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Abstract Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a staple crop important in global food security. As a leading potato producer, China faces significant challenges from insect pest infestations that compromise yield and quality. However, insect communities within Chinese potato fields remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to explore insect diversity in potato fields in Yunnan Province. From autumn 2021 to summer 2022, five Malaise traps were strategically deployed to capture insect samples. In total, 245 samples were collected over 49 weeks, and DNA metabarcoding was performed on bulk samples. The generated sequences were curated and analyzed using the Barcode of Life Data System and the Multiplex Barcode Research and Visualization Environment. The analysis assigned sequences to 1,688 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) as species proxies derived from the Global Insecta Library, along with 166 BINs from the China Insecta dataset. This research provides valuable insights for barcoding local biodiversity and developing regional reference libraries and presents a comprehensive dataset of insect biodiversity within potato agroecosystems, encompassing 1,707 BINs linked to known insect taxa.

Abstract Hip pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that leads many people to seek medical attention. We conducted a primary genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the hip pain phenotype within the UK Biobank cohort. Sex-stratified GWAS analysis approach was also performed to explore sex specific variants associated with hip pain. We found seven different loci associated with hip pain at GWAS significance level, with the most significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) being rs77641763 within the EXD3 (p value = 2.20 × 10–13). We utilized summary statistics from the FinnGen cohort and a previous GWAS meta-analysis on hip osteoarthritis as replication cohorts. Four loci (rs509345, rs73581564, rs9597759, rs2018384) were replicated with a p value less than 0.05. Sex-stratified GWAS analyses revealed a unique locus within the CUL1 gene (rs4726995, p = 2.56 × 10–9) in males, and three unique loci in females: rs1651359966 on chromosome 7 (p = 1.15 × 10–8), rs552965738 on chromosome 9 (p = 2.72 × 10–8), and rs1978969 on chromosome 13 (p = 2.87 × 10–9). This study has identified seven genetic loci associated with hip pain. Sex-stratified analysis also revealed sex specific variants associated with hip pain in males and females. This study has provided a foundation for advancing research of hip pain and hip osteoarthritis.

Introdução: A violência ocupacional é uma forma de violência influenciada por diferentes fatores laborais que se torna cada vez mais comum contra profissionais da saúde e gera repercussões na saúde física e mental. Objetivo: Identificar possíveis relações entre o modo de trabalho e as formas de violência, e a influência destas para o processo laboral e a saúde mental dos profissionais de saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática conduzida sob protocolo PRISMA nas bases de dados PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Foram triadas 1.194 publicações e selecionados 19 artigos, a partir dos critérios de elegibilidade. Resultados: Da análise, emergiram categorias relacionadas à violência ocupacional sofrida por profissionais da saúde: formas de violência descritas; agentes que perpetram a violência; profissionais que sofreram a violência; implicações da violência sobre saúde mental e laboral; e as respostas institucionais e legais frente à ocorrência da violência ocupacional. Conclusões: Esta revisão pode fornecer bases para o reconhecimento de formas de violência sofridas por profissionais de saúde, e apresenta apontamentos para enfrentá-la, sobretudo em âmbito institucional. Reforça-se a importância de mais pesquisas relacionadas à temática.

