply side.These lead to 0.19 and 0.74%of total CO_(2) emissions being attributed to investment shocks.Continuing the policy is recommended,as it has a low effect on CO_(2) emissions.However,it is crucial to prioritize the use of low-carbon machinery that uses fossil fuels during the plantation process.

Regional economic assessment of a novel place-based model for sustainable food systems

Several actions from both the environmental and human viewpoints have already been made to meet the sustainability goals targeted at food systems.Still,new place-based ideas to improve sustainability are needed.Agroecological symbiosis(AES),a novel food system model,is an example of a suggested system-level change to attain sustainability targets;it is a symbiosis of food production and processing using renewable energy that uses its own feedstock.AES has already been found advantageous from the ecological and biophysical viewpoints,but a regional economic evaluation of the model is still lacking.Thus,the aim of our paper is to assess the regional economic impact of a possible systemic change in the food system using the network of agroecological symbiosis(NAES)as an example.We applied scenarios representing different ways of moving towards envisioned NAES models in Mäntsälä,Finland,and a computable general equilibrium model to evaluate the regional economic impact.According to our results,both regional economy and employment would increase,and the regional production base would diversify with NAES implementation applied to the region,but the extent of the benefits varies between scenarios.The scenario that includes change in both public and private food demand,production of bioenergy and utilization of by-products would cause the largest impacts.However,realizing NAES requires investments that may influence the actual implementation of such models.Nonetheless,a change towards NAES can promote an economically and spatially just transition to sustainability,as NAES seems to be economically most beneficial for rural areas.

Online identification and extraction method of regional large-scale adjustable load-aggregation characteristics

This article introduces the concept of load aggregation,which involves a comprehensive analysis of loads to acquire their external characteristics for the purpose of modeling and analyzing power systems.The online identification method is a computer-involved approach for data collection,processing,and system identification,commonly used for adaptive control and prediction.This paper proposes a method for dynamically aggregating large-scale adjustable loads to support high proportions of new energy integration,aiming to study the aggregation characteristics of regional large-scale adjustable loads using online identification techniques and feature extraction methods.The experiment selected 300 central air conditioners as the research subject and analyzed their regulation characteristics,economic efficiency,and comfort.The experimental results show that as the adjustment time of the air conditioner increases from 5 minutes to 35 minutes,the stable adjustment quantity during the adjustment period decreases from 28.46 to 3.57,indicating that air conditioning loads can be controlled over a long period and have better adjustment effects in the short term.Overall,the experimental results of this paper demonstrate that analyzing the aggregation characteristics of regional large-scale adjustable loads using online identification techniques and feature extraction algorithms is effective.

Fishbone-Type Pharyngeal Foreign Body with Cutaneous Migration in the ENT Department of the Mamou Regional Hospital: A Case Report

We report a case of pharyngeal foreign body with cutaneous migration in the form of a fishbone in a 24-year-old rural resident, presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, pain and left antero-latero-cervical swelling fistulated to the skin following ingestion of a fishbone during a meal that had been evolving for 2 weeks. Vital parameters were normal, with an unremarkable psychological examination. Clinical examination revealed a left antero-latero-cervical swelling that was painful to palpation, fistulous to the skin and draining frank pus, revealing a sharp fishbone. A standard X-ray showed that the foreign body had exited the pharynx and was located in the soft tissues of the lower neck. An exploratory cervicotomy was performed, allowing extraction of a serrated fishbone. The post-operative course was favorable.

Addressing inclusion,innovation,and sustainability challenges through the lens of economic geography:Introducing the hierarchical regional innovation system

The world is facing dramatic challenges related to environmental sustainability at an accelerating pace.In this context,the field of economic geography(EG)has been playing an important role in understanding both the socioeconomic and technological dimensions of these challenges,as it deals with a variety of complementary notions and perspectives.Departing from this lens,our aim is to explore a conceptual framework that can help us to understand environmental changes relating to multi-dimensional territorial development,notably in eco-nomic contexts where inequality is high,and stratification based on hierarchies regulate social and economic life.Based on the territory concept,we propose the original notion of a hierarchical regional innovation system(HRIS)that emphasises the pervasive role of hierarchies(powers)in regional innovation systems and illustrate its value with evidence and case studies from extant literature on sustainability transitions.The HRIS can help us understand and promote development paths considering the contribution of inclusive eco-innovations(another original conceptual amalgam).Through some empirical cases from other studies in low-carbon transitions,we show the application of the HRIS(and inclusive eco-innovation)framework.In conclusion,we provide incen-tives to explore new regional innovation systems,alongside the HRIS,adapted to different regions worldwide and centred on the inclusiveness of people and places.

