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Determining the number of cases of an epidemic is the first function of epidemiological surveillance. An important underreporting of cases was observed in many locations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. To estimate this underreporting in the COVID-19 outbreak of Borriana (Valencia Community, Spain) in March 2020, a cross-sectional study was performed in June 2020 querying the public health register. Logistic regression models were used. Of a total of 468 symptomatic COVID-19 cases diagnosed in the outbreak through anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology, 36 cases were reported (7.7%), resulting in an underreporting proportion of 92.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89.5–94.6%), with 13 unreported cases for every reported case. Only positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction cases were predominantly reported due to a limited testing capacity and following a national protocol. Significant factors associated with underreporting included no medical assistance for COVID-19 disease, with an adjusted odds ratio [aOR] of 10.83 (95% CI 2.49–47.11); no chronic illness, aOR = 2.81 (95% CI 1.28–6.17); middle and lower social classes, aOR = 3.12 (95% CI 1.42–6.85); younger age, aOR = 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.99); and a shorter duration of illness, aOR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.97–0.99). To improve the surveillance of future epidemics, new approaches are recommended.

As Black and Latina adolescent girls experience race and gender discrimination, they may turn to their families to explore their beliefs about and responses to systemic injustice and oppression. Familial racial socialization is a likely entry point for critical action (like community activism), linking ethnic–racial identity and critical consciousness in youth development. We used hierarchical linear regression to investigate whether familial racial socialization moderated the relationship between experiences of gendered racism and community activism. We analyzed survey data for 315 Black (n = 158) and Latina/Afro-Latina (n = 157) girls (n = 282) and gender-expansive youth (age 13–17) from the southern United States. We found that girls who received more familial socialization and were more frequently stereotyped as being angry participated in more low-risk and formal political activism. Also, Black and Latina girls who were more frequently stereotyped as angry and received more messages about racism from their families engaged in more high-risk activism, while girls who were more frequently perceived as angry and received less racial socialization engaged in less high-risk activism. We discuss the implications of our results for families, educators, and scholars who support Black and Latina girls’ sociopolitical development.

Abstract Background Pathogenic heterozygous mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) are a key cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), leading to significantly reduced biofluid concentrations of the progranulin protein (PGRN). This has led to a number of ongoing therapeutic trials aiming to treat this form of FTD by increasing PGRN levels in mutation carriers. However, we currently lack a complete understanding of factors that affect PGRN levels and potential variation in measurement methods. Here, we aimed to address this gap in knowledge by systematically reviewing published literature on biofluid PGRN concentrations. Methods Published data including biofluid PGRN concentration, age, sex, diagnosis and GRN mutation were collected for 7071 individuals from 75 publications. The majority of analyses (72%) had focused on plasma PGRN concentrations, with many of these (56%) measured with a single assay type (Adipogen) and so the influence of mutation type, age at onset, sex, and diagnosis were investigated in this subset of the data. Results We established a plasma PGRN concentration cut-off between pathogenic mutation carriers and non-carriers of 74.8 ng/mL using the Adipogen assay based on 3301 individuals, with a CSF concentration cut-off of 3.43 ng/mL. Plasma PGRN concentration varied by GRN mutation type as well as by clinical diagnosis in those without a GRN mutation. Plasma PGRN concentration was significantly higher in women than men in GRN mutation carriers (p = 0.007) with a trend in non-carriers (p = 0.062), and there was a significant but weak positive correlation with age in both GRN mutation carriers and non-carriers. No significant association was seen with weight or with TMEM106B rs1990622 genotype. However, higher plasma PGRN levels were seen in those with the GRN rs5848 CC genotype in both GRN mutation carriers and non-carriers. Conclusions These results further support the usefulness of PGRN concentration for the identification of the large majority of pathogenic mutations in the GRN gene. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of considering additional factors, such as mutation type, sex and age when interpreting PGRN concentrations. This will be particularly important as we enter the era of trials for progranulin-associated FTD.

AbstractThis study provides a comprehensive review of the intellectual structure and current dynamics of onboarding and socialization research. Using the Web of Science (WoS) database, we found 452 research articles that met the inclusion criteria. Biblioshiny R-package and VOSviewer were used for the bibliometric analysis. We lay out the most prolific authors, journals, institutions and articles in this rapidly growing field. We find that current research is scattered all over different topics and disciplines. We identify five research fronts that authors have pursued in the last 5 years. Researchers have focused on: psychological contracts; the role of networks and relationship building; the changing work contexts in which organizational socialization takes place; the effects of newcomer proactivity and interactions with supervisors; onboarding in distinct areas like software engineering. Promising research avenues in this field can be distinguished in: different groups of newcomers; examining interactive effects between newcomers and socialization agents; and analyzing the evolving area of digital and virtual onboarding and organizational socialization.

Given their highly polarized morphology and functional singularity, neurons require precise spatial and temporal control of protein synthesis. Alterations in protein translation have been implicated in the development and progression of a wide range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD). In this study we examined the architecture of polysomes in their native brain context in striatal tissue from the zQ175 knock-in mouse model of HD. We performed 3D electron tomography of high-pressure frozen and freeze-substituted striatal tissue from HD models and corresponding controls at different ages. Electron tomography results revealed progressive remodelling towards a more compacted polysomal architecture in the mouse model, an effect that coincided with the emergence and progression of HD related symptoms. The aberrant polysomal architecture is compatible with ribosome stalling phenomena. In fact, we also detected in the zQ175 model an increase in the striatal expression of the stalling relief factor EIF5A2 and an increase in the accumulation of eIF5A1, eIF5A2 and hypusinated eIF5A1, the active form of eIF5A1. Polysomal sedimentation gradients showed differences in the relative accumulation of 40S ribosomal subunits and in polysomal distribution in striatal samples of the zQ175 model. These findings indicate that changes in the architecture of the protein synthesis machinery may underlie translational alterations associated with HD, opening new avenues for understanding the progression of the disease.

El principal objetivo del artículo es analizar de qué manera una empresa periodística pública centrada en la producción de contenidos sonoros como es Radio Nacional de España aprovecha las posibilidades narrativas del pódcast, atendiendo al caso específico de los especializados en el entorno cultural. La selección muestral contempla ocho pódcast y un total de 730 episodios analizados, cuyo estudio se lleva a cabo mediante la combinación de un análisis cuantitativo, que contempla siete variables (denominación, tema, URL, plataformas de distribución, creación, periodicidad y rango de duración), y de un examen cualitativo basado en el análisis de contenido que considera cuatro aspectos prioritarios (recursos humanos, géneros periodísticos, recursos sonoros y estructura de contenidos). Como resultados más destacados, se percibe una amplia variedad en las facetas de tratamiento informativo, ritmo narrativo, empleo de géneros periodísticos y rango de duración y se concluye que RNE realiza un notable esfuerzo por impulsar esta tecnología.

