Length-based fishery status and population dynamics of Spiral Babylon, Babylonia spirata, Linnaeus, 1758, stock in the northern waters of the Oman Sea, Sistan and Baluchestan Province of Iran

In the present study, the population characteristics of Spiral Babylon, Babylonia spirata, were evaluated by sampling at four sites in the northern Oman Sea, Iran, including Pozm, Konark, Beries, Pasabandar from March 2021 to March 2022. A total of 2779 Babylonian snail specimens (1489 males, and 1290 females) were measured and about ten percent of the specimens were described. The mean length and weight of males and females were 36±5, and 32±5 mm and 14±6, 10±4 g, respectively. Growth and mortality indices for females and males including infinite length (L? = 68 and 76 mm), growth coefficient (K = 0.54 and 0.3 (yr-1)), natural mortality (M= 0.7 and 0.4 (yr-1)), fishing mortality (F = 2.30 and 1.79 (yr-1)), total mortality (Z = 3 and 2.19 (yr-1)) and exploitation coefficient (E = 0.77 and 0.82 (yr-1)) were estimated. Based on the LBSPR assessment model, estimated to be about 0.3, and a ratio of Pmega<0.1, Lmean/Lopt <1 and Lmean /LF=M<1 show considered undesirable. The present study showed that the Spiral Babylon stock has reached 'overfished' status

Life-history and population dynamic of the White treads fish, Holothuria leucospilota in the Iranian part of the Oman Sea with a note on its conservation and management

In the present study, the Life-history and population dynamic characteristics of Holothuria leucospilota were evaluated in the Iranian part of the Oman Sea by sampling at nine sites, including Ramin, Kachoo, Aliabady, Beries, Beries plane, Pasabandar, Tis, Pozm and Gurdium from March 2017 to March 2018. Biometric data of 862 specimens were obtained, and the growth and mortality indices, including infinite length (L? = 50.5 cm), growth coefficient (K = 0.51 (yr-1)), growth performance index (? = 3.11), natural mortality (M = 0.94(yr-1)), fishing mortality (F = 0.56 (yr-1)), total mortality (Z = 1.50±0.12 (yr-1)) and exploitation coefficient (E = 0.36 (yr-1)) and time zero (-0.27) were calculated. Mean of relative production per recruitment (Y' / Rp), relative biomass per recruitment (B' / Rp) and exploitation rate (U) of the studied population of H. leucospilota were 0.02, 0.30, and 0.28, respectively. Mean GSI and maturity stage indicated that the spawning seasons were June (spring) and December (autumn). The mean size at first sexual maturity (LM50) was 246 mm for males, 220 mm for females and 225 mm for both sexes. The results of the current work showed that the studied H. leucospilota stock had not yet reached to overfished’ status

Research Paper: Quantification of Mortality Rate From Illicit Substance Abuse in Iran in 2016

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of mortality due to substance abuse to provide useful information for local, national, and international administrators.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 12 months from March 2016 to February 2017. The study population was a random sample of people who died from substance abuse. Data were collected by checklists which were designed according to the study objectives. The obtained data were analyzed in Stata software.Results: Our findings show that the mortality rate for illicit opiate users was 40.90 per 1000000 population. Most deaths occurred among people aged 30 to 39 years (25%), single (46.75%) with low education levels. Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Alborz provinces had the highest mortality rate. History of overdose, suicide, hospitalization in psychiatric in hospital and incarceration was observed in some people who died from substance abuse. Conclusion: A large number of deaths from drug abuse occurred in unmarried, self-employed, young males 30 to 39 years old with low education levels. We suggest that training programs and harm reduction approaches be focused in these high risk groups

A Systematic Literature Review on Supply Chain Strategy

Today, researchers and practitioners both believe that paying attention to supply chain management can create a sustainable competitive advantage. Since 1990s onward, several various studies have been conducted on the supply chain management strategy, its formation and formulation processes. Thus, following systematic review merits, this paper aims to investigate and summarize the previous studies on supply chain strategy, to identify the research gaps and provide some suggestions for applying this concept in practice and future research. Findings showed that, there are several definitions, dimensions, typologies and taxonomies of supply chain strategy as well as several frameworks on supply chain strategy development. Practitioners and researchers alike, can benefit from the results of this paper to become familiar with the literature and summary of SCS studies, SCS content, problems, and existent conflicts in the field, and then to employ this competitive instrument in practice more effectively

Acute Transplantation of Human Olfactory Mucosa-Derived Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Fails to Improve Locomotor Recovery in Rats

Olfactory ensheathing cells-based therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) repair has been a possible treatment for clinical study because of their safety in autologous transplantation and potential regenerative capability. However, there are contradictory reports on the results after transplantation in animal models. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of acute transplantation of human mucosa-derived olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) on the repair of the spinal cord. Human olfactory ensheathing cells were isolated from the human mucosa and cultured under supplemented neuronal cell culture medium. They were characterized by immunocytochemistry for olfactory ensheathing cell markers. We induced spinal cord injury at T8-T9 of rats by aneurysm clips and simultaneously injected two million OECs into subarachnoid space of spinal cord. Sensory and motor behaviors were recorded by tail-flick reflex (TFR) and BBB scores, respectively every week for seven weeks after injury. Morphology and S100-beta antigen expression in olfactory ensheathing cells of the human olfactory mucosa was confirmed by immunostaining. OECs transplantation did not recover inflammation, neuronal vacuolation, hemorrhage, and cyst formation. These findings suggest that OECs transplantation in this experimental setting did not lead to tissue regeneration to enhance locomotion. These results broaden current knowledge and are additions to the science and literature

