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Objective There is a growing popularity in the worldwide use of schema therapy (ST) to address a variety of psychological disorders. Yet, research into the cultural suitability of ST is scarce. This study aimed to explore ST clinicians’ experiences of the cultural suitability of ST.Method Eleven clinicians from nine countries were interviewed about their experiences of practising ST. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results Two main themes, each with subthemes, were identified. The first theme was considerations for Cultural Context and Content: (i) Incongruence with Cultural Norms of Emotional Expression, (ii) “Maladaptive” or “Adaptive”, But in What Context?, and (iii) Issues Related to Familism when Addressing Parent/Critic Modes. The second theme focused on clinicians’ Cultural Competence: (i) Perceptions of Reduced Confidence and Competence in Providing Culturally Responsive Practice, and (ii) Clinicians’ Cultural Values Impacting ST Delivery. Participants discussed strategies to improve the cultural-responsiveness of ST, suggesting areas for further development.Conclusion Present findings suggest that ST is not a one-size-fits-all approach, underscoring the need to improve the cultural responsiveness of ST, while better supporting clinicians to develop their cultural competence. Future research is needed to establish evidence-based cultural adaptations for ST.

Abstract Background Rising resistance to antimicrobials, particularly in the case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represents a formidable global health challenge. Consequently, it is imperative to develop new antimicrobial solutions. This study evaluated 68 Chinese medicinal plants renowned for their historical applications in treating infectious diseases. Methods The antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants were evaluated by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against MRSA. Safety profiles were assessed on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Mechanistic insights were obtained through fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (FM and TEM). Synergistic effects with vancomycin were investigated using the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI). Results Rheum palmatum L., Arctium lappa L. and Paeonia suffructicosaas Andr. have emerged as potential candidates with potent anti-MRSA properties, with an impressive low MIC of 7.8 µg/mL, comparable to the 2 µg/mL MIC of vancomycin served as the antibiotic control. Crucially, these candidates demonstrated significant safety profiles when evaluated on Caco-2 and HepG2 cells. Even at 16 times the MIC, the cell viability ranged from 83.3% to 95.7%, highlighting their potential safety. FM and TEM revealed a diverse array of actions against MRSA, such as disrupting the cell wall and membrane, interference with nucleoids, and inducing morphological alterations resembling pseudo-multicellular structures in MRSA. Additionally, the synergy between vancomycin and these three plant extracts was evident against MRSA (FICI

The adoption of agricultural technologies is imperative in improving the performance of the local agriculture sector in the Philippines. Numerous technology-based development projects have been implemented across the country. The Mango ICM project was one of these interventions. It was carried out in the Island Garden of Samal, Davao del Norte (IGaCoS) with the objective of supporting the local mango industry through the promotion of environmentally sustainable technologies. Years since project completion, challenges have been raised in relation to technology adoption. To understand the adoption dynamics in IGaCoS, this study dissects the complex nature of the Mango ICM technologies and the perception and reception of the local producers towards them. This study is grounded on the narratives gathered through a series of in-depth interviews with key informants and local mango producers. Results show that although the potential benefits of the extended technologies were recognized, the existing local labor and market arrangements created barriers to technology adoption. The nature of technology, market arrangement, and financial constraints were the identified reasons for the non-adoption of the local mango producers

Abstract Background Better methods to support talent identification and development processes may contribute to more effective and efficient athlete development programs in racket sports. Both researchers and practitioners recommend multidimensional and longitudinal approaches to better understand the nature of talent (development). However, the added value of these ‘innovative’ approaches has not yet been clarified for racket sports. This systematic review intends to gain further insight into the outcomes of multidimensional and longitudinal approaches for talent identification and development in racket sports and to provide directions for future talent research. Methods Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science (January 2000–August 2022). Search terms covered the areas of racket sports and talent in sports. Studies using multidimensional and/or longitudinal talent approaches were included and analyzed regarding the methodology, included performance characteristics (i.e., anthropometrical, physiological, technical, tactical, psychological), and study findings. Results A total of thirty-two studies were included using multidimensional (n = 15), unidimensional longitudinal (n = 3) or multidimensional longitudinal designs (n = 14). Most research covered physiological characteristics (n = 28), while fewer articles investigated anthropometrics (n = 21) and technical characteristics (n = 16). Only limited research investigated psychological (n = 4) and tactical characteristics (n = 1). Almost all studies measured physiological characteristics in combination with other characteristics. There was moderate to strong evidence that physiological and technical characteristics have value for athlete development programs in racket sports. Positive but limited evidence was found for psychological and tactical characteristics. Anthropometrical assessments were generally used as controlling variables for maturation. Study designs varied, and many studies used unidimensional statistical models and analyses within multidimensional study designs and datasets. Conclusions This review provides an overview of talent research using multidimensional and/or longitudinal approaches within racket sports and gives guidance on what characteristics to include in decision-making and monitoring processes. However, it remains difficult to draw conclusions about the added values of these approaches due to their variety in methodology. Future talent research should include more consistent study designs and conduct multidimensional and longitudinal studies using multivariate statistical approaches that benefit from the data’s multidimensionality.

The new normal has shifted high school teachers' jobs from face-to-face to modular distance learning which requires more paperwork. This research article investigated job burnout among secondary teachers in Ormoc City Division, Leyte, Philippines, and elucidated the statistically significant factors affecting it. Primary data were gathered from a simple random sample of 132 high school teachers in the City of Ormoc. To summarise the acquired survey results, typical descriptive metrics such as frequency tables, percentages, mean average, and standard deviation were used to summarize the gathered survey data. The Chi-square test of independence was employed to capture the different factors influencing job burnout. The findings revealed that, on average, secondary teachers are “highly burnout” in modular and distance learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic setup. The Chi-square test showed that marital status and department/school assignment are the factors influencing teachers’ burnout levels. In particular, the cross-tabulation of marital status and burnout category revealed that married teachers are mostly highly burnout. Finally, responsibilities and duties in their household contribute to the teachers’ working stress and tiredness. Furthermore, different schools have varying job assignments, with some schools assigning heavier loads, resulting in severe teacher burnout. According to the report, school leaders should prioritize teachers’ well-being by reducing their responsibilities and implementing leisure school activities to alleviate stressful circumstances.

This study aimed to elucidate the job satisfaction level and capture its governing factors among high school teachers in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines. In selecting the participants, a simple random sampling was applied to three chosen high schools in Ormoc City, and primary data were gathered from them. Some descriptive statistics were computed to describe the data and the Chi-square test for association was employed to determine the relationship between any two variables. Results of the calculation depicted that, on average, teachers are “satisfied” with their jobs despite the challenges of modular distance education amid the lockdown brought on by the health crisis. The Chi-square test has revealed that if the highest educational attainment is a bachelor’s degree, conducive workplace assignment, and lower job categorization are determinants of work satisfaction among high school teachers during modular distance education. This implies that teachers with minimal and doable workloads are more satisfied in their jobs during the new normal. In addition, if the teachers are comfortable in their workplace, they are motivated to work despite the difficulties they have encountered during the pandemic. Hence, the study suggests that school leaders must adjust to lessening the workload of teachers to avoid stress and burnout.

