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Abstract The red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) has one of the most valued fisheries in the southeastern United States and has been largely studied for its aquaculture potential with varied results that revealed production challenges. This study focused on addressing challenges in larval rearing and juvenile production of this species. Broodstock fish were acclimated in a 60 m3 tank equipped with recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and temperature control. After 1 year in captivity, fish volitionally spawned and larval rearing trials were conducted in replicated flow‐through seawater tanks ranging from 0.4 to 2.4 m3, at a temperature range of 24–26°C. Enriched s‐strain rotifers, Brachionus rotundiformis (lorica length of 100–210 μm), were used for first feeding. Enriched Artemia sp. were gradually introduced after 18 days post hatch (DPH). The survival rate before metamorphosis (12 DPH) averaged 66.09 ± 0.08%. Survival rate from yolk‐sac larvae to post‐metamorphic early juvenile averaged 4.43 ± 0.01%. At 40 DPH, early red snapper juveniles averaged 0.35 ± 0.02 g in weight and 28.83 ± 0.60 mm in standard length. A total of 31,849 fully weaned juveniles were harvested. This study demonstrates that small strain rotifers can be used exclusively as first feeding prey organism for red snapper larvae, representing a significant advancement for red snapper juvenile production.

Developing a sufficient level of writing proficiency takes time. It is also a complex skill difficult to measure. The history of writing assessments reveals changing views of construct validity, reliability and interpretation of results. This study used a binary logistic regression model with seven years of grades 3 to 12 annual direct writing assessments scored with the Oregon six traits rubric from 2012-2018. Three predictive models were developed to show how likely it would be for a participant to reach writing proficiency, and how long it may take to meet that expectation. The research question was, "To what extent can the Annual Writing Assessment scored with the six-traits writing rubric identify at-risk writers from Grades 3-12 at the International Community School Bang Na, Thailand?" Results indicated the bio-data did not prove significant in any of the three models. Increased direct writing data input improved the prediction accuracy. In the Year 1 model, only the average test scored proved significant. In the Year 2 model, the trait of conventions proved significant as one of the independent variables along with the first- and second-year averaged test scores, and the difference between those averages. In the Year 3 model, conventions and sentence fluency proved significant along with the first- and third-year averaged test scores. The process of developing the predictive models, and the results for identifying at-risk writers are presented in this quantitative longitudinal research.

IntroductionAntimalarial drugs including artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regimens and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) are used in Ghana for malaria therapeutics and prophylaxis respectively. The genetic basis of Plasmodium falciparum development of drug resistance involves single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins for multiple cellular and metabolic processes. The prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in nine P. falciparum genes linked to ACT and SP resistance in the malaria parasite population was determined.MethodsArchived filter paper blood blot samples from patients aged 9 years and below with uncomplicated malaria reporting at 10 sentinel sites located in three ecological zones for the Malaria Therapeutic Efficacy Studies were used. The samples used were collected from 2007-2018 malaria transmission seasons and mutations in the genes were detected using PCR and Sanger sequencing.ResultsIn all 1,142 samples were used for the study. For falcipain-2 gene (pffp2), Sanger sequencing was successful for 872 samples and were further analysed. The prevalence of the mutants was 45% (392/872) with pffp2 markers V51I and S59F occurring in 15.0% (128/872) and 3.0% (26/872) of the samples respectively. Prevalence of other P. falciparum gene mutations: coronin (pfcoronin) was 44.8% (37/90); cysteine desulfurase (pfnfs) was 73.9% (68/92); apicoplast ribosomal protein S10 (pfarps10) was 36.8% (35/95); ferredoxin (pffd) was 8.8% (8/91); multidrug resistance protein-1 (pfmrp1) was 95.2.0% (80/84); multidrug resistance protein-2 (pfmrp2) was 91.4% (32/35); dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) was 99.0% (84/85); dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps) was 72% (68/95).DiscussionThe observation of numerous mutations in these genes of interest in the Ghanaian isolates, some of which have been implicated in delayed parasite clearance is of great interest. The presence of these genotypes may account for the decline in the efficacies of ACT regimens being used to treat uncomplicated malaria in the country. The need for continuous monitoring of these genetic markers to give first-hand information on parasite susceptibility to antimalarial drugs to inform policy makers and stakeholders in malaria elimination in the country is further discussed.

