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A one-arm pilot trial of a telehealth CBT-based group intervention targeting transdiagnostic risk for emotional distress

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on mental health, straining an already overburdened healthcare system and highlighting health inequity issues. To streamline treatment efforts, targeting transdiagnostic risk factors for symptoms of emotional distress through a modular, transdiagnostic approach via telehealth may help to expand access to mental health treatment. Three transdiagnostic risk factors for emotional distress disorders that emerged as important treatment targets during the pandemic are anxiety sensitivity (AS) ( i.e., fear of anxious arousal), intolerance of uncertainty (IU) ( i.e., distress when confronted with uncertainty), and loneliness. To target AS, IU, and loneliness, we completed a pilot feasibility, acceptability, and utility trial of Coping Crew, our group, telehealth-delivered transdiagnostic treatment protocol. The 17 participants ( M age  = 22.00, SD  = 4.46; 71% female) rated the intervention and study protocol as feasible to deliver and acceptable and useful to address intervention targets. Evidence was mixed regarding feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness of the mobile app: 94% of the participants (n = 16) completed at least one daily survey 80% of the time, but only 35% of the participants (n = 6) completed at least 80% of the mobile app surveys over the course of the intervention. Most participants rated use of the app as acceptable and relevant to psychological improvements made due to the intervention. Exploratory analyses suggest potential reductions in transdiagnostic risk factors at post-intervention, which were maintained at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Detailed effect size estimates are provided. However, these should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and exploratory nature of the study.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii ethanol extract inhibits the replication of alpha-coronavirus and beta-coronavirus

Coronavirus can induce various diseases, from mild common cold to severe COVID-19. Coronavirus can be continuously prevalent, similar to the influenza virus, due to its frequent mutation of the RNA genome. Therefore, diverse methods are required to treat coronavirus-related diseases. Chrysanthemum zawadskii, found in Asian countries including Korea, has been traditionally used to treat various diseases, including cough, pneumonia, and common cold. However, the antiviral effects of Chrysanthemum zawadskii have not been reported yet. Here, we demonstrated that Chrysanthemum zawadskii ethanol extract (CZE) treatment interferes with the replication of alpha-coronavirus (HCoV-229E) and beta-coronavirus (HCoV-OC43). CZE treatment ameliorates beta-coronavirus-induced cytotoxicity and reduces plaque formation. CZE treatment inhibits the coronavirus protein and RNA expression, indicating CZE inhibits coronavirus replication. HPLC analysis showed that CZE contains many antiviral compounds, such as luteolin and isochlorogenic acid. These results indicate that CZE is a potent medicinal herb for treating coronavirus-related diseases.

Differences in gait parameters between children with achondroplasia and an age-matched control group of typically developed children in the age range of 6 to 12 years

For people with achondroplasia, the ability to walk pain-free and longer distances is essential for maintaining independence and quality of life. However, due to shorter extremities and misalignments in the lower limbs, the walking pattern of this cohort is often affected. One possible contributing factor is an imbalanced foot-to-leg ratio. Although these structural differences are well documented, research on their specific impact on gait mechanics remains limited. In particular, no studies have investigated how an imbalanced foot-to-leg ratio, among other potential factors, may influence kinematic and kinetic parameters throughout the gait cycle. Therefore, this study examined gait differences between children with achondroplasia (N = 15) and an age-matched (6–12 y) control group (N = 15). Using a 3D motion capture system (Vicon, 13 cameras) and a modified Plug-in-Gait model, spatio-temporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters were analyzed. Statistical parametric mapping was applied to identify key moments in the gait cycle where significant deviations occurred between the two cohorts. Results showed that all spatio-temporal parameters, except cadence, differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.05). Most kinematic and kinetic parameters also showed significant differences, particularly around initial contact and toe-off. Notably, kinematic deviations were found at the pelvis, hip, and ankle during initial contact. Around toe-off, ankle kinematics were significantly different (p = 0.006). Kinetic differences at the hip and knee in both planes were also evident around toe-off. These findings suggest that an imbalanced foot-to-leg ratio may influence gait patterns, particularly during initial contact and toe-off phases. However, additional factors contributing to these deviations remain to be identified. Further research is necessary to elucidate these influences, which could support the development of more targeted and individualized therapeutic interventions for individuals with ACH.