Most coastal glaciers on the West Antarctic Peninsula are in retreat. Glacial ice scouring and lithogenic particle runoff increase turbidity and shape soft sediment benthic communities. This, in turn, has the potential to induce a shift in these systems from an autotrophic to a heterotrophic state. In this study, we investigated the influence of glacial runoff on carbon flows in the soft-sediment food web of Potter Cove, a well-studied shallow fjord located in the northern region of the West Antarctic Peninsula. We constructed linear inverse food web models using a dataset that includes benthic carbon stocks as well as carbon production and respiration rates. The dataset offers detailed spatial information across three locations and seasonal variations spanning three seasons, reflecting different degrees of disturbance from glacial melt runoff. In these highly resolved food web models, we quantified the carbon flows from various resource compartments (phytoplankton detritus, macroalgae, microphytobenthos, sediment detritus) to consumers (ranging from prokaryotes to various functional groups in meio- and macrofauna). Locations and seasons characterized by high glacial melt runoff exhibited distinct patterns of carbon flow compared to those with low glacial melt runoff. This difference was primarily driven by a less pronounced benthic primary production pathway, an impaired microbial loop and a lower secondary production of the dominant bivalve Aequiyoldia eightsii and other infauna in the location close to the glacier. In contrast, the bivalve Laternula elliptica and meiofauna had the highest secondary production close to the glacier, where they are exposed to high glacial melt runoff. This study shows how the effects of glacial melt propagate from lower to higher trophic levels, thereby affecting the transfer of energy in the ecosystem.

Objectives1) Culture Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP)from blood, 2) assess infection persistence, 3) determine Crohn’s disease (CD) cytokine expression, 4) compare CD cytokine expression to tuberculosis, and 5) perform a meta-analysis of cytokine expression in CD.MethodsThe Temple University/Abilene Christian University (TU/ACU) study had a prospective case control design with 201 subjects including 61 CD patients and 140 non-CD controls. The culture methods included MGIT, TiKa and Pozzato broths, and were deemed MAP positive, if IS900 PCR positive. A phage amplification assay was also performed to detect MAP. Cytokine analysis of the TU/ACU samples was performed using Simple Plex cytokine reagents on the Ella ELISA system. Statistical analyses were done after log transformation using the R software package. The meta-analysis combined three studies.ResultsMost subjects had MAP positive blood cultures by one or more methods in 3 laboratories. In our cytokine study comparing CD to non-CD controls, IL-17, IFNγ and TNFα were significantly increased in CD, but IL-2, IL-5, IL-10 and GM-CSF were not increased. In the meta-analysis, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 were significantly increased in the CD patients.ConclusionMost subjects in our sample had MAP infection and 8 of 9 subjects remained MAP positive one year later indicating persistent infection. While not identical, cytokine expression patterns in MAP culture positive CD patients in the TU/ACU study showed similarities (increased IL-17, IFNγ and TNFα) to patterns of patients with Tuberculosis in other studies, indicating the possibilities of similar mechanisms of pathogen infection and potential strategies for treatment.

В данной рецензии рассматривается работа директора по Китаю в Совете национальной безопасности США Р. Доши «Игра в долгую: Великая стратегия Китая по смене американского миропорядка». В своей книге автор отмечает, что руководство Китайской Народной Республики разрабатывало последовательную стратегию распространения своего влияния на протяжении трех ключевых этапов. Первый этап характеризовался окончанием холодной войны, распадом СССР и внутриполитическим кризисом в Китае. В результате данного этапа КПК стала считать Соединенные Штаты своим главным противником. На втором этапе, совпавшем с крупным финансовым кризисом 2008 г., руководство Китая отметило сократившийся разрыв между своей мощью и мощью США. А третий этап, который ознаменовала инаугурация Д. Трампа в качестве президента США, стал решающим для КПК, поскольку она утвердила в глазах Китая упадок Запада. В результате руководство КНР заявило о своих имперских амбициях, отметив, что им недостаточно регионального лидерства, и пришло время выходить на глобальный уровень. В своей работе Р. Доши опирается на официальные документы КПК, анализируя двусторонние отношения Китая и Соединенных Штатов.

Abstract Introduction This systematic review aimed to analyse the performance of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and how its implementation has embraced advancement in information technology, big data analytics techniques and wealth of data sources. Methods HINARI, PubMed, and advanced Google Scholar databases were searched for eligible articles. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Results A total of 1,809 articles were identified and screened at two stages. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 35 were country-specific, seven covered the SSA region, and three covered 3–4 countries. Twenty-six studies assessed the IDSR core functions, 43 the support functions, while 24 addressed both functions. Most of the studies involved Tanzania (9), Ghana (6) and Uganda (5). The routine Health Management Information System (HMIS), which collects data from health care facilities, has remained the primary source of IDSR data. However, the system is characterised by inadequate data completeness, timeliness, quality, analysis and utilisation, and lack of integration of data from other sources. Under-use of advanced and big data analytical technologies in performing disease surveillance and relating multiple indicators minimises the optimisation of clinical and practice evidence-based decision-making. Conclusions This review indicates that most countries in SSA rely mainly on traditional indicator-based disease surveillance utilising data from healthcare facilities with limited use of data from other sources. It is high time that SSA countries consider and adopt multi-sectoral, multi-disease and multi-indicator platforms that integrate other sources of health information to provide support to effective detection and prompt response to public health threats.

В данной рецензии рассматриваются позиции современных исследователей относительно гегемонистской направленности политического курса США. Многие теоретики сходятся во мнении, что в настоящее время Соединенные Штаты утратили свое положение ведущей державы на мировой арене, а некоторые исследователи придерживаются позиции, что в современных условиях нельзя говорить о гегемонии того или иного государства. Однако все большего распространения получает мнение о возрастающей и преобладающей роли КНР в международных отношениях, в особенности в условиях пандемии COVID-19. Благодаря передовым технологиям, экономическому росту, военной мощи и огромному населению Китай является вторым по влиянию глобальным игроком после США. На более широком глобальном уровне, если две первые крупнейшие экономики мира станут соперниками, многим странам придется рассматривать конкуренцию между Китаем и США как фактор при выработке политики будущего экономического развития. В связи с совокупностью данных фактов, актуальным представляется рассмотрение современной литературы, изучающей имперские амбиции обоих государств в рамках их взаимоотношений.

ABSTRACTGlobally, there have been calls for an integrated zoonotic disease surveillance system. This study aimed to assess human and animal health surveillance systems to identify opportunities for One Health surveillance platform in Tanzania. A desk review of policies, acts and strategies addressing disease surveillance that support inter-sectoral collaboration was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to key informants from the two sectors. Databases with potential relevance for surveillance were assessed. One Health-focused policies, acts, strategic plans and guidelines emphasising inter-sectoral collaboration strengthening were in place. Stable systems for collecting surveillance data with trained staff to implement surveillance activities at all levels in both sectors were available. While the human surveillance system was a mix of paper-based and web-based, the animal health system was mainly paper-based. The laboratory information system existed in both sectors, though not integrated with the epidemiological surveillance systems. Both the animal and human surveillance systems had low sensitivity to alert outbreaks. The findings indicate that individual, organisational, and infrastructure opportunities that support the integration of surveillance systems from multiple sectors exist. Challenges related to data sharing and quality need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the platform.

