Gene expression plasticity facilitates different host feeding in Ips sexdentatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

Host shift is ecologically advantageous and a crucial driver for herbivore insect speciation. Insects on the non-native host obtain enemy-free space and confront reduced competition, but they must adapt to survive. Such signatures of adaptations can often be detected at the gene expression level. It is astonishing how bark beetles cope with distinct chemical environments while feeding on various conifers. Hence, we aim to disentangle the six-toothed bark beetle (Ips sexdentatus) response against two different conifer defences upon host shift (Scots pine to Norway spruce). We conducted bioassay and metabolomic analysis followed by RNA-seq experiments to comprehend the beetle's ability to surpass two different terpene-based conifer defence systems. Beetle growth rate and fecundity were increased when reared exclusively on spruce logs (alternative host) compared to pine logs (native host). Comparative gene expression analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to digestion, detoxification, transporter activity, growth, signalling, and stress response in the spruce-feeding beetle gut. Transporter genes were highly abundant during spruce feeding, suggesting they could play a role in pumping a wide variety of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds or allelochemicals out. Trehalose transporter (TRET) is also up-regulated in the spruce-fed beetle gut to maintain homeostasis and stress tolerance. RT-qPCR and enzymatic assays further corroborated some of our findings. Taken together, the transcriptional plasticity of key physiological genes plays a crucial role after the host shift and provides vital clues for the adaptive potential of bark beetles on different conifer hosts.

An Optimized and Cost-Effective RNA Extraction Method for Secondary Metabolite-Enriched Tissues of Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Since the development of next-generation sequencing techniques and with the growing interest in transcriptomic studies, there is a demand for high-throughput RNA extraction techniques. General RNA extraction protocols are unreliable when it comes to the quality and quantity of isolated RNA obtained from different tissue types of different plant species. Despite Norway spruce (Picea abies) being one of the most significant and commercially valuable tree species in European forests, only limited genetic research is available. In this study, we developed a cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol by modifying the original method. We compared this CTAB protocol with other widely used methods for extracting RNA from different tissues (needle, phloem, and root) of Norway spruce, known for its richness in polyphenols, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites. The modified CTAB method proves to be superior to the kit-based and TRIzol-based methods for extracting RNA from the metabolite-rich tissues of Norway spruce, resulting in high RNA quality and integrity values (RIN~7-9). The modified CTAB RNA extraction method is rapid, cost-effective, and relatively simple in yielding the desired RNA quality from Norway spruce tissues. It is optimal for RNA sequencing and other downstream molecular applications.

Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Argentina, Colletotrichum araujiae on leaves, stems and fruits of Araujia hortorum. Australia, Agaricus pateritonsus on soil, Curvularia fraserae on dying leaf of Bothriochloa insculpta, Curvularia millisiae from yellowing leaf tips of Cyperus aromaticus, Marasmius brunneolorobustus on well-rotted wood, Nigrospora cooperae from necrotic leaf of Heteropogon contortus, Penicillium tealii from the body of a dead spider, Pseudocercospora robertsiorum from leaf spots of Senna tora, Talaromyces atkinsoniae from gills of Marasmius crinis-equi and Zasmidium pearceae from leaf spots of Smilaxglyciphylla. Brazil, Preussia bezerrensis from air. Chile, Paraconiothyrium kelleni from the rhizosphere of Fragaria chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis. Finland, Inocybe udicola on soil in mixed forest with Betula pendula, Populus tremula, Picea abies and Alnus incana. France, Myrmecridium normannianum on dead culm of unidentified Poaceae. Germany, Vexillomyces fraxinicola from symptomless stem wood of Fraxinus excelsior. India, Diaporthe limoniae on infected fruit of Limonia acidissima, Didymella naikii on leaves of Cajanus cajan, and Fulvifomes mangroviensis on basal trunk of Aegiceras corniculatum. Indonesia, Penicillium ezekielii from Zea mays kernels. Namibia, Neocamarosporium calicoremae and Neocladosporium calicoremae on stems of Calicorema capitata, and Pleiochaeta adenolobi on symptomatic leaves of Adenolobus pechuelii. Netherlands, Chalara pteridii on stems of Pteridium aquilinum, Neomackenziella juncicola (incl. Neomackenziella gen. nov.) and Sporidesmiella junci from dead culms of Juncus effusus. Pakistan, Inocybe longistipitata on soil in a Quercus forest. Poland, Phytophthora viadrina from rhizosphere soil of Quercus robur, and Septoria krystynae on leaf spots of Viscum album. Portugal (Azores), Acrogenospora stellata on dead wood or bark. South Africa, Phyllactinia greyiae on leaves of Greyia sutherlandii and Punctelia anae on bark of Vachellia karroo. Spain, Anteaglonium lusitanicum on decaying wood of Prunus lusitanica subsp. lusitanica, Hawksworthiomyces riparius from fluvial sediments, Lophiostoma carabassense endophytic in roots of Limbarda crithmoides, and Tuber mohedanoi from calcareus soils. Spain (Canary Islands), Mycena laurisilvae on stumps and woody debris. Sweden, Elaphomyces geminus from soil under Quercus robur. Thailand, Lactifluus chiangraiensis on soil under Pinus merkusii, Lactifluus nakhonphanomensis and Xerocomus sisongkhramensis on soil under Dipterocarpus trees. Ukraine, Valsonectria robiniae on dead twigs of Robinia hispida. USA, Spiralomyces americanus (incl. Spiralomyces gen. nov.) from office air. Morphological and culture characteristics are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation: Tan YP, Bishop-Hurley SL, Shivas RG, et al. 2022. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1436-1477. Persoonia 49: 261-350. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2022.49.08.