Non-viral derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from the canine umbilical cord

In our previous study, canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were successfully generated from skin-derived fibroblasts, without the use of viral vectors. However, for clinical application of canine iPSCs in veterinary regenerative medicine, iPSCs generated from less invasive cell sources would be desirable. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to generate iPSCs from canine umbilical cords discarded at fetal birth. Canine umbilical cords were cut into small pieces and cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Episomal vectors carrying 10 reprogramming gene sets were introduced into fibroblasts obtained from the umbilical cord using electroporation. When putative iPSCs colonies emerged, constitutive cell characterization was performed to evaluate cell morphology, proliferative potential, alkaline phosphatase staining, expression of stem cell markers, and the ability to differentiate into a trilineage following embryoid body and teratoma formation. Multiple putative iPSC colonies formed when reprogramming gene sets were introduced into fibroblasts obtained from the canine umbilical cord. The resulting colony cells stained positive for alkaline phosphatase, and showed expression of OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, SSEA1, and SSEA3 on fluorescent immunostaining for stem cell markers. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of canine endogenous OCT4 , SOX2 , and NANOG significantly increased, confirming the multi-differentiation potential of cells after embryoid and teratoma formation. In this study, iPSCs were successfully generated from canine umbilical cord without the use of a viral vector. Furthermore, canine umbilical cord-derived iPSCs were successfully cultured in a feeder-free manner. This study contributes to the development of veterinary regenerative medicine by using canine iPSCs.

Mental health and health-related quality of life among adults with osteoarthritis: A national population-based study

Background Adults with osteoarthritis are vulnerable to mental health disorders, which may have a significant impact on their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Thus, the purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between anxiety and depression and HRQoL in adults with osteoarthritis. Methods Adult patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis who were 18 years of age or older were identified using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for the years 2018–2021. HRQoL was computed using the veteran’s RAND 12-item health survey which has two domains the Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS & MCS) ratings. The link between anxiety and depression and HRQoL in individuals with osteoarthritis was examined using multivariable linear regression after the adjustment for a variety of covariates. Results Of the 3,658 individuals with osteoarthritis that were identified, 12.0% experienced depression, 12.5% had anxiety, and 9.9% had both illnesses. The PCS and MCS mean scores of the HRQoL were lowest for persons with comorbid depression and anxiety compared to adults with osteoarthritis only. Moreover, from the adjusted regression analysis, adults with osteoarthritis who had depression (MCS: adjusted β = −5.408, p < 0.001), anxiety (MCS: adjusted β = −3.485, p < 0.001), or both depression and anxiety (MCS: adjusted β = −10.348, p-value<0.0001) had significantly lower HRQoL MCS scores compared to those with osteoarthritis only. Those who were physically active and employed had notably better scores on the PCS and MCS than those who were not. Conclusions This nationally representative sample has shed light on the relationships between anxiety, depression, and a low HRQoL in adults with osteoarthritis. The study also revealed the impact of socioeconomic factors such as education level and income on HRQoL, and the benefits of employment and regular exercise. Importantly, the findings underscore the need for lifestyle modifications to reduce anxiety and depression in individuals with osteoarthritis. They also highlight the practical implications for healthcare planning and resource allocation, providing valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals.