IntroductionDeath is universal, yet relatively little is known about how Canadians experience their death. Using novel decedent interview data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging we describe the prevalence and characteristics of peace with dying among older Canadians.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of decedent interview data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Proxies of deceased Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging participants reported on participants' end-of-life experiences between January 2012 to March 2022. We examined end-of-life characteristics and their association with proxy reports of experiencing peace with dying. We conducted regression analysis to explore the association between demographic and end-of-life characteristics and experiencing peace with dying.ResultsOf 3,672 deceased participants, 1,287 (35.0%) had a completed decedent questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Respondents reported that two-thirds (66.0%) of the deceased experienced peace with dying and 17% did not experience peace with dying. The unadjusted odds of experiencing peace with dying were higher for those with an appointed power of attorney (OR 1.80; CI 1.39-2.33), those who died of cancer (OR 1.71; CI 1.27-2.30), those in hospice/receiving palliative care (OR 1.67; CI 1.19-2.37), individuals older than 75 years (OR 1.55; CI 1.04-2.30), or widowed (OR 1.53; CI 1.12-2.10). Widowhood (OR 1.51; CI 1.01-2.29), having an end-of-life SDM (OR 1.58; CI 1.14-2.17), and dying of cancer (OR 1.67; CI 1.19-2.23) increased the adjusted odds of dying with peace.ConclusionsClose to 1 in 5 older Canadians may not experience peace with dying, which supports greater focus on improving the end-of-life care. Our findings suggest that advanced planning may enhance the experience of a peaceful death in Canada.

IntroductionGuided by a communications-focused framework developed by an interdisciplinary team of authors, this paper presents data from a survey of health science faculty members to better understand how research collaborations are established and maintained.MethodsAn electronic survey was distributed to faculty in six colleges at a Research 1 institution. Quantitative data were downloaded into Excel and then RStudio for descriptive analysis. Open-ended, qualitative responses were coded and analyzed for themes.ResultsMost respondents were in public health (44.0%) or medicine (25.3%); 40.0% were tenured. A grant deadline was the main impetus reported for initiating research collaborations (86.1%). Most respondents (76.5%) sought federal research funding. Establishing roles at the start of collaborations was considered either extremely (74.4%) or somewhat (25.6%) valuable; most (78.0%) decided on roles in a collaborative manner. Women were significantly more likely than men to publish with community members (p

IntroductionThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) is a national network which aims to accelerate the adoption and implementation of evidence-based cancer prevention and control strategies and interventions in communities, enhance large-scale efforts to reach underserved populations and reduce their cancer-related health disparities, and develop the capacity of the dissemination and implementation work force specifically in cancer prevention and control.MethodsOur site has been a part of the CPCRN since its inception in 2002 with the exception of the 2004–2009 funding cycle. As community-based participatory research is a core value of our center, we examined the development and continued engagement of our community partners using a qualitative, inductive approach to identify emergent themes from focus group sessions with current and past investigators.ResultsSeveral key themes were identified from our analysis including long-term commitment to community partnerships and interconnectedness with other work, authentic approach, valuing our community as experts, and mutual benefits.DiscussionWith our results, we provide evidence of common community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles which have supported the sustained engagement with those racial minorities who are most vulnerable in our community. While future analysis is planned to utilize this same approach with our community partners, this work marks an important step in reflecting upon the approaches which have led to our success and how they can be applied in future collaborations to maximize impact and sustained health improvements.

CHIGOZIE OBIOMA The Road to the Country New York. Hogarth. 2024. 384 pages. CHIGOZIE OBIOMA'S third novel, The Road to the Country, is a tense, evocative novel of the Biafran [...]