Prostate cancer temporal and regional trends in Brazil

Objectives:The Brazilian Unified Health System(SistemaÚnico de Saúde−SUS)is the universal public healthcare system of Brazil that maintains a nationwide database of its patients.Our primary objective was to analyze regional and temporal trends,while our secondary goal was to establish correlations between states’health economy status and their prostate cancer(PCa)epidemiology.Methods:We analyzed Brazil’s nationwide data on prostate cancer(PCa)incidence,mortality,and care gathered between 2013 and 2021 by the Information Technology Department of SUS(DATA-SUS),updated monthly using the International Classification of Diseases(ICD-10)code.Results:In the period,273,933 new cases of PCa and 135,336 PCa deaths were reported in men aged 50 years or over in Brazil.The median annual PCa-specific incidence rate(PCSIR)ranged from 14.7 in the Southeast to 6.9 in the North region and the median annual PCa-specific mortality rate(PCSMR)ranged from 7.7 in the Northeast to 6.0 in the South region(per 10,000 men>50).The median annual mortality to incidence ratio(MIR)was highest in the North(0.88)and lowest in the Southeast region(0.44).There were significant regional differences in PCa treatment rates(per new cases);the Midwest region had the highest median annual surgery rate(0.63)while the North region had the highest median annual systemic therapy rate(0.75)and the lowest radiation therapy rate(0.06).Temporal analysis of the data showed significant change in annual rate trends after the year 2018 for PCSIR(coefficient[β]=+3.66,p<0.001),any treatment(β=−0.06,p=0.016),surgery([SR]β=+0.05,p=0.017)radiation therapy([RTR]β=−0.06,p=0.005)and systemic therapy([STR]β=−0.10,p=0.002).After the 2020 pandemic,annual PCSIR decreased(β=−2.15,p=0.002)but annual PCSMR,MIR,and treatment rates remained stable.Correlation studies showed that the PCSIR was strongly negatively correlated with STR(p<0.001)and positively correlated with RTR(p=0.004).MIR was positively correlated with STR(p<0.001)and negatively correlated with the number of robotic surgical systems per million population(p=0.003).Conclusion:Our data shows that PCa care is dependent on the region and is likely influenced by access to treatment options.Furthermore,changes after the year 2018 underscore the influence of international guidelines on Brazilian clinicians’decision-making especially concerning population screening which in turn affected incidence and treatment rates.Limitation of our study includes limited patientrelated information and data on private practices as well as an unknown impact of traveling patients.

Enhancing Autonomy Capability in Regional Power Grids:A Strategic Planning Approach with Multiple Autonomous Evaluation Indexes

After the integration of large-scale DistributedGeneration(DG)into the distribution network,the randomness and volatility of its output result in a reduction of spatiotemporal alignment between power generation and demand in the distribution network,exacerbating the phenomenon of wind and solar power wastage.As a novel power system model,the fundamental concept of Regional Autonomous Power Grids(RAPGs)is to achieve localized management and energy autonomy,thereby facilitating the effective consumption of DGs.Therefore,this paper proposes a distributed resource planning strategy that enhances the autonomy capabilities of regional power grids by considering multiple evaluation indexes for autonomy.First,a regional Energy Storage(ES)configuration strategy is proposed.This strategy can select a suitable reference value for the upper limit of ES configuration based on the regional load andDGoutput to maximize the elimination of source load deviations in the region as the upper limit constraint of ES capacity.Then,a control strategy for regional ES is proposed,the charging and discharging reference line of ES is set,and multiple autonomy and economic indexes are used as objective functions to select different proportions of ES to control the distributed resources of the regional power grid and establish evaluation indexes of the internal regional generation and load power ratio,the proportion of power supply matching hours,new energy consumption rate and tie line power imbalance outside the region to evaluate changes in the regional autonomy capabilities.The final simulation results showthat in the real regional grid example,the planning method in the planning year in the region of the overall power supply matching hour ratio and new energy consumption rate increased by 3.9%and 4.8%on average,and the power imbalance of the tie line decreased by 7.8%on average.The proposed planning approach enables the maximization of regional autonomy while effectively smoothing the fluctuation of power exchange between the regional grid and the higher-level grid.This presents a rational and effective planning solution for the regional grid,facilitating the coordinated development between the region and the distribution network.

Current evidence on artificial intelligence in regional anesthesia

The recent advancement in regional anesthesia(RA)has been largely attributed to ultrasound technology.However,the safety and efficiency of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks depend upon the skill and experience of the performer.Even with adequate training,experience,and knowledge,human-related limitations such as fatigue,failure to recognize the correct anatomical structure,and unintentional needle or probe movement can hinder the overall effectiveness of RA.The amalgamation of artificial intelligence(AI)to RA practice has promised to override these human limitations.Machine learning,an integral part of AI can improve its performance through continuous learning and experience,like the human brain.It enables computers to recognize images and patterns specifically useful in anatomic structure identification during the performance of RA.AI can provide real-time guidance to clinicians by highlighting important anatomical structures on ultrasound images,and it can also assist in needle tracking and accurate deposition of local anesthetics.The future of RA with AI integration appears promising,yet obstacles such as device malfunction,data privacy,regulatory barriers,and cost concerns can deter its clinical implementation.The current mini review deliberates the current application,future direction,and barrier to the application of AI in RA practice.