AKR1C2 silencing promotes ferroptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in lung cancer cells

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, so research and development of potential therapeutic targets is urgent. Methods The target gene, AKR1C2, was screened using the TCGA and FerrDb databases. The expression of AKR1C2 in lung cancer, its correlation with the clinical characteristics of patients, and the biological roles and molecular mechanisms involved were assessed by bioinformatics. The expression levels of AKR1C2 in normal lung epithelial cells and lung cancer cells were compared by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of AKR1C2 knockdown on the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells were evaluated using Transwell, wound healing, and CCK8 assays. Finally, the impact of silencing AKR1C2 on malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species, Fe2+ levels, and ferroptosis-related genes in lung cancer cells were experimentally investigated. Results AKR1C2 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues, and the expression level correlates with patient gender, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and prognosis. AKR1C2 is associated with substance metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, cellular lipid metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity. AKR1C2 had high expression levels in A549 cells. AKR1C2 silencing inhibited cell viability, invasion, and migration. In A549 cells, AKR1C2 knockdown markedly raised the levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and Fe²⁺. The knockdown of AKR1C2 regulated the expression of ferroptosis-related genes. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that AKR1C2 knockdown promotes ferroptosis and inhibits malignant biological behaviors in lung cancer cells.

Differences in hair coat condition between female and male mice occur through testicular-derived factors and are affected by the presence of another mouse

An animal’s coat protects its body from ultraviolet rays, physical and chemical damage, and temperature changes. It also plays an important role in showing individual information like a pattern for the outside world. In addition, changes in the condition of an animal’s coat may occur due to health or psychological changes and are important indicators from the perspective of health management and the welfare of captive animals. Also, the quantity and texture of human hair play a role in the impression it gives to others; however, few reports have objectively quantified the appearance and detailed analysis of hair condition relative to the time of appearance. In this study, we quantified changes in hair coat condition and examined the underlying causes. The results indicated that changes in hair coat condition in male mice were significantly greater compared with that in female mice and were affected by testicular-derived factors and the presence or absence of cohabiting individuals. We also found that the condition of the coat is related to the length of the lift-edges cuticle region (LCR), which indicates that the cuticle condition affects the overall impression of the coat. This is the first report to show that changes in hair coat condition within sexual difference are related to the length of the LCR, suggesting that gender is a direct factor in the hair coat condition. Cohabitation, or the presence and relationship between one another, is an indirect factor.

Research on learning achievement classification based on machine learning

Academic achievement is an important index to measure the quality of education and students’ learning outcomes. Reasonable and accurate prediction of academic achievement can help improve teachers’ educational methods. And it also provides corresponding data support for the formulation of education policies. However, traditional methods for classifying academic performance have many problems, such as low accuracy, limited ability to handle nonlinear relationships, and poor handling of data sparsity. Based on this, our study analyzes various characteristics of students, including personal information, academic performance, attendance rate, family background, extracurricular activities and etc. Our work offers a comprehensive view to understand the various factors affecting students’ academic performance. In order to improve the accuracy and robustness of student performance classification, we adopted Gaussian Distribution based Data Augmentation technique (GDO), combined with multiple Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) models. We explored the application of different Machine Learning and Deep Learning models in classifying student grades. And different feature combinations and data augmentation techniques were used to evaluate the performance of multiple models in classification tasks. In addition, we also checked the synthetic data’s effectiveness with variance homogeneity and P-values, and studied how the oversampling rate affects actual classification results. Research has shown that the RBFN model based on educational habit features performs the best after using GDO data augmentation. The accuracy rate is 94.12%, and the F1 score is 94.46%. These results provide valuable references for the classification of student grades and the development of intervention strategies. New methods and perspectives in the field of educational data analysis are proposed in our study. At the same time, it has also promoted innovation and development in the intelligence of the education system.