Introduction: Death is universal, yet relatively little is known about how Canadians experience their death. Using novel decedent interview data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging we describe the prevalence and characteristics of peace with dying among older Canadians. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of decedent interview data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Proxies of deceased Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging participants reported on participants' end-of-life experiences between January 2012 to March 2022. We examined end-of-life characteristics and their association with proxy reports of experiencing peace with dying. We conducted regression analysis to explore the association between demographic and end-of-life characteristics and experiencing peace with dying. Results: Of 3,672 deceased participants, 1,287 (35.0%) had a completed decedent questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Respondents reported that two-thirds (66.0%) of the deceased experienced peace with dying and 17% did not experience peace with dying. The unadjusted odds of experiencing peace with dying were higher for those with an appointed power of attorney (OR 1.80; CI 1.39–2.33), those who died of cancer (OR 1.71; CI 1.27–2.30), those in hospice/receiving palliative care (OR 1.67; CI 1.19–2.37), individuals older than 75 years (OR 1.55; CI 1.04–2.30), or widowed (OR 1.53; CI 1.12–2.10). Widowhood (OR 1.51; CI 1.01–2.29), having an end-of-life SDM (OR 1.58; CI 1.14–2.17), and dying of cancer (OR 1.67; CI 1.19–2.23) increased the adjusted odds of dying with peace. Conclusions: Close to 1 in 5 older Canadians may not experience peace with dying, which supports greater focus on improving the end-of-life care. Our findings suggest that advanced planning may enhance the experience of a peaceful death in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a staple crop important in global food security. As a leading potato producer, China faces significant challenges from insect pest infestations that compromise yield and quality. However, insect communities within Chinese potato fields remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to explore insect diversity in potato fields in Yunnan Province. From autumn 2021 to summer 2022, five Malaise traps were strategically deployed to capture insect samples. In total, 245 samples were collected over 49 weeks, and DNA metabarcoding was performed on bulk samples. The generated sequences were curated and analyzed using the Barcode of Life Data System and the Multiplex Barcode Research and Visualization Environment. The analysis assigned sequences to 1,688 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) as species proxies derived from the Global Insecta Library, along with 166 BINs from the China Insecta dataset. This research provides valuable insights for barcoding local biodiversity and developing regional reference libraries and presents a comprehensive dataset of insect biodiversity within potato agroecosystems, encompassing 1,707 BINs linked to known insect taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSymptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease, motor and non-motor, impact daily life and can lead to participation changes in meaningful occupations and social activities. The purpose of this study was to understand the emotional impact of changes in activity participation in people with Parkinson’s Disease. The study utilized a mixed-method design with a questionnaire and interview. Participants experienced significant negative emotions associated with decreased social participation and increased difficulty with meaningful occupations. Findings indicate the need for occupational therapy to address emotional needs to enhance engagement in meaningful occupations and quality of life in individuals with neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Guided by a communications-focused framework developed by an interdisciplinary team of authors, this paper presents data from a survey of health science faculty members to better understand how research collaborations are established and maintained. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to faculty in six colleges at a Research 1 institution. Quantitative data were downloaded into Excel and then RStudio for descriptive analysis. Open-ended, qualitative responses were coded and analyzed for themes. Results: Most respondents were in public health (44.0%) or medicine (25.3%); 40.0% were tenured. A grant deadline was the main impetus reported for initiating research collaborations (86.1%). Most respondents (76.5%) sought federal research funding. Establishing roles at the start of collaborations was considered either extremely (74.4%) or somewhat (25.6%) valuable; most (78.0%) decided on roles in a collaborative manner. Women were significantly more likely than men to publish with community members (p < 0.001) and disseminate findings beyond journal publications or presentations (e.g., reports; p < 0.001). Individuals in public health were more likely than those in other disciplines to publish with community members (p = 0.026). Discussion: Findings suggest reaching out to collaborators to prepare a grant application no later than three months and ideally six months in advance. Expertise played a role in collaborator invitation, but personal qualities such as work ethic and enthusiasm for the research were also valued. Including and mentoring students on research teams was considered an important ingredient in research collaborations. Results should help guide efforts to establish and maintain research teams and may provide guidance to both novice and experienced researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a global priority to better manage the biosphere, but action must