The 6th Asia Dengue Summit (ADS) themed "Road Map to Zero Dengue Death" was held in Thailand from 15th-16th June 2023. The summit was hosted by Tropical Medicine Cluster, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in conjunction with Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; and the Ministry of Public Health. The 6th ADS was convened by Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA); Global Dengue and Aedes Transmitted Diseases Consortium (GDAC); Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED); Fondation Mérieux (FMx) and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD). Dengue experts from academia and research, and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Regional and Global World Health Organization (WHO) and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) participated in the three-day summit. With more than 51 speakers and 451 delegates from over 24 countries, 10 symposiums, and 2 full days, the 6th ADS highlighted the growing threat of dengue and its antigenic evolution, flagged the urgent need to overcome vaccine hesitancy and misinformation crisis, and focused on dengue control policies, newer diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, travel-associated dengue, and strategies to improve community involvement.

IntroductionBifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) may play a key role in infant gut development. This trial evaluated safety, tolerability, and efficacy of B. infantis LMG11588 supplementation.MethodsThis randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted in the Philippines included healthy breastfed and/or formula-fed infants (14–21 days old) randomized for 8 weeks to a control group (CG; n = 77), or any of two B. infantis experimental groups (EGs): low (Lo-EG; 1*108 CFU/day; n = 75) or high dose (Hi-EG; 1.8*1010 CFU/day; n = 76). Primary endpoint was weight gain; secondary endpoints included stooling patterns, gastrointestinal symptoms, adverse events, fecal microbiome, biomarkers, pH, and organic acids.ResultsNon-inferiority in weight gain was demonstrated for Hi-EG and Lo-EG vs. CG. Overall, probiotic supplementation promoted mushy-soft stools, fewer regurgitation episodes, and increased fecal acetate production, which was more pronounced in the exclusively breastfed infants (EBF) and positively correlated with B. infantis abundance. In EBF, fecal pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-8) were reduced. Strain-level metagenomic analysis allowed attributing the increased abundance of B. infantis in EGs versus CG, to LMG11588 probiotic colonization. Colonization by autochthonous B. infantis strains was similar between groups.DiscussionB. infantis LMG11588 supplementation was associated with normal infant growth, was safe and well-tolerated and promoted a Bifidobacterium-rich microbiota driven by B. infantis LMG11588 colonization without disturbing the natural dispersal of autochthonous B. infantis strains. In EBF, supplementation stimulated microbial metabolic activity and beneficially modulated enteric inflammation.

Fatty acids are produced by eukaryotes like baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae mainly using a large multifunctional type I fatty acid synthase (FASI) where seven catalytic steps and a carrier domain are shared between one or two protein subunits. While this system may offer efficiency in catalysis, only a narrow range of fatty acids are produced. Prokaryotes, chloroplasts and mitochondria rely instead on a FAS type II (FASII) where each catalytic step is carried out by a monofunctional enzyme encoded by a separate gene. FASII is more flexible and capable of producing a wider range of fatty acid structures, such as the direct production of unsaturated fatty acids. An efficient FASII in the preferred industrial organism S. cerevisiae could provide a platform for developing sustainable production of specialized fatty acids. We functionally replaced either yeast FASI genes (FAS1 or FAS2) with a FASII consisting of nine genes from Escherichia coli (acpP, acpS and fab -A, -B, -D, -F, -G, -H, -Z) as well as three from Arabidopsis thaliana (MOD1, FATA1 and FATB). The genes were expressed from an autonomously replicating multicopy vector assembled using the Yeast Pathway Kit for in-vivo assembly in yeast. Two rounds of adaptation led to a strain with a maximum growth rate (μmax) of 0.19 h−1 without exogenous fatty acids, twice the growth rate previously reported for a comparable strain. Additional copies of the MOD1 or fabH genes resulted in cultures with higher final cell densities and three times higher lipid content compared to the control.

Abstract The current distribution and population structure of many species were, to a large extent, shaped by cycles of isolation in glacial refugia and subsequent population expansions. Isolation in and postglacial expansion through heterogeneous environments led to either neutral or adaptive divergence. Norway spruce is no exception, and its current distribution is the consequence of a constant interplay between evolutionary and demographic processes. We investigated population differentiation and adaptation of Norway spruce for juvenile growth, diameter of the stem, wood density, and tracheid traits at breast height. Data from 4461 phenotyped and genotyped Norway spruce from 396 half‐sib families in two progeny tests were used to test for divergent selection in the framework of QST vs. FST. We show that the macroscopic resultant trait (stem diameter), unlike its microscopic components (tracheid dimensions) and juvenile growth, was under divergent selection that predated the Last Glacial Maximum. Altogether, the current variation in these phenotypic traits in Norway spruce is better explained by local adaptation to ancestral environments than to current ones, where populations were partly preadapted, mainly through growth‐related traits.

Applying a mixed theoretical approach, this paper addresses the causal relationship between the presence of women on steering committees (SC) and in senior management positions and the firm’s stock return, measured through the price–earnings ratio (P/E). To do so, we disaggregate the composition of the boards of 27 IBEX 35 companies over the period 2018–2021 by gender and type of female director and analyze the relationship between the number and proportion of women on the SC, their distribution by category, and the P/E. The sample contains a total of 108 observations, and its structure follows a panel data methodology. Validation of the working hypotheses was carried out using Poisson logistic regression. The results indicate a positive and significant relationship between stock returns and the percentage of women on the SC. The results also indicate that stock returns are not significantly affected by the category distribution of female directors.

Objective: To identify stress in the elderly living in the city of Lima and its association with demographic factors, infodemics, the presence of physical and psychological symptoms, and the use of illicit substances in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: Quantitative, transversal, and analytical study through the web-based survey with 384 elderly from the city of Lima - Peru between April and August 2021. The instruments of demographic profile, Perceived Stress Scale, and self-reported symptoms were used for the study. The Multiple logistic regression was used, considering the significance level of 5%. Results: 62% were women, and the age ranged between 60 and 95 years with a mean of 70.5. The stress average was 26.8 points. Stress was associated with fear of relatives dying and concern for the elderly. Conclusions: it is important for health professionals trained to identify changes in mood in the elderly and to create individualized care plans.

