Comparison of different maximal isometric strength of lower limb muscle groups in predicting fall-risk among older persons.

Background: Many independent studies have investigated the role of normalized maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVIS) of lower limb muscle groups (MVISLLMG) by body weight and summed knee and ankle muscle strength in predicting the risk of falling among older persons. However, it is unknown which MVISLLMG is better at predicting the fall risk.

Objective: This study aimed to compare different MVISLLMG in predicting fall-risk among older persons against the reference standard (history of falls).

Predicting particulate matter ( ) levels in Morocco: a 5-day forecast using the analog ensemble method.

The accurate prediction of particulate matter ( ) levels, an indicator of natural pollutants such as those resulting from dust storms, is crucial for public health and environmental planning. This study aims to provide accurate forecasts of over Morocco for 5 days. The analog ensemble (AnEn) and the bias correction (AnEnBc) techniques were employed to post-process forecasts produced by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) global atmospheric composition forecasts, using CAMS reanalysis data as a reference.

Mast cell extracellular trap formation underlies vascular and neural injury and hyperalgesia in sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited monogenetic disorder. Chronic and acute pain are hallmark features of SCD involving neural and vascular injury and inflammation. Mast cells reside in the vicinity of nerve fibers and vasculature, but how they influence these structures remains unknown.

The heat-mortality association in Jordan: Effect modification by greenness, population density and urbanization level.

Background: The Middle East is one of the most vulnerable regions to the impacts of climate change, yet evidence of the heat-related mortality remains limited in this area. Our present study investigated the heat-mortality association in Jordan and the potential modifying effect of greenness, population density and urbanization level on the association.

Methods: For each of the 42 included districts, daily meteorological and mortality data from 2000 to 2020 were obtained for the warmest months (May to September).