Towards Involving End-users in Interactive Human-in-the-loop AI Fairness

Ensuring fairness in artificial intelligence (AI) is important to counteract bias and discrimination in far-reaching applications. Recent work has started to investigate how humans judge fairness and how to support machine learning (ML) experts in making their AI models fairer. Drawing inspiration from an Explainable AI (XAI) approach called explanatory debugging used in interactive machine learning, our work explores designing interpretable and interactive human-in-the-loop interfaces that allow ordinary end-users without any technical or domain background to identify potential fairness issues and possibly fix them in the context of loan decisions. Through workshops with end-users, we co-designed and implemented a prototype system that allowed end-users to see why predictions were made, and then to change weights on features to ”debug” fairness issues. We evaluated the use of this prototype system through an online study. To investigate the implications of diverse human values about fairness around the globe, we also explored how cultural dimensions might play a role in using this prototype. Our results contribute to the design of interfaces to allow end-users to be involved in judging and addressing AI fairness through a human-in-the-loop approach.

AI4People

This paper presents the work of the AI4People-Automotive Committee established to advise more concretely on specific ethical issues that arise from autonomous vehicles (AVs). Practical recommendations for the automotive sector are provided across the topic areas: human agency and oversight, technical robustness and safety, privacy and data governance, transparency, diversity, non-discrimination and fairness, societal and environmental wellbeing, as well as accountability. By doing so, this paper distinguishes between policy recommendations that aim to assist policymakers in setting acceptable standards and industry recommendations that formulate guidelines for companies across their value chain. In the future, the automotive sector may rely on these recommendations to determine relevant next steps and to ensure that AVs comply with ethical principles.

Does the presence of conflict affect maternal and neonatal mortality during Caesarean sections?

Introduction

Conflicts frequently occur in countries with high maternal and neonatal mortality and can aggravate difficulties accessing emergency care. No literature is available on whether the presence of conflict influences the outcomes of mothers and neonates during Caesarean sections (C-sections) in high-mortality settings.

Objective

To determine whether the presence of conflict was associated with changes in maternal and neonatal mortality during C-sections.

Methods

We analysed routinely collected data on C-sections from 17 Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) health facilities in 12 countries. Exposure variables included presence and intensity of conflict, type of health facility and other types of access to emergency care.

Results

During 2008-2015, 30,921 C-sections were performed in MSF facilities; of which 55.4% were in areas of conflict. No differences were observed in maternal mortality in conflict settings (0.1%) vs. non-conflict settings (0.1%) (P = 0.08), nor in neonatal mortality between conflict (12.2%) and non-conflict settings (11.5%) (P = 0.1). Among the C-sections carried out in conflict settings, neonatal mortality was slightly higher in war zones compared to areas of minor conflict (P = 0.02); there was no difference in maternal mortality (P = 0.38).

Conclusions

Maternal and neonatal mortality did not appear to be affected by the presence of conflict in a large number of MSF facilities. This finding should encourage humanitarian organisations to support C-sections in conflict settings to ensure access to quality maternity care.

