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None of the global targets for protecting nature are currently met, although humanity is critically dependent on biodiversity. A significant issue is the lack of data for most biodiverse regions of the planet where the use of frugal methods for biomonitoring would be particularly important because the available funding for monitoring is insufficient, especially in low-income countries. We here discuss how three approaches to insect biomonitoring (computer vision, lidar, DNA sequences) could be made more frugal and urge that all biomonitoring techniques should be evaluated for global suitability before becoming the default in high-income countries. This requires that techniques popular in high-income countries should undergo a phase of 'innovation through simplification' before they are implemented more broadly. We predict that techniques that acquire raw data at low cost and are suitable for analysis with AI (e.g. images, lidar-signals) will be particularly suitable for global biomonitoring, while techniques that rely heavily on patented technologies may be less promising (e.g. DNA sequences). We conclude the opinion piece by pointing out that the widespread use of AI for data analysis will require a global strategy for providing the necessary computational resources and training. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most arthropod species are undescribed and hidden in specimen‐rich samples that are difficult to sort to species using morphological characters. For such samples, sorting to putative species with DNA barcodes is an attractive alternative, but needs cost‐effective techniques that are suitable for use in many laboratories around the world. Barcoding using the portable and inexpensive MinION sequencer produced by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) could be useful for presorting specimen‐rich samples with DNA barcodes because it requires little space and is inexpensive. However, similarly important is user‐friendly and reliable software for analysis of the ONT data. It is here provided in the form of ONTbarcoder 2.0 that is suitable for all commonly used operating systems and includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Compared with an earlier version, ONTbarcoder 2.0 has three key improvements related to the higher read quality obtained with ONT's latest flow cells (R10.4), chemistry (V14 kits) and basecalling model (super‐accuracy model). First, the improved read quality of ONT's latest flow cells (R10.4) allows for the use of primers with shorter indices than those previously needed (9 bp vs. 12–13 bp). This decreases the primer cost and can potentially improve PCR success rates. Second, ONTbarcoder now delivers real‐time barcoding to complement ONT's real‐time sequencing. This means that the first barcodes are obtained within minutes of starting a sequencing run; i.e. flow cell use can be optimized by terminating sequencing runs when most barcodes have already been obtained. The only input needed by ONTbarcoder 2.0 is a demultiplexing sheet and sequencing data (raw or basecalled) generated by either a Mk1B or a Mk1C. Thirdly, we demonstrate that the availability of R10.4 chemistry for the low‐cost Flongle flow cell is an attractive option for users who require only 200–250 barcodes at a time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information literacy instruction programs for graduate students can be challenging to develop. One solution is to develop non-course-based, non-mandatory library instruction programs, in order to meet the information literacy needs of as many graduate students as possible. This was the approach taken by the Taylor Library at the University of Western Ontario, as we embarked on the development of a program for students in the areas of engineering, health sciences, medicine & dentistry, and science. As a first step, we conducted a needs assessment study via focus groups and an online survey. The study looked at graduate student perceptions of their library research needs, their preferences for learning about library research, and the appropriateness of a common instruction program for students in these disciplines. We found that graduate students wanted to learn about strategies for finding information, bibliographic management tools such as RefWorks, and tools for keeping current with scholarly literature. Students preferred online instruction, although in-person workshops were also found to be valuable. Students in all four faculties identified common information literacy needs, while expressing a desire for subject-specific instruction. (Contains 1 table and 3 figures.)

Background: The co-occurrence of apathy and executive dysfunction, a correlate of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), is highly prevalent, yet facilitating factors are largely unknown.Objective: This study investigates the relationship between lipid peroxidation, apathy, and executive dysfunction in patients at risk for VCI.Methods: In participants with coronary artery disease, who are at a high risk of VCI, apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale), and executive function (composite z-score based on age and education population norms from trails making test B, animal naming, and phonemic fluency tests) were assessed. Serum concentrations of an early (lipid hydroperoxide (LPH)) and late (8-isoprostane (8-ISO)) lipid peroxidation marker, were measured and the 8-ISO/LPH ratio was calculated.Results: Participants (n = 206, age±SD = 63.0±7.5, 80% men, total years of education = 15.9±3.4, AES score = 28.3±8.8, executive function = 0±1) demonstrated significantly different 8-ISO/LPH ratios between groups (F(3, 202) = 10.915, p < 0.001) with increasing levels in the following order: no apathy or executive dysfunction, only executive dysfunction (executive function composite score≤-1), only apathy (AES≥28), and both apathy and executive dysfunction. A model adjusting for demographics showed that lipid peroxidation was associated with both apathy (B(SE) = 4.63 (0.954), t = 4.852, p < 0.001) and executive function (B(SE) = -0.19 (0.079), t = -2.377, p = 0.018). However, when controlling for both demographics and vascular risk factors, lipid peroxidation was associated with only apathy (B(SE) = 3.11 (0.987), t = 3.149, p = 0.002).Conclusion: The results highlight a potentially important involvement of lipid peroxidation in the co-occurrence of apathy and executive dysfunction in those at risk for VCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Homocysteine (Hcy) generates reactive oxygen species and has been associated with cardiovascular disease and impaired cognition. While the relationship between Hcy and cognition has been extensively studied in other disorders, it has not been well characterized in mild vascular cognitive impairment (mVCI). Due to Hcy's effect on vasculature and increased oxidative stress burden, individuals with elevated Hcy may be at greater risk of developing vascular dementia (VaD). This study investigated the relationship between Hcy, oxidative stress, and cognition. Method: Participants were mVCI patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Cognition was assessed via National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS‐CSN) recommended battery, and blood was analyzed for Hcy and glutathione S‐transferase (GST), which modulates reactive oxygen species. Statistical analyses were performed using linear regression models in SPSS 26. Result: There are 26 participants (73% male, 69% Caucasian, mean (SD) age=68.1 (7.2), years of education=15.7 (3.3)) with cardiovascular risk factors (62% hypertensive, 65% dyslipidemia, 31% diabetic, BMI=29.8 (5.1)) enrolled in the study to date. Mean plasma Hcy concentration was 13.4 μmol/L, with 9 participants classified as elevated (≥15 μmol/L). In preliminary analyses, plasma Hcy (stand. β=0.09, p=0.65) did not significantly predict executive function (F(2,23)=0.77, p=0.47) or verbal memory (F(2,23) =1.62, p=0.22). Hcy (stand. β = 0.684, p=0.013) significantly predicted GST activity (F(2,11) = 4.542, p=0.013, adj. R2 = 0.353), with a medium effect size. Conclusion: Findings suggest that increased Hcy may be associated with compensatory increased GST activity in mVCI. A larger sample size will allow further analysis of cognition with additional covariates in this at‐risk population with increased oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]