Objetivo: identificar o estresse nos idosos que vivem na cidade de Lima e sua associação com fatores demográficos, infodemias, a presença de sintomas físicos e psicológicos e o uso de substâncias ilícitas no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Método: estudo quantitativo, transversal e analítico através da pesquisa baseada na web com 384 idosos da cidade de Lima - Peru, entre abril e agosto de 2021. Os instrumentos de perfil demográfico, Escala de Estresse Percebido e sintomas autorrelatados foram utilizados para o estudo. A regressão logística múltipla foi utilizada, considerando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: 62% eram mulheres, e a idade variou entre 60 e 95 anos, com uma média de 70,5 anos. A média de estresse foi de 26,8 pontos. O estresse estava associado ao medo da morte de parentes e à preocupação com os idosos. Conclusões: é importante para profissionais de saúde treinados para identificar mudanças de humor nos idosos e criar planos de cuidados individualizados

Objetivo: identificar el estrés en ancianos residentes en la ciudad de Lima y su asociación con factores demográficos, infodemias, presencia de síntomas físicos y psicológicos y consumo de sustancias ilícitas en el contexto de la pandemia COVID-19. Método: estudio cuantitativo, transversal y analítico mediante encuesta vía web a 384 adultos mayores de la ciudad de Lima - Peru, entre abril y agosto del 2021. Para el estudio se utilizaron los instrumentos de perfil demográfico, Escala de Estrés Percibido y síntomas auto reportados. Se utilizó regresión logística múltiple, considerando el nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: el 62% eran mujeres, y la edad oscilaba entre 60 y 95 años, con una media de 70,5 años. La puntuación media de estrés fue de 26,8 puntos. El estrés se asoció con el miedo a la muerte de familiares y la preocupación por los ancianos. Conclusiones: es importante que los profesionales sanitarios formados identifiquen los cambios de humor en los ancianos y creen planes de atención individualizados.

Background: Neurotransmitters deficits in Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) are still poorly understood. Better knowledge of neurotransmitters impairment, especially in prodromal disease stages, might tailor symptomatic treatment approaches. Methods: In the present study, we applied JuSpace toolbox, which allowed for cross-modal correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based measures with nuclear imaging derived estimates covering various neurotransmitter systems including dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission.We included 392 mutation carriers (157 GRN, 164 C9orf72, 71 MAPT), together with 276 non-carrier cognitively healthy controls (HC). We tested if the spatial patterns of grey matter volume (GMV) alterations in mutation carriers (relative to HC) are correlated with specific neurotransmitter systems in prodromal (CDR® plus NACC FTLD = 0.5) and in symptomatic (CDR® plus NACC FTLD≥1) FTD. Results: In prodromal stages of C9orf72 disease, voxel-based brain changes were significantly associated with spatial distribution of dopamine and acetylcholine pathways; in prodromal MAPT disease with dopamine and serotonin pathways, while in prodromal GRN disease no significant findings were reported (p

In October 2020, we conducted a population-based prospective cohort study to determine post-COVID-19 complications, recovery, return to usual health, and associated risk factors in 536 cases of COVID-19 outbreak in Borriana (Spain) by administering an epidemiological questionnaire via phone interviews. A total of 484 patients participated (90.3%), age mean 37.2 ± 17.1 years, and 301 females (62.2%). Mild illness was the most common COVID-19 manifestation. After six months, 160 patients (33.1%) suffered at least one complication post-COVID-19, and 47 (29.4%) of them sought medical assistance. The most frequent persistent symptoms were hair loss, fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and headache. Risk factors associated with a complication were female sex (adjusted relative risk, [aRR] = 1.93 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–2.65), age 35 years and above (aRR = 1.50 95% CI 1.14–1.99), B blood group (aRR = 1.51 95% CI 1.04–2.16), current smoker (RR = 1.61 95% CI 1.02–2.54), and at least a COVID-19 exposure (aRR = 2.13 95% CI 1.11–4.09). Male sex, age younger than 35 years, and low COVID-19 exposures were associated with better recovery and return to usual health. A third of patients presented persistent symptoms compatible with the long-COVID-19 syndrome. In conclusion, an active medical follow-up of post-COVID-19 patients must be implemented.

Abstract Vaccination with typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCV) is a major part of typhoid prevention. However, little is known about long-term immune persistence following vaccination with TCVs. In this phase-2, randomized double-blind trial (NCT03527355), 285 children aged 6–23 months were randomized to one of three groups: (1) the group that received a first dose of Vi polysaccharide conjugated to diphtheria-toxoid (Vi-DT) vaccine followed by an “early booster” at 24 weeks, (2) the group that which received a first dose of Vi-DT followed by a “late booster” at 96 or 110 weeks, and (3) comparator group. Safety and immunogenicity of anti-Vi IgG GMTs were assessed at weeks 0, 4, 24, 28, 60, 96, 110, and 114 since the first dose. Here, we describe persistence of immune responses at weeks 60, 96, 110, and 114 post first dose. The anti-Vi IgG seroconversion rate after 27.5 months of follow-up was 88.16% (95% CI: 79.00, 93.64) in late-booster and 94.76% (95% CI: 86.91, 97.88) in early booster Vi-DT groups (p = 0.081). Whereas anti-Vi IgG GMTs were significantly higher in the early booster group (11.95 [95% CI: 9.65, 14.81]) than prebooster GMTs in the late booster group (5.50 [95% CI: 4.44, 6.80], p

Abstract Background The aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) reduces breastfeeding, and harms child and maternal health globally. Yet forty years after the World Health Assembly adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (The Code), many countries are still to fully implement its provisions into national law. Furthermore, despite The Code, commercial milk formula (CMF) markets have markedly expanded. In this paper, we adopt the Philippines as a case study to understand the battle for national Code implementation. In particular, we investigate the market and political strategies used by the baby food industry to shape the country’s ‘first-food system’, and in doing so, promote and sustain CMF consumption. We further investigate how breastfeeding coalitions and advocates have resisted these strategies, and generated political commitment for a world-leading breastfeeding policy framework and protection law (the ‘Milk Code’). We used a case study design and process tracing method, drawing from documentary and interview data. Results The decline in breastfeeding in the Philippines in the mid-twentieth Century associated with intensive BMS marketing via health systems and consumer advertising. As regulations tightened, the industry more aggressively promoted CMFs for older infants and young children, thereby ‘marketing around’ the Milk Code. It established front groups to implement political strategies intended to weaken the country’s breastfeeding policy framework while also fostering a favourable image. This included lobbying government officials and international organizations, emphasising its economic importance and threats to foreign investment and trade, direct litigation against the government, messaging that framed marketing in terms of women’s choice and empowerment, and forging partnerships. A resurgence in breastfeeding from the mid-1980s onwards reflected strengthening political commitment for a national breastfeeding policy framework and Milk Code, resulting in-turn, from collective actions by breastfeeding coalitions, advocates and mothers. Conclusion The Philippines illustrates the continuing battle for worldwide Code implementation, and in particular, how the baby food industry uses and adapts its market and political practices to promote and sustain CMF markets. Our results demonstrate that this industry’s political practices require much greater scrutiny. Furthermore, that mobilizing breastfeeding coalitions, advocacy groups and mothers is crucial to continually strengthen and protect national breastfeeding policy frameworks and Code implementation.

