Feeding Choice Research Articles

Coexistence of one predator and two prey through rapid evolution in predator’s feeding choice

In this article, we study the coexistence of one predator and two prey with evolutionary effects. To that end, we formulate a three-time-scale model with rapid adaptive in predator’s feeding choice, slow prey growth and superslow predator growth. By using the geometric singular perturbation theory and computing the entry–exit function for multidimensional fast–slow systems, we find that the predator and the two prey coexist in a form of relaxation oscillations between being near the extreme values of feeding choice strategy due to the associated delay of stability loss. It is also found that the predator can coexist with the two prey in the form of an interior equilibrium with a locally optimal feeding choice.

Significant variations in feeding practices and choice of guidelines for the management of late preterm infants among healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

We aimed to gain insights into current nutritional management practices of late preterm infants (34-36 weeks gestational age) in Nigeria. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 19 healthcare professionals (neonatologists, paediatricians, general practitioners and nurses) involved in the care and nutritional management of late preterm infants in Lagos and Ogun states, Nigeria. Data were collected using interviews, either individually or in small focus groups, between 15 August and 6 September 2022. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was carried out to interpret the data. Ten distinct themes emerged across the research questions and objectives. For growth monitoring, 11, 6, 1 and 1 of our participants preferred to use the 2006 WHO growth standards, Fenton preterm growth chart, Ballard score and Intergrowth-21, respectively. Regarding the growth velocity of late preterm infants, most healthcare professionals aimed for 15 g/kg BW/day or more during hospitalisation. Breastmilk was unanimously the primary feeding option for late preterm infants. Most healthcare professionals preferred to use international guidelines over local guidelines. Our study shows that there is a wide divergence in the nutritional guidelines used in managing late preterm infants in Nigeria. Regarding growth monitoring, healthcare professionals tended to aim for a growth velocity higher than necessary for late preterm infants, which may be disadvantageous for their long-term health.

Infant feeding choices among Panamanian mothers: A qualitative study.

Infant and child nutrition practices are among the most critical determinants of infant health and breastfeeding is considered the gold standard of infant feeding. Despite extensive public health interventions to promote breastfeeding, its prevalence has decreased in recent years in Panama, particularly in urban settings. There has been a nearly 20% drop in breastfeeding in the 10 years leading to 2020. Current literature often fails to elucidate the factors underpinning Panamanian mothers' decision making in relation to breastfeeding. This article explores the experiences, views, and decision making related to infant feeding choices of mothers in Panama City. The study used a qualitative approach, involving online semistructured interviews with seven participants. Utilizing the socioecological model enabled an understanding of the influence of the various, nested levels of a mother's social environment on behaviors and practices. Five themes were developed following analysis: "practical, bodily, and emotional challenges"; "workplace influences"; "family and friends' support"; "the role of health care and healthcare professionals"; "the influence of social and cultural norms on decisions and practices." The main barrier to breastfeeding was the lack of family support, especially from grandmothers. In contrast, private lactation consultation and partners' support were perceived as the best approaches for breastfeeding success, suggesting an urgent need for publicly available lactation support. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the complexity of the social norms surrounding infant feeding, showing the challenges that mothers face in this process, and sheds light on the (public) interventions necessary to improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation.

Effects of the atypical antipsychotic and D3/D2 dopamine partial agonist cariprazine on effort-based choice behavior: implications for modeling avolition.

Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic that acts as a D3/D2 receptor partial agonist. In addition to treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, cariprazine may have utility for treating negative symptoms. Rodent studies have focused on the effects of cariprazine on cognitive functions and behaviors thought to be related to anhedonia. Avolition, which is characterized by reduced initiation and persistence of goal-directed behavior, is another important negative symptom. Effort-related choice tasks have been used as animal models of avolition. In these studies, cariprazine was assessed for its effects on effort-based choice in both rats and mice. Previous work has shown that D2 antagonists such as haloperidol and eticlopride produce a low-effort bias in rodents tested on effort-based choice tasks. Low doses of cariprazine produced a low-effort bias in rats tested on the fixed ratio 5/chow feeding choice task, decreasing lever pressing for high carbohydrate pellets but increasing chow intake. Cariprazine did not alter preference or intake of these foods in free-feeding tests. The effort-related effects of cariprazine were reversed by co-administration of the adenosine A2A antagonist istradefylline, and cariprazine failed to reverse the effort-related effects of the dopamine-depleting agent tetrabenazine. In mouse touchscreen choice tests, low doses of cariprazine also produced a low-effort bias, shifting behavior away from panel pressing. These results demonstrate that with these rodent models of avolition, cariprazine appears to act like a D2-family antagonist even at very low doses. Furthermore, the pharmacological regulation of avolition may differ from that of other negative symptoms.