Tools that provide a fair estimate of young table tennis players' potential and their chances to succeed will support making decisions whether to commit to an extensive development program and the accompanying lifestyle. Consequently, this study included two research questions (RQ) to evaluate the capability of the Dutch perceptuo-motor skills assessment to predict competition participation/drop-out (RQ1) and competition performance (RQ2) in young table tennis players (n = 39; 7-11 years) using a tracking period of 9 years. The perceptuo-motor skills assessment consists of eight tests assessing gross motor function (i.e., sprint, agility, vertical jump) and ball control (i.e., speed while dribbling, aiming at target, ball skills, throwing a ball and eye-hand coordination). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that a higher level of ball control was associated with a lower risk to drop-out from table tennis competition. The eye-hand coordination test appeared to be most suitable since it was the only test included in the multivariable Cox regression model (HR = .908; p = .001) (RQ1). Similarly, a multilevel regression analysis showed that a higher level of ball control was associated with a higher future competition performance. The eye-hand coordination and aiming at target tests were included in the multivariable multilevel model (p < 0.05; R2 = 36.4%) (RQ2). This evaluation demonstrates promising prospects for the perceptuo-motor skills assessment to be included in a talent development programme. Future studies are needed to obtain valid thresholds scores and clarify the predictive value in a larger sample of youth competition players.

An effective disease surveillance system is critical for early detection and response to disease epidemics. This study aimed to assess the capacity to manage and utilize disease surveillance data and implement an intervention to improve data analysis and use at the district level in Tanzania. Mapping, in-depth interview and desk review were employed for data collection in Ilala and Kinondoni districts in Tanzania. Interviews were conducted with members of the council health management teams (CHMT) to assess attitudes, motivation and practices related to surveillance data analysis and use. Based on identified gaps, an intervention package was developed on basic data analysis, interpretation and use. The effectiveness of the intervention package was assessed using pre-and post-intervention tests. Individual interviews involved 21 CHMT members (females = 10; males = 11) with an overall median age of 44.5 years (IQR = 37, 53). Over half of the participants regarded their data analytical capacities and skills as excellent. Analytical capacity was higher in Kinondoni (61%) than Ilala (52%). Agreement on the availability of the opportunities to enhance capacity and skills was reported by 68% and 91% of the participants from Ilala and Kinondoni, respectively. Reported challenges in disease surveillance included data incompleteness and difficulties in storage and accessibility. Training related to enhancement of data management was reported to be infrequently done. In terms of data interpretation and use, despite reporting of incidence of viral haemorrhagic fevers for five years, no actions were taken to either investigate or mitigate, indicating poor use of surveillance data in monitoring disease occurrence. The overall percentage increase on surveillance knowledge between pre-and post-training was 37.6% for Ilala and 20.4% for Kinondoni indicating a positive impact on of the training. Most of CHMT members had limited skills and practices on data analysis, interpretation and use. The training in data analysis and interpretation significantly improved skills of the participants.

The scientific communication landscape has undergone a significant disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic: a huge number of publications, ample use of preprint publications, a fast-spreading digitalized information. This reflected the unprecedented speed of the research on disease and vaccines. Two kinds of infodemic blew up very soon: a scientific and a tabloid one. With knowledge evolving continuously, governments and institutions deployed their communication campaigns very quickly to explain the different measures, including the vaccination strategies and to fight against infodemics. The need for a more focused population, the French-speaking community, arose spontaneously in Israel, leading to the creation of a Vaccine Task Force, independent, multidisciplinary, and composed of 20 high-level volunteers, physicians, pharmacists, and scientists, which provides evidence-based information, open and free, to healthcare professionals and the public, both most in demand, and then the experts’ meetings in Israel and abroad. Current resources: 40 webinars, all recorded and accessible on the association website, questions and answers, press and scientific literature review, and hotline; communication through the website, social media, and audio-visual media. In French, English, and Hebrew. The team undertook to explain the role of Israel in vaccine rollout and real-world data provision to the international community, both in Israel and abroad. Performance indicators are as follow: attendees’ number (~3000), website frequentation (7200 +) social media followers. In conclusion, this information campaign requires no budget; relies on volunteers who expressed their willingness to contribute to the global effort, as seen all over the world; and uses simple, cheap, and ubiquitous IT platforms. The Task Force created ERANIM, the Israel Society for Medication and Vaccines Safety. This scheme could easily apply for minorities or for medium/low-income countries, using the resources available in WHO, Vaccine Safety Net, health agencies, and academies. Key factors are multidisciplinary, influencers belonging to communities, and a network of partnerships. Plain Language Summary Risk communication on vaccines during the COVID19 pandemic: is there room for small size or private initiatives? An Israeli experience Background: The scientific communication landscape has undergone a significant disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic: a huge number of publications, ample use of preprint publications, a fast-spreading digitalized information. This reflected the unprecedented speed of the research on disease and vaccines. Two kinds of infodemic blew up very soon: a scientific and a tabloid one. With knowledge evolving continuously, governments and institutions deployed their communication campaigns very quickly to explain the different measures, including the vaccination strategies and to fight against infodemics. An Israelian initiative: method: The need for a more focused population, the French-speaking community, arose spontaneously in Israel, leading to the creation of a Vaccine Task Force, independent, multidisciplinary, and composed of 20 high-level volunteers, physicians, pharmacists, and scientists, which provides science-based information, open and free, to healthcare professionals and the public, both most in demand, and then the experts’ meetings in Israel and abroad. Results: Current resources: More than 40 webinars, recorded, questions and answers, press and scientific literature review, and hotline, through the website, social media, and audio-visual media. In French, English, and Hebrew. The team undertook to explain the role of Israel in vaccine rollout and real-world data provision to the international community, both in Israel and abroad. Performance indicators are as follow: attendees number (~3000), website frequentation (7200 +) social media followers. In conclusion: This information campaign requires no budget; relies on volunteers who expressed their willingness to contribute to the global effort, as seen all over the world; and uses simple, cheap, and ubiquitous IT platforms. The Task Force created ERANIM, the Israel Society for Medication and Vaccines Safety. This scheme could easily apply for minorities or for medium/low-income countries, using the resources available in WHO, Vaccine Safety Net, health agencies, and academies. Key factors are multidisciplinary, influencers belonging to communities, and a network of partnerships.

Abstract Background Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the cause of Johne disease, is a slow growing mycobacterium. Viable MAP detection is difficult, inconstant and time-consuming. The purpose of this study was to compare a rapid phage/qPCR assay performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with three standard methods of MAP detection: fecal MAP PCR; plasma antigen-specific IFN-γ & serum MAP ELISA hypothesizing that, if sensitive and specific, Johne animals would be positive and Control animals negative. We studied a well characterized herd of Holstein cattle that were naturally infected with MAP and their Controls. Results With phage/qPCR 72% (23/32) of Johne and 35% (6/17) of Controls were MAP positive. With fecal PCR 75% (24/32) of Johne and 0% (0/17) of Controls were MAP positive. With plasma antigen-specific IFN-γ 69% (22/32) of Johne and 12% (2/17) of Controls were MAP positive. With serum MAP ELISA, 31% (10/32) of Johne and 0% (0/17) of Controls were MAP positive. When phage / qPCR and fecal PCR results were combined, 100% (32/32) Johne and 35% (6/17) of Control animals were MAP positive. Younger Control animals (1–3 years) had significantly fewer plaques (25 ± 17 SEM) than older Controls (4–12 years) (309 ± 134 p = 0.04). The same trend was not observed in the Johne animals (p = 0.19). Conclusions In contrast to our hypothesis, using the phage/qPCR assay we find that viable circulating MAP can rapidly be detected from the blood of animals infected with, as well as those in the Control group evidently colonized by MAP. These data indicate that the presence of viable MAP in blood does not necessarily signify that an animal must of necessity be demonstrably ill or be MAP positive by standard diagnostic methods.