Abstract Background Supportive care interventions used to manage chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression (CIM), including granulocyte colony‐stimulating factors (G‐CSFs), erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs), and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, are burdensome to patients and associated with greater costs to health care systems. We evaluated the utilization of supportive care interventions and their relationship with the myeloprotective agent, trilaciclib. Methods Data were pooled from three independent randomized phase 2 clinical trials of trilaciclib or placebo administered prior to chemotherapy in patients with extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC). The impact of supportive care on the duration of severe neutropenia (DSN), occurrence of severe neutropenia (SN), and occurrence of RBC transfusions on/after week 5 was analyzed across cycles 1–4. Concordance and association between grade 3/4 anemia, RBC transfusions on/after week 5, and ESA administration was also evaluated. Results The use of G‐CSFs, ESAs, or RBC transfusions on/after week 5 was significantly lower among patients receiving trilaciclib versus placebo (28.5% vs. 56.3%, p

Abstract Background Stratifying dengue risk within endemic countries is crucial for allocating limited control interventions. Current methods of monitoring dengue transmission intensity rely on potentially inaccurate incidence estimates. We investigated whether incidence or alternate metrics obtained from standard, or laboratory, surveillance operations represent accurate surrogate indicators of the burden of dengue and can be used to monitor the force of infection (FOI) across urban centres. Methods Among those who reported and resided in 13 cities across the Philippines, we collected epidemiological data from all dengue case reports between 2014 and 2017 (N 80,043) and additional laboratory data from a cross-section of sampled case reports (N 11,906) between 2014 and 2018. At the city level, we estimated the aggregated annual FOI from age-accumulated IgG among the non-dengue reporting population using catalytic modelling. We compared city-aggregated FOI estimates to aggregated incidence and the mean age of clinically and laboratory diagnosed dengue cases using Pearson’s Correlation coefficient and generated predicted FOI estimates using regression modelling. Results We observed spatial heterogeneity in the dengue average annual FOI across sampled cities, ranging from 0.054 [0.036–0.081] to 0.249 [0.223–0.279]. Compared to FOI estimates, the mean age of primary dengue infections had the strongest association (ρ −0.848, p value

BackgroundSelf-perceived health is an important indicator of illness and mortality. This study aims at identifying a wide range of factors that can influence self-perceived health status among a representative sample in Portugal.MethodsWe used the 2014 National Health Survey (n = 17,057), whereby participants were required to assess their health status from “Very good,” “Good,” “Fair,” “Poor” to “Very poor.” We grouped the answers “Very good” and “Good,” and “Poor” and “Very poor,” respectively. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare participants' characteristics across groups by computing odds ratio and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Models included Socioeconomic/demographic characteristics, objective health status, healthcare use, functional disability, barriers to healthcare services utilization, lifestyle variables, mental health status, social support, and satisfaction with life as potential factors that can affect self-perceived health. Models were adjusted for sex, age, educational level, degree of urbanization, and presence of chronic diseases.ResultsAbout 45% of participants reported good/very good, 39% reported fair, while ~16% reported poor/very poor health perception. Poor/very poor health was more reported by women when compared to men (19.1 vs. 11.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). A higher prevalence of poor/very poor health status was reported by participants living in thinly populated areas or among older populations. Lower educational levels, lower income, as well as unemployment, were found to increase the risk of reporting poor/very poor health status. Utilizing healthcare services more frequently, experiencing barriers to access healthcare services, having depressive symptoms or activity limitations, or lacking social support were found to be significantly associated with poor/very poor self-perceived health.ConclusionSubjects living in Portugal tend to report less good/very good health status and more poor/very poor health when compared to the rest of Europe. This study stresses the importance of socioeconomic factors, chronic illness, barriers to access healthcare services, social isolation, and mental health status in influencing self-perceived health and highlights the urgent need for social-informed policies, strategies, and interventions to reduce health inequalities in Portugal.

Korean manufacturers have developed a new varicella vaccine, NBP608. This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of NBP608 in healthy children to those of VarivaxTM (control). Children aged 12 months to 12 years were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to receive either NBP608 or the control vaccine. Serum samples were obtained before vaccination and within six to eight weeks after vaccination. In total, 499 participants (NBP608, n = 251; control, n = 248) were enrolled. The seroconversion rate (SCR) measured using a FAMA assay was 99.53% in the NBP608 group, and the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (95% LCL) for the SCR difference (NBP608 minus the control) was 0.52%. This 95% LCL for the difference was higher than the specified non-inferiority margin of −15%. In an assessment using gpELISA, the SCR was 99.53% in the NBP608 group, and the 95% LCL for the SCR difference was 6.5%, which was higher than the specified non-inferiority margin of −15%. There were no significant differences between the NBP608 and control group with respect to the proportions of participants who demonstrated local and systemic solicited AEs. This study indicated that NBP608 had a clinically acceptable safety profile and was not immunologically inferior to VarivaxTM.

Abstract Background Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identify loci underlying the variation of complex traits. One of the main limitations of GWAS is the availability of reliable phenotypic data, particularly for long-lived tree species. Although an extensive amount of phenotypic data already exists in breeding programs, accounting for its high heterogeneity is a great challenge. We combine spatial and factor-analytics analyses to standardize the heterogeneous data from 120 field experiments of 483,424 progenies of Norway spruce to implement the largest reported GWAS for trees using 134 605 SNPs from exome sequencing of 5056 parental trees. Results We identify 55 novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that are associated with phenotypic variation. The largest number of QTLs is associated with the budburst stage, followed by diameter at breast height, wood quality, and frost damage. Two QTLs with the largest effect have a pleiotropic effect for budburst stage, frost damage, and diameter and are associated with MAP3K genes. Genotype data called from exome capture, recently developed SNP array and gene expression data indirectly support this discovery. Conclusion Several important QTLs associated with growth and frost damage have been verified in several southern and northern progeny plantations, indicating that these loci can be used in QTL-assisted genomic selection. Our study also demonstrates that existing heterogeneous phenotypic data from breeding programs, collected over several decades, is an important source for GWAS and that such integration into GWAS should be a major area of inquiry in the future.