Examining Black Women's Breastfeeding Experiences in the United States: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Studies.

A growing gap in exclusive breastfeeding across racial/ethnic groups in the United States includes a very low proportion of African American/Black women, with only 17.4% breastfeeding exclusively in 2015. While many quantitative studies examine these disparities, few qualitative studies have examined the overall experience of breastfeeding for Black women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the existing qualitative literature on experiences of African American/Black women who breastfeed to gain insight on barriers and facilitators unique to this population. This scoping review included studies that had a focus on any qualitative study design. Evidence was identified by searching electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO). Thirteen papers met the inclusion criteria for this review. Each study was summarized and then analyzed for content to produce a synthesis. Seven themes that influence Black women's experience with breastfeeding were identified: influence of interpersonal relationship on intention to and sustained breastfeeding experiences, influence of institutional systems on initiating and sustaining infant feeding decision, influence of personal beliefs on breastfeeding decisions and experience, material barriers and facilitators to breastfeeding experience, traditional stigma of breastfeeding, historical stigma of breastfeeding influences feeding choice in Black women, and negative impacts of body image. The breastfeeding experience for Black women is unique and poses additional areas for intervention based on cultural and historical stigma. Incorporating the identified factors into intervention design is key to creating more effective policies for improving breastfeeding rates in the Black women and closing the gap across racial/ethnic demographics in the United States. Still, more qualitative research with culturally relevant theories needs to be done to investigate the full scope and complexities of breastfeeding as a Black woman to develop messaging to encourage the behavior.

Movement of Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae on Transgenic Bt and Non-Bt Maize.

Exposure of lepidopteran pests to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins has been shown to affect the behavior of larvae, including increased movement and avoidance of Bt-expressing plants or diet. Therefore, we hypothesized that the behavior of western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important pest of maize, could be affected when exposed to Bt plants. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of artificial arena and on-plant experiments to determine S. albicosta neonate behavior when exposed to Bt and non-Bt plant tissue. Video tracking experiments presented neonate larvae with the choice of Bt or non-Bt pollen in a Petri dish for 15 min while being video recorded for analysis with EthoVision software. This study showed an increase in mean velocity and total time spent moving for larvae in the presence of Cry1F vs. non-Bt when compared with Vip3A vs. non-Bt or Cry1F vs. Vip3A. However, there was no difference in total distance moved or time spent in the food zone for all scenarios. Maize tissue choice experiments allowed neonatal larvae the choice of feeding on Bt or non-Bt tassel or leaves for 9 h in Petri dish arenas. This experiment showed that larvae preferred tassel tissue over leaves but did not indicate that larvae could distinguish between Bt and non-Bt tissue. In contrast, on-plant experiments (including a whole plant neonate dispersal study under controlled conditions and an in-field silking behavior experiment) indicated that the presence of Cry1F and Vip3A Bt toxins increased plant abandonment, suggesting that larvae are able to detect and avoid Bt toxins. The discrepancy of these results is likely due to the on-plant studies providing more field-realistic environmental conditions and a longer duration of exposure to Bt toxins for the behavioral experiments. Our results represent the first steps in understanding the complex behavior of S. albicosta when exposed to Bt plants. A better understanding of the response of larvae when exposed to Bt traits can aid in the management of this pest, particularly for the design of resistance management strategies and refuge design.