Abstract Background Health Management Information System (HMIS) is a set of data regularly collected at health care facilities to meet the needs of statistics on health services. This study aimed to determine the utilisation of HMIS data and factors influencing the health system’s performance at the district and primary health care facility levels in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 districts and involved 115 health care facilities in Tanzania. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to health workers at facility and district levels and documented using an observational checklist. Thematic content analysis approach was used to synthesise and triangulate the responses and observations to extract essential information. Results A total of 93 healthcare facility workers and 13 district officials were interviewed. About two-thirds (60%) of the facility respondents reported using the HMIS data, while only five out of 13 district respondents (38.5%) reported analysing HMIS data routinely. The HMIS data were mainly used for comparing performance in terms of services coverage (53%), monitoring of disease trends over time (50%), and providing evidence for community health education and promotion programmes (55%). The majority (41.4%) of the facility’s personnel had not received any training on data management related to HMIS during the past 12 months prior to the survey. Less than half (42%) of the health facilities had received supervisory visits from the district office 3 months before this assessment. Nine district respondents (69.2%) reported systematically receiving feedback on the quality of their reports monthly and quarterly from higher authorities. Patient load was described to affect staff performance on data collection and management frequently. Conclusion Inadequate analysis and poor data utilisation practices were common in most districts and health facilities in Tanzania. Inadequate human and financial resources, lack of incentives and supervision, and lack of standard operating procedures on data management were the significant challenges affecting the HMIS performance in Tanzania.

Abstract Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) gained momentum as a potential etiological factor for many types of cancers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HPV-16 infection among Sudanese patients diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Salivary Gland Carcinoma. A descriptive, hospital-based study was conducted. 150 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were collected. Results The study population included a total of 150 patients aged between 18 to 87 years with a mean age of 48.8 ± 11.9 years. Based on gender, females constituted 46.7% while males constituted 53.3%. The 150 patients were classified into 40 (26.0%) esophageal, 30 (20.0%) nasopharyngeal, 18 (12.0%) conjunctival, 18 (12.0%) tongue 12 (8.0%) laryngeal, 8 (5.3%) lip, 6 (4.0%) oropharyngeal, 6 (4.0%) mucoepidermoid, and 6 (4.0%) adenoid cystic, and 6 (4.0%) myoepithelial carcinomas. Odds ratio for male and female diagnosed with carcinoma was 1.025 [0.439–2.394, 95% CI]. Molecular detection of HPV-16 revealed a prevalence of 26 (17.3%) patients were positive for HPV-16. According to cancer diagnosis, esophageal SCC patients showed a high proportion of HPV-16; 14/40 (35.0%). A statistically significant difference was seen for the distribution of HPV-16 positive patients based on cancer diagnosis, P value 0.001.

Ulrike Braeckman et al. use in situ benthic community and benthic biogeochemistry measurements in Potter Cove on the Antarctic Peninsula to show that climate-related glacial melt disturbance shifts benthic communities from net autotrophy to heterotrophy. This study sheds light on how future glacial melt and run-off may affect the metabolic balance of Antarctic benthic communities.

Abstract Background Effective planning for disease prevention and control requires accurate, adequately-analysed, interpreted and communicated data. In recent years, efforts have been put in strengthening health management information systems (HMIS) in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve data accessibility to decision-makers. This study assessed the quality of routine HMIS data at primary healthcare facility (HF) and district levels in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study involved reviews of documents, information systems and databases, and collection of primary data from facility-level registers, tally sheets and monthly summary reports. Thirty-four indicators from Outpatient, Inpatient, Antenatal care, Family Planning, Post-natal care, Labour and Delivery, and Provider-Initiated Testing and Counselling service areas were assessed. Indicator records were tracked and compared across the process of data collection, compilation and submission to the district office. Copies of monthly report forms submitted by facilities to the district were also reviewed. The availability and utilization of HMIS tools were assessed, while completeness and data accuracy levels were quantified for each phase of the reporting system. Results A total of 115 HFs (including hospitals, health centres, dispensaries) in 11 districts were involved. Registers (availability rate = 91.1%; interquartile range (IQR) 66.7–100%) and report forms (86.9%; IQR 62.2–100%) were the most utilized tools. There was a limited use of tally-sheets (77.8%; IQR 35.6–100%). Tools availability at the dispensary was 91.1%, health centre 82.2% and hospital 77.8%, and was low in urban districts. The availability rate at the district level was 65% (IQR 48–75%). Wrongly filled or empty cells in registers and poor adherence to the coding procedures were observed. Reports were highly over-represented in comparison to registers’ records, with large differences observed at the HF phase of the reporting system. The OPD and IPD areas indicated the highest levels of mismatch between data source and district office. Indicators with large number of clients, multiple variables, disease categorization, or those linked with dispensing medicine performed poorly. Conclusion There are high variations in the tool utilisation and data accuracy at facility and district levels. The routine HMIS is weak and data at district level inaccurately reflects what is available at the source. These results highlight the need to design tailored and inter-service strategies for improving data quality.

PURPOSE This retrospective study sought to determine the type, burden, and pattern of cancer deaths in public hospitals in Tanzania from 2006 to 2015. METHODS This study analyzed data on cancer mortality in 39 hospitals in Tanzania. Data on the age and sex of the deceased and type of cancer were extracted from hospital death registers and report forms. Cancer types were grouped according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Age-standardized mortality rates and cancer mortality patterns were analyzed. A χ2 test was used to examine the association between common cancers and selected covariates. RESULTS A total of 12,621 cancer-related deaths occurred during the 10-year period, which translates to an age-standardized hospital-based mortality rate of 47.8 per 100,000 population. Overall, the number of deaths was notably higher (56.5%) among individuals in the 15- to 59-year-old age category and disproportionately higher among females than males (P = .0017). Cancers of the cervix, esophagus, and liver were the 3 major causes of death across all study hospitals in Tanzania. Cancers of the cervix, esophagus, and liver were the largest contributors to mortality burden among females. Among males, cancers of the esophagus, liver, and prostate were the leading cause of mortality. CONCLUSION There is an increasing trend in cancer mortality over recent years in Tanzania, which differs with respect to age, sex, and geographic zones. These findings provide a basis for additional studies to ascertain incidence rates and survival probabilities, and highlight the need to strengthen awareness campaigns for early detection, access to care, and improved diagnostic capabilities.

В данной рецензии рассматриваются характерные черты успешного политического лидера на примере первой части серии книг «Си Цзиньпин о государственном управлении». Особое внимание уделяется вопросам руководства государством с таким большим количеством населения, как Китай. В рецензии также отмечается, что для того, чтобы осуществлять эффективное управление страной, важно осознанно и тщательно подходить к выбору чиновников. Кроме того, исследуется феномен постоянного обучения, как ведущего принципа политического лидерства в Китае. Автор делает особый акцент на том, что процветание государства зависит от образованности его политического лидера.

