bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic background and thermal regime influence adaptation to novel environment in the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Ivimey-Cook Edward R , Piani Claudio , Hung Wei-Tse , Berg Elena C
Published: December 2023

Climate change is associated with the increase in both the mean and variability of thermal conditions. Therefore, the use of more realistic fluctuating thermal regimes is the most appropriate laboratory method for predicting population responses to thermal heterogeneity. However, the long- and short-term implications of evolving under such conditions are not well understood. Here, we examined differences in key life-history traits among populations of seed beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus) that evolved under either constant control conditions or in an environment with fluctuating daily temperatures. Specifically, individuals from two distinct genetic backgrounds were kept for 19 generations at one of two temperatures, a constant temperature (T = 29 °C) or a fluctuating daily cycle (Tmean = 33 °C, Tmax = 40 °C, and Tmin = 26 °C), and were assayed either in their evolved environment or in the other environment. We found that beetles that evolved in fluctuating environments but were then switched to constant 29 °C conditions had far greater lifetime reproductive success compared with beetles that were kept in their evolved environments. This increase in reproductive success suggests that beetles raised in fluctuating environments may have evolved greater thermal breadth than control condition beetles. In addition, the degree of sexual dimorphism in body size and development varied as a function of genetic background, evolved thermal environment, and current temperature conditions. These results not only highlight the value of incorporating diel fluctuations into climate research but also suggest that populations that experience variability in temperature may be better able to respond to both short- and long-term changes in environmental conditions.
Estimating amino acid substitution models from genome datasets: a simulation study on the performance of estimated models
Authors: Tinh Nguyen Huy , Dang Cuong Cao , Vinh Le Sy
Published: December 2023

Estimating parameters of amino acid substitution models is a crucial task in bioinformatics. The maximum likelihood (ML) approach has been proposed to estimate amino acid substitution models from large datasets. The quality of newly estimated models is normally assessed by comparing with the existing models in building ML trees. Two important questions remained are the correlation of the estimated models with the true models and the required size of the training datasets to estimate reliable models. In this article, we performed a simulation study to answer these two questions based on simulated data. We simulated genome datasets with different numbers of genes/alignments based on predefined models (called true models) and predefined trees (called true trees). The simulated datasets were used to estimate amino acid substitution model using the ML estimation methods. Our experiments showed that models estimated by the ML methods from simulated datasets with more than 100 genes have high correlations with the true models. The estimated models performed well in building ML trees in comparison with the true models. The results suggest that amino acid substitution models estimated by the ML methods from large genome datasets are a reliable tool for analyzing amino acid sequences.
Effects of different Ficus feeding experiences on host preference of Perina nuda larvae (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)
Authors: Liao Songkai , Lin Haoyu , Wang Jiajin , Wang Qi , Wei Hongjian , Chen Hui
Published: December 2023

Perina nuda (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) is a serious pest of banyan trees (Ficus spp.), which is distributed in South China, but little is known about the host preference on the different banyan tree species. To address this gap, we conducted experiments to investigate larval feeding preferences, assessing the impact of feeding experience in both choice and no-choice conditions. Fifth and sixth instars were exposed to 4 banyan species, and food intake, feeding area, and relative ingestion index were measured. Our findings reveal that Ficus concinna was the preferred host of fifth instars in choice tests, while sixth instars exhibited a preference for this host in no-choice tests. In contrast, fifth instars did not display a significant preference for any of the 4 species in no-choice tests. However, sixth instars fed on F. microcarpa, F. altissima, and F. concinna continued to exhibit a preference for the original host. These observations indicate that larval feeding preference changes with instar, and feeding experience contributes to a preference for the original host. Consequently, the feeding preference of P. nuda larvae is influenced by multiple factors, including instar and previous feeding experience. These findings enhance our understanding of P. nuda’s ecological interactions and its potential impact on various banyan tree species.
Should We Call for Criminal Accountability During Ongoing Conflicts?
Authors: Bdiwi Ghuna
Published: December 2023

This article suggests an account in the language of criminal law that merits the language for criminal accountability over the language of human rights, as a form of accountability, when prosecution is not possible. Calling for the prosecution of those most responsible for international crimes seems to be feasible after the war has ended, or at least when there is a vision for a political transition, but the war in Syria is ongoing and a vision for political transition remains elusive. The Syrian conflict has produced almost all kinds of heinous crimes, yet there is no clear political will to hold the alleged perpetrators of atrocity crimes accountable. At the same time, calls for criminal accountability in Syria, and discourse to achieve international criminal justice are taking place before the civil war ends. This article relies on the expressive theory of punishment to assess the rationales of calls for criminal accountability during the ongoing conflict in Syria. Out of many rationales, the article notes that calls for criminal accountability open the possibility of punishment and send a message of condemnation to perpetrators as well as a message of acknowledgment to victims. Furthermore, using the language of criminal accountability as a basis for the calls is stronger than using the language of human rights. The article discusses the problem of standing to call those responsible for international crimes to account and proposes that our shared humanity provides the authority for such calls while also pointing out limitations of this approach.
Preventing unfair competition in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific countries: the intertwined roles of passing off and consumer protection statutes
Authors: Handler Michael
Published: December 2023