4-H academics responded to the COVID pandemic by rapidly adapting CDC and other resources for virtual delivery. A statewide epidemiology project was taught to 48 youth with the goal of minimizing fears and confusion, increasing prevention measures, leveraging current topics for education, and bolstering the social-emotional health of youth participants. Results indicated that youth enjoyed the project and adopted behaviors to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, such as increased mask-wearing.

IntroductionImmigrants carry an extra burden of morbidities and mortalities since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Pre-existing inequalities among immigrants may threaten their economic wellbeing during the pandemic. This study analyzed the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on immigrants and natives living in Amadora, Metropolitan Region of Lisbon and the extent to which preexisting inequalities had been exacerbated during the pandemic.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Amadora Municipality, Lisbon Region, through phone interviews and using a structured questionnaire. Data collected in July 2020, included information on a cohort of 420 households, of which 51% were immigrants. To evaluate the socioeconomic position and economic wellbeing changes occurring during the pandemic we estimate crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI, using Portuguese natives as the reference group.ResultsOverall, 287 (70%) participants responded to the questionnaire, of which 47% are immigrants. Preexisting socioeconomic inequalities were exacerbated during the pandemic. Compared with natives, immigrants were more likely to experience job loss, temporary lay-off, and income loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immigrants were also more likely to face several kinds of financial hardship during the pandemic, such as difficulties in buying food, hygiene products, and paying bills.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to capture the direct socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 among immigrants and natives in Portugal. It highlights the bidirectional relation between inequalities deeply rooted among immigrants and COVID-19. Socioeconomic inequalities affect local patterns of COVID-19 burden, as confirmed in previous studies, but COVID-19 also has an impact on the economic wellbeing of Amadora immigrants during the pandemic. Urgent policies must be implemented to mitigate the economic burden of COVID-19 among immigrants, namely in Amadora, Lisbon Region.

Genetic control of tree growth and wood formation varies depending on the age of the tree and the time of the year. Single-locus, multi-locus, and multi-trait genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted on 34 growth and wood property traits in 1,303 Norway spruce individuals using exome capture to cover ~130K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). GWAS identified associations to the different wood traits in a total of 85 gene models, and several of these were validated in a progenitor population. A multi-locus GWAS model identified more SNPs associated with the studied traits than single-locus or multivariate models. Changes in tree age and annual season influenced the genetic architecture of growth and wood properties in unique ways, manifested by non-overlapping SNP loci. In addition to completely novel candidate genes, SNPs were located in genes previously associated with wood formation, such as cellulose synthases and a NAC transcription factor, but that have not been earlier linked to seasonal or age-dependent regulation of wood properties. Interestingly, SNPs associated with the width of the year rings were identified in homologs of Arabidopsis thaliana BARELY ANY MERISTEM 1 and rice BIG GRAIN 1, which have been previously shown to control cell division and biomass production. The results provide tools for future Norway spruce breeding and functional studies.

Our life is closely linked to microorganisms, either through a parasitic or symbiotic relationship. The microbiome contains more than 1,000 different bacterial species and outnumbers human genes by 150 times. Worryingly, during the last 10 years, it has been observed a relationship between alterations in microbiota and neurodegeneration. Several publications support the hypothesis that amyloid structures formed by microorganisms may trigger host proteins aggregation. In this review, we collect pieces of evidence supporting that the crosstalk between human and microbiota amyloid proteins could be feasible and, probably, a more common event than expected before. The combination of their outnumbers, the long periods of time that stay in our bodies, and the widespread presence of amyloid proteins in the bacteria Domain outline a worrying scenario. However, the identification of the exact microorganisms and the mechanisms through with they can influence human disease also opens the door to developing a new and diverse set of therapeutic strategies.

Abstract Background This study offers a comprehensive approach to precisely analyze the complexly distributed length of stay among HIV admissions in Portugal. Objective To provide an illustration of statistical techniques for analysing count data using longitudinal predictors of length of stay among HIV hospitalizations in Portugal. Method Registered discharges in the Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) facilities Between January 2009 and December 2017, a total of 26,505 classified under Major Diagnostic Category (MDC) created for patients with HIV infection, with HIV/AIDS as a main or secondary cause of admission, were used to predict length of stay among HIV hospitalizations in Portugal. Several strategies were applied to select the best count fit model that includes the Poisson regression model, zero-inflated Poisson, the negative binomial regression model, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. A random hospital effects term has been incorporated into the negative binomial model to examine the dependence between observations within the same hospital. A multivariable analysis has been performed to assess the effect of covariates on length of stay. Results The median length of stay in our study was 11 days (interquartile range: 6–22). Statistical comparisons among the count models revealed that the random-effects negative binomial models provided the best fit with observed data. Admissions among males or admissions associated with TB infection, pneumocystis, cytomegalovirus, candidiasis, toxoplasmosis, or mycobacterium disease exhibit a highly significant increase in length of stay. Perfect trends were observed in which a higher number of diagnoses or procedures lead to significantly higher length of stay. The random-effects term included in our model and refers to unexplained factors specific to each hospital revealed obvious differences in quality among the hospitals included in our study. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive approach to address unique problems associated with the prediction of length of stay among HIV patients in Portugal.

Homeostasis is crucial for cell function, and disturbances in homeostasis can lead to health disorders. Under normal conditions, intracellular pH is maintained between 7.35 and 7.45. Altered endosomal and lysosomal pH together with a general drop in brain pH are associated with the aggregation of amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Under acidic conditions, close to the Aβ isoelectric point, the absence of charges favors the formation of intermolecular contacts and promotes aggregation. Here, we analyzed how pH levels affect the aggregation of Aβ40 considering the variations in brain pH and the coexistence of different aggregated conformations. Our results suggest that different macromolecular conformations can interact with each other and influence the aggregation process. In addition, we showed that neutral pH and physiological salt concentrations favor a slow aggregation, resulting in ordered, stable fibrils, with low cytotoxic effects. Overall, we highlight the complexity of the aggregation processes occurring in different physiological and pathological environments.

Candidates for the public teaching profession are subjected to high levels of stress, which can lead to the development of burnout syndrome during the competitive examination process. The present research reflects the objective of analysing the effect of resilience on burnout syndrome, stress and study hours in Spanish public teacher candidates. A cross-sectional, descriptive, comparative and ex post facto study was carried out on a sample of 4117 Spanish candidates (M = 31.03; S.D = 6.800). The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure the stress variable. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to collect data related to burnout syndrome and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was used to measure data related to resilience. The conclusions are that resilience helps to mitigate the effects generated by burnout syndrome and stress, helping to maintain a positive attitude towards the number of hours of study.

The 5th Asia Dengue Summit, themed “Roll Back Dengue”, was held in Singapore from 13 to 15 June 2022. The summit was co-convened by Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA), Global Dengue and Aedes transmitted Diseases Consortium (GDAC), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Tropical Medicine and Public Health Network (SEAMEO TROPMED), and the Fondation Mérieux (FMx). Dengue experts from academia and research and representatives from the Ministries of Health, Regional and Global World Health Organization (WHO), and International Vaccine Institute (IVI) participated in the three-day summit. With more than 270 speakers and delegates from over 14 countries, 12 symposiums, and 3 full days, the 5th ADS highlighted the growing threat of dengue, shared innovations and strategies for successful dengue control, and emphasized the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to control dengue.

Background/Aims Vedolizumab is indicated for moderately-to-severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Because multiple factors may result in different pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacies, understanding determinants of vedolizumab clearance may enhance dose and treatment strategies. The aim was to characterize vedolizumab pharmacokinetics in Asian and non-Asian UC and CD patients. Methods Population pharmacokinetic analysis for repeated measures, using data from 5 studies, was conducted using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. A Bayesian estimation approach in NONMEM 7.3 was utilized to leverage the predominantly sparse data available for this analysis with results from a prior population pharmacokinetic analysis of vedolizumab. Results Vedolizumab pharmacokinetics were described by a 2-compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear elimination. Using reference covariate values, linear elimination half life of vedolizumab was 24.7 days for anti-vedolizumab antibody (AVA)-negative patients and 18.1 days for AVA-positive patients; linear clearance (CLL) was 0.165 L/day for AVA-negative patients and 0.246 L/day for AVA-positive patients; central (Vc) and peripheral compartment volumes of distribution were 3.16 L and 1.84 L, respectively. Interindividual variabilities (percent coefficient of variation) were 30.8% for CLL and 19% for Vc; interoccasion variability on CLL was 20.3%; residual variance was 17.8%. For albumin, body weight and AVA, only extreme values were identified as potentially clinically important predictors of CLL. The effect of race (Asian/non-Asian) and diagnosis (UC/CD) on CLL was negligible and likely not of clinical importance. Conclusions Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar in Asian and non-Asian patients with moderately-to-severely active UC and CD. This analysis supports use of vedolizumab flat-fixed dosing in these patients. (Clinicaltrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00783718 (GEMINI 1); NCT00783692 (GEMINI 2). CCT 101; NCT02039505 and CCT-001; NCT02038920)

BackgroundCharacterising dengue virus (DENV) infection history at the point of care is challenging as it relies on intensive laboratory techniques. We investigated how combining different rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can be used to accurately determine the primary and post-primary DENV immune status of reporting patients during diagnosis.Methods and findingsSerum from cross-sectional surveys of acute suspected dengue patients in Indonesia (N:200) and Vietnam (N: 1,217) were assayed using dengue laboratory assays and RDTs. Using logistic regression modelling, we determined the probability of being DENV NS1, IgM and IgG RDT positive according to corresponding laboratory viremia, IgM and IgG ELISA metrics. Laboratory test thresholds for RDT positivity/negativity were calculated using Youden's J index and were utilized to estimate the RDT outcomes in patients from the Philippines, where only data for viremia, IgM and IgG were available (N:28,326). Lastly, the probabilities of being primary or post-primary according to every outcome using all RDTs, by day of fever, were calculated. Combining NS1, IgM and IgG RDTs captured 94.6% (52/55) and 95.4% (104/109) of laboratory-confirmed primary and post-primary DENV cases, respectively, during the first 5 days of fever. Laboratory test predicted, and actual, RDT outcomes had high agreement (79.5% (159/200)). Among patients from the Philippines, different combinations of estimated RDT outcomes were indicative of post-primary and primary immune status. Overall, IgG RDT positive results were confirmatory of post-primary infections. In contrast, IgG RDT negative results were suggestive of both primary and post-primary infections on days 1-2 of fever, yet were confirmatory of primary infections on days 3-5 of fever.ConclusionWe demonstrate how the primary and post-primary DENV immune status of reporting patients can be estimated at the point of care by combining NS1, IgM and IgG RDTs and considering the days since symptoms onset. This framework has the potential to strengthen surveillance operations and dengue prognosis, particularly in low resource settings.

Abstract Background In dengue-endemic countries, targeting limited control interventions to populations at risk of severe disease could enable increased efficiency. Individuals who have had their first (primary) dengue infection are at risk of developing more severe secondary disease, thus could be targeted for disease prevention. Currently, there is no reliable algorithm for determining primary and post-primary (infection with more than one flavivirus) status from a single serum sample. In this study, we developed and validated an immune status algorithm using single acute serum samples from reporting patients and investigated dengue immuno-epidemiological patterns across the Philippines. Methods During 2015/2016, a cross-sectional sample of 10,137 dengue case reports provided serum for molecular (anti-DENV PCR) and serological (anti-DENV IgM/G capture ELISA) assay. Using mixture modelling, we re-assessed IgM/G seroprevalence and estimated functional, disease day-specific, IgG:IgM ratios that categorised the reporting population as negative, historical, primary and post-primary for dengue. We validated our algorithm against WHO gold standard criteria and investigated cross-reactivity with Zika by assaying a random subset for anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG. Lastly, using our algorithm, we explored immuno-epidemiological patterns of dengue across the Philippines. Results Our modelled IgM and IgG seroprevalence thresholds were lower than kit-provided thresholds. Individuals anti-DENV PCR+ or IgM+ were classified as active dengue infections (83.1%, 6998/8425). IgG− and IgG+ active dengue infections on disease days 1 and 2 were categorised as primary and post-primary, respectively, while those on disease days 3 to 5 with IgG:IgM ratios below and above 0.45 were classified as primary and post-primary, respectively. A significant proportion of post-primary dengue infections had elevated anti-ZIKV IgG inferring previous Zika exposure. Our algorithm achieved 90.5% serological agreement with WHO standard practice. Post-primary dengue infections were more likely to be older and present with severe symptoms. Finally, we identified a spatio-temporal cluster of primary dengue case reporting in northern Luzon during 2016. Conclusions Our dengue immune status algorithm can equip surveillance operations with the means to target dengue control efforts. The algorithm accurately identified primary dengue infections who are at risk of future severe disease.

Background Travel time to treatment facilities may impede the receipt of guideline-concordant treatment (GCT) among patients diagnosed with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC). We investigated the relative contribution of travel time in the receipt of GCT among ES-NSCLC patients. Methods We included 22,821 ES-NSCLC patients diagnosed in California from 2006–2015. GCT was defined using the 2016 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, and delayed treatment was defined as treatment initiation >6 versus ≤6 weeks after diagnosis. Mean-centered driving and public transit times were calculated from patients’ residential block group centroid to the treatment facilities. We used logistic regression to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between patients’ travel time and receipt of GCT and timely treatment, overall and by race/ethnicity and neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES). Results Overall, a 15-minute increase in travel time was associated with a decreased risk of undertreatment and delayed treatment. Compared to Whites, among Blacks, a 15-minute increase in driving time was associated with a 24% (95%CI = 8%-42%) increased risk of undertreatment, and among Filipinos, a 15-minute increase in public transit time was associated with a 27% (95%CI = 13%-42%) increased risk of delayed treatment. Compared to the highest nSES, among the lowest nSES, 15-minute increases in driving and public transit times were associated with 33% (95%CI = 16%-52%) and 27% (95%CI = 16%-39%) increases in the risk of undertreatment and delayed treatment, respectively. Conclusion The benefit of GCT observed with increased travel times may be a ‘Travel Time Paradox,’ and may vary across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

La transformación de los sistemas sanitarios para dar respuesta a las necesidades del paciente crónico y pluripatológico ha situado la continuidad de cuidados como uno de los pilares en los que se basan los programas de atención y el diseño de nuevos recursos para atender a estos pacientes y a sus familias. En este contexto, la práctica profesional de las enfermeras presenta retos y desafíos en las tres dimensiones de la continuidad de cuidados: relacional, informativa y de gestión. Ante estos desafíos, la investigación en enfermería es fundamental para la profesión y necesaria para promover unos cuidados innovadores y de calidad.

Currently, no treatments available for Parkinson’s disease (PD) can slow PD progression. At the early stage of the disease, only a subset of individuals with PD progress quickly, while the majority have a slowly progressive form of the disease. In developing treatments that aim to slow PD progression, clinical trials aim to include individuals who are likely to progress faster, such that a treatment effect, if one exists, can be identified easier and earlier. The aim of the present study was to identify baseline predictors of clinical progression in early PD. We analyzed 12-month data acquired from the PASADENA trial Part 1 (NCT03100149, n = 76 participants who were allocated to the placebo arm and did not start symptomatic therapy) and the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study (n = 139 demographically and clinically matched participants). By using ridge regression models including clinical characteristics, imaging, and non-imaging biomarkers, we found that Hoehn and Yahr stage and dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography specific binding ratios (Dat-SPECT SBR) in putamen ipsilateral to the side of motor symptom onset predicted PD progression at the early stage of the disease. Further studies are needed to confirm the validity of these predictors to identify with high accuracy individuals with early PD with a faster progression phenotype.

The management and screening of prostate cancer (PC) is still the main problem in clinical practice. In this study, we investigated the role of aggressiveness genetic markers for PC stratification. We analyzed 201 plasma samples from PC patients and controls by digital PCR. For selection and validation, 26 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, 12 fresh tissues, and 24 plasma samples were characterized by RNA-Seq, immunochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot, and extracellular-vesicles analyses. We identified three novel non-invasive biomarkers; all with an increased expression pattern in patients (PCA3: p = 0.002, S100A4: p ≤ 0.0001 and MRC2: p = 0.005). S100A4 presents the most informative AUC (area under the curve) (0.735). Combination of S100A4, MRC2, and PCA3 increases the discriminatory power between patients and controls and between different more and less aggressive stages (AUC = 0.761, p ≤ 0.0001). However, although a sensitivity of 97.47% in PCA3 and a specificity of 90.32% in S100A4 was reached, the detection signal level could be variable in some analyses owing to tumor heterogeneity. This is the first time that the role of S100A4 and MRC2 has been described in PC aggressiveness. Moreover, the combination of S100A4, MRC2, and PCA3 has never been described as a non-invasive biomarker for PC screening and aggressiveness.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Background: Rehabilitation is still the only treatment available to improve functional status after the acute phase of stroke. Most clinical guidelines highlight the need to design rehabilitation treatments considering starting time, intensity, and frequency, according to the tolerance of the patient. However, there are no homogeneous protocols and the biological effects are under investigation.Objective: To investigate the impact of rehabilitation intensity (hours) after stroke on functional improvement and serum angiogenin (ANG) in a 6-month follow-up study.Methods: A prospective, observational, longitudinal, and multicenter study with three cohorts: strokes in intensive rehabilitation therapy (IRT, minimum 15 h/week) vs. conventional therapy (NO-IRT,

Background: Currently available treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) do not slow clinical progression nor target alpha-synuclein, a key protein associated with the disease.Objective: The study objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prasinezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds aggregated alpha-synuclein, in individuals with early PD.Methods: The PASADENA study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment study. Individuals with early PD, recruited across the US and Europe, received monthly intravenous doses of prasinezumab (1,500 or 4,500 mg) or placebo for a 52-week period (Part 1), followed by a 52-week extension (Part 2) in which all participants received active treatment. Key inclusion criteria were: aged 40–80 years; Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Stage I or II; time from diagnosis ≤2 years; having bradykinesia plus one other cardinal sign of PD (e.g., resting tremor, rigidity); DAT-SPECT imaging consistent with PD; and either treatment naïve or on a stable monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor dose. Study design assumptions for sample size and study duration were built using a patient cohort from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI). In this report, baseline characteristics are compared between the treatment-naïve and MAO-B inhibitor-treated PASADENA cohorts and between the PASADENA and PPMI populations.Results: Of the 443 patients screened, 316 were enrolled into the PASADENA study between June 2017 and November 2018, with an average age of 59.9 years and 67.4% being male. Mean time from diagnosis at baseline was 10.11 months, with 75.3% in H&Y Stage II. Baseline motor and non-motor symptoms (assessed using Movement Disorder Society—Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [MDS-UPDRS]) were similar in severity between the MAO-B inhibitor-treated and treatment-naïve PASADENA cohorts (MDS-UPDRS sum of Parts I + II + III [standard deviation (SD)]; 30.21 [11.96], 32.10 [13.20], respectively). The overall PASADENA population (63.6% treatment naïve and 36.4% on MAO-B inhibitor) showed a similar severity in MDS-UPDRS scores (e.g., MDS-UPDRS sum of Parts I + II + III [SD]; 31.41 [12.78], 32.63 [13.04], respectively) to the PPMI cohort (all treatment naïve).Conclusions: The PASADENA study population is suitable to investigate the potential of prasinezumab to slow disease progression in individuals with early PD.Trial Registration: NCT03100149.