be informed by comprehensive data on the abundance and distribution of species. The acquisition of such information is currently constrained by high costs. DNA barcoding can speed the registration of unknown animal species, the most diverse kingdom of eukaryotes, as the BIN system automates their recognition. However, inexpensive sequencing protocols are critical as the census of all animal species is likely to require the analysis of a billion or more specimens. Barcoding involves DNA extraction followed by PCR and sequencing with the last step dominating costs until 2017. By enabling the sequencing of highly multiplexed samples, the Sequel platforms from Pacific BioSciences slashed costs by 90%, but these instruments are only deployed in core facilities because of their expense. Sequencers from Oxford Nanopore Technologies provide an escape from high capital and service costs, but their low sequence fidelity has, until recently, constrained adoption. However, the improved performance of its latest flow cells (R10.4.1) erases this barrier. This study demonstrates that a MinION flow cell can characterise an amplicon pool derived from 100,000 specimens while a Flongle flow cell can process one derived from several thousand. At $0.01 per specimen, DNA sequencing is now the least expensive step in the barcode workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This ethnographic research was conducted at two intensive Scandinavian music academies with the aim of examining the extent to which there is a Nordic approach to advanced instrumental music teaching. Data collected through observations, interviews, and discussions revealed academy structures, instrumental techniques, and the use of metaphors in teaching. The study found a blend of Nordic pedagogical traditions, instrument-specific approaches, and personal teaching methods. The Scandinavian instructors tended to employ personalized coaching styles, emphasizing independent thought and interpretation. A characteristic form of politeness and directness was identified among the Nordic pedagogues that shares some features with renowned masterclass teachers in other contexts. Further research is needed to fully grasp this Nordic approach, potentially leading to typologies or explanatory models. The study underscores the need for continued exploration and analysis of diverse instructional strategies and cultural influences in music education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is recognized as an inflammation-related cancer. However, the relation between inflammation deriving from the diet and HCC risk among cirrhotic patients has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to examine the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and HCC risk among cirrhotic patients. Clinical and dietary data were collected from the French case–control study CiRCE (Cirrhosis and Risk of hepatocellular Carcinoma in the East), which included 401 cirrhotic patients without HCC (controls) and 181 cirrhotic patients with HCC (cases) recruited between 2008 and 2012 in six French university hospitals. DII scores (36 food items and nutrients) were assessed using a validated self-administered diet history questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with logistic regression models (adjusted for age, gender, time from cirrhosis diagnosis, etiology of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score, and diabetes). The DII scores ranged between −4.77 and +7.59 with a mean value of 1.03 ± 2.87 among cases and 0.83 ± 2.87 among controls, indicating that both groups were following a pro-inflammatory diet. After multi-variable adjustment, there was a positive association between HCC risk and the DII score when considered as a continuous variable (OR continuous = 1.14 [1.02–1.27], p-value = 0.021) or categorized in tertiles (OR T3vsT1 = 2.33 [1.16–4.67], p-trend = 0.021). Similar results were found when alcohol was omitted from the DII calculation but considered as a co-variate: OR continuous = 1.15 [1.03–1.28], p-value = 0.013, and OR T3vsT1 = 2.35 [1.18–4.68], p-trend = 0.015. A positive correlation was observed between the DII scores and two inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6) among controls. The present study reported an association between a pro-inflammatory DII score and the risk of HCC in cirrhotic patients. Correlations between the scores and biological parameters support a potential role for inflammation in HCC among cirrhotic. Result should be confirmed in larger prospective studies, and could lead to nutritional prevention in cirrhotic patients. This study was registered in www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01798173. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the associations between serum and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as the inflammatory potential of diet measured by the Children's Dietary Inflammatory Index (C-DIITM), and recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) in children. We enrolled 44 children aged 3–16 years with RRIs and 44 healthy controls. Dietary intake was assessed using a 7-day food record from which PUFA intake and C-DIITM were calculated. Serum PUFA levels were determined using gas–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The dietary assessment showed a significantly lower fiber intake in children with RRIs. The RRI group had a higher inflammatory potential in the diet than healthy controls. Children with RRIs have higher serum levels of linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acids than healthy subjects. A pro-inflammatory diet was positively associated with serum n-6 PUFA levels in both the groups. A high inflammatory potential of diet, body mass index over 75 percentile, and short breastfeeding duration were identified as risk factors for RRIs. The inflammatory potential