Australia, New Zealand and other South Pacific countries whose laws are based on English law tend to rely on a patchwork of intellectual property statutes, equitable doctrines and common law actions to prevent acts of unfair competition. The most distinctive feature of the laws of these countries is their reliance on consumer protection statutes that contain broadly worded prohibitions on parties engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct in trade or commerce, in addition to the tort of passing off, to safeguard against unfair competition. This article traces the complex relationship between passing off and consumer protection statutes in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the South Pacific. It shows how the actions have come to have a largely mixed or merged operation that seeks to balance interests in protecting trading reputation, in ensuring that consumers are not deceived, and in leaving space for competitors, especially given the limits of intellectual property statutes and other doctrines. It does so in the course of providing a detailed explanation of how Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the region give effect to their obligations under Article 10bis of the Paris Convention.
Towards patient welfare-centred pharmaceutical patents—a sustainable perspective
Authors: Lorenzo-Rego Irene
Published: December 2023

Encouraging innovation by rewarding pharmaceutical patent holders is a key to societal progress, given mandatory disclosure and adequate reimbursement. Following debate on fair prices from a competition law perspective, the recent Health Trade Assessment Regulation provides Member States with a harmonized tool to help them set prices in a more sustainable way. This article discusses the extent to which the Regulation will provide comprehensive access to healthcare as an expression of patient welfare, framing the debate in terms of sustainability.
Large cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas: unusual finding with differential diagnosis and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Tasis Nikolaos , Mpalampou Eleni , Sarafi Aikaterini , Skafida Evangelia , Tsouknidas Ioannis , Fradelos Evangelos , Manatakis Dimitrios K , Korkolis Dimitrios P
Published: December 2023

Lymphangiomas are rare benign tumours of lymphatic vascular origin. They are more common in the paediatric population and manifest mainly in the neck and axillary region. Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas are <1% and pancreatic origin is even rarer. We present a case of a pancreatic cystic lymphangioma in a 60-year-old woman with chronic diffuse symptoms, diagnosed because of newly onset of diabetes mellitus. She was successfully managed with distal pancreatectomy and spleenectomy en-bloc with the cystic mass without any complications. Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas is a rare entity presenting with a challenging preoperative diagnosis as imaging modalities may provide ambiguous information. The clinician should be aware of its complicated differential diagnosis and its persistent and subtle symptomatology.
Yellow fever vaccine-associated neurologic and viscerotropic disease: a 10-year case series of the French National Reference Center for Arboviruses with clinical and immunological insights
Authors: Le Hir Anne , Durand Guillaume A , Boucraut José , Garnier Annabelle , Mura Marie , Diamantis Sylvain , Carles Michel , Durand Claire , Schweitzer Cyril , Audouard Claire , Decroix Véronique , Boyez Romain , Van Dendriessche Anne , Leclancher Alexandre , Kaphan Elsa , Barbat du Closel Luce , Verdon Renaud , du Cheyron Damien , Vabret Astrid , Vergnon Delphine , Grard Gilda , Charrel Rémi , de Lamballerie Xavier , Eldin Carole
Published: December 2023

Background

Immunization against the Yellow fever virus (YFV) with the 17D live-attenuated vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the disease. However, unexpected severe adverse events can occur. They consist in a neurological impairment - neurological disease (YEL-AND), a YF-like illness - viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD) or anaphylaxis. In this article, we describe the epidemiology, clinical and biological features of YEL-AND and YEL-AVD cases reported to the French National Reference Center for Arboviruses (NRCA) in the past 10 years.

Methods

We conducted a national, retrospective study using the database of the NRCA from June 2012 to June 2022. All patients whose biological samples were sent to the NRCA for detection of YFV by serology and/or RT-qPCR for a suspected vaccine-associated adverse event were included. We collected data by reading medical records and conducted complementary neuro-immunological analysis, followed by a search for autoimmunity against type-1-interferon when samples were available at the NRCA.

Results

There were 10 cases of YEL-AND and 2 cases of YEL-AVD reported to the NRCA in the past 10 years, which represented an overall incidence of 0.6 for 100 000 doses. A total of 6/12 cases were previously healthy patients (50%, mean age 31 years), and 4/12 cases had cardiovascular co-morbidities (42%, mean age 56 years). The majority of YEL-AND had a favourable outcome at 6 months of follow up. One YEL-AVD patient passed. In secondary analyses, we evidenced a significant blood cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier dysfunction, without intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulin and without argument for a neuron damage. We further detected a significant rate of anti-type-1alpha interferon antibodies in 3/10 tested patients (2 YEL-AND and 1 YEL-AVD).