Factors Effecting Time Management of Professional Nurses’ at Public Hospital, Lahore

Introduction: Nursing is a very demanding career. In nursing work nurse’s work not only have tons of things to get done. Nurses scores in time management were more than those of men, with statistically significant difference: (p<0.05). There was a positive significant relationship between individual skills and organizational skills in time management (p<0.05). The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting time management of professional nurses. Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional analytic study was conducted at government hospital of Lahore. Data was collected from 211 registered nurses using convenient sampling. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: There is statistically significant differences, in the significance level 0.05, of effective time management for nurses according to gender. Professional nurses spend much time in gossiping of both gender as (p <0.05), time allocated for socialization were more among female nurses Shortage of staff contributes poor time management towards patient care, working under pressure is significantly associated with poor patient care (p <0.05). Nurses spend much time using mobile phone is statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusion: Time management is very crucial to the nurses and helps them to plan for their available time and use it to manage their tasks. This research identified and evaluated time management in professional nurses. Based on the results, it was found that shortage of staff contributes poor time management towards patient care, working under pressure affect patient care negatively, proper supervision will improve time management. It is also conclude that time management is necessary for medical workers, especially nurses. Thus, it would be interesting to conduct comparative cultural studies to better evaluate time management.Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 5, Issue-3: 231-235 

Testicular dislocation: the importance of scrotal examination in a trauma patient

Testicular dislocation after blunt perineal trauma is a rare event and a diagnosis that can be easily overlooked. Careful examination can help facilitate early and appropriate treatment. Timely diagnosis and surgical management are of paramount importance to preserve normal spermatogenic function in the dislocated testicle. We describe a case of testicular dislocation and discuss some of the issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment.

Development of modelling method selection tool for health services management: from problem structuring methods to modelling and simulation methods

BACKGROUND

There is an increasing recognition that modelling and simulation can assist in the process of designing health care policies, strategies and operations. However, the current use is limited and answers to questions such as what methods to use and when remain somewhat underdeveloped.

AIM

The aim of this study is to provide a mechanism for decision makers in health services planning and management to compare a broad range of modelling and simulation methods so that they can better select and use them or better commission relevant modelling and simulation work.

METHODS

This paper proposes a modelling and simulation method comparison and selection tool developed from a comprehensive literature review, the research team's extensive expertise and inputs from potential users. Twenty-eight different methods were identified, characterised by their relevance to different application areas, project life cycle stages, types of output and levels of insight, and four input resources required (time, money, knowledge and data).

RESULTS

The characterisation is presented in matrix forms to allow quick comparison and selection. This paper also highlights significant knowledge gaps in the existing literature when assessing the applicability of particular approaches to health services management, where modelling and simulation skills are scarce let alone money and time.

CONCLUSIONS

A modelling and simulation method comparison and selection tool is developed to assist with the selection of methods appropriate to supporting specific decision making processes. In particular it addresses the issue of which method is most appropriate to which specific health services management problem, what the user might expect to be obtained from the method, and what is required to use the method. In summary, we believe the tool adds value to the scarce existing literature on methods comparison and selection.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive pediatric population leads to an increase in minor complications

AIM

The development of effective multiple drug regimens for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are associated with nonadherence in children. HIV-positive children also have a higher incidence of malnutrition. Placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a potential solution. Primary outcome was to determine the complications of PEG placement in a pediatric HIV-positive population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 10 year retrospective data analysis was carried out on all HIV-positive children undergoing insertion of a PEG at two institutions. Parameters examined included infections, leakage, displacement, reasons for removal, total time in situ, HIV stage, CD4 count, and serological investigation. Data were compared against published data for PEG insertion in pediatric oncology patients and other comparable pediatric series using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Eighteen children were identified, with a median age 35 months and follow-up of 62 months. The majority of patients had advanced disease (Stage C; 65%). Fifty percent of PEGs were inserted for feeding supplementation and all were used for the administration of medications. Sixty-one percent experienced a minor complication; 5/18 (27.7%) experienced peristomal infection; 2/18 (11.1%) experienced either bleeding, leakage, or excessive granulation; and 1/18 (5.6%) experienced dislodgement. Stage of HIV did not affect the incidence of bleeding or infection: 5/11(Stage C) versus 2/7(Stage B) (P = .3). There was no significant difference for major complications when compared with any series though comparison with a large pediatric series revealed a significant difference for minor complications 11/18 versus 27/120 (P = .0003).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a low rate of serious complications with PEG insertion in our patients, and the rate is comparable to that seen in pediatric oncology patients. The minor complication rate is, however, higher than a nonimmune compromised population; and careful follow-up for these patients is recommended so that the appropriate therapy can be promptly initiated.