Group antenatal care positively transforms the care experience: Results of an effectiveness trial in Malawi

Background We developed and tested a Centering-based group antenatal (ANC) model in Malawi, integrating health promotion for HIV prevention and mental health. We present effectiveness data and examine congruence with only the Group ANC theory of change model, which identifies key processes as supportive relationships, empowered partners in learning and care, and meaningful services, leading to better ANC experiences and outcomes. Methods We conducted a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial at seven clinics in Blantyre District, Malawi, comparing outcomes for 1887 pregnant women randomly assigned to Group ANC or Individual ANC. Group effects on outcomes were summarized and evaluated using t-tests, Mann-Whitney, or Chi-squared tests. Adjusted for seven individual and two clinic-level baseline covariates, point estimates are reported for continuous outcomes using multivariable linear regression models. Adjusted for the same covariates, odds ratios are reported for categorical outcomes using logistic regression models. All statistical tests were two-sided, controlling for a Type I error probability of 0.01 due to multiple testing. Findings Women in Group ANC had higher peer connectedness and pregnancy-related empowerment, recalled receiving more services, and discussed more health promotion topics. They experienced less wait time, greater satisfaction with care (Estimate = 1.21, 99% CI = 0.07, 2.35), and had a higher mean number of ANC contacts (Estimate = 0.74, 99% CI = 0.50, 0.98). Most women preferred Group ANC for a future pregnancy (81% in Individual ANC; 95% in Group ANC). Women in Group ANC had more diverse diets (Estimate = 0.35, 99% CI = 0.17, 0.53), were better prepared for birth (Estimate 0.32, 99% CI = 0.16, 0.48), more likely to use condoms consistently (OR= 1.07, 99% CI = 1.00, 1.14) and communicated more with partners. They reported less mental distress in late pregnancy (Estimate = −0.61, 99% CI = −1.20, −0.02). Exclusive breastfeeding, partner HIV testing and disclosure, facility-based delivery, postnatal care attendance, postpartum family planning, and low birth weight did not differ by ANC type. Conclusions This effectiveness study of Malawi Group ANC, the first trial with individual randomization in a low-income country, maps outcomes to the theory of change, enhancing our understanding of Group ANC’s diverse positive impacts. The integration of typically neglected health promotion topics into the model highlights its flexibility to address changing local and global needs. Based on study results, the Malawi Ministry of Health is introducing Group ANC at district-level trainings and exploring the logistics for nationwide adoption. With momentum and political will, better care and a positive healthcare experience can be achieved for women, infants, and families in Malawi and globally. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03673709 .

Effect of retinoic acid treatment on the retinoic acid signaling pathway in a human siRNA-based aniridia limbal epithelial cell model, in vitro

Purpose In the present study, we evaluate gene and protein expression levels in an in vitro siRNA-mediated PAX6 knockdown limbal epithelial cell (LEC) model after RA treatment. This study aims to investigate the direct effects of active RA products and their association with key regulators of the RA signaling pathway in siRNA PAX6 knockdown LECs, providing further insights into the potential role of RA signaling in AAK pathogenesis. Methods Primary human limbal epithelial cells (LECs) were subjected to siRNA-mediated PAX6 knockdown to mimic PAX6 deletion in congenital aniridia (n = 8). Following knockdown, 0 µM, 1 µM, and 5 µM all-trans retinoic acid (RA) treatments were applied to both the siRNA PAX6 control and knockdown groups. After 48 hours of incubation, the mRNA expression levels of paired box 6 (PAX6), alcohol dehydrogenase 7 (ADH7), retinol dehydrogenase 10 (RDH10), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1), cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily A member 1 (CYP26A1), retinol-binding protein 1 (RBP1), cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2), fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), retinoid X receptor beta (RXRB), retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARA), retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were analyzed using qPCR. Protein expression levels were assessed using ELISA or Western blot, while cell proliferation rates were measured using the BrdU assay. Results PAX6, ADH7, ALDH1A1, FABP5 mRNA levels and PAX6, ADH7, ALDH1A1, FABP5, PPARG2, RARB protein levels were significantly lower in the PAX6 knockdown group, than in controls (p ≤ 0.018). PPARG mRNA level was significantly higher in the PAX6 knockdown group than in controls (p = 0.012). ALDH1A1 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated using 5 µM RA treatment in the control group (p = 0.038). CYP26A1 mRNA expression was upregulated using 1 µM and 5 µM RA treatment in both the PAX6 control (p < 0.001; p < 0.001) and the PAX6 knockdown group (p = 0.001; p = 0.002). CRABP2 mRNA expression in the PAX6 knockdown group (p = 0.02) and CRABP2 protein expression in both groups were downregulated using 5 µM RA concentration (p = 0.003; p = 0.02). Protein expression of RXRA was downregulated to 5 µM RA treatment in the controls (p = 0.007). mRNA expression of RARA in the PAX6 knockdown groups (p = 0.023) and mRNA expression of RARB in both groups (p = 0.007, p < 0.001) were downregulated to 5 µM RA treatment. RARB protein expression was downregulated to 1 µM and 5 µM RA treatment (p = 0.02, p = 0.004) in the controls. VEGFA mRNA expression in PAX6 controls was upregulated using 5 µM RA (p = 0.041). Cell proliferation rate was downregulated in PAX6 knockdown groups compared to the controls and downregulated using 5 µM RA concentration only in the controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.025). Conclusions Our results reveal a reduced proliferation rate in PAX6 knockdown LECs, along with a less pronounced downregulation of proliferation in response to increased RA concentration. Additionally, the study highlights altered expression of key regulators in the RA signaling pathway, influenced by both PAX6 activity and RA treatment. These findings suggest a potential disruption in RA-mediated cellular regulation in PAX6-deficient LECs.

