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This article focuses on the analysis and interpretation of 15 testimonies collected immediately after the war by David Boder and by the Polish Historical Institute in Sweden with women deported to Auschwitz, evacuated to Ravensbrück in its last two phases and then to Malchow. The study of their statements can provide both a historical overview of Ravensbrück and its sub camps in 1944 and 1945, and help identify the effects of the camp, an overthrown social context, on individuals, women in this case, and groups. The comparative exam of the interviews allows to identify the crucial events and experiences which constitute the core of the interviewees’narration and representation of the events. The situations and episodes they chose to recall may explain their perception of the events and reveals a gendered perspective which affected their memories in terms of the selection of the events and their focus on specific issues. The memories were recalled in relation to social frames, which were different from those the survivors were previously used to and pertained to the context of the camp. These coordinates constitute a net which can provide an insight into the mechanism of memory construction and early representation of the Holocaust.

Abstract Background Despite improved availability of COVID-19 vaccines in Sub-Saharan Africa, vaccination campaigns in the region have struggled to pick up pace and trail the rest of the world. Yet, a successful vaccination campaign in Sub-Saharan Africa will be critical to containing COVID-19 globally. Methods Here, we present new descriptive evidence on vaccine hesitancy, uptake, last-mile delivery barriers, and potential strategies to reach those who remain unvaccinated. Our data comes from national high frequency phone surveys in six countries in East and West Africa with a total population of 415 million people. Samples were drawn from nationally representative samples of households interviewed in recent in-person surveys. Our estimates are based on a survey module harmonized across countries and are re-weighted to mitigate potential sample selection biases. Results We show that vaccine acceptance remains generally high among respondents in Sub-Saharan Africa (between 95.1% and 63.3%) even though hesitancy is non-negligible among those pending vaccination. Many who are willing to get vaccinated are deterred by a lack of easy access to vaccines at the local level. Furthermore, social ties and perceptions as well as intra-household power relations matter for vaccine take-up. Among the unvaccinated population, radio broadcasts have widespread reach and medical professionals are highly trusted. Conclusions Our findings highlight that creating a positive social norm around COVID-19 vaccination, messaging that leverages trusted and accessible information sources and channels, and more easily accessible vaccination sites at the community level are promising policy options to boost vaccination campaigns in the region and end the pandemic everywhere.

Abstract Background COVID-19 vaccination efforts are lagging in Sub-Saharan Africa, as just over 20 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is considered important as a prerequisite for widespread vaccine take-up. Here, we study the dynamics of vaccine acceptance, its correlates, and reasons for hesitancy over time, drawing on two years of panel survey data. Methods In this observational study, we use multiple rounds of data from national High Frequency Phone Surveys (HFPS) in five countries in East and West Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, and Uganda), covering a period between 2020 and 2022. The surveys are cross-country comparable and draw their samples from nationally representative sampling frames. Based on this data source, the study presents population-weighted means and performs multivariate regression analysis. Results COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was high throughout the study period (68% to 98%). However, acceptance levels were lower in 2022 than in 2020 in three countries (Burkina Faso, Malawi, Nigeria), and higher in one country (Uganda). Moreover, individuals are observed to change their stated vaccine attitudes between survey rounds, to a limited extent in some countries (Ethiopia) and more frequently in others (Burkina Faso, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda). Vaccine hesitancy is higher in richer households, and those residing in urban areas; among women and those better educated. Hesitancy is lower in larger households and among heads of the household. The main reasons for hesitancy are concerns about side effects of the vaccine, its safety and efficacy, as well as assessments of COVID-19 risk, though these reasons fluctuate over time. Conclusions Reported COVID-19 vaccine acceptance levels remain far above vaccination rates in the study countries, suggesting that vaccine hesitancy is not the primary obstacle to reaching greater vaccine coverage, which may instead be related to access and delivery barriers as well as supply shortages. Nevertheless, vaccine attitudes appear malleable so that continued efforts are needed to retain high levels of vaccine acceptance.

O objetivo principal do artigo consiste em refletir sobre o significado e a função dos direitos sociais no sistema da União Europeia, no cenário atual dominado pela crise econômica e financeira global, prestando especial atenção à sua relação com os limites impostos pelas restrições orçamentárias. Usando algumas ferramentas metodológicas da teoria do direito, propomos analisar certos aspectos constitutivos do raciocínio jurídico desenvolvido pelo Tribunal de Justiça da União Europeia em relação aos direitos sociais.

ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess patterns of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in a sample of adults in a rural setting from a low-income Sub-Saharan African country (Malawi). The patterns of PA and sedentary behaviour in Malawi were compared with US data collected and analysed using the same methodology.MethodsThe Malawi PA data were collected as part of a survey experiment on the measurement of agricultural labor conducted under the World Bank Living Standards Measurement Study program. ActiGraph accelerometers (model GT3X) were worn on the right hip in a household-based sample of 414 working-age adults (15-85 years).ResultsMean total and 95% CIs for PA by category in min/day for Malawi adults were: sedentary 387.6 (377.4-397.8), low-light 222.1 (214.7-229.5), high-light 136.3 (132.7-139.9), moderate 71.6 (68.8-74.5), vigorous 1.1 (0.5-1.8) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) 72.8 (69.7-75.9). Mean of PA and sedentary behavior (min/day) summed across age and sex groups are compared between Malawi and US samples: sedentary behaviour, 387.6 vs 525.8 (p

Two paintings by the Neapolitan Renaissance painter Colantonio were studied with two non-invasive techniques to enrich the technical–scientific documentation. Infrared reflectography (IR) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were performed on Saint Jerome in the studio and Saint Francis delivering the Rule, paintings preserved in the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte. The IR scanning was performed to look beyond the visible layers of the paint for the preparatory drawings and pentimenti, or changes made during the painting process. The XRF technique was applied in many points to determine the elemental composition and enable the identification of pigments and materials used in paint and in the preparatory layers. Elemental XRF mapping was also carried out on a region of particular interest. Results provide an initial overview and hypothesis of color palette and techniques used by the artist.

Sandflies are known vectors of leishmaniasis. In the Old World, sandflies are also vectors of viruses while little is known about the capacity of New World insects to transmit viruses to humans. Here, we relate the identification of RNA sequences with homology to rhabdovirus nucleocapsids (NcPs) genes, initially in the Lutzomyia longipalpis LL5 cell lineage, named NcP1.1 and NcP2. The Rhabdoviridae family never retrotranscribes its RNA genome to DNA. The sequences here described were identified in cDNA and DNA from LL-5 cells and in adult insects indicating that they are transcribed endogenous viral elements (EVEs). The presence of NcP1.1 and NcP2 in the L. longipalpis genome was confirmed in silico. In addition to showing the genomic location of NcP1.1 and NcP2, we identified another rhabdoviral insertion named NcP1.2. Analysis of small RNA molecules derived from these sequences showed that NcP1.1 and NcP1.2 present a profile consistent with elements targeted by primary piRNAs, while NcP2 was restricted to the degradation profile. The presence of NcP1.1 and NcP2 was investigated in sandfly populations from South America and the Old World. These EVEs are shared by different sandfly populations in South America while none of the Old World species studied presented the insertions.

The 11th AIEAA annual conference entitled “CAP, Farm to Fork and Green Deal: policy coherence, governance, and future challenges” has been an occasion to explore the potential synergies coming from the integration of the CAP with other EU and national policies under the Green Deal umbrella. By gathering together scholars with different points of views and academic backgrounds, the Conference aimed to improve the understanding on how to reach an increased policy coherence and integration, explore new holistic governance approaches to the agri-food system, analyse the impact on the national and local systems and the look at future challenges opening-up.

Abstract In 2019, over 96% of EU27 oil needs, nearly 90% of natural gas and over 43% of solid fuels were met by net imports, with the largest share coming from Russia (35% of oil, 40% of natural gas and 20% of solid fuels consumed in EU27). The decline in the share of oil since 2016 was more than off-set by the increase in gas and solid fuels.

Background and purpose: Infections and vaccinations have been identified as potential immunological triggers of neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), but the exact type and frequency of the preceding agents is unknown. Methods: This was a multicentre, prospective, observational, matched case–control study. NA was diagnosed by neuromuscular experts according to validated clinical criteria and electrodiagnostic studies. Clinical data and biological samples of NA patients were collected within 90 days from disease onset between June 2018 and December 2023. All NA patients were asked about prior infection and vaccination in the month before disease onset. Serological tests for hepatitis E virus, human immunodeficiency virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19, varicella‐zoster virus, Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bartonella henselae were performed in a central laboratory. Each case was matched with a healthy control for age, sex, place of residence and time of blood collection. Results: Fifty‐seven patients and corresponding controls were included. The mean age was 45 years for both groups. NA onset was preceded by a symptomatic infectious trigger confirmed by microbiological tests in 15/57 (26.3%) patients. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination was considered a potential trigger in 7/57 (12.3%) subjects. An acute viral infection was associated with a bilateral involvement of the brachial plexus (p = 0.003, Cramèr's V = 0.43). Conclusions: Confirmed immune triggers (infection or vaccination) preceded disease onset in 22/57 (38.6%) NA cases. We suggest to test NA patients in the acute phase for intracellular antigens, especially in the case of concomitant bilateral involvement and hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of volume hydrogel holographic gratings as optical transducers in sensor devices for point-of-care applications is increasing due to their ability to be functionalized for achieving enhanced selectivity. The first step in the development of these transducers is the optimization of the holographic recording process. The optimization aims at achieving gratings with reproducible diffraction efficiency, which remains stable after reiterative washings, typically required when working with analytes of a biological nature or several step tests. The recording process of volume phase transmission gratings within Acrylamide/Propargyl Acrylate hydrogel layers reported in this work was successfully performed, and the obtained diffraction gratings were optically characterized. Unslanted volume transmission gratings were recorded in the hydrogel layers diffraction efficiencies; up to 80% were achieved. Additionally, the recorded gratings demonstrated stability in water after multiple washing steps. The hydrogels, after functionalization with oligonucleotide probes, yields a specific hybridization response, recognizing the complementary strand as demonstrated by fluorescence. Analyte-sensitive hydrogel layers with holographic structures are a promising candidate for the next generation of in vitro diagnostic tests.

ObjectivesThe UEFA 2020 European Football Championship held in multiple cities across Europe from June 11 to July 11, 2021, was won by Italy, providing an opportunity to examine the relationship between emotional stress and the incidence of acute cardiovascular events (ACE).Methods and resultsCardiovascular hospitalizations in the Cardiac Care Units of 49 hospital networks in Italy were assessed by emergency physicians during the UEFA Euro 2020 Football Championship. We compared the events that occurred during matches involving Italy with events that occurred during the remaining days of the championship as the control period. ACE was assessed in 1,235 patients. ACE during the UEFA Euro 2020 Football Championship semifinal and final, the most stressful matches ended with penalties and victory of the Italian team, were assessed. A significant increase in the incidence of Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) by a factor of 11.41 (1.6–495.1, P < 0.003), as compared with the control period, was demonstrated during the semifinal and final, whereas no differences were found in the incidence of ACS [IRR 0.93(0.74–1.18), P = 0.57]. No differences in the incidence of ACS [IRR 0.98 (0.87–1.11; P = 0.80)] or TTS [IRR 1.66(0.80–3.4), P = 0.14] were found in the entire period including all matches of the UEFA Euro 2020 compared to the control period.ConclusionsThe data of this national registry demonstrated an association between the semifinal and final of UEFA Euro 2020 and TTS suggesting that it can be triggered by also positive emotions such as the victory in the European Football Championship finals.

During the Holocaust, the largest Sephardi community in the world located in Saloniki was almost completely destroyed. Despite their limited number in comparison with that of Ashkenazi Jews, the Salonikan Jews, initially deported to Auschwitz Birkenau and Bergen Belsen, went through all the hardest experiences and were sent to many camps in occupied Poland, and in Germany. This article explores, using archival documents and the testimonies, the geographical directions of their deportations. It also analyses historical coordinates and the Salonikan Jews’ characteristics which affected their destinations and the itinerary with which they were forced to cope.