Web-services-based resource discovery model and service deployment on HealthGrids

HealthGrids represent the next generation of advanced healthcare IT and hold the promise to untangle complex healthcare-data problems by integrating health information systems and healthcare entities. Healthcare could benefit from a new delivery approach using HealthGrids to better meet the biomedical and health-related needs. Specialized services are needed to provide unified discovery of and ubiquitous access to available HealthGrid resources. The different types of services available on HealthGrids are classified into two levels, the operational-level services and the management-level services. This paper takes a fresh approach to address the problems of resource discovery in HealthGrids based on Web services (WS) and WS technologies and proposes a WS-based resource discovery model.

Conversion to sirolimus in solid organ transplantation: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Calcineurin inhibitors are associated with adverse events, including nephrotoxicity and diabetes that might reduce the benefits of long-term graft survival. We report our experience in converting kidney (K), kidney-pancreas (KP), pancreas (P), and (L) recipients from a calcineurin inhibitor/mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)/prednisone dose-induced nephrotoxicity (K = 9, KP = 5, P = 1, L = 5), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) (K = 7, KP = 5), chronic allograft nephropathy (K = 12, L = 1), and glucose intolerance (K = 9, KP = 6, P = 2, L = 2).

METHODS

The conversion protocol consisted of an abrupt discontinuation of the calcineurin inhibitor with sirolimus (8-12 mg, PO loading dose) initiated 24-72 hours after stopping the calcineurin inhibitor. Sirolimus was titrated to target trough levels of 12-16 ng/mL. Daclizumab 2 mg/kg IV was given to all KP and P recipients on days 0 and 14 postconversion.

RESULTS

Resolution of HUS occurred in 12 of 12 patients (100%) with a drop in serum creatinine from 3.3 +/- 1.5 to 1.8 +/- 0.9 mg/dL (P =.04). Sirolimus conversion due to nephrotoxicity, HUS, and chronic allograft nephropathy improved serum creatinine from 2.9 +/- 1.4 to 2.2 +/- 0.9 mg/dL (P =.01). Eleven of 19 patients (58%) resolved glucose intolerance. Two patients suffered rejection due to noncompliance. Increases in cholesterol (208 +/- 70 to 243 +/- 77 mg/dL, P <.05) and triglycerides (232 +/- 145 to 265 +/- 148 mg/dL, P = NS), and minimal reduction in platelet values (243 +/- 85 to 237 +/- 85, P = NS) occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that a calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppressive regimen with sirolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids preserves graft function in patients with clinical indications warranting calcineurin inhibitor discontinuation.

Coral bleaching and mortality on artificial and natural reefs in Maldives in 1998, sea surface temperature anomalies and initial recovery

The bleaching and subsequent mortality of branching and massive corals on artificial and natural reefs in the central atolls of Maldives in 1998 are examined with respect to sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. SST normally peaks in April-May in Maldives. The UK Meteorological Office's Global sea-Ice and SST data set version 2.3 b shows that in 1998 monthly mean SST was 1.2-4 S.D. above the 1950-1999 average during the warmest months (March-June), with the greatest anomaly in May of +2.1 degrees C. Bleaching was first reported in mid-April and was severe from late April to mid-May with some recovery evident by late-May. At least 98% of branching corals (Acroporidae, Pocilloporidae) on artificial structures deployed on a reef flat in 1990 died whereas the majority of massive corals (Poritidae, Faviidae, Agariciidae) survived the bleaching. The pre-bleaching coral community on the artificial reefs in 1994 was 95% branching corals and 5% massives (n = 1589); the post-bleaching community was 3% branching corals and 97% massives (n = 248). Significant reductions in live coral cover were seen at all natural reefs surveyed in the central atolls, with average live coral cover decreasing from about 42% to 2%, a 20-fold reduction from pre-bleaching levels. A survey of recruitment of juvenile corals to the artificial structures 10 months after the bleaching event showed that 67% of recruits (> or = 0.5 cm diameter) were acroporids and pocilloporids and 33% were from massive families (n = 202) compared to 94% and 6%, respectively, in 1990-1994 (n = 3136). Similar post-bleaching dominance of recruitment by branching corals was seen on nearby natural reef (78% acroporids and pocilloporids; 22% massives). A linear regression of April mean monthly SST against year was highly significant (p < 0.001) and suggests a rise of 0.16 degree C per decade. If this trend continues, by 2030 mean April SST in the central atolls will normally exceed the anomaly level at which corals appear there are susceptible to mass bleaching.