A ‘killswitch’ peptide solidifies protein droplets in living cells

Suicidal ideation and non-fatal suicidal self-directed violence prevalence and associations among Veterans residing in U.S. Pacific Island Territories: Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands

Suicide rates are high in United States (U.S.) Pacific Island Territories, where large numbers of Veterans reside. Yet knowledge of suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV) among Veterans in this region is limited. We examined the feasibility of surveying Veterans in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and American Samoa regarding suicidal ideation (SI) and non-fatal SSDV, and examined SI and non-fatal SSDV prevalence and associations with SI. Of 3,000 Veterans invited to participate (2022), 566 completed the survey (21.6% response rate). Population-based SI estimates were 35.86% (95% CI: 28.34, 43.39) for lifetime and 15.68% (95% CI: 10.91, 20.44) for past year. The prevalence of post-military and past-year SI was significantly higher among Veterans ages 18–34. SI prevalence was also significantly higher among American Indian/Alaska Native Veterans and was significantly lower among Samoan Veterans. The prevalence of SI and suicide attempts (lifetime and during military service) appeared to be higher among Veterans residing in U.S. Pacific Island Territories, compared to among Veterans in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The most common methods considered during past-year SI were motor vehicle crash (32.77%; 95% CI: 19.38, 46.16), overdose/poisoning (26.12%; 95% CI: 15.02, 37.22), and gunshot (24.30%; 95% CI: 11.98, 36.62). Lifetime prevalence was 11.84% (95% CI: 11.05, 12.62) for preparatory behavior(s), 11.96% (95% CI: 7.88, 16.05) for interrupted attempts, and 9.86% (95% CI: 6.36, 13.37) for suicide attempts. Inclusion of Veterans from Pacific Island Territories in suicide prevention surveillance and research is feasible and vital to inform suicide prevention in this region. Prevention efforts targeted to Veterans ages 18–34 are also warranted.

Editorial Note: Depressive symptoms and associated factors among HIV positive patients attending public health facilities of Dessie town: A cross-sectional study

The effect of photoperiod, environmental temperature and wind speed on external quality of free-range turkey eggs