Coupling coordinated development among digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment:A case study in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle,China

Coordinative development across various systems,particularly the economic,social,cultural,and human resources subsystems,is a key aspect of urban sustainability and has a direct impact on the quality of urbanization.The Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle,comprising Hangzhou City,Huzhou City,Jiaxing City,and Shaoxing City,was the first metropolitan circle approved by the National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC)as a demonstration of economic transformation in China.To evaluate the coupling coordination degree of the four cities and analyze the coordinative development in three systems(including digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment),we collected panel data during 2015–2022 from these four cities.The development level of the three systems was evaluated by the standard deviation method and comprehensive development index.The results are as follows:(1)the level of coupling coordinated development of the three systems in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle was relatively low;(2)the coupling coordination degree of the four cities in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle showed significant regional differences,among which Hangzhou City was in the leading position,and Huzhou,Jiaxing,and Shaoxing cities made steady but slow progress in the coupling development of the three systems;and(3)the development of digital economy and talent employment needs to be strengthened.This study contributes to the coordinative development of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle by innovatively focusing on the coupling coordination relationship among digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment,which also meets the industrial layout of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle.In this way,the optimal allocation and sustainable development of digital economy,regional innovation,and talent employment in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle can be achieved.

Individual alcohol consumption by the population of Russia versus regional living conditions

Background:There are substantial regional differences in drinking alcohol in Russia,both at the population and individual levels.However,the causes of these differences have not been studied yet.Objective:The goal of our study was to examine the effect of regional living conditions on individual alcohol consumption by the population of Russia.Methods:For the analysis,we used data from a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in 2013-2014.The final analytical sample included 18,130 people aged 25-64 years.We conducted the interviews face to face,based on which any drinking in the last year,as well as alcohol abuse,were considered as a response.Alcohol abuse was recorded when the respondent consumed 5.75 or more grams of pure ethanol per day(75th percentile of average daily alcohol consumption among alcohol drinkers).The assessment of the regional living conditions was accomplished via integral indexing,which was previously performed based on publicly available data for 2010-2014.Associations were assessed using generalized scoring equations with unchanging standard errors.The associations were expressed by odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(C).Results:Deterioration of social conditions and increase in demographic depression in the region of residence increased the odds of any drinking(OR 1.51,95%CI:1.33 to 1.72,P<0.001 and OR 1.22,95%CI:1.05 to 1.41,P=0.oo9,respectively).The odds of alcohol abuse increased with the deterioration of social living conditions and the growth of the industrial development in the region:OR 1.35,95%CI:1.14 to 1.59,P<0.001 and OR 1.16,95%CI:1.05 to 1.28,P=0.002,respectively.Conclusion:Our analysis allowed assessing the impact of the regional living conditions on individual drinking alcohol in the population of Russia.

Effectiveness and safety of rocuronium or nitroglycerin plus ropivacaine on pain during intravenous regional anesthesia:A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective:To compare the effects of adding rocuronium and nitroglycerin to ropivacaine in intravenous regional anesthesia(IVRA)on pain and hemodynamic parameters.Methods:This randomized controlled trial was done in 2023.Participants were 177 candidates for forearm operation surgery under IVRA selected from Valiasr Hospital,Arak,Iran.They were allocated by block randomization to three different groups,namely nitroglycerin group,rocuronium group and control group.Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before tourniquet application up to postoperative recovery time.Sensory block and motor block onset and duration and pain were also evaluated.The data analysis was carried out by IMB SPSS software 20.0.Results:177 Eligible patients were included in study,with 59 in each group.Time to sensory and motor block onset in the nitroglycerin group was significantly less than the other groups and the time of motor block in the rocuronium group was statistically higher than the control and the nitroglycerin groups(P<0.001).Seven participants in the nitroglycerin group experienced headache and three from the rocuronium group experienced dizziness.The side effects occurrence in the nitroglycerin group was more prevalent than in the control and rocuronium groups(P=0.009).Conclusions:Nitroglycerin significantly reduces the time to sensory and motor block onset,while rocuronium is more effective in prolonging the time of motor block.Although there is no difference between nitroglycerin and rocuronium respecting the pain score and opioid need administration,nitroglycerin is associated with a higher prevalence of medication side effects.Therefore,both nitroglycerin and rocuronium can be used as adjuvant for IVRA.The final choice relies on patients’conditions and anesthesiologists’judgment.