Profitability of Using Five Different Commercial Tilapia Starter Feeds on the Ghanaian Market in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus Fingerlings Production

Choice and use of fish feed should not only depend on good fish growth but also, on higher returns on investment. Growth performance and cost-effectiveness of five tilapia starter feeds (Aller Aqua, ARDECFeed, Koudijs, Naam Papa and Raanan) to produce Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings were investigated. The feeds, with crude protein (CP) contents ranging from 42.0 to 60.0%, were randomly coded A, B, C, D and E. The study was conducted in fifteen fine mesh net hapas, each of dimensions 5.0x2.0x1.2 m, installed in three 0.2-hectare earthen ponds with each containing a replicate of each feed type. Nile tilapia fry, ranging from 0.05 to 0.08 g with an initial mean weight of 0.06±0.01 g were stocked at 500 fry hapa-1 and they were fed at 20.0% of their biomass; three times daily. The feeding rate was reduced to 10% when the fry attained mean weights ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 g and finally to 5.0% when they were greater than 5.0 g. The feeding trial lasted for nine weeks (63 days). Fry final mean weight ranged from 17.34±9.12 to 23.62±14.39 g, with B being significantly higher (Tukey`s HSDT, P<0.05) whilst there were no significant differences (ANOVA, P>0.05) among A, C, D and E. The profit indices ranged from 4.13±0.55 to 14.63±0.38, with D being the highest and B, the least. Hence, tilapia hatchery operators should opt for feeds that give higher profit indices, lower production and incidence costs for fingerlings production.

Operational requirements of the ion cyclotron wall conditioning in DTT

The Divertor Tokamak Test facility (DTT), a new superconducting tokamak (B0=6T, Ip=5.5MA, R0=2.19 m, a = 0.7 m, pulse length=100 s) (Ambrosino et al., 2021) under realization at the ENEA Frascati Research centre, needs an efficient first wall conditioning technique suitable for the use in the presence of a permanent magnetic field. The Ion Cyclotron Wall Conditioning (ICWC), based on Radio-Frequency (RF) discharges (Lyssoivan et al., 2012), with waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies, is one of the most efficient technique available (between discharges) for routine inter–pulse and overnight conditioning. ICWC will be performed using the first Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) RF module foreseen during the first phase of DTT and constituted by two Antennas, four or two External Matching Units (EMUs) and four RF solid-state transmitters, operating in the frequency range (60–90) MHz. In the paper by means of the HFSS and CST codes, an eigenvalue analysis of the electromagnetic waves (E/H modes) excited inside the vacuum DTT volume has been carried out. Then full-wave simulations have been run for the entire DTT torus injecting a RF signal with a single and a pair of three–strap antennas, currently in the design phase for DTT, evaluating the S-parameters and the parallel electric field (E//) aligned to the toroidal magnetic field, responsible of the initial gas breakdown. On this basis the most appropriate choice for the RF feeding, in monopole phasing, as well as for the frequency of ICWC discharges in order to maximize E// has been identified and presented in the paper, demonstrating for the first time the usefulness of using an H mode at the frequency of 62.5 MHz instead of the lower frequency of 60 MHz minimizing the RF power required to activate the ionization process. Finally operational parameters for DTT, extrapolated from the analysis of ICWC experiments documented in literature, will be presented.

Cabergoline administration and feeding choices in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) following delivery at a Toronto obstetrics centre: A retrospective chart review

While the WHO currently recommends breastfeeding among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) where formula feeding is not available, Canadian guidelines recommend exclusive formula feeding. Cabergoline, a dopamine agonist, is commonly used for lactation suppression. Our study reviewed feeding choices among PLWH, and timing of cabergoline administration among those who formula fed.

Disclosing the determinants, drivers and predictors of bird depredation on date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) production