Abstract Introduction Post-stroke depression (PSD) is an important and frequent non-motor complication after a stroke. As valid prediction of PSD occurrence is still not possible, the unselective use of preventive therapy in stroke patients has risen a questionable risk-to-benefit consideration. Therefore, there is a need to increase the prediction probability of PSD to identify patients at very high risk of a depressive complication who might benefit from preventive therapy. In this context, a brainstem raphe hypoechogenicity (BRH) in transcranial sonography (TCS) has previously been associated with depressive symptoms in a broad spectrum of diseases. BRH might therefore represent a valid maker of vulnerability for depressive symptoms that could be of interest in the risk assessment of PSD occurrence. Methods In the prognostic markers of post-stroke depression (PROMoSD) study, a prospective, observational, single-center, investigator-initiated study, we aim to include 100 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Besides data on clinical characteristics and baseline psychiatric assessment, we conduct a TCS examination to identify patients with BRH. The primary outcome is the incidence of PSD three months after inclusion, determined by a blinded investigator according to the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria. Perspective The results of PROMoSD will answer the question of whether screening of BRH after AIS improves the prediction of PSD occurrence. A positive result of this study could have direct consequences on psychiatric support after AIS by streamlining diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier no. NCT05580198.

Abstract Abiotic factors are usually considered key drivers of species distribution at macro scales, while biotic interactions are mostly used at local scales. A few studies have explored the role of biotic interactions at macro scales, but all considered a limited number of species and obligate interactions. We examine the role of biotic interactions in large‐scale SDMs by testing two main hypotheses: (1) biotic factors in SDMs can have an important role at continental scale; (2) the inclusion of biotic factors in large‐scale SDMs is important also for generalist species. We used a maximum entropy algorithm to model the distribution of 177 bat species in Africa calibrating two SDMs for each species: one considering only abiotic variables (noBIO‐SDMs) and the other (BIO‐SDMs) including also biotic variables (trophic resource richness). We focused the interpretation of our results on variable importance and response curves. For each species, we also compared the potential distribution measuring the percentage of change between the two models in each pixel of the study area. All models gave AUC >0.7, with values on average higher in BIO‐SDMs compared to noBIO‐SDMs. Trophic resources showed an importance overall higher level than all abiotic predictors in most of the species (~68%), including generalist species. Response curves were highly interpretable in all models, confirming the ecological reliability of our models. Model comparison between the two models showed a change in potential distribution for more than 80% of the species, particularly in tropical forests and shrublands. Our results highlight the importance of considering biotic interactions in SDMs at macro scales. We demonstrated that a generic biotic proxy can be important for modeling species distribution when species‐specific data are not available, but we envision that a multi‐scale analysis combined with a better knowledge of the species might provide a better understanding of the role of biotic interactions.

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) show interaction with biological mediator proteins. Although collagen-based biomaterials are widely used in clinics, their combination with high-sulfated hyaluronan (sHA3) is unexplored. This study aims to functionalize a collagen-based scaffold (Mucograft®) with sHA3 via electrostatic (sHA3/PBS) or covalent binding to collagen fibrils (sHA3+EDC/NHS). Crosslinking without sHA3 was used as a control (EDC/NHS Ctrl). The properties of the sHA3-functionalized materials were characterized. In vitro growth factor and cytokine release after culturing with liquid platelet-rich fibrin was performed by means of ELISA. The cellular reaction to the biomaterials was analyzed in a subcutaneous rat model. The study revealed that covalent linking of sHA3 to collagen allowed only a marginal release of sHA3 over 28 days in contrast to electrostatically bound sHA3. sHA3+EDC/NHS scaffolds showed reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and enhanced interleukin-8 (IL-8) and epithelial growth factor (EGF) release in vitro compared to the other scaffolds. Both sHA3/PBS and EDC/NHS Ctrl scaffolds showed a high proinflammatory reaction (M1: CD-68+/CCR7+) and induced multinucleated giant cell (MNGC) formation in vivo. Only sHA3+EDC/NHS scaffolds reduced the proinflammatory macrophage M1 response and did not induce MNGC formation during the 30 days. SHA3+EDC/NHS scaffolds had a stable structure in vivo and showed sufficient integration into the implantation region after 30 days, whereas EDC/NHS Ctrl scaffolds underwent marked disintegration and lost their initial structure. In summary, functionalized collagen (sHA3+EDC/NHS) modulates the inflammatory response and is a promising biomaterial as a stable scaffold for full-thickness skin regeneration in the future.