Conclusion

YEL-AND and YEL-AVD are rare events that can underlie defect in the innate immunity of apparently healthy or mild co-morbid subjects. Outcome was generally favourable in the YEL-AND cases of our series, but still life-threatening or even fatal in the YEL-AVD cases.
Method validation for the recovery of the porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, a potential SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, from stainless steel
Authors: Dhakal Janak , Vu Hiep , Chaudhari Jayeshbhai , Nguyen Khang , Chaves Byron D
Published: December 2023

Virus survival on fomites may represent a vehicle for transmission to humans. This study was conducted to optimize and validate a recovery method for the porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus (PRRSV), a potential SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, from stainless steel. Coupons (1.5 × 1.5 cm) inoculated with ca. 7 logs TCID50 of PRRSV were dried for 15 min at room temperature, followed by incubation at 4°C and 35% relative humidity. After 1 h and 24 h, the coupons were processed by four different methods: vortex in DMEM media, vortex in DMEM media with beads, vortex in elution buffer, and shake in elution buffer. The rinsates were processed for titration using the TCID50 method in the MARC-145 cell line. All four methods were equally effective to recover the virus from the soiled SS surfaces (> 79% recovery). The amount of infectious virus recovered after 24 h was similar (P > 0.05) to that recovered after 1 h, indicating that the virus was stable at 4°C for up to 24 h. Using an elution buffer followed by shaking was the least labor-intensive and most economical method. Therefore, this method will be used for future experiments on PRRSV survival and transfer from food-contact surfaces.
Military Health Care Team Cohesion and Performance During Simulation Training
Authors: Melo Estefania , Cole Rebekah
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Military health care team cohesion has been linked to improved performance during simulation training. However, there is a gap in current research regarding the processes by which teams become cohesive within simulation training. The purpose of this study was to explore how health care teams evolve during high-fidelity simulation training and the ways in which team cohesion impacts their performance.

Materials and Methods

The participants in our study were fourth-year military medical students participating in a 5-day high-fidelity military medical simulation during Fall 2022.Twenty-three students volunteered to participate in our study. We interviewed each participant twice during the simulation and then transcribed each interview using an automated transcription service. Guided by the grounded theory tradition of qualitative data analysis, we used open, axial, and selective coding to analyze the interview data.

Results

Our data analysis revealed that teams went through a process of (1) struggle, (2) adaptation, (3) perceived improvement, (4) gained confidence, and (5) perceived team cohesion. Teams struggled through the various barriers to group cohesion (i.e., power dynamics, role designation and competency, and task failures and low team confidence) in order to understand their weaknesses. As teams adjusted and noticed improvement, they adapted new patterns, protocols, and standards of practice based on previous failures, improving their overall confidence. The participants perceived their teams as successful once they had progressed through these phases and ended the simulation as a cohesive unit.

Conclusions

Our qualitative data analysis provided insight into team cohesion as it was forged by participants in real time as the simulation progressed. The results of our study can be used to promote team cohesion not only during simulation training but also within military health care professional teams in order to enhance their performance in the field.
Accurate fundamental invariant-neural network representation of ab initio potential energy surfaces
Authors: Fu Bina , Zhang Dong H
Published: December 2023

Highly accurate potential energy surfaces are critically important for chemical reaction dynamics. The large number of degrees of freedom and the intricate symmetry adaption pose a big challenge to accurately representing potential energy surfaces (PESs) for polyatomic reactions. Recently, our group has made substantial progress in this direction by developing the fundamental invariant-neural network (FI-NN) approach. Here, we review these advances, demonstrating that the FI-NN approach can represent highly accurate, global, full-dimensional PESs for reactive systems with even more than 10 atoms. These multi-channel reactions typically involve many intermediates, transition states, and products. The complexity and ruggedness of this potential energy landscape present even greater challenges for full-dimensional PES representation. These PESs exhibit a high level of complexity, molecular size, and accuracy of fit. Dynamics simulations based on these PESs have unveiled intriguing and novel reaction mechanisms, providing deep insights into the intricate dynamics involved in combustion, atmospheric, and organic chemistry.
Cigarette Prices and Disparities in Smoking Cessation in the United States
Authors: Kalousova Lucie , Xie Yanmei , Levy David , Meza Rafael , Thrasher James F , Elliott Michael R , Titus Andrea R , Fleischer Nancy L
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Achieving cessation in people with established smoking patterns remains a challenge. Increasing cigarette prices has been one of the most successful strategies for lowering smoking rates. The extent to which it has remained effective in encouraging cessation among adults in recent years and how the effectiveness has varied by sociodemographic characteristics is unclear.

Aims and Methods

Using repeated cross-sectional data collected by the Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey, we investigate the relationship between cigarette prices and cessation from 2003 to 2019 in adults at least 25 years old. We examine the associations between price and cessation in the population overall and by sex, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Results

We found mixed support for associations between greater local prices and cessation. Unadjusted models showed that greater local prices were associated with greater odds of cessation, but the associations did not persist after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. The associations did not significantly differ by respondent characteristics. Sensitivity analysis using alternative specifications and retail state price as the main predictor showed similar results. Sensitivity analysis with controls for e-cigarette use in the 2014–2019 period showed that greater local price was associated with cessation among adults with less than a high school degree. When stratified by year of data collection, results show that greater local prices were associated with cessation after 2009.