Due to the lack of research in free-range poultry, the influence of environmental factors on laying remains underdeveloped nowadays. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the influence of meteorological events and the moon cycle on the weight and shape index of turkey eggs produced in alternative systems. To this aim, 194 eggs laid by Andalusian turkey hens raised outdoors were collected and daily measured for 14 months. Seven categories were obtained attending to their weight (heavy, medium, and light) and shape index (sharp, standard, and round), and performed as dependent variables in the discriminant canonical analysis (DCA). As explanatory variables, meteorological and moon cycle features were collected from repositories consulting the day before each egg was laid. Minimum pressure, moon phase, and maximum temperature reported multicollinearity problems (VIF > 5.0) and were removed from further analysis. Moderate correlations among climatic variables influencing egg quality were found and ranged from + 0.574 to – 0.537, involving maximum gust speed in both cases. Variables exhibiting explanatory power in the DCA were sunshine hours (λ = 0.691, F = 13.950), minimum temperature (λ = 0.874, F = 4.476), and maximum gust speed (λ = 0.944, F = 1.841). Results evidence alternative productions present a different environmental exposure than indoors, as well as highlight the suitability of this breed for free range systems.

Bridging self-directed learning and competency in interdisciplinary teaching among STEM lecturers: How psychological capital connects

University STEM education is vital for cultivating innovative talents but is hindered by a lack of lecturers skilled in interdisciplinary teaching. Research on the interplay between psychological capital (PsyCap), competency in interdisciplinary teaching (CIT), and self-directed learning (SDL) is limited. This study investigates a mediation model, exploring PsyCap’s role between SDL and CIT among 427 Chinese STEM lecturers using proportional stratified random sampling and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that SDL had a significant direct effect on CIT (β = 0.210, t = 4.429, p < 0.001) and PsyCap (β = 0.603, t = 16.737, p < 0.001). PsyCap also significantly influenced CIT (β = 0.546, t = 12.748, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis further indicated that PsyCap partially mediated the relationship between SDL and CIT, with a significant indirect effect (β = 0.329, t = 9.738, p < 0.001). These findings contribute to the literature by validating a novel mediation model integrating SDL and PsyCap to explain CIT. It also offers practical implications for offering practical pathways for improving the training of STEM lecturers, with SDL and PsyCap identified as key leverage points for enhancing the quality of interdisciplinary teaching in universities. Given the study’s single-mediator design, future research may adopt moderated mediation models to explore when and how SDL and PsyCap more strongly influence interdisciplinary teaching competency.

Evaluating the readability, quality, and reliability of responses generated by ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity on the most commonly asked questions about Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which usually occurs in the second and third decades of life, is associated with chronic pain, limitation of mobility, and severe decreases in quality of life. This study aimed to make a comparative evaluation in terms of the readability, information accuracy and quality of the answers given by artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots such as ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini, which have become popular with the widespread access to medical information, to user questions about AS, a chronic inflammatory joint disease. In this study, the 25 most frequently queried keywords related to AS determined through Google Trends were directed to each 3 AI-based chatbots. The readability of the resulting responses was evaluated using readability indices such as Simple Gunning Fog (GFOG), Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG). The quality of the responses was measured by Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP) and Global Quality Score (GQS) scores, and the reliability was measured using the modified DISCERN and Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) scales. According to Google Trends data, the most frequently searched keywords related to AS are “Ankylosing spondylitis pain”, “Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms” and “Ankylosing spondylitis disease”, respectively. It was found that the readability levels of the answers produced by AI-based chatbots were above the 6th grade level and showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). In EQIP, JAMA, mDISCERN and GQS evaluations, Perplexity stood out in terms of information quality and reliability, receiving higher scores compared to other chat robots (p < 0.05). It has been found that the answers given by AI chatbots to AS-related questions exceed the recommended readability level and the reliability and quality assessment raises concerns due to some low scores. It is possible for future AI chatbots to have sufficient quality, reliability and appropriate readability levels with an audit mechanism in place.