The global burden of cancer attributable to risk factors, 2010-19 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Understanding the magnitude of cancer burden attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial for development of effective prevention and mitigation strategies. We analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019 to inform cancer control planning efforts globally. Methods The GBD 2019 comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate cancer burden attributable to behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risk factors. A total of 82 risk-outcome pairs were included on the basis of the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Estimated cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in 2019 and change in these measures between 2010 and 2019 are presented. Findings Globally, in 2019, the risk factors included in this analysis accounted for 4.45 million (95% uncertainty interval 4.01-4.94) deaths and 105 million (95.0-116) DALYs for both sexes combined, representing 44.4% (41.3-48.4) of all cancer deaths and 42.0% (39.1-45.6) of all DALYs. There were 2.88 million (2.60-3.18) risk-attributable cancer deaths in males (50.6% [47.8-54.1] of all male cancer deaths) and 1.58 million (1.36-1.84) risk-attributable cancer deaths in females (36.3% [32.5-41.3] of all female cancer deaths). The leading risk factors at the most detailed level globally for risk-attributable cancer deaths and DALYs in 2019 for both sexes combined were smoking, followed by alcohol use and high BMI. Risk-attributable cancer burden varied by world region and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with smoking, unsafe sex, and alcohol use being the three leading risk factors for risk-attributable cancer DALYs in low SDI locations in 2019, whereas DALYs in high SDI locations mirrored the top three global risk factor rankings. From 2010 to 2019, global risk-attributable cancer deaths increased by 20.4% (12.6-28.4) and DALYs by 16.8% (8.8-25.0), with the greatest percentage increase in metabolic risks (34.7% [27.9-42.8] and 33.3% [25.8-42.0]). Interpretation The leading risk factors contributing to global cancer burden in 2019 were behavioural, whereas metabolic risk factors saw the largest increases between 2010 and 2019. Reducing exposure to these modifiable risk factors would decrease cancer mortality and DALY rates worldwide, and policies should be tailored appropriately to local cancer risk factor burden. Copyright (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.Peer reviewe

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults. Methods Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults. Findings There were 1.19 million (95% UI 1.11-1.28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59.6 [54.5-65.7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53.2 [48.8-57.9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14.2 [12.9-15.6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13.6 [12.6-14.8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23.5 million (21.9-25.2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2.7% (1.9-3.6) came from YLDs and 97.3% (96.4-98.1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally. Interpretation Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts. Copyright (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.Peer reviewe

Global variation in diabetes diagnosis and prevalence based on fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are both used to diagnose diabetes, but these measurements can identify different people as having diabetes. We used data from 117 population-based studies and quantified, in different world regions, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes, and whether those who were previously undiagnosed and detected as having diabetes in survey screening, had elevated FPG, HbA1c or both. We developed prediction equations for estimating the probability that a person without previously diagnosed diabetes, and at a specific level of FPG, had elevated HbA1c, and vice versa. The age-standardized proportion of diabetes that was previously undiagnosed and detected in survey screening ranged from 30% in the high-income western region to 66% in south Asia. Among those with screen-detected diabetes with either test, the age-standardized proportion who had elevated levels of both FPG and HbA1c was 29-39% across regions; the remainder had discordant elevation of FPG or HbA1c. In most low- and middle-income regions, isolated elevated HbA1c was more common than isolated elevated FPG. In these regions, the use of FPG alone may delay diabetes diagnosis and underestimate diabetes prevalence. Our prediction equations help allocate finite resources for measuring HbA1c to reduce the global shortfall in diabetes diagnosis and surveillance

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic

Repositioning of the global epicentre of non-optimal cholesterol

High blood cholesterol is typically considered a feature of wealthy western countries(1,2). However, dietary and behavioural determinants of blood cholesterol are changing rapidly throughout the world(3) and countries are using lipid-lowering medications at varying rates. These changes can have distinct effects on the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, which have different effects on human health(4,5). However, the trends of HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels over time have not been previously reported in a global analysis. Here we pooled 1,127 population-based studies that measured blood lipids in 102.6 million individuals aged 18 years and older to estimate trends from 1980 to 2018 in mean total, non-HDL and HDL cholesterol levels for 200 countries. Globally, there was little change in total or non-HDL cholesterol from 1980 to 2018. This was a net effect of increases in low- and middle-income countries, especially in east and southeast Asia, and decreases in high-income western countries, especially those in northwestern Europe, and in central and eastern Europe. As a result, countries with the highest level of non-HDL cholesterol-which is a marker of cardiovascular riskchanged from those in western Europe such as Belgium, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Malta in 1980 to those in Asia and the Pacific, such as Tokelau, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. In 2017, high non-HDL cholesterol was responsible for an estimated 3.9 million (95% credible interval 3.7 million-4.2 million) worldwide deaths, half of which occurred in east, southeast and south Asia. The global repositioning of lipid-related risk, with non-optimal cholesterol shifting from a distinct feature of high-income countries in northwestern Europe, north America and Australasia to one that affects countries in east and southeast Asia and Oceania should motivate the use of population-based policies and personal interventions to improve nutrition and enhance access to treatment throughout the world.Peer reviewe