Conclusions

Overall, the study adds to the conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of increasing prices on smoking cessation among adults with established smoking patterns.

Implications

Higher cigarette prices have been one of the most successful tools for lowering smoking prevalence. It remains unclear how effective they have been in recent years in encouraging adults with established smoking patterns to quit. The study’s results show that greater local prices were associated with higher odds of cessation, but the association did not persist after sociodemographic adjustment. In a sensitivity analysis, greater local price was associated with cessation among people with less than a high school degree in models controlling for e-cigarette use. We also found evidence that greater local price was associated with cessation after 2009. More comprehensive smoke-free coverage was also associated with greater odds of cessation. The study’s results highlight that encouraging cessation among adults with an established smoking pattern remains a challenging policy problem even when cigarette prices rise.
Incidence of Lyme Carditis and Lyme Carditis as a Cause of Pacemaker Implantation: A Nationwide Registry-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Avellan Sanna , Mehlig Kirsten , Robertson Josefina , Bremell Daniel
Published: December 2023

Background

Lyme borreliosis (LB) of the heart is called Lyme carditis (LC), which often manifests with high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB) requiring pacemaker implantation. LC is treated with antibiotics, and most patients recover fully after treatment. The overall incidence of LC, and of LC as a cause of pacemaker implantation, has not previously been systematically studied.

Methods

This was a case-control study based on data from Swedish national registers. The study was divided into two parts; part 1 including all patients diagnosed with AVB between 2001 and 2018, and part 2 including all patients who had received a pacemaker due to AVB between 2010 and 2018. Patients diagnosed with LB 90 days before and 180 days after the AVB diagnosis were identified among the patients and compared to matched control groups generated from the general population.

Results

Of 81 063 patients with AVB, 102 were diagnosed with LB. In the control group, 27 were diagnosed with LB. The yearly incidence of LC was 0.056 per 100 000 adults and year. Of 25 241 patients who had received a pacemaker for AVB, 31 were diagnosed with LB. In the control group, 8 were diagnosed with LB. The yearly incidence of LC as a cause of pacemaker implantation was 0.033 per 100 000 adults and year. The estimated risk for patients with LC to receive a permanent pacemaker was 59%.

Conclusions

LC is a rare cause of AVB. Nevertheless, more than half of patients with LC receive a permanent pacemaker for a condition that is easily cured with antibiotics.
Feasibility and Acceptability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Self-Testing for Men of Middle-to-Upper Socioeconomic Status in Botswana: A Pilot Study at 4 Worksites in the Financial Sector
Authors: Kgotlaetsile Keonayang , Bogart Laura M , Phaladze Nthabiseng , Klein David J , Mosepele Mosepele
Published: December 2023

Background

Although Botswana has made great progress in expanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, men are less likely to be tested for HIV and test at a later stage compared with women. For Botswana to increase HIV testing coverage among men, HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be a promising supplement to standard, healthcare facility-based HIV testing. We conducted a pilot test of the feasibility and acceptability of HIVST for men of middle-to-upper socioeconomic status in Botswana.

Methods

Thirty-five men were recruited through 4 workplaces (banking sector). Wellness officers emailed all potentially eligible male employees about the opportunity to participate. Men were surveyed at baseline and follow-up on basic sociodemographic characteristics, HIV testing history, HIV stigma, use of the HIVST kit (at follow-up), and confirmatory testing and linkage to care if a preliminary positive result is obtained (at follow-up).

Results

All 35 men used the kit. The proportion who agreed with the statement that getting tested for HIV helps people feel better increased significantly from 80.7% at baseline to 100% at follow-up. In open-ended questions, men described the advantages of HIVST, including improved privacy and convenience, lowered HIV stigma, and enhanced control over testing. Concerns about HIVST included potential negative mental health consequences owing to not receiving pretest and posttest counseling, and not linking to care after a reactive result.

Conclusions

Results suggest that an intervention in which HIVST is discrete, private, and under men’s control can help overcome stigma around HIV testing, resulting in a greater number of men tested.
Structure-based virtual screening identifies small-molecule inhibitors of O-fucosyltransferase SPINDLY in Arabidopsis
Authors: Aizezi Yalikunjiang , Zhao Hongming , Zhang Zhenzhen , Bi Yang , Yang Qiuhua , Guo Guangshuo , Zhang Hongliang , Guo Hongwei , Jiang Kai , Wang Zhi-Yong
Published: December 2023