Bird intake and damage to fruits of Phoenix dactylifera is a common problem in date palm cultivation regions. Though plant vegetative characteristics and fruit nutritional values influence frugivory behavior in passerines, there is little knowledge about these parameters for sparrows feeding on dates, as most previous studies have focused on the impact of farm organization and location on the feeding choice made by sparrows. This study aimed to examine the effects of date palm tree traits and its fruit morphology and biochemical traits on the level of damage caused by hybrid sparrows to date fruits of three different date palm cultivars. In a traditional date palm plantation, three date varieties (Degla-Beida, Deglet-Nour and Ghars) were analyzed. The estimates of date production loss were correlated to several tree morphometrics and fruit morphological and biochemical traits, including the number of bunches/tree, bunch height, number of pedicels/bunch, number of dates per strand, total production/tree, and date fruit traits (length, width, weight, volume, pulp weight, ratio pulp weight/date weight, sugar content, water content and pH). We demonstrated that sparrows were attracted to bunches with low height and high fruit density, but they showed no interest to number of bunches per tree, number of pedicels per bunch, total number of dates and production per tree. Regarding date morphology, large and heavy dates were more likely to be selected by sparrows, although an unclear relationship was found between production loss per tree and date length, width and volume. In terms of fruit biochemical traits, sparrows damage rates increased with the increase in fruit pH, moisture, and total and reducing sugars. The average rate of lost dates per tree was 9.2 ± 7.66%, 8.4 ± 5.16%, and 3.9 ± 1.71% for Ghars, Deglet-Nour, and Degla-Beida, respectively. Significant differences were observed between cultivars in the amounts of damaged dates still on bunches or fallen on the ground. The hierarchical choice of dates by sparrows was also confirmed. Our results showed that soft dates were more preferred by sparrows than semi-soft and dry ones. The findings of this study indicated that it is necessary to provide extensive protection for highly attacked cultivars in palm groves.

Influence of Spotted Doves Diet on Their Survival in China Urban Areas

The study of urban birds is not an uncommon occurrence. The total amount of food in cities is higher than in rural wild environments, but bird biodiversity is reduced. As a common bird in many cities in China, the spotted dove's feeding choice may determine its dominant position in the urban ecosystem. In this literature review, from the perspective of the food selection of the spotted dove, through its nesting behaviors, diet, and adaptation to the urban ecosystem, the living situation of the spotted dove in China is described, and the reasons for its adaptation to the urban ecosystem are analyzed. At the same time, some suggestions for improving the biodiversity of urban ecosystem based on the living habits of the spotted doves were also discussed

Comparative studies of ovipositional preference, larval feeding selectivity, and nutritional indices of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on 6 crops.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a significant invasive pest identified as a serious threat to global agricultural production and food security. However, its ovipositional preference, larval feeding selectivity, and nutritional indices are less studied. Here, we investigated these traits of FAW when fed on maize, wheat, soybean, tomato, cotton, and Chinese cabbage, and analyzed the correlation between its nutritional indices and the nutritional contents of crops. The results showed that the highest number of eggs were laid on maize and the lowest number were laid on tomato. The highest feeding choice rate of third instar larvae was on maize, and the lowest was on Chinese cabbage. The fifth instar larvae showed the highest feeding choice rate on maize, but no significant differences were found among other crop species. The food consumption (FC), the relative growth rate (RGR), and the approximate digestibility (AD) were significantly higher on maize and wheat, while the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and the efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) were significantly higher when fed on cotton and Chinese cabbage. The FC, the relative consumption rate (RCR), RGR, and AD were significantly and positively correlated with soluble sugar and protein contents of host plants, while the ECI and ECD were significantly and negatively correlated with the soluble sugar content. The present study indicates that FAW may cause potential economic losses to these crops besides maize, and these findings are valuable in managing and controlling this pest.

8th ABM/EABM European Regional Conference May 11–13, 2023 Split, Croatia

8^th ABM/EABM European Regional Conference May 11–13, 2023 Split, Croatia

A Survey of Breastfeeding Attitudes and Health Locus of Control in the Nigerian Population

ObjectivesBreastfeeding is important to infant health and survival in sub-Saharan Africa. To promote breastfeeding effectively, understanding of psychological factors associated with infant feeding choices is required. This study investigated breastfeeding attitudes and health locus of control (HLoC) in a Nigerian community sample.MethodsMen and women (N = 400) (71% female; mean age 34.2 years/ range 18–86 years) were recruited through community groups in Nigeria. Self-report survey by questionnaire measured breastfeeding attitudes using the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) and health locus of control using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLoCs).Results MeanIIFAS scores (mean = 57.7; sd = 7.8) became less favourable with increasing age (p = 0.02). Men had higher IIFAS scores (mean = 58.6; sd = 7.6) than women (mean = 56.6; sd = 8.0) indicating more favourable attitudes toward breastfeeding (p = 0.02). Women scored higher than men on external chance HLoC (ECHLoC) (p = 0.003) and external powerful others HLoC (EPHLoC) (p = 0.02). Increasing age was associated with higher scores on ECHLoC (p < 0.01) and EPHLoC (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis was significant (p < 0.001) and explained 7.8% of variance in breastfeeding attitude. Lower IIFAS scores, reflecting more negative attitudes to breastfeeding, were associated with higher ECHLoC (p < 0.01) and EPOHLoC (p < 0.05). Higher IIFAS scores, reflecting more positive attitudes to breastfeeding, were associated with greater IHLoC (p < 0.01). Neither age nor gender were associated with IIFAS scores in the final model.ConclusionsThis implies a need to explore health locus of control when promoting positive attitudes to breastfeeding and supporting families in breastfeeding advocacy.

FEEDING PREFERENCE OF BAGWORM, METISA PLANA WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA: PSYCHIDAE) ON FOUR DIFFERENT PALM SPECIES

A study was conducted to determine the feeding preference of the bagworm, Metisa plana on different palm species in no-choice and choice feeding tests. In the laboratory study, the larvae of bagworm, M. plana were fed with leaves of four palm species namely oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), coconut (Cocos nucifera), red sealing wax palm (Cyrtostachys renda) and salak (Salacca zalacca). In the no-choice feeding test, the bagworms were fed with leaves of each selected palm species and in the choice feeding test, the M. plana were fed in pairs with leaves of E. guineensis as a constant diet and each of C. nucifera, C. renda and S. zalacca respectively. Furthermore, the feeding preference of bagworms on E. guineensis and C. nucifera leaves was evaluated in a semi-field trial. The result of the laboratory study showed that C. nucifera was the most preferred host plant followed by E. guineensis, C. renda and S. zalacca. The M. plana fed with C. nucifera leaves recorded 28.83 cm2 and 22.01cm2 of total leaflet area consumed in the no-choice feeding test and choice feeding test respectively. The bagworms feeding on leaves of C. nucifera showed 33.33 per cent survival rate and were observed to have the fastest larval development and transformation to pupal stage. The leaves of C. nucifera were preferred over E. guineensis despite the latter being the observed host plant of this bagworm species. In no-choice assessments, the M. plana fed with E. guineensis leaves recorded a total leaf area consumption at 26.89 cm2 and showed only a 13.33 per cent survival rate. C. renda and S. zalacca leaves were recorded as the least preferred host plant and recorded a low leaf area consumption at 14.67cm2 and 11.40 cm2 in no-choice feeding and 1.29 cm2 and 5.05 cm2 in choice feeding respectively. The M. plana that were fed with the two respective palms did not survive to the pupal stage. In the semi-field study, similar results were obtained as C. nucifera was recorded as the more preferred host plant by the bagworm as compared to E. guineensis. The cumulative damage on the leaves of the palms was recorded at 29.37 per cent for C. nucifera and 13.13 per cent for E. guineensis. In the choice feeding test, the bagworms fed with leaves of C. nucifera recorded 12.71 per cent and that of E. guineensis at 8.19 per cent of cumulative damage. The percentage of survival rate of bagworms that were fed with C. nucifera leaves was recorded to be significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) at 18.75 ± 2.16 per cent as compared to E. guineensis that recorded only 9.50 ± 1.53 per cent. Keywords: Bagworm, Metisa plana, feeding preference, oil palm, coconut, red sealing wax palm, salak palm.

Contribution of woody plants to horses’ diets in Mediterranean rangelands

In Mediterranean countries, shrubby and woody areas provide herds with cheap fodder. However, some horse farmers are reluctant to use woody rangelands, which they associate with low-quality feed. In this article, we explore some aspects of the feeding behavior of horses on Mediterranean shrubby and woody rangelands, in order to document their pastoral interest for horses. We observed the feeding choices of young horses grazing on typical peri-Mediterranean rangelands. Observations were repeated at two sites, with four horses per site, over four days with two observers. At each site, two horses were fitted with GPS (positioning system) collars to determine their presence in different areas of the paddocks. Ingested plants were classified in a coding grid. The chemical characteristics of each feed item were estimated by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). A hierarchical classification of NIRS spectra defined four classes. Leaves, twigs, and flowers of several woody species were ingested (1‒18% of recorded bites), although herbaceous species were preferred (&gt; 80% of bites). Horses explored the entire paddocks but grazed preferentially in open areas. The differences observed between sites suggested a strong effect of local grazing conditions. The chemical composition of feed from shrubs and trees was close to that of herbaceous forbs but quite different from that of grasses. Three out of four classes associated woody plants and forbs. These classes had interesting nutritional characteristics (protein &gt; 12%). These results confirm the positive contribution of woody plants to horses' nutrition, in addition to the other roles of woody plants in the well-being of horses on pasture.

Comparison of Mixed and Choice Feeding of Whole Wheat (Triticum aestivum) on the Performance of Commercial Broilers

Wheat is the cereal grain of choice for Whole Grain Feeding (WGF) in poultry, despite the fact that globally maize is the most commonly used cereal grain. In this context, in the present study feeding of whole wheat to commercial broilers with two types of feeding systems were used ie. mixed and choice feeding systems of wheat with different levels of replacement with maize by 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%. The body weight and body weight gain of birds fed with 20% and 40% choice feeding of wheat was found to be the highest (p&lt;0.05). The mean wheat consumption (g/bird) from total feed consumption under choice feeding during 2 to 6 weeks of age in birds fed with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% were found to be 363.18, 720.12, 1398.45, 2160.30 and 3202.10, respectively. Birds fed with choice feeding of 40% wheat showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved FCR. The highest livability (%) was found in the birds fed with 40% and 100% choice feeding of wheat. The gizzard weight (g) showed non-significant difference among the birds fed with various treatment rations. The highest return over feed cost (in Rs.) was found in the birds fed with 40% choice feeding of wheat. The overall results indicated that choice feeding system is more suitable for better body weight gain and improved FCR as compared to mixed feeding system of whole wheat. Feeding with 40% maize in diet replaced by wheat and offered in separate feeder is more economical and profitable due to higher body weight gain, improved FCR and acceptable mortality.

Dalla Terapia Intensiva Neonatale alla Pediatria di famiglia

Discharge planning of preterm infants and transition from the neonatologist to the primary care paediatrician are key components of family-centred Neonatal Intensive Care Unit care. Growth support and monitoring, feeding choices, management of gastroesophageal reflux, neurodevelopmental issues, clinical follow-up and monitoring at home, screening and recommended vaccinations are issues that the primary care paediatrician will face in caring for these children. Many of the problems extremely preterm infants face are not yet resolved at the time of hospital discharge and will require continued outpatient management by the neonatologist, primary care paediatrician and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Parents will need to participate in a comprehensive discharge planning programme tailored to their infant’s individual needs and family resources. This article discusses the main clinical problems that primary care paediatricians have to face from the day of discharge and the successive care of the preterm infant, which is often very challenging and delicate.

Tilting the Scale: Current Provider Perspectives and Practices on Breastfeeding with HIV in the United States

The risk of vertical transmission from breastfeeding with HIV (BFHIV) has been found to be very low in optimal scenarios with sustained maternal viral suppression during pregnancy and postpartum. Medical providers must account for the risk of this serious adverse event alongside parental autonomy, breastfeeding benefits, and patient values. To assess provider practices, comfort, and challenges with BFHIV, an online mixed-method survey was sent to breastfeeding and HIV provider listservs from June to July 2021. The target population was US medical professionals from diverse practice settings with experience in clinical issues associated with BFHIV, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and lactation consultants. Data analysis utilized nonparametric hypothesis testing, ordinal regression, and reflexive thematic analysis. Most providers reported counseling pregnant people with HIV on infant feeding choices, but fewer specifically endorsed counseling about breastfeeding. Of 84 unique institutions identified by 100 included respondents, 10% had an institutional protocol supporting BFHIV. Institutional protocols were associated with higher degrees of provider comfort with BFHIV in optimal scenario clinical vignettes. Providers perceived that White patients faced fewer BