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Abstract Feeding on plant-derived sugars is an essential component of mosquito biology, affecting key aspects of their lives such as survival, metabolism, and reproduction. Among mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are two invasive mosquito species in the US, and are vectors of diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika. These species live in heavily populated, urban areas, where they have high accessibility to human hosts as well as to plants in backyards and public landscapes. However, the range of plants that are suitable sugar hosts for these species remains to be described, despite the importance of understanding what plants may attract or repel mosquitoes to inform citizens and municipal authorities accordingly. Here, we tested whether Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus would sugar-feed on eleven commonly planted ornamental plant species. We confirmed feeding activity using the anthrone method and identified the volatile composition of plant headspace using gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy. These chemical analyses revealed that a broad range of olfactory cues are associated with plants that mosquitoes feed on. This prompted us to use plant DNA barcoding to identify plants that field-caught mosquitoes feed on. Altogether, results show that native and invasive mosquito species can exploit a broader range of plants than originally suspected, including wild and ornamental plants from different phyla throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall seasons.

Student sojourners temporarily live in a foreign country to pursue higher education. Research has shown that student sojourners’ openness to new experience and cultural values predict their adaptation to the host culture. However, it is unclear whether music – a major medium of cultural communication – also plays a role in adaptation to a host culture. This study examined whether student sojourners’ world music open-earedness (a willingness to explore, listen to, tolerate, and learn about music from diverse cultures) and functions of music in intercultural settings (the psychosocial reasons people engage with music) predict psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Seventy-six student sojourners in Australia reported their musical inclinations and adaptation to Australian society. World music open-earedness was significantly correlated with psychological and sociocultural adaptation. However, multiple regression modelling revealed that after statistically controlling for personal characteristics (e.g., age, musical training), personality traits (e.g., openness), and acculturation strategies, psychological adaptation was predicted by the music functions ‘arousal and activation’ and ‘self-reflection’, whereas sociocultural adaptation was predicted by world music open-earedness and the music function ‘arousal and activation’. Mechanisms that account for these associations and implications for identifying at-risk international students are discussed.

Background: Significant interplay exists between the amniotic fluid and the developing fetus. However the true nature of the relationship between the amniotic fluid and the fetus, as well as the fetal membranes, is very poorly understood due to the lack of a feasible small animal model for amniotic fluid replacement, drainage, or oligohydramnios. We sought to create and present the feasibility of a rodent model of amniotic fluid exchange. Methods: Pregnant rats underwent midline laparotomy, trans-amniotic suture placement via either a U-stitch or a purse-string. Amniotic fluid was attempted to be drained via needle, and the remainder of the undrained fluid was allowed to drain passively, until the amniotic fluid was then replaced with either Normal Saline, Lactated Ringer’s, or a synthetic amniotic fluid. When oligohydramnios is desired, a catheter could be left transuterine to allow for continued fluid drainage. Results: We report the first successful model of complete amniotic fluid exchange in a rat model, successfully replacing the amniotic fluid with various synthetic fluids. A water-tight closure was achievable in all cases. This model is technically sound and reproducible, ensuring minimal fetal and maternal harm. Post procedure, there were no instances of preterm birth or rupture of membranes. In trials of this model, allowing for a brief period of surgical learning curve, we observed a less than 10% fetal loss rate following the procedure and a 0% preterm delivery rate. Conclusions: This novel model paves the way for more controlled examination of the intrauterine environment. It will allow researchers to examine the interplay between the components of the amniotic fluid and the developing fetus. It also opens potential for amniotic fluid exchange to be considered as a treatment option for various fetal conditions.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a household food-waste prevention and minimization intervention, titled the Culinary Home Empowerment for Food Waste Prevention and Minimization (CHEF-WPM), which consists of a culinary education video series for home cooks. The specific aims are to (1) assess the effects of the intervention at a population level across process (feasibility, usage, acceptability, satisfaction) and preliminary efficacy (motivation, opportunity, ability) metrics and (2) assess the effects of the intervention at a community level across process (feasibility, usage, acceptability, satisfaction) and preliminary efficacy (motivation, opportunity, ability, household food waste, sustainable dietary practices) metrics. The intervention includes eight modules, each containing three to five brief videos, as well as downloadable recipes and worksheets. The evaluation will explore the effects of the program through two distinct investigations, namely (1) voluntary access to the intervention content in a population-based setting and (2) intensive delivery of the intervention content as part of a remote class in a community setting. Evaluation of the intervention in the population-based setting will use a single-arm, quasi-experimental post-test only study design. All home cooks who access the videos will be invited to answer a five-question post-video survey about acceptability, satisfaction, and potential implementation of the learning. A separate sample of individuals will be recruited to participate in a more in-depth evaluation (pre- and multiple post-test survey). Evaluation of the community-based intervention will use a mixed methods study design. Findings from the two distinct evaluation studies will be jointly discussed and triangulated to support larger conclusions about the intervention’s desirability, impact on motivation, opportunity, ability, and food waste, and the potential directions for further improvement.