El artículo describe dos enfoques minimalistas en materia de reconocimiento y protección de los derechos: las variantes anti-conflictivista y liberal. En ello, se reconstruyen sus fundamentos histórico-culturales y se destacan los principa­les elementos de su insostenibilidad teórica. Para este fin, se utilizan algunas herramientas teóricas derivadas de la combinación de la interest theory con un enfoque dinámico

The article discusses Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) in reformed EU fiscal rules, focusing on the impact of fiscal consolidation on growth and public debt ratios. It highlights the sensitivity of the debt sustainability framework to changes in assumptions, potentially underestimating negative growth effects of fiscal adjustment. The study suggests that public debt ratios may be higher than expected due to these factors, emphasizing the importance of accurate assumptions in DSA for effective fiscal policy decision-making in the EU. [Extracted from the article]

The analysis aims to reflect on how the external context conditions the legal interpretation of the constitutional provisions that recognize fundamental rights. To this end, some methodological indications from the field of philosophy of language are adopted, implicitly defending the possibility of a transposition, not mechanical and uncritical but analogical, of some essential acquisitions of semantic holism.

The article describes two different miimalist approaches in the field of recognition and protection of rights: the anti-conflictual and the liberal variants. It explores their historical-cultural assumptions and highlights their main elements of their unreasonableness. Methodology: To this end, we use some theoretical tools deriving from the combination of contemporary interest theory with a dynamic approach. Aim: One of the most relevant purposes of the research is to demonstrate the theoretical non-sustainability of those reconstructions which attributes to the historical succession of the different categories of rights a clear structural distinction between negative rights, understood as “self-executing”, and positive rights to public provisions. Achievement: The combination of these frameworks (dynamic theory and interest theory) provides a valid conceptual basis for the recognition of social rights in a parity plan regarding traditional rights of freedom; on the other hand, this position leads directly to the rejection of minimalism: classical civil liberties, just as the material conditions necessary for a dignified living, make up protected goods or interests of the subjects who demand positive benefits to be guaranteed. Contributions: The work provides a philosophical research on the theoretical foundations of social rights in relation to the classical liberal rights of the first generation acquires a special relevance within the project. The present study looks forward to contributing to the unsustainability of those reconstructions that attribute to the historical succession of the different categories of rights a clear structural distinction between negative rights, understood as “self-executing”, and positive rights to public benefits of the State.

Este artículo reseña: Eduardo C.B. BITTAR,Introdução ao Estudo do Direito: humanismo, democracia e justiça,Saraiva, 2a ed., São Paulo, 2019, 616 pp.

Abstract The organic food certification system in Italy, based on the EU legislation, relies on private control bodies (CBs) that are supervised by national authorities. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether it is possible to test for differences in controls outcome based on CBs’ behavior. To this extent, we use a multinomial logit model estimated on data corresponding to the results of the inspections in the year 2015 in Italy. The model controls for two fixed effects represented by the type of operator and a contextual variable, i.e., the region where a firm is located. Significant variability in CBs behavior could induce adverse selection in the choice of the CB by organic operators. In this vein, we discuss some implications in terms of policies and consequences for supervision in the conclusions.

In the last decades, the interest in the Holocaust has increased more and more, as demonstrated by the growing number of publications, websites, television broadcasts, films and public events regarding this topic that represents, due to its specificity, a watershed in the history of mankind. It is important, however, that the extension in the public interest for the Shoah corresponds to a specific, not episodic, study and teaching, aware of the complexity and uniqueness of the event. The Holocaust education in school, based on historical contextualization, focused on crucial concepts and on the accurate use of testimony, can provide students with both the ability to orient themselves and to 'read' correctly what is proposed by the media, and a key to stem and fight against stereotypes, intolerance and racism. It is essential to study and teach to 'read' the testimonies, which will be the only ones available in the future, whether they are written, in video or audio, aware of their difference and reflecting on the role of memory, on micro-history and on its relationship with history.