Protein O-glycosylation is a nutrient signaling mechanism that plays an essential role in maintaining cellular homeostasis across different species. In plants, SPINDLY (SPY) and SECRET AGENT (SEC) posttranslationally modify hundreds of intracellular proteins with O-fucose and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine, respectively. SPY and SEC play overlapping roles in cellular regulation, and loss of both SPY and SEC causes embryo lethality in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Using structure-based virtual screening of chemical libraries followed by in vitro and in planta assays, we identified a SPY O-fucosyltransferase inhibitor (SOFTI). Computational analyses predicted that SOFTI binds to the GDP-fucose–binding pocket of SPY and competitively inhibits GDP-fucose binding. In vitro assays confirmed that SOFTI interacts with SPY and inhibits its O-fucosyltransferase activity. Docking analysis identified additional SOFTI analogs that showed stronger inhibitory activities. SOFTI treatment of Arabidopsis seedlings decreased protein O-fucosylation and elicited phenotypes similar to the spy mutants, including early seed germination, increased root hair density, and defective sugar-dependent growth. In contrast, SOFTI did not visibly affect the spy mutant. Similarly, SOFTI inhibited the sugar-dependent growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings. These results demonstrate that SOFTI is a specific SPY O-fucosyltransferase inhibitor that can be used as a chemical tool for functional studies of O-fucosylation and potentially for agricultural management.
Interplay of EXO70 and MLO proteins modulates trichome cell wall composition and susceptibility to powdery mildew
Authors: Huebbers Jan W , Caldarescu George A , Kubátová Zdeňka , Sabol Peter , Levecque Sophie C J , Kuhn Hannah , Kulich Ivan , Reinstädler Anja , Büttgen Kim , Manga-Robles Alba , Mélida Hugo , Pauly Markus , Panstruga Ralph , Žárský Viktor
Published: December 2023

Exocyst component of 70-kDa (EXO70) proteins are constituents of the exocyst complex implicated in vesicle tethering during exocytosis. MILDEW RESISTANCE LOCUS O (MLO) proteins are plant-specific calcium channels and some MLO isoforms enable fungal powdery mildew pathogenesis. We here detected an unexpected phenotypic overlap of Arabidopsis thaliana exo70H4 and mlo2 mlo6 mlo12 triple mutant plants regarding the biogenesis of leaf trichome secondary cell walls. Biochemical and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analyses corroborated deficiencies in the composition of trichome cell walls in these mutants. Transgenic lines expressing fluorophore-tagged EXO70H4 and MLO exhibited extensive colocalization of these proteins. Furthermore, mCherry-EXO70H4 mislocalized in trichomes of the mlo triple mutant and, vice versa, MLO6-GFP mislocalized in trichomes of the exo70H4 mutant. Expression of GFP-marked PMR4 callose synthase, a known cargo of EXO70H4-dependent exocytosis, revealed reduced cell wall delivery of GFP-PMR4 in trichomes of mlo triple mutant plants. In vivo protein–protein interaction assays in plant and yeast cells uncovered isoform-preferential interactions between EXO70.2 subfamily members and MLO proteins. Finally, exo70H4 and mlo6 mutants, when combined, showed synergistically enhanced resistance to powdery mildew attack. Taken together, our data point to an isoform-specific interplay of EXO70 and MLO proteins in the modulation of trichome cell wall biogenesis and powdery mildew susceptibility.
Variegated spatial–temporal landscape of COVID-19 infection in England: findings from spatially filtered multilevel models
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wong Cecilia
Published: December 2023

Background

Although there are empirical studies examining COVID-19 infection from a spatial perspective, majority of them focused on the USA and China, and there has been a lacuna of systematic research to unpack the spatial landscape of infection in the UK and its related factors.

Methods

England’s spatial–temporal patterns of COVID-19 infection levels in 2020 were examined via spatial clustering analysis. Spatially filtered multilevel models (SFMLM), capturing both hierarchical and horizontal spatial interactive effects, were applied to identify how different demographic, socio-economic, built environment and spatial contextual variables were associated with varied infection levels over the two waves in 2020.

Results

The fragmented spatial distribution of COVID incidence in the first wave has made a rural–urban shift and resulted in a clearer north–south divide in England throughout 2020. The SFMLM results do not only identify the association between variables at different spatial scales with COVID-19 infection level but also highlight the increasing importance of spatial-dependent effect of the pandemic over time and that the locational spatial contexts also help explain variations in infection rates.
The impact of education level on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards COVID-19 in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Farag Doaa , Akpede Nosa , Waterson Hannah , Asogun Danny , Faustina Funmilayo Blackie , Nnadi Chinelo , Azi Michael , Achioyamen Oboh , Achioyamen Domina , Sahu Anjana , Verma Arpana , Williams Greg
Published: December 2023

Background

For effective Public Health measures, factors that influence Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) need to be understood. In this paper, we document the relationship between levels of education on the KAP towards COVID-19 among the population of Edo State, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional KAP questionnaire was delivered across 13 communities. The study population was dichotomized into those who had or had not completed secondary education. Chi-square tests were conducted to determine statistical significance.

Results

Of the 538 participants, 30% had completed secondary education. Those with secondary education were significantly more likely to recognize symptoms of COVID-19 (P < 0.001). For attitudes, only one option showed a statistically significant association with 78.4% of those who did not complete secondary education having a high confidence in the church compared with 66% of those who had (P = 0.022). For practices, those who have completed secondary education practiced all of the supplied measures more than those who had not, except for taking herbal supplements.