Introduction: Minor amputation is commonly needed to treat diabetes-related foot disease (DFD). Remoteness of residence is known to limit access to healthcare and has previously been associated with poor outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to examine the associations between ethnicity and remoteness of residency with the risk of major amputation and death following initial treatment of DFD by minor amputation. A secondary aim was to identify risk factors for major amputation and death following minor amputation to treat DFD. Research design and methods: This was a retrospective analysis of data from patients who required a minor amputation to treat DFD between 2000 and 2019 at a regional tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia. Baseline characteristics were collected together with remoteness of residence and ethnicity. Remoteness was classified according to the 2019 Modified Monash Model (MMM) system. Ethnicity was based on self-identification as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or non-Indigenous person. The outcomes of major amputation, repeat minor amputation and death were examined using Cox-proportional hazard analyses. Results: A total of 534 participants were included, with 306 (57.3%) residing in metropolitan or regional centres, 228 (42.7%) in rural and remote communities and 144 (27.0%) were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. During a median (inter quartile range) follow-up of 4.0 (2.1–7.6) years, 103 participants (19.3%) had major amputation, 230 (43.1%) had repeat minor amputation and 250 (46.8%) died. The risks (hazard ratio [95% CI]) of major amputation and death were not significantly higher in participants residing in rural and remote areas (0.97, 0.67–1.47; and 0.98, 0.76–1.26) or in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people (HR 1.44, 95% CI 0.96, 2.16 and HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67, 1.18). Ischemic heart disease (IHD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), osteomyelitis and foot ulceration (p<0.001 in all instances) were independent risk factors for major amputation. Conclusion: Major amputation and death are common following minor amputation to treat DFD and people with IHD, PAD and osteomyelitis have an increased risk of major amputation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and residents of remote areas were not at excess risk of major amputation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous Psychology within Australia reflects the traditional knowledges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their understanding of the cultivation of relational social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). However, these perspectives are poorly incorporated into dominant "Western" psychological theories and practice, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). This represents a barrier to the cultural safety of current mental health practice and its decolonisation within Australia. This study brought together CBT Practitioners and Practitioners of an Aboriginal Wellbeing practice ("Wayapa") to engage in a series of yarns (guided focus groups) to share perspectives, insights, and stories on their own and each other's practices. Indigenous qualitative research approaches including Research Topic Yarning were engaged to decolonise the research environment and support dialogue at the cultural interface of the two practices. Through experiencing Wayapa, CBT practitioners reflected on gaps in their own practice, with an enthusiasm for the opportunities that Wayapa provided to decolonise their practice. Wayapa practitioners were able to celebrate the holistic nature of their practice and the possibility for it to inform dominant "Western" psychological theories and practice, such as CBT, and encourage a more connected and culturally safe way of working with First Nations peoples. Creating safe cultural interfaces between "Western" and Indigenous Psychologies, and building awareness of the value of Aboriginal grounded wellbeing models, can help to promote and expand culturally safe practices within Australian psychological practice. What is already known about this topic: The cultural safety and relevance of CBT for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples remains uncertain. There is limited knowledge of Aboriginal wellbeing practices and Indigenous Psychologies amongst non-Indigenous Australian mental health practitioners, including psychologists. Broadened understanding of Aboriginal wellbeing practices such as Wayapa Wurrrk, may contribute to decolonising psychology in Australia. What this topic adds: CBT and Wayapa share common and unique tools and concepts that can support the social emotional wellbeing of all Australians. Wayapa Wurrrk concepts such as earth mindfulness and the centring of Country as a foundation for wellness and social emotional wellbeing represent gaps in current CBT practice. Work at the cultural interface of "Western" and Indigenous Psychology offers a pathway to promote appreciation for, and active utilisation of, Indigenous psychologies including the social emotional wellbeing framework (SEWB). In this article, we recognise both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Nations of Australia. We acknowledge and pay respect to the knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are unique, all with their own languages, knowledge systems, beliefs, and histories. We recognise the collective terms they prefer also vary. With respectful consideration to these preferences, typically we will specify Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples when referring to First Nations Peoples in this article. From time to time, we use the term Indigenous. However, we note that for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, this is not preferred. As such, we have only used this where we are referencing it's use from another source, or it is the established use of the term, such as its use in "Indigenous knowledges". Where referring to individual Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, we have endeavoured to incorporate their preferences, including for example, reference to the Country they are connected to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]