Abstract Objectives Paired box protein-8 (PAX-8) immunohistochemical expression can be used as a diagnostic marker for epithelial cells tumors. This study aimed at investigating the immunohistochemical expression of PAX-8 among Sudanese females diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers between December 2017 and May 2019 by studying their Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks. Results Sixty patients diagnosed with female reproductive tract cancers were included who aged 58.7 ± 6.9 years (range, 43—71). Cervix was the most common cancer site in 51/60 (85%) patients. Regarding cancer stage, there was 17 (28%) and 14 (23%) of the study population had stage 3B and 2B, respectively. The histopathological diagnosis included 20 (44%), 13 (29%), and 12 (27%) poorly, moderately, and well differentiated cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as well as 11 (73%), 2 (13%), 1 (7%), and 1 (7%) endometrial adenocarcinoma, metastatic adenocarcinoma, endocervical adenocarcinoma, and ovarian mucinous cyst adenocarcinoma, respectively. PAX-8 was positively expressed in 9 endometrial adenocarcinoma, 1 endocervical adenocarcinoma and 1 ovarian mucinous cyst adenocarcinoma, 2 poorly, and 1 moderately differentiated SCC. All patients diagnosed with well differentiated SCC and metastatic adenocarcinoma showed no expression of PAX-8. A statistically significant was seen for PAX-8 expression and the different histopathological diagnosis, P value

The Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is a hotspot for environmental change and has a strong environmental gradient from North to South. Here, for the first time we used adult individuals of the bivalve Aequiyoldia eightsii to evaluate large-scale spatial variation in the biochemical composition (measured as lipid, protein and fatty acids) and energy content, as a proxy for nutritional condition, of three populations along the WAP: O’Higgins Research Station in the north (63.3°S), Yelcho Research Station in mid-WAP (64.9°S) and Rothera Research Station further south (67.6°S). The results reveal significantly higher quantities of lipids (L), proteins (P), energy (E) and total fatty acids (FA) in the northern population (O’Higgins) (L: 8.33 ± 1.32%; P: 22.34 ± 3.16%; E: 171.53 ± 17.70 Joules; FA: 16.33 ± 0.98 mg g) than in the mid-WAP population (Yelcho) (L: 6.23 ± 0.84%; P: 18.63 ± 1.17%; E: 136.67 ± 7.08 Joules; FA: 10.93 ± 0.63 mg g) and southern population (Rothera) (L: 4.60 ± 0.51%; P: 13.11 ± 0.98%; E: 98.37 ± 5.67 Joules; FA: 7.58 ± 0.48 mg g). We hypothesize these differences in the nutritional condition could be related to a number of biological and environmental characteristics. Our results can be interpreted as a consequence of differences in phenology at each location; differences in somatic and gametogenic growth rhythms. Contrasting environmental conditions throughout the WAP such as seawater temperature, quantity and quality of food from both planktonic and sediment sources, likely have an effect on the metabolism and nutritional intake of this species.

Endocrine therapy resistance occurs often in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. Here, the authors find that 3D epigenome remodelling at ER-bound enhancer-promoter interactions is a key mechanism underlying endocrine resistance.

Objective: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with glaucoma managed at private and government institutions in the Philippines between 2009 and 2014. Methods: A research team from two private and two government institutions in the Philippines reviewed the case records of 1246 patients seen who met the following criteria: intraocular pressure of >21 mmHg, optic nerve and nerve fiber layer abnormalities, and visual field defects. For bilateral cases, we selected the eye with worse glaucoma parameters. Results: There were 600 and 646 patients in the private and government groups (mean age at presentation, 60.51 and 55.88 years), respectively, with the majority being Filipino (91%). Patients with visual acuity (VA) of 20/20 to 20/40 were more frequently observed in private centers (58.7% vs. 41.3%), while a VA worse than counting fingers was more frequently observed in government centers (66.1% vs. 33.9%). Within-group analysis showed that primary angle-closure glaucoma was the most frequent glaucoma subtype in both private (27.3%) and government institutions (37.8%). In between-group analysis showed the following to be more common in private than government centers: primary open-angle glaucoma (61.3% vs. 38.7%), normal-tension glaucoma (63.9% vs. 36.1%), ocular hypertension (92.3% vs. 7.7%), and glaucoma suspects (80.4% vs. 19.6%) while government institutions registered a larger number of primary angle-closure glaucoma (59.8% vs. 40.2%) and secondary glaucoma (70.3% vs. 29.7%) cases. Medical treatment using a single drug and multiple drugs was employed for 245 (23%) and 825 (77%) patients, respectively. Within-group analysis showed that laser iridotomy and trabeculectomy were the most commonly performed laser and surgical procedures in both institution types. Conclusion: There is a contrasting profile of glaucoma between clinical institutions in the Philippines with openangle glaucoma being more predominant in private centers while closed-angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma being more frequent in government centers. Our findings may provide important preliminary information that can aid future health studies or training programs.

Bacteriophage-based methods for detecting Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) are a potential new approach for diagnosis of Johne's disease (JD). The basis of these tests is a mycobacteriophage (D29) with a lytic lifecycle that is able to infect a range of Mycobacterium spp., not just MAP. When added to a test sample, the phages will bind to and infect mycobacterial cells present. If the host mycobacterial cells are viable, the phages will take over the metabolic machinery of the cells to replicate and produce multiple copies of themselves (phage amplification), before weakening the host cell walls by enzyme action and causing cell lysis. Cell lysis releases the host cell contents, which will include ATP, various enzymes, mycobacterial host DNA and progeny D29 phages; all of which can become the target of subsequent endpoint detection methods. For MAP detection the released host DNA and progeny phages have principally been targeted. As only viable mycobacterial cells will support phage amplification, if progeny phages or host DNA are detected in the test sample (by plaque assay/phage ELISA or qPCR, respectively) then viable mycobacteria were present. This mini-review will seek to: clearly explain the basis of the phage-based tests in order to aid understanding; catalog modifications made to the original plaque assay-based phage amplification assay (FASTPlaqueTB™) over the years; and summarize the available evidence pertaining to the performance of the various phage assays for testing veterinary specimens (bovine milk, blood and feces), relative to current JD diagnostic methods (culture, fecal PCR, and blood-ELISA).

Gross motor coordination (GMC) is essential for the development of specific motor skills and long-term participation in physical activities and sports. Group analysis reveals that, on average, children develop these skills gradually; however, how individuals develop GMC is less clear. The main aim of this study is to increase the understanding of developmental patterns within one school year, and whether children’s grade, gender, or baseline GMC proficiency are associated with these developmental patterns. In total, 2594 Dutch children aged 6–12 years performed the modified Körper Koordinations Test für Kinder (KTK3+) twice in one school year (autumn and spring). The KTK3+ includes four subtests: walking backwards, moving sideways, jumping sideways, and eye-hand coordination (EHC) test. On average, children developed significantly on all subtests (p < 0.001). At baseline, children in higher grades scored significantly higher than children in lower grades, and children in grades 5 and 6 (age 9 and 10 years) showed most development (raw scores on average, p < 0.001). Boys outperformed girls on EHC across all grades, whereas girls outperformed boys on walking backwards. Nevertheless, both boys and girls developed similarly. Children with lower scores at baseline developed more quickly across all grades. Noteworthy is that 12.1–24% (depending on the test item) of the children scored lower in the spring than in the autumn tests. On average, children develop their GMC; however, we report large differences in their individual trajectories and note that a substantial number did not show a positive GMC development. Further research should examine GMC development with more possible influencing factors as well as over a longer time span to better understand differences in children’s GMC development. This may result in more individualized programs in PE lessons, enabling children to optimally develop their GMC, and better use of GMC assessment tools to monitor children’s development.