Background: Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is highly genetically recombinant, resulting in significant genomic diversity. Multiple virulence factors have been associated with specific disease presentations. To date, there are limited data relating to genomic diversity and virulence factors associated with melioidosis cases in North Queensland, Australia. Aim: To describe the genetic diversity of B. pseudomallei and identify virulence factors associated with clinical risk factors and patient outcomes. Methods: Whole genome sequencing of clinical isolates was performed and analysed with clinical data obtained from a retrospective melioidosis cohort study. Results: Fifty-nine distinct sequence types (STs) were identified from the 128 clinical isolates. Six STs comprised 64/128 (50%) isolates. Novel STs accounted for 38/59 (64%) STs, with ST TSV-13 as the most prevalent (n = 7), and were less likely to possess an LPS A genotype or YLF gene cluster (p < 0.001). These isolates were most likely to be found outside the inner city (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.7–9.0, p = 0.001). ST TSV-13 was associated with increased mortality (aOR: 6.1, 95% CI: 1.2–30.9, p = 0.03). Patients with a history of alcohol excess were less likely to be infected by fhaB3 (aOR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1–0.7, p = 0.01) or YLF (aOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9, p = 0.04) positive isolates. Conclusions: There are a significant number of novel sequence types in Townsville, Australia. An emerging novel ST appears to have an association with geographic location and mortality. Ongoing investigation is required to further understand the impact of this ST on the Townsville region.

BackgroundPremature infants and their parents experience significant stress related to separation and lifesaving procedures. While evidence suggests that skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is a stress-reducing intervention for both neonates and parents, the mechanisms that underlie its efficacy are not well understood.ObjectivePurpose of this systematic review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on changes in biomarkers (ie, oxytocin [OT], cortisol, hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid, and allantoin), associated with SSC in premature infants and parents, that may reflect physiologic responses to stress.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted from 1990 to 2020. Studies were selected using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsOf the 175 studies identified, only 19 are included in this review. Ten studies evaluated only infants, 2 evaluated only parents, and 7 evaluated for changes in biomarkers in both infants and parents. Cortisol was the most common biomarker evaluated. While changes in infants' cortisol levels were highly variable, in 55% of the parent studies, parent cortisol levels decreased following SSC. In both parents and infants, OT levels decreased following SSC. Only 1 study found that allantoin levels were significantly lower in infants who received SSC.Implications for practice and researchWhile evidence suggests the numerous benefits of SSC, additional research is needed to identify the optimal biomarker to determine the mechanisms that underlie these effects. The use of novel biomarkers (eg, gene expression changes microbiome) may provide new insights into the mechanisms that underlie the efficacy of SSC.Video Abstract available at:https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=48.

The use of online learning in postgraduate teaching has increased dramatically in recent years. Health-care professionals can benefit from the flexibility afforded by online learning to fulfil their continuing professional development goals. Understanding student expectations, concerns, and experiences of such courses is crucial for the development and successful facilitation of this education modality. The aim of this paper was to examine student perspectives of an online postgraduate certificate in clinical exercise prescription. A set of recommendations based on these findings was also created which may serve to inform those involved in online education. Students expressed their expectations and concerns about taking the course before it began, and completed surveys on their experience after module completion. A multi-method approach using both qualitative content analysis and quantitative survey analysis was used to analyze student responses on the online modules in the virtual learning environment. Students (n = 19) had a combination of academic, personal, and clinical expectations entering the course. Concerns entering the course included ability to reach academic standards set by the course due to personal circumstances or lack of academic ability; the ability to manage time and workload; and the online nature of the course. Students felt supported throughout the course, although some had difficulties keeping up with the workload or managing their time. Results of this study can be used to inform the structure and coordination of online modules, in particular in the postgraduate healthcare setting.