Objectives To estimate the willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine in six sub-Saharan African countries and identify differences in acceptance across countries and population groups.Design Cross-country comparable, descriptive study based on a longitudinal survey.Setting Six national surveys from countries representing 38% of the sub-Saharan African population (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria and Uganda).Participants Respondents of national high-frequency phone surveys, aged 15 years and older, drawn from a nationally representative sample of households.Main outcome measures Willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 if an approved vaccine is provided now and for free, disaggregated by demographic attributes and socioeconomic factors obtained from national household surveys. Correlates of and reasons for vaccine hesitancy.Results Acceptance rates in the six sub-Saharan African countries studied are generally high, with at least four in five people willing to be vaccinated in all but one country. Vaccine acceptance ranges from nearly universal in Ethiopia (97.9%, 95% CI 97.2% to 98.6%) to below what would likely be required for herd immunity in Mali (64.5%, 95% CI 61.3% to 67.8%). We find little evidence for systematic differences in vaccine hesitancy by sex or age but some clusters of hesitancy in urban areas, among the better educated, and in richer households. Safety concerns about the vaccine in general and its side effects specifically emerge as the primary reservations toward a COVID-19 vaccine across countries.Conclusions Our findings suggest that inadequate demand is unlikely to represent the key bottleneck to reaching high COVID-19 vaccine coverage in sub-Saharan Africa. To turn intent into effective demand, targeted information, sensitisation and engagement campaigns bolstering confidence in the safety of approved vaccines and reducing concerns about side effects will be crucial to safeguard the swift progression of vaccine rollout in one of the world’s poorest regions.

The present research is focused on the development of a biofunctionalized hydrogel with a surface diffractive micropattern as a label-free biosensing platform. The biosensors described in this paper were fabricated with a holographic recording of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surface micro-structures, which were then transferred into a hydrogel material. Acrylamide-based hydrogels were obtained with free radical polymerization, and propargyl acrylate was added as a comonomer, which allowed for covalent immobilization of thiolated oligonucleotide probes into the hydrogel network, via thiol-yne photoclick chemistry. The comonomer was shown to significantly contribute to the immobilization of the probes based on fluorescence imaging. Two different immobilization approaches were demonstrated: during or after hydrogel synthesis. The second approach showed better loading capacity of the bioreceptor groups. Diffraction efficiency measurements of hydrogel gratings at 532 nm showed a selective response reaching a limit of detection in the complementary DNA strand of 2.47 µM. The label-free biosensor as designed could significantly contribute to direct and accurate analysis in medical diagnosis as it is cheap, easy to fabricate, and works without the need for further reagents.

Abstract Background The use of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is becoming a standard of care for several cancers. Monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) cause a broad spectrum of autoimmune adverse events. ICI-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is extremely rare (

Association between familial loading for alcohol use disorders (AUD) and event-related potentials (ERPs) suggests a genetic basis for these oscillations though much less is known about epigenetic pathways influenced by environmental variation. Early life adversity (ELA) influences negative outcomes much later in life. The stress-activated neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) contributes to the deleterious effects of ELA on brain structure and function in animals. Accordingly, we hypothesized that ELA would be related to cortical thickness and electrophysiological characteristics through an epigenetic effect on CRH receptor type-1 (CRHR1) methylation. A total of 217 adolescent and young adult participants from either multiplex alcohol dependence or control families were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3T and cortical thickness was determined. Longitudinal follow-up across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood provided developmental ERP data and measures of adversity. Blood samples for genetic and epigenetic analyses were obtained in childhood. Cortical thickness and visual ERP components were analyzed for their association and tested for familial risk group differences. Visual P300 amplitude at Pz and cortical thickness of the left lateral orbitofrontal region (LOFC), were significantly related to risk group status. LOFC cortical thickness showed a negative correlation with CRHR1 methylation status and with childhood total stress scores from the Life Stressors and Social Resources Inventory (LISRES). Stress scores were also significantly related to P300 amplitude recorded in childhood. The present results suggest that early life adversity reflected in greater total LISRES stress scores in childhood can impact the methylation of the CRHR1 gene with implications for brain development as seen in cortical thickness and electrophysiological signals emanating from particular brain regions.