The high mortality rate associated with Listeria monocytogenes as well as its ability to adapt to the harsh conditions employed in food processing have ensured that this pathogen has become a significant concern in the ready-to-eat food industry. Lytic bacteriophages are viruses that hijack the metabolic mechanisms of their bacterial host as a means to grow and replicate, subsequently leading to host cell death due to lysis. This study reports the biological and genomic characterization of L. monocytogenes phage vB_LmoH_P61 (P61) and its potential application for the reduction of L. monocytogenes in artificially contaminated foods. Phage P61 is a virulent bacteriophage belonging to the family Herelleviridae and has a genome size of 136,485bp. The lytic spectrum of phage P61 was investigated and it was shown to infect serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, 4b, 4e, and 6a. Treatment of artificially contaminated milk stored at 8 and 12°C with phage P61 resulted in a significant reduction in L. monocytogenes numbers over the product shelf life. Similarly, phage P61 reduced L. monocytogenes numbers on artificially contaminated baby spinach stored at 8, 12, and 25°C. The research findings indicate that biocontrol of L. monocytogenes with phage P61 may offer a safe and environmentally friendly approach for the reduction of L. monocytogenes numbers in certain ready-to-eat foods.

Background Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of death despite better outcomes of ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to analyze data from the Ruti‐STEMI registry of in‐hospital, 28‐day, and 1‐year events in patients with STEMI over the past 3 decades in Catalonia, Spain, to assess trends in STEMI prognosis. Methods and Results Between February 1989 and December 2017, a total of 7589 patients with STEMI were admitted consecutively. Patients were grouped into 5 periods: 1989 to 1994 (period 1), 1995 to 1999 (period 2), 2000 to 2004 (period 3), 2005 to 2009 (period 4), and 2010 to 2017 (period 5). We used Cox regression to compare 28‐day and 1‐year STEMI mortality and in‐hospital complication trends across these periods. Mean patient age was 61.6±12.6 years, and 79.3% were men. The 28‐day all‐cause mortality declined from period 1 to period 5 (10.4% versus 6.0%; P

The Southern Ocean plays a critical role in regulating global climate as a major sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and in global ocean biogeochemistry by supplying nutrients to the global thermocline, thereby influencing global primary production and carbon export. Biogeochemical processes within the Southern Ocean regulate regional primary production and biological carbon uptake, primarily through iron supply, and support ecosystem functioning over a range of spatial and temporal scales. Here, we assimilate existing knowledge and present new data to examine the biogeochemical cycles of iron, carbon and major nutrients, their key drivers and their responses to, and roles in, contemporary climate and environmental change. Projected increases in iron supply, coupled with increases in light availability to phytoplankton through increased near-surface stratification and longer ice-free periods, are very likely to increase primary production and carbon export around Antarctica. Biological carbon uptake is likely to increase for the Southern Ocean as a whole, whilst there is greater uncertainty around projections of primary production in the Sub-Antarctic and basin-wide changes in phytoplankton species composition, as well as their biogeochemical consequences. Phytoplankton, zooplankton, higher trophic level organisms and microbial communities are strongly influenced by Southern Ocean biogeochemistry, in particular through nutrient supply and ocean acidification. In turn, these organisms exert important controls on biogeochemistry through carbon storage and export, nutrient recycling and redistribution, and benthic-pelagic coupling. The key processes described in this paper are summarised in the Graphical Abstract. Climate-mediated changes in Southern Ocean biogeochemistry over the coming decades are very likely to impact primary production, sea-air CO2 exchange and ecosystem functioning within and beyond this vast and critically important ocean region.

The high mortality rate associated with Listeria monocytogenes and its ability to adapt to the harsh conditions employed in food processing has ensured that this pathogen remains a serious problem in the ready-to-eat food sector. Bacteriophage-derived enzymes can be applied as biocontrol agents to target specific foodborne pathogens. We investigated the ability of a listeriophage endolysin and derivatives thereof, fused to polyhydroxyalkanoate bionanoparticles (PHA_BNPs), to lyse and inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes. Turbidity reduction assays confirmed the lysis of L. monocytogenes cells at 37 °C upon addition of the tailored BNPs. The application of BNPs also resulted in the growth inhibition of L. monocytogenes. BNPs displaying only the amidase domain of the phage endolysin were more effective at inhibiting growth under laboratory conditions (37 °C, 3 × 107 CFU/mL) than BNPs displaying the full-length endolysin (89% vs. 83% inhibition). Under conditions that better represent those found in food processing environments (22 °C, 1 × 103 CFU/mL), BNPs displaying the full-length endolysin demonstrated a greater inhibitory effect compared to BNPs displaying only the amidase domain (61% vs. 54% inhibition). Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept that tailored BNPs displaying recombinant listeriophage enzymes are active inhibitors of L. monocytogenes.

Abstract Background Accurate and reliable hospital information on the pattern and causes of death is important to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health policies and programs. The objective of this study was to assess the availability, accessibility, and quality of hospital mortality data in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study involved selected hospitals of Tanzania and was carried out from July to October 2016. Review of hospital death registers and forms was carried out to cover a period of 10 years (2006–2015). Interviews with hospital staff were conducted to seek information as regards to tools used to record mortality data, staff involved in recording and availability of data storage and archiving facilities. Results A total of 247,976 death records were reviewed. The death register was the most (92.3%) common source of mortality data. Other sources included the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) report forms, Inpatient registers, and hospital administrative reports. Death registers were available throughout the 10-year period while ICD-10 forms were available for the period of 2013–2015. In the years between 2006 and 2010 and 2011–2015, the use of death register increased from 82 to 94.9%. Three years after the introduction of ICD-10 procedure, the forms were available and used in 28% (11/39) hospitals. The level of acceptable data increased from 69% in 2006 to 97% in 2015. Inconsistency in the language used, use of non-standard nomenclature for causes of death, use of abbreviations, poorly and unreadable handwriting, and missing variables were common data quality challenges. About 6.3% (n = 15,719) of the records had no patient age, 3.5% (n = 8790) had no cause of death and ~ 1% had no sex indicated. The frequency of missing sex variable was most common among under-5 children. Data storage and archiving in most hospitals was generally poor. Registers and forms were stored in several different locations, making accessibility difficult. Conclusion Overall, this study demonstrates gaps in hospital mortality data availability, accessibility, and quality, and highlights the need for capacity strengthening in data management and periodic record reviews. Policy guidelines on the data management including archiving are necessary to improve data.