of diet is strongly associated with RRIs in children and related to their PUFA status. Promoting breastfeeding and healthy dietary habits during childhood are crucial for implementing effective preventive management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citizen science video games are designed primarily for users already inclined to contribute to science, which severely limits their accessibility for an estimated community of 3 billion gamers worldwide. We created Borderlands Science (BLS), a citizen science activity that is seamlessly integrated within a popular commercial video game played by tens of millions of gamers. This integration is facilitated by a novel game-first design of citizen science games, in which the game design aspect has the highest priority, and a suitable task is then mapped to the game design. BLS crowdsources a multiple alignment task of 1 million 16S ribosomal RNA sequences obtained from human microbiome studies. Since its initial release on 7 April 2020, over 4 million players have solved more than 135 million science puzzles, a task unsolvable by a single individual. Leveraging these results, we show that our multiple sequence alignment simultaneously improves microbial phylogeny estimations and UniFrac effect sizes compared to state-of-the-art computational methods. This achievement demonstrates that hyper-gamified scientific tasks attract massive crowds of contributors and offers invaluable resources to the scientific community. Gamification of the multiple sequence alignment problem improves microbial phylogeny estimates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health-related social needs (HRSNs), such as food insecurity and housing instability, drive health and well-being. The socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of HRSNs and highlighted the critical need for strategies to address those needs, particularly in communities experiencing health disparities. Implementing HRSN screening requires adopting effective strategies to overcome common challenges. This report synthesizes promising implementation approaches and lessons learned from the Accountable Health Communities Model, a national effort funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center to systematically screen for and address HRSNs in clinical settings. Key strategies include increasing patient engagement and building trust through culturally tailored language and outreach; using and sharing data for monitoring and improvement; using technology to expand access to screening and referrals; dedicating staff to screening roles; integrating screening into existing workflows; and building buy-in among staff by communicating the impact of screening and encouraging peer connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active-learning Kriging (AK) was developed as a surrogate-aided reliability technique to address the need for efficient reliability estimation when assessing complex limit states. The results of AK analyses are sensitive to the choice of the regression function, correlation function, learning function and associated stopping criteria, and reliability estimation technique, with unique sets of these input parameters referred to as AK configurations. For the reliable use of AK analysis in bridge reliability assessment, recommendations regarding the best-performing AK configurations are needed to balance the desired accuracy-to-efficiency of the simulation. The objective of this study was to recommend sets of AK configurations for the reliability analysis of reinforced-concrete bridge girders and piers that can be readily used by engineers to perform AK analysis for bridge design optimization and assessment. An extensive parametric analysis, using 432 unique AK configurations and over 3,000 AK analyses, was performed, combined with the application of a comprehensive metric system to recommend the top five best-performing AK configurations for bridge analysis based on the root mean square error, the absolute average error, the degree of consistency, and total number of training points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine whether obesity without preexisting or gestational comorbidities is associated with postpartum hospital use (PHU). Methods: We studied 2016 to 2018 birth certificate and discharge data on 178,729 New York City births without International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) codes at delivery for diabetes; hypertension; placental disease; anemia; thyrotoxicosis; bariatric surgery; and pulmonary, cardiac, renal, bleeding, autoimmune, digestive, neuromuscular, mental, or substance‐use disorders. We defined PHU as ≥1 readmission or emergency department visit within 30 days of delivery discharge. We used ICD‐10 codes to specify postpartum hypertension, infection, or hemorrhage during PHU (i.e., "cause‐specific PHU") because these are leading mortality causes. We examined associations between prepregnancy BMI and PHU using multivariable logistic regression. Results: PHU incidence was 3.7% for those with normal weight, 5.1% for those with overweight, 6.3% for those with class 1 or 2 obesity, and 9.1% for those with class 3 obesity. A positive association persisted after adjustment. Obesity was associated with cause‐specific PHU of postpartum hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.2, 95% confidence limits [CL]: 1.8–2.7, normal weight referent) and wound infection (aOR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.2–1.8), but not hemorrhage (aOR: 0.9, 95% CL: 0.7–1.3), mastitis, or genitourinary infection (aOR: 1.1, 95% CL: 0.9–1.3). Conclusions: Among individuals without other comorbidities, elevated BMI was associated with PHU. Findings can inform obstetric management to reduce morbidity during the critical fourth trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]