Background Neutropenic sepsis is a common complication of systemic anticancer treatment. There is variation in practice in timing of switch to oral antibiotics after commencement of empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy. Objectives To establish the clinical and cost effectiveness of early switch to oral antibiotics in patients with neutropenic sepsis at low risk of infective complications. Design A randomised, multicentre, open-label, allocation concealed, non-inferiority trial to establish the clinical and cost effectiveness of early oral switch in comparison to standard care. Setting Nineteen UK oncology centres. Participants Patients aged 16 years and over receiving systemic anticancer therapy with fever (≥ 38°C), or symptoms and signs of sepsis, and neutropenia (≤ 1.0 × 109/l) within 24 hours of randomisation, with a Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer score of ≥ 21 and receiving intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem for

Abstract Background Young people who enter the justice system experience complex health and social needs, and offending behaviour is increasingly recognised as a public health problem. Arts interventions can be used with the aim of preventing or reducing offending or reoffending. Objectives 1. To evaluate evidence on the effectiveness and impact of arts interventions on keeping children and young people safe from involvement in violence and crime. 2. To explore factors impacting the implementation of arts interventions, and barriers and facilitators to participation and achievement of intended outcomes. 3. To develop a logic model of the processes by which arts interventions might work in preventing offending behaviours. Search Methods We searched AMED, Academic Search Complete; APA PsycInfo; CINAHL Plus; ERIC; SocIndex; SportDiscus, Medline, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Scopus, PTSDPubs and Performing Arts Periodicals Database, Sage, the US National Criminal Justice Reference Service, the Global Policing and British Library EThOS databases, and the National Police Library from inception to January 2023 without language restrictions. Selection Criteria We included randomised and non‐randomised controlled trials and quasi‐experimental study designs. We included qualitative studies conducted alongside intervention trials investigating experiences and perceptions of participants, and offering insight into the barriers and facilitators to delivering and receiving arts interventions. We included qualitative and mixed methods studies focused on delivery of arts interventions. We included studies from any global setting. We included studies with CYP (8–25 years) who were identified as at‐risk of offending behaviour (secondary populations) or already in the criminal justice system (tertiary populations). We included studies of interventions involving arts participation as an intervention on its own or alongside other interventions. Primary outcomes were: (i) offending behaviour and (ii) anti‐pro‐social behaviours. Secondary outcomes were: participation/attendance at arts interventions, educational attainment, school attendance and engagement and exclusions, workplace engagement, wellbeing, costs and associated economic outcomes and adverse events. Data Collection and Analysis We included 43 studies (3 quantitative, 38 qualitative and 2 mixed methods). We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Campbell Collaboration. We used GRADE and GRADE CERQual to assess the certainty of and confidence in the evidence for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Main Results We found insufficient evidence from quantitative studies to support or refute the effectiveness of arts interventions for CYP at‐risk of or who have offended for any outcome. Qualitative evidence suggested that arts interventions may lead to positive emotions, the development of a sense of self, successful engagement in creative practices, and development of positive personal relationships. Arts interventions may need accessible and flexible delivery and are likely to be engaging if they have support from staff, family and community members, are delivered by professional artists, involve culturally relevant activity, a youth focus, regularity and a sustainable strategy. We found limited evidence that a lack of advocacy, low funding, insufficient wider support from key personnel in adjacent services could act as barriers to success. Methodological limitations resulted in a judgement of very low confidence in these findings. Authors' Conclusions We found insufficient evidence from quantitative studies to support or refute the effectiveness of arts interventions for CYP at‐risk of offending or who have offended for any outcome. We report very low confidence about the evidence for understanding the processes influencing the successful design and delivery of arts interventions in this population of CYP and their impact on behavioural, psychosocial, cognitive and offending outcomes.