Abstract Background Behaviour changes in mosquitoes from indoor to outdoor biting result in continuing risk of malaria from outdoor activities, including routine household activities and occasional social and cultural practices and gatherings. This study aimed to identify the range of social and cultural gatherings conducted outdoors and their associated risks for mosquito bites. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages in the Kilombero Valley from November 2015 to March 2016. Observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were conducted. The recorded data were transcribed and translated from Swahili to English. Thematic content analysis was used to identify perspectives on the importance of various social and cultural gatherings that incidentally expose people to mosquito bites and malaria infection. Results Religious, cultural and social gatherings involving the wider community are conducted outdoors at night till dawn. Celebrations include life course events, religious and cultural ceremonies, such as Holy Communion, weddings, gatherings at Easter and Christmas, male circumcision, and rituals conducted to please the gods and to remember the dead. These celebrations, at which there is minimal use of interventions to prevent bites, contribute to individual satisfaction and social capital, helping to maintain a cohesive society. Bed net use while sleeping outdoors during mourning is unacceptable, and there is minimal use of other interventions, such as topical repellents. Long sleeve clothes are used for protection from mosquito bites but provide less protection. Conclusion Gatherings and celebrations expose people to mosquito bites. Approaches to prevent risks of mosquito bites and disease management need to take into account social, cultural and environmental factors. Area specific interventions may be expensive, yet may be the best approach to reduce risk of infection as endemic countries work towards elimination. Focusing on single interventions will not yield the best outcomes for malaria prevention as social contexts and vector behaviour vary.

On-surface synthesis, complementary to wet chemistry, has been demonstrated to be a valid approach for the synthesis of tailored graphenic nanostructures with atomic precision. Among the different existing strategies used to tune the optoelectronic and magnetic properties of these nanostructures, the introduction of non-hexagonal rings inducing out-of-plane distortions is a promising pathway that has been scarcely explored on surfaces. Here, we demonstrate that non-hexagonal rings, in the form of tropone (cycloheptatrienone) moieties, are thermally transformed into phenyl or cyclopentadienone moieties upon an unprecedented surface-mediated retro–Buchner-type reaction involving a decarbonylation or an intramolecular rearrangement of the CO unit, respectively.

White chick hatchery disease is an emerging disease of broiler chicks with which the virus, chicken astrovirus, has been associated. Adult birds typically show no obvious clinical signs of infection, although some broiler breeder flocks have experienced slight egg drops. Substantial decreases in hatching are experienced over a two-week period, with an increase in mid-to-late embryo deaths, chicks too weak to hatch and pale, runted chicks with high mortality. Chicken astrovirus is an enteric virus, and strains are typically transmitted horizontally within flocks via the faecal–oral route; however, dead-in-shell embryos and weak, pale hatchlings indicate vertical transmission of the strains associated with white chick hatchery disease. Hatch levels are typically restored after two weeks when seroconversion of the hens to chicken astrovirus has occurred. Currently, there are no commercial vaccines available for the virus; therefore, the only means of protection is by good levels of biosecurity. This review aims to outline the current understanding regarding white chick hatchery disease in broiler chick flocks suffering from severe early mortality and increased embryo death in countries worldwide.

Abstract Background The extensive use of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in Africa has contributed to a significant reduction in malaria transmission. Even so, residual malaria transmission persists in many regions, partly driven by mosquitoes that bite people outdoors. In areas where Anopheles gambiae s.s. is a dominant vector, most interventions target the reduction of indoor transmission. The increased use of ITNs/LLINs and IRS has led to the decline of this species. As a result, less dominant vectors such as Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis, both also originally indoor vectors but are increasingly biting outdoors, contribute more to residual malaria transmission. The study reports the investigated community perceptions on malaria and their implications of this for ongoing outdoor malaria transmission and malaria control efforts. Methods This was a qualitative study conducted in two rural villages and two peri-urban areas located in Kilombero Valley in south-eastern Tanzania. 40 semi-structured in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions were conducted with men and women who had children under the age of five. The Interviews and discussions focused on (1) community knowledge of malaria transmission, and (2) the role of such knowledge on outdoor malaria transmission as a contributing factor to residual malaria transmission. Results The use of bed nets for malaria prevention has been stressed in a number of campaigns and malaria prevention programmes. Most people interviewed believe that there is outdoor malaria transmission since they use interventions while indoors, but they are unaware of changing mosquito host-seeking behaviour. Participants pointed out that they were frequently bitten by mosquitoes during the evening when outdoors, compared to when they were indoors. Most participants stay outdoors in the early evening to undertake domestic tasks that cannot be conducted indoors. House structure, poor ventilation and warm weather conditions were reported to be the main reasons for staying outdoors during the evening. Participants reported wearing long sleeved clothes, fanning and slapping themselves, using repellents, and burning cow dung and neem tree leaves to chase away mosquitoes. Conclusions Community understanding of multiple prevention strategies is crucial given changes in mosquito host seeking behaviour and the increased incidence of outdoor biting. The current low use of outdoor control measures is attributed largely to limited awareness of outdoor transmission. Improved community understanding of outdoor malaria transmission is critical: efforts to reduce or eliminate malaria transmission will not be successful if the control of outdoor transmission is not emphasized.

Abstract Background The European badger is an important wildlife reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis implicated in the spread of bovine tuberculosis in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Infected badgers are known to shed M. bovis in their urine and faeces, which may contaminate the environment. To aid bovine tuberculosis control efforts novel diagnostic tests for detecting infected and shedding badgers are needed. We proposed development of a novel, rapid immunochromatographic lateral flow device (LFD) as a non-invasive test to detect M. bovis cells in badger faeces. Its application in combination with immunomagnetic separation (IMS) to detect Mycobacterium bovis cells in badger faeces is reported here. Results A novel prototype LFD for M. bovis cells was successfully developed, with unique specificity for M. bovis and a limit of detection 50% (LOD50%) of 1.7 × 104 M. bovis cells/ml. When IMS was employed to selectively capture and concentrate M. bovis cells from badger faeces prior to LFD testing, the LOD50% of the IMS-LFD assay was 2.8 × 105 M. bovis cells/ml faecal homogenate. Faeces samples collected from latrines at badger setts in a region of endemic bovine tuberculosis infection were tested; 78 (18%) of 441 samples tested IMS-LFD assay positive, whereas 140 (32%) tested IMS-qPCR positive (Kappa agreement −0.009 ± 0.044, p = 0.838). Subsequently, when 130 faeces samples from live captured, or captive, badgers of known infection status (on the basis of StatPak, interferon-γ and/or culture results) were tested, the IMS-LFD assay had higher relative diagnostic specificity (Sp 0.926), but poorer relative diagnostic sensitivity (Se 0.081), than IMS-qPCR (Sp 0.706, Se 0.581) and IMS-culture (Sp 0.794, Se 0.436). Conclusions The novel IMS-LFD assay, although very specific for M. bovis, has low analytical sensitivity (indicated by the LOD50%) and would only detect badgers shedding high numbers of M. bovis (>104–5 cells/g) in their faeces. The novel LFD would, therefore, have limited value as a non-invasive test for badger TB surveillance purposes but it may have value for alternative veterinary diagnostic applications.

Although relative age effects in sports have been studied worldwide, the underlying mechanisms are still under debate. This study adds to the existing knowledge by providing a further exploration of the association between relative age and the performance trajectories over four years in youth players of an individual skill/technique based sport: table tennis. Data of 1000 French male and female youth top 100 players across five ages (U14, U15, U16, U17 and U18) were collected from the ranking lists over a four-year period. A series of latent growth analysis was conducted per subsample and revealed three performance trajectories for male U14, U16 and U17 as well as for female U17 and U18 and four performance trajectories for male U15 and U18 and female U14, U15 and U16. Results of chi-square tests revealed that the players' birth quartiles were significantly associated with the performance trajectories only for male players U18 with a large effect size (p = 0.01; W = .48). All other male subsample only showed a trend for the male subsamples for those born in the fourth quartile. No relations or trends were found in the female subsamples. Future research in relative age effects should further explore individual characteristics and pathways while using a longitudinal approach in a prospective design and evaluate influencing constraints (and solutions) in a more comprehensive way.