Development of cookies from wheat-yellow/white maize composite blends and their physical and sensory evaluation

Wheat is a staple food in many countries globally, but it alone cannot meet the dietary demands of the growing population. To address this, there is an increasingly critical need to integrate alternative cereals into diets, enhancing nutritional diversity and reducing reliance on imports. In present study, various composite blends of wheat and maize were developed by taking different proportions of maize flour (10, 20, 30 and 40%) into the wheat flour and analyzed for proximate composition, phytates, minerals and pasting properties. By using these blends, cookies were made and tested for their physical and sensory evaluation. The crude fat, fiber and ash contents were increased significantly as the amount of maize into composite blends increased but insignificant for moisture, protein and NFE contents while reduction in the phytates was observed. The mineral analysis of various flours showed an increase in the calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium while decrease in zinc contents. The pasting behaviour of wheat maize composite blends showed a significant decrease in their viscosities as the quantity of maize flour increased. The physical/textural parameters revealed a reduction in diameter and thickness whereas increase in hardness as the amount of maize supplementation increased which had diminishing affect at higher concentrations. It was observed that addition of maize flour into the wheat flour in the development of cookies at higher concentration negatively affected the sensorial attributes.

These moths use the stars to navigate on an epic migration

The influence of women’s groups mobilisation on health emergency response: Evidence from the Ebola outbreak in Liberia

Background The 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa showed that multiple response strategies are necessary to contain disease outbreaks in resource-constrained settings. A critical component of these response strategies was the involvement of community members and women’s groups in leading them. While women’s groups actively participated in Ebola containment strategies in various communities, there is a dearth of research on their role or how their presence in communities affected the deployment of Ebola response strategies. In contributing to bridging this knowledge gap, we ask: How did the presence of women’s groups influence perceptions of Ebola response strategies in Ebola-affected communities in Liberia?. Methods We fitted multivariate multinomial logistic regression models to cross-sectional data (n = 1,340) collected in five counties in Liberia. We built a composite model from community response strategies that participants reported witnessing. These responses were then categorized into no response, single-response, and multiple-response strategies. Response strategies included Ebola education and sensitisation campaigns, community surveillance, lobbying for personal protective equipment (PPEs), and other measures (e.g., prayer). Single responses pertain to participants choosing only one response strategy, while multiple responses indicate the selection of two or more response strategies. Results Overall, we found that knowledge about the presence of women’s groups was associated with an increased likelihood of participants reporting having witnessed a community response during the Ebola outbreak. Specifically, participants who reported having women’s groups in their communities had 89% and 98% higher odds of reporting a single Ebola response (RRR = 1.89, p ≤ 0.001) and multiple responses (RRR = 1.98, p ≤ 0.001), respectively. We also found some demographic, socioeconomic, and place-based variables to be associated with Ebola response strategies. Conclusion We provide relevant policy recommendations necessary to center women’s groups and other community organisations in Liberia’s strategic health plan toward a pandemic-ready future. We believe that strengthening local, national, and international collaborations is critical to achieving this future and can help the country reach its SDG 3.3 goal of ending infectious diseases by 2030.

Estimating abundance of harvested populations at the management unit scale

Management of harvested populations relies on accurate assessment of abundance within management units to reevaluate and set harvest regulations. Several statistical approaches use readily available age-at-harvest data to estimate populations, but these often rely on auxiliary data which can be costly to collect and may not provide reliable estimates at the management unit scale. We developed a Bayesian integrated population model (IPM) relying solely on available harvest data to estimate abundance of white-tailed deer in Tennessee where estimates of abundance were lacking. We fit the IPM to reported harvest data and estimates of total harvest from hunter surveys to estimate abundance statewide and within deer management units (DMUs). Statewide deer harvest in Tennessee from 2005 to 2023 ranged between 132,256 and 181,477 deer annually (mean = 160,050; SD = 16,178). Although the population fluctuated, median population growth rate was 0.99 (90% CRI 0.978–1.003) during the study. Statewide population abundance was estimated at 890,657 (90% CRI 786,627–1,172,514) deer in 2023. Our IPM provided a comprehensive picture of deer population dynamics and allowed us to estimate abundance and demographic rates using only harvest data and informative priors. This model demonstrates the benefits of using informative priors and regularizing parameters in ecological studies. The IPM is a useful, flexible tool to monitor harvested populations at finer spatial scales thereby allowing decisions on harvest regulations to be based on precise estimates of abundance within specific management units.