Introduction Olanzapine (OL) represents one of the main chooses for the treatment of psychosis. However, OL increase the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS). Previous literature proposes the “Leptin resistance” as a possible hypothalamic pathogenesis of OL induced MS because of the occurrence of weight gain with increased Leptin blood level. Objectives The aim of our study is to investigate in a murine model of full-MS phenotype induced by Olanzapine the hypothalamic gene expression of the pathways involved in Leptin receptor signalling to clarify if a Leptin resistance occurs. Methods For the experiment C57BL/6Jfemale mice are used.The OL group (n=15) received pure Olanzapine compounded into chow (54 mg/kg of diet). The vehicle group (n=15)is fed with the same chow without OL. Weight gain is measured every 5 days. After 4 weeks of treatment, mice are sacrificed by rapid cervical dislocation. Blood is collected for Glucose, Insulin and Leptin evaluation. Hypothalamus is dissected and RNA-seq is performed. Results The OL group shows a significantweight gain compared to Control (p= 0.02). Likewise blood glucose, Insulin and Leptin levels appear increased (p= 0,0089, p= 0,01, p= 0,0012). From the analysis of RNA-seq hypothalamic differentially expressed genes the anorexigenic POMC pathway downstream to the Leptin Receptor shows a 4-fold increased compared to control. Conclusions In our study the “Leptin resistance” involvement in OL induced MS is not confirmed. In fact, although there is an increase in blood Leptin, the expression of Leptin receptor downstream pathways shows a significant increase. This could suggest a possible “POMC resistance” mechanism for OL induced MS. Disclosure No significant relationships.

This paper investigates the driving forces that can promote or impede process innovation adoption in the European food manufacturing industry. The study uses a logit model applied to Community Innovation Survey (CIS) data containing information on innovation at the industry level for 15 EU Member States. Results suggest the relevance of many factors, internal and external to the enterprise, such as size and organization of business practices on one hand, and networking activities and cooperation agreements within the supply chain on the other hand. We also focus on energy policy variables as process innovation determinants. Energy policies implementation, energy price and the availability of public funds, show a significant impact on process innovation adoption in the European food processing industry.

Trees on farms provide livelihood benefits to households across Africa. To date, however, evidence on how such trees affect household well-being over time remains lacking. Evidence is especially sparse at the national level where it has particular value for policymaking. To address this knowledge gap, we use nationally representative panel data from Uganda to examine how on-farm tree growing may affect two dimensions of household well-being: 1) income and 2) food security and nutrition. We analyzed household-level data from the 2005–2006, 2010–2011, and 2013–2014 Ugandan National Panel Surveys, including measures on adoption and abandonment of trees on farms, demographic factors, and other socioeconomic variables. We used a fixed-effects panel specification and probabilistic models to assess the relationship between the area devoted to trees on farms and household income and nutrition outcomes for 1,395 households across Uganda. Our results show that growing trees especially fruit trees, was associated with improvements in both total household consumption and nutritional outcomes (proxied by weight and wasting status of children younger than 5 years old). These findings suggest the important role trees on farms can play in poverty reduction and sustainable development efforts in Uganda and other countries in Africa and beyond.

Objectives This study was designed to assess patterns of objectively measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour in a sample of adults in a rural setting from a low-income Sub-Saharan African country (Malawi). The patterns of PA and sedentary behaviour in Malawi were compared with US data collected and analysed using the same methodology.Methods The Malawi PA data were collected as part of a survey experiment on the measurement of agricultural labor conducted under the World Bank Living Standards Measurement Study program. ActiGraph accelerometers (model GT3X) were worn on the right hip in a household-based sample of 414 working-age adults (15–85 years).Results Mean total and 95% CIs for PA by category in min/day for Malawi adults were: sedentary 387.6 (377.4–397.8), low-light 222.1 (214.7–229.5), high-light 136.3 (132.7–139.9), moderate 71.6 (68.8–74.5), vigorous 1.1 (0.5–1.8) and moderate-to-vigorousphysical activity (MVPA) 72.8 (69.7–75.9). Mean of PA and sedentary behavior (min/day) summed across age and sex groups are compared between Malawi and US samples: sedentary behaviour, 387.6 vs 525.8 (p