The rapid increase in atmospheric temperature detected in the last decades in the Western Antarctic Peninsula was accompanied by a strong glacier retreat and an increase in production of melting water, as well as changes in the sea-ice dynamic. The objective of this study was to analyze the succession of micro- and mesozooplankton during a warm annual cycle (December 2010-December 2011) in an Antarctic coastal environment (Potter Cove). The biomass of zooplankton body size classes was used to predict predator-prey size relationships (i.e., to test bottom-up/top-down control effects) using a Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The micro- and mesozooplanktonic successions were graphically analyzed to detect the influence of environmental periods (defined by the degree of glacial melting, sea-ice freezing and sea-ice melting) on coupling/uncoupling planktonic biomass curves associated to possible predator-prey size relationship scenarios. At the beginning of the glacial melting, medium and large mesozooplankton (calanoid copepods, Euphausia superba, and Salpa thompsoni) exert a top-down control on Chl-a and microzooplankton. Stratification of the water column benefitted the availability of adequate food-size (Chl-a

The Table Stars @school program was launched in 2010 to serve as a first introduction to table tennis in primary school children. The main aims of this pilot intervention study were 1. to evaluate the effect of Table Stars @school on the perceptuo-motor skills and selective attention in primary school children in comparison to regular physical education and 2. to find out how many and which children benefited more from Table Stars @school compared to regular physical education. A pilot intervention study was carried out including 177 children between 6 to 12 years from two regular primary schools. All children were tested by means of four perceptuo-motor tests (static balance, walking backwards, speed while dribbling, eye-hand coordination) and a selective attention task (map mission). Both schools were exposed to both the Table Stars @school program and regular physical education in a different order. The results revealed no differences between the regular physical education classes and the Table Stars @school program on group level. However, both interventions showed different responders. Consequently, Table Stars @school seems to fit in as it meets the level of improvement of regular physical education classes and it can be of added value by addressing other children to improve perceptuo-motor skills and selective attention. Nevertheless, intensifying the program and/or integrating it into regular physical education is recommended to increase the effects and better add to the broader development of children.

The goal of this explorative study was to explore whether eye-hand coordination and executive functions (i.e. cognitive flexibility, attention control and information processing) are related to the performance level in para table tennis players. The data of 11 elite (age 15-54) and 11 non-elite para table tennis players (age 13-49) were analyzed. The results showed that the elite players performed better than the median norm values for cognitive flexibility and attention control while the non-elite players demonstrated slower information processing than the median norm values (p 1000 points scored ≥ 24 catches per 30 s in the eye hand coordination task, whereas the players with < 1000 rating points score ≤ 18 catches per 30 s. In contrast, there was a clear overlap of scores between the players with > 1000 and < 1000 rating scores in the executive functions tests. The results present a first profile of para table tennis players regarding their eye-hand coordination and executive functions and the relationship of these constructs with the performance level. Long-term international cooperation is recommended to understand the value of the measured constructs to predict future successes.

Explaining exceptional human performance remains problematic. Baker & Wattie (2018) explored the value of innate talent as underlying cause for excellence in sports. Although the absence of the influence of biological genetic influences cannot be confirmed or rejected, it is recommended to discuss this topic while taking into account the time-depending sport-specific context. Moreover, if, as Baker & Wattie (2018) concluded, the concept of talent has limited utility to the world of sport, the use of the predicate ‘talent’ might better be reconsidered in practice.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretin hormones released from intestinal enteroendocrine (EE) cells and have well-established glucose-lowering actions. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colonise the human intestine, but it is unknown whether LAB and EE cells interact. Acute co-culture of LAB with EE cells showed that certain LAB strains elicit GLP-1 and GIP secretion (13-194-fold) and upregulate their gene expression. LAB-induced incretin hormone secretion did not appear to involve nutrient mechanisms, nor was there any evidence of cytolysis. Instead PCR array studies implicated signalling agents of the toll-like receptor system, e.g. adaptor protein MyD88 was decreased 23-fold and cell surface antigen CD14 was increased 17-fold. Mechanistic studies found that blockade of MyD88 triggered significant GLP-1 secretion. Furthermore, blocking of CD14 completely attenuated LAB-induced secretion. A recent clinical trial clearly shows that LAB have potential for alleviating type 2 diabetes, and further characterisation of this bioactivity is warranted.

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) has long been suspected to be involved in the etiology of Crohn’s disease (CD). An obligate intracellular pathogen, MAP persists and influences host macrophages. The primary goals of this study were to test new rapid culture methods for MAP in human subjects and to assess the degree of viable culturable MAP bacteremia in CD patients compared to controls. A secondary goal was to compare the efficacy of three culture methods plus a phage assay and four antibody assays performed in separate laboratories, to detect MAP from the parallel samples. Culture and serological MAP testing was performed blind on whole blood samples obtained from 201 subjects including 61 CD patients (two of the patients with CD had concurrent ulcerative colitis (UC)) and 140 non-CD controls (14 patients in this group had UC only). Viable MAP bacteremia was detected in a significant number of study subjects across all groups. This included Pozzato culture (124/201 or 62% of all subjects, 35/61 or 57% of CD patients), Phage assay (113/201 or 56% of all subjects, 28/61 or 46% of CD patients), TiKa culture (64/201 or 32% of all subjects, 22/61 or 36% of CD patients) and MGIT culture (36/201 or 18% of all subjects, 15/61 or 25% of CD patients). A link between MAP detection and CD was observed with MGIT culture and one of the antibody methods (Hsp65) confirming previous studies. Other detection methods showed no association between any of the groups tested. Nine subjects with a positive Phage assay (4/9) or MAP culture (5/9) were again positive with the Phage assay one year later. This study highlights viable MAP bacteremia is widespread in the study population including CD patients, those with other autoimmune conditions and asymptomatic healthy subjects.

Poly(ionic liquid)s are an innovative class of materials with promising properties in gas separation processes that can be used to boost the neat polymer performances. Nevertheless, some of their properties such as stability and mechanical strength have to be improved to render them suitable as materials for industrial applications. This work explored, on the one hand, the possibility to improve gas transport and separation properties of the block copolymer Pebax® 1657 by blending it with poly[3-ethyl-1-vinyl-imidazolium] diethyl phosphate (PEVI-DEP). On the other hand, Pebax® 1657 served as a support for the PIL and provided mechanical resistance to the samples. Pebax® 1657/PEVI-DEP composite membranes containing 20, 40, and 60 wt.% of PEVI-DEP were cast from solutions of the right proportion of the two polymers in a water/ethanol mixture. The PEVI-DEP content affected both the morphology of the dense membranes and gas transport through the membranes. These changes were revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), time-lag, and gravimetric sorption measurements. Pebax® 1657 and PEVI-DEP showed similar affinity towards CO2, and its uptake or solubility was not influenced by the amount of PIL in the membrane. Therefore, the addition of the PIL did not lead to improvements in the separation of CO2 from other gases. Importantly, PEVI-DEP (40 wt.%) incorporation affected and improved permeability and selectivity by more than 50% especially for the separation of light gases, e.g., H2/CH4 and H2/CO2, but higher PEVI-DEP concentrations lead to a decline in the transport properties.