We report on the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their hybrids consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). A non-aqueous sol–gel route along with hydrated and anhydrous acetate precursors were selected for their syntheses. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed their spherical shape with an average size of 5 nm. TEM also confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnO-CNT and ZnO-PEDOT:PSS hybrid nanocomposites. In fact, the choice of precursors has a direct influence on the chemical and optical properties of the ZnO-based nanomaterials. The ZnO nanoparticles prepared with anhydrous acetate precursor contained a high amount of oxygen vacancies, which tend to degrade the polymer macromolecule, as confirmed from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, a relative increase in hydroxyl functional groups in the ZnO-CNT samples was observed. These functional groups were instrumental in the successful decoration of CNT and in producing the defect-related photoluminescence emission in ZnO-CNT.

PEXI (Persatuan XiangQi Indonesia) Pengprov Jambi merupakan sebuah organisasi persatuan bagi atlet XiangQi khususnya di Provinsi Jambi. Saat ini sistem pertandingan XiangQi di Jambi sudah menggunakan aplikasi manajeman turnamen namun hanya terbatas pada Sistem Pertandingan Swiss. Sehingga jika turnamen diselenggarakan dengan sistem lainnya, yaitu Knockout dan Round Robin, pengelolaannya masih menggunakan metode manual dalam penentuan pairing pertandingan dan perhitungan poin peserta. Karena perhitungan poin masih dilakukan secara manual maka sering terjadi kesalahan dalam perhitungan poin peserta dan sering terjadi kecurangan dalam penentuan pairing pertandingan. Selain itu, interface sistem aplikasi yang telah ada perlu dikembangkan agar lebih user-friendly. Oleh karena itu, kita membutuhkan pengembangan sistem aplikasi dengan fitur sistem pertandingan yang lebih lengkap dan lebih user-friendly untuk digunakan.

Jambi Petshop is one of the shops that selling animal products where conventional sales and promotion systems. Some problems can be found, namely ordering products that have to come to the store or by telephone that require time and money, looking for products that are inefficient and require time, a small promotional area and large costs. Therefore, this study provides a solution for those related to offering an online sales system using PHP programming language and MySQ database, waterfall method, usecase diagram and class diagram. New systems can be used for customers to order products and services without having to come to location and also be able to see information on products and services online. Researchers suggest further development to add features for discount products when there are certain events.

Youths’ perspectives are often unexplored in youth program development and implementation. This article examined youths’ perspectives of a 4-H youth prevention program called “Health Rocks!” that is designed to promote healthful decision-making skills, stress coping, and socioemotional skills related to substance use. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. Qualitative findings reveal that participants appreciated the fun and engaging curriculum, valued program staff who were interactive, and enjoyed the hands-on program activities. Participants also reported that the program positively impacted their knowledge and skills. Quantitative results show that participants who perceived the program as fun were significantly more likely to report engagement in the program, and participants who had positive views towards the program staff were significantly more likely to report knowledge after the program and engagement in Health Rocks! Findings have broader implications for future youth prevention program development, illustrating the need for engaging adult leaders and program activities to enhance the overall program experience for youth participants.

Pruned vine-shoots used as wine additives have proven to be a useful tool for improving and differentiating wines. This is because they accumulate substances from the plant itself, which later, as a result of the toasting process, express their greatest oenological potential. However, vine being one of the crops subject to the most phytosanitary treatments, including fungicides in particular, it can be assumed that their residues will accumulate in the vine-shoots and pass into the wine. The aim of this study was to determine the content in pruned vine-shoots of four of the main fungicides applied in the vineyard in Spain: trifloxystrobin, boscalid, kresoxim-methyl and penconazole. In order to do so, a HPLC-MS/MS method was developed, which showed high reliability given its adequate validation parameters. The method was linear for the concentration range studied, LOD was 0.003 mg/kg and LOQ was 0.01 mg/kg, which comply with the control criteria. The evolution of residues in vine-shoots complying with critical agricultural practices and good agricultural practices was monitored at 1, 3 and 6 months of storage after pruning and, in the latter case, after being subjected to a toasting process. The dissipation of all the residues was demonstrated to be affected by storage duration and toasting. It was confirmed that converting vine-shoots into oenological additives for wines will not pose a risk to the consumer if good agricultural practices are applied.

Urban streams and ecosystems are highly affected by the intense development of cities and an increase of impervious surfaces. If these environments are close to their pristine state, they can be considered a nature-based solution promoting the integration of both green and blue elements in the cities, while providing a wide range of services (e.g. better aesthetics, air quality, leisure areas, and mitigation of climatic changes). In view of this, the current study aimed to develop a holistic assessment tool for urban streams that can be used to highlight their importance and support decision makers in the elaboration of measures to recover urban streams. The tool called Urban stream Assessment system (UsAs) includes the assessment of (1) biodiversity, (2) ecological functions and habitat that are inherent components of the ecosystems, and (3) provisioning, regulating, and cultural services, following The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES). The tool includes 89 indicators belonging to 17 divisions (services and functions) selected from studies on urban areas and fluvial ecosystems. In addition, the tool introduces a method for the measurement of an indicator, rationale for the used indicator, positive and negative scope of the indicator, and reference to the proposed method. The tool incorporates also a step-by-step scoring system, which results in a global quality classification of streams. The UsAs tool was tested with a case study stream located in the city of Coimbra, Central Portugal. The final classification attributed to this stream was moderate, which is slightly higher than the ecological status, highlighting its potential ecosystem services (ES). However, the UsAs clearly showed a poor biodiversity (namely of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, fish, aquatic mammals, and terrestrial insects), habitat conditions and the most compromised services that could be improved: water supply, air quality, health and well-being. The use of this novel tool supports also new research and knowledge on aquatic ecosystems and particularly urban streams by generating relevant data to answer and test important ecological questions, such as the influence of biodiversity in ecosystem functioning and services. Further investigation should focus more on tests in different types of urban streams, regions, and climates.