Discussion

Higher levels of education impacts on knowledge and practices but has less impact on attitudes regarding how well certain individuals/organizations can handle the pandemic. Findings highlighted the importance of tailoring public health communication and strategies to local populations to improve the efficacy.
Identifying indicators for the evaluation of community interventions and initiatives in a multi-site public health programme
Authors: Williams Greg , Greenhalgh Christine , Spencer Angela , Farragher Tracey , Gittins Matthew , Verma Arpana
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Measuring success of community-level programmes and interventions is important, and indicators can provide valuable information to achieve this. However, identifying appropriate indicators can be challenging. Indicators can be identified by official local stakeholders such as local authorities, but involving communities can add value and trust to the project, with community involvement likely to improve programme sustainability.

Methods

As part of the evaluation of multi-site community initiatives, we used local health profiles to identify core indicators that overlapped sites. In addition, we engaged with members of the community during a pilot data collection training day to identify issues they identified as important for measuring health and well-being locally.

Results

A total of 313 indicators were identified from local profiles, with 31 indicators meeting inclusion criteria. The community identified 26 issues, collated into eight categories, only three of which were identified in core indicators. Tools were sourced or created for the other community-identified categories.

Discussion

The methodology identified validated indicators comparable across all sites, based on local health profiles. It also identified tools for measuring issues identified by members of the community. The exercise demonstrated disconnect between priorities of official bodies, researchers and communities, indicating multiple approaches should be considered when evaluating community initiatives.
The patient experience of skill mix changes in primary care: an in-depth study of patient ‘work’ when accessing primary care
Authors: Dalgarno Elizabeth , McDermott Imelda , Goff Mhorag , Spooner Sharon , McBride Anne , Hodgson Damian , Donnelly Ailsa , Hogg Judith , Checkland Kath
Published: December 2023

Background

This paper presents insights into patient experiences of changes in workforce composition due to increasing deployment in general practice of practitioners from a number of different professional disciplines (skill mix). We explore these experiences via the concept of ‘patient illness work’; how a patient’s capacity for action is linked to the work arising from healthcare.

Methods

We conducted four focus group interviews with Patient Participation Group members across participating English general practitioner practices. Thematic analysis and a theoretical lens of illness work were used to explore patients’ attempts to understand and navigate new structures, roles and ways to access healthcare.

Results

Participants’ lack of knowledge about incoming practitioners constrained their agency in accessing primary care. They reported both increased and burdensome illness work as they were given responsibility for navigating and understanding new systems of access while simultaneously understanding new practitioner roles.

Conclusions

While skill mix changes were not resisted by patients, they were keen to improve their agency in capacity to access, by being better informed about newer practitioners to accept and trust them. Some patients require support to navigate change, especially where new systems demand specific capacities such as technological skills and adaptation to unfamiliar practitioners.
Competition and Career Advancement
Authors: Johnsen Julian V , Ku Hyejin , Salvanes Kjell G
Published: December 2023

In standard promotion tournaments, contestants are ranked based on their output or productivity. We argue that workers' career progression may also depend on their relative rankings in dimensions a priori unrelated to their job performance, such as visibility or in-person presence. Such implicit tournaments may rationalize a variety of seemingly counterproductive practices in the workplace, including long working hours, low uptake of statutory leave, and presenteeism. We illustrate the significance of implicit tournaments using the case of paternity leave among new fathers, where we exogenously vary a focal worker's ranking within a contest, not via his own leave status but that of his competitors, exploiting a policy reform. We show that the focal worker is put on a better earnings trajectory than otherwise when a larger share of his competitors take leave because of the reform. The focal worker's own absolute leave, however, has no direct effect on his earnings path as long as his own and his competitors' leave statuses are symmetric. With effective coordination, it should thus be possible for all fathers to utilize paternity leave without incurring unwarranted career costs. This has implications for statutory leave policies, flexible work arrangements, and gender equality.
Synthesis and characterization of calcium–iron–chromium nanocomposites for electromagnetic radiation shielding application
Authors: Raja Ramachandrappa Umashankara , Vidya Yakekadakalu S , Manjunatha Holaly Chandrashekara Shastry , Munirathnam Rajachari , Seenappa Lakshmaiah , Sridhar Krishnachari Nagarthnamma , Rajashekara Koppa M , Manjunatha Shivanna
Published: December 2023

Over a century, shielding harmful electromagnetic radiations (EMR) and finding a suitable material, which can replace lead has become the major interest of researchers in this field. Herein, calcium–iron–chromium oxide nanocomposites with the different atomic ratios are synthesized using the solution combustion method. The as-obtained nanoparticles (NPs) are subjected to several structural and surface characteristics such as powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, elemental diffraction X-ray analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy analysis were performed to confirm the successful synthesis. Furthermore, the EMR shielding of as-procured NPs is investigated and observed that the obtained NPs show good shielding properties.
Estimation of natural radioactivity in the soil samples around the uranium site, royal village, Khandela, Sikar district, Rajasthan
Authors: Bawalia Nitin K , Meena Dalpat , Gupta Shailendra K , Meena Pushpa , Degra Surendra , Yadav Vijaypal , Meena Ramkumar , Malviya Raveena
Published: December 2023