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New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) in agriculture have generated significant interest due to their potential to address many sustainability challenges related to food production. However, this potential is hindered by existing regulations and negative societal attitudes. The debate is wide open internationally. In this study, a Delphi technique was applied to assess the potential challenges and opportunities associated with genome editing applied to Italian agriculture. To this extent, a panel ranging from 22 to 27 experts from different professions, including academics, staff scientists, policymakers and farmer associations has been interviewed. The Delphi process included two rounds of expert inputs to reach a reasonable consensus and, in some cases, a potential dissensus. Results revealed that experts reached a strong consensus on the potential benefits of NBTs in agriculture, such as greater agronomic performance and enhanced quality for consumers. Nevertheless, experts did not reach a consensus on excluding some potential risks, like possible toxicity or allergy generation. They also shared concerns about some socio-economic risks like limited seed access, traceability, or negative consumers' attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of administrative data made available publicly, often in near-real time, offers new opportunities for monitoring conditions that impact community health. Urban blight-manifestations of adverse social processes in the urban environment, including physical disorder, decay, and loss of anchor institutions-comprises many conditions considered to negatively affect the health of communities. However, measurement strategies for urban blight have been complicated by lack of uniform data, often requiring expensive street audits or the use of proxy measures that cannot represent the multifaceted nature of blight. This paper evaluates how publicly available data from New York City's 311-call system can be used in a natural language processing approach to represent urban blight across the city with greater geographic and temporal precision. We found that our urban blight algorithm, which includes counts of keywords ('tokens'), resulted in sensitivity ~90% and specificity between 55% and 76%, depending on other covariates in the model. The percent of 311 calls that were 'blight related' at the census tract level were correlated with the most common proxy measure for blight: short, medium, and long-term vacancy rates for commercial and residential buildings. We found the strongest association with long-term (>1 year) commercial vacancies (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.16, p < 0.001). Our findings indicate the need of further validation, as well as testing algorithms that disambiguate the different facets of urban blight. These facets include physical disorder (e.g., litter, overgrown lawns, or graffiti) and decay (e.g., vacant or abandoned lots or sidewalks in disrepair) that are manifestations of social processes such as (loss of) neighborhood cohesion, social control, collective efficacy, and anchor institutions. More refined measures of urban blight would allow for better targeted remediation efforts and improved community health.

Background: Acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has recently emerged as a potential trigger for acute dysimmune neuropathies, but prospective controlled studies are lacking. Aims: To compare the frequency of concomitant acute HEV infection in patients with neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), and Bell's palsy with a matched control population. Methods: Swiss multicenter, prospective, observational, matched case–control study over 3 years (September 2019–October 2022). Neurological cases with NA, GBS, or Bell's palsy were recruited within 1 month of disease onset. Healthy controls were matched for age, sex, geographical location, and timing of blood collection. Diagnostic criteria for acute hepatitis E were reactive serum anti‐HEV IgM and IgG assays (ELISA test) and/or HEV RNA detection in serum by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). RT‐PCR was performed on sera to confirm IgM positivity. Results: We included 180 patients (59 GBS, 51 NA, 70 Bell's palsy cases) and corresponding matched controls (blood donors) with median age 51 years for both groups and equal gender distribution. Six IgM+ cases were detected in the NA, two in the GBS, and none in the Bell's palsy group. Two controls were anti‐HEV IgM‐positive. At disease onset, most cases with acute HEV infection had increased liver enzymes. A moderate association (p = 0.027, Fisher's exact test; Cramér's V = −0.25) was observed only between acute HEV infection and NA. Conclusion: This prospective observational study suggests an association between concomitant acute HEV infection and NA, but not with GBS or Bell's palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]