The measurements of activity concentration of radium ( 226Ra ), thorium ( 232Th) and potassium ( 40K ) natural radionuclides using high purity germanium ( HPGe ) detector to assess harmful effects on people residing around Royal Uranium Site, Sikar, Rajasthan, India. The activity concentrations range from 29.03 ± 3.72 to 69.95 ± 4.07 Bq/kg for 226Ra with a mean value of 47.01 Bq/kg, 57.99 ± 6.13 to 113.94 ± 6.54 Bq/kg with a mean value of 86.56 Bq/kg for 232Th,678.19 ± 76.36 to 1426.55 ± 81.32 Bq/kg for 40K with a mean value of 1195 Bq/kg. Average Radium Equivalent Activity was measured 261.59 ± 35.48 Bq/kg. The total outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate ranged from 78.42 to 157.91 nGy/h with a mean value of 122.12 nGy/h.The average annual effective dose equivalent outdoors and indoors was found 0.75 mSv.Mean external (Hex) and internal (Hin) hazard indices are measured 0.70 and 0.82, respectively, for the study area.
Chronic dietary supplementation with nicotinamide riboside reduces sleep need in the laboratory mouse
Authors: Bushana Priyanka N , Schmidt Michelle A , Rempe Michael J , Sorg Barbara A , Wisor Jonathan P
Published: December 2023

Non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) is accompanied by a reduction in cerebral glucose utilization. Enabling this metabolic change may be a central function of sleep. Since the reduction in glucose metabolism is inevitably accompanied by deceleration of downstream oxidation/reduction reactions involving nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), we hypothesized a role for NAD in regulating the homeostatic dynamics of sleep at the biochemical level. We applied dietary nicotinamide riboside (NR), a NAD precursor, in a protocol known to improve neurological outcome measures in mice. Long-term (6–10 weeks) dietary supplementation with NR reduced the time that mice spent in NREMS by 17 percent and accelerated the rate of discharge of sleep need according to a mathematical model of sleep homeostasis (Process S). These findings suggest that increasing redox capacity by increasing nicotinamide availability reduces sleep need and increases the cortical capacity for energetically demanding high-frequency oscillations. In turn, this work demonstrates the impact of redox substrates on cortical circuit properties related to fatigue and sleep drive, implicating redox reactions in the homeostatic dynamics of cortical network events across sleep–wake cycles.
Faulty analogies: the “essential step” gateways for trusts and fiduciary duties
Authors: Giannakopoulos Andreas
Published: December 2023

This article is about two recent additions to the gateways for service out of the jurisdiction in respect of trusts and fiduciary duties: ground 12C and ground 15B(b). Both gateways were designed by analogy with the existing “place of contracting” gateway (ground 6(a)(i)). Their wording and the choice of analogy raise several issues about their ambit; some are specific to these new gateways, while others are likely to affect multiple grounds for claims involving trusts and fiduciary duties. The article examines these difficulties and makes proposals for reform.
Cytokinin promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis via regulating sugar accumulation and MYB113 expression in Eucalyptus
Authors: Zhu Linhui , Liao Yuwu , Lin Kai , Wu Wenfei , Duan Lanjuan , Wang Pan , Xiao Xian , Zhang Tingting , Chen Xin , Wang Jianzhong , Ye Kaiqin , Hu Hao , Xu Zeng-Fu , Ni Jun
Published: December 2023

Anthocyanins are flavonoid-like substances that play important roles in plants’ adaptation to various environmental stresses. In this research, we discovered that cytokinin (CK) alone could effectively induce the anthocyanin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus and many other perennial woody plant species, but not in tobacco and Arabidopsis, suggesting a diverse role of CK in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in different species. Transcriptomic and metabolomic strategies were used to further clarify the specific role of CK in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus. The results showed that 801 and 2241 genes were differentially regulated at 6 and 24 h, respectively, after CK treatment. Pathway analysis showed that most of the differentially expressed genes were categorized into pathways related to cellular metabolism or transport of metabolites, including amino acids and sugars. The metabolomic results well supported the transcriptome data, which showed that most of the differentially regulated metabolites were related to the metabolism of sugar, amino acids and flavonoids. Moreover, CK treatment significantly induced the accumulation of sucrose in the CK-treated leaves, while sugar starvation mimicked by either defoliation or shading treatment of the basal leaves significantly reduced the sugar increase of the CK-treated leaves and thus inhibited CK-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis. The results of in vitro experiment also suggested that CK-induced anthocyanin in Eucalyptus was sugar-dependent. Furthermore, we identified an early CK-responsive transcription factor MYB113 in Eucalyptus, the expression of which was significantly upregulated by CK treatment in Eucalyptus, but was inhibited in Arabidopsis. Importantly, the overexpression of EgrMYB113 in the Eucalyptus hairy roots was associated with significant anthocyanin accumulation and upregulation of most of the anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a key role of CK in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Eucalyptus, providing a molecular basis for further understanding the regulatory mechanism and diversity of hormone-regulated anthocyanin biosynthesis in different plant species.
An integrative taxonomic revision of lesser gymnures (Eulipotyphla: Hylomys) reveals five new species and emerging patterns of local endemism in Tropical East Asia
Authors: Hinckley Arlo , Camacho-Sanchez Miguel , Chua Marcus A H , Ruedi Manuel , Lunde Darrin , Maldonado Jesús E , Omar Hasmahzaiti , Leonard Jennifer A , Hawkins Melissa T R
Published: December 2023

We here present a comprehensive integrative taxonomic review of the genus Hylomys, using molecular (mitochondrial genomes and up to five nuclear loci) and morphological data from museum specimens across its distribution, resulting in the description of two new species and the elevation of three subspecies to specific status. This revision significantly increases the known diversity of Hylomys from two to seven extant species, challenging the traditional view of species-level diversity within gymnures. We discuss the implications of the taxonomic findings for conservation, particularly in relation to the restricted distribution ranges of several species that may be threatened by habitat loss and/or climate change. Our research emphasizes the importance of scientific collections and underscores the potential of museum genomics and additional field sampling to identify new species and improve our understanding of species diversity in poorly studied regions. Speciation events within Hylomys occurred during the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene, possibly driven by shifting climate conditions such as the strengthening of the Indian monsoon and the expansion of seasonally dry conditions. This study supports northern Sumatra and the southern Annamites as centres of localized endemicity and suggests the need for additional small mammal surveys across Sumatra’s Barisan Range.
The Variability of Phytophthora infestans Isolates Collected from Estonian Islands in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Runno-Paurson Eve , Agho Collins A. , Nassar Helina , Hansen Merili , Leitaru Kätlin , Hallikma Tiit , Cooke David E. L. , Niinemets Ülo
Published: December 2023

Knowledge of a pathogen’s genetic variability and population structure is of great importance to effective disease management. In this study, 193 isolates of Phytophthora infestans collected from three Estonian islands were characterized over 3 years using simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker data complemented by information on their mating type and resistance to metalaxyl. In combination with SSR marker data from samples in the neighboring Pskov region of Northwest Russia, the impact of regional and landscape structure on the level of genetic exchange was also examined. Among the 111 P. infestans isolates from Estonian islands, 49 alleles were detected among 12 SSR loci, and 59 SSR multilocus genotypes were found, of which 64% were unique. The genetic variation was higher among years than that among islands, as revealed by the analysis of molecular variance. The frequency of metalaxyl-resistant isolates increased from 9% in 2012 to 30% in 2014, and metalaxyl resistance was most frequent among A1 isolates. The test for isolation by distance among the studied regions was not significant, and coupled with the absence of genetic differentiation, the result revealed gene flow and the absence of local adaptation. The data are consistent with a sexual population in which diversity is driven by an annual germination of soilborne oospores. The absence of shared genotypes over the years has important implications when it comes to the management of diseases. Such population diversity can make it difficult to predict the nature of the outbreak in the coming year as the genetic makeup is different for each year.
Development of Specific Primers for Fusarium oxysporum Formae Speciales rapae and matthiolae with an Integrated Multiplex PCR for Distinguishing Four Formae Speciales on Brassicaceae
Authors: Chu Huang-Hsi , Tsao Wei-Chin , Huang Jenn-Wen , Linda Chang Pi-Fang , Wang Chih-Li
Published: December 2023

There are four formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum responsible for causing yellows of Brassicaceae. Because of crossbreeding among crops, the host ranges of these formae speciales often overlap, making pathogen identification a challenging task. Among these formae speciales, F. oxysporum f. sp. rapae and F. oxysporum f. sp. matthiolae still lack specific primers for pathogen identification. To address this problem, we targeted the secreted in xylem (SIX) genes, known as specific effectors of pathogenic F. oxysporum, for primer design. Through sequence comparison with other formae speciales, we successfully designed specific primers for F. oxysporum f. sp. rapae and F. oxysporum f. sp. matthiolae on SIX14 and SIX9, respectively. Both primer pairs exhibited high specificity in detecting F. oxysporum f. sp. rapae or F. oxysporum f. sp. matthiolae, distinguishing them from 20 nontarget formae speciales of F. oxysporum, five species of phytopathogenic Fusarium, and four other common pathogenic fungi affecting cruciferous plants. Moreover, the effectiveness of these specific primers was validated by detecting the pathogens in infected plants. To further enhance the identification process of the four formae speciales, we combined the two newly designed specific primer pairs with two previously published primer pairs, enabling the establishment of a multiplex PCR method that can accurately distinguish all four formae speciales of F. oxysporum responsible for causing yellows in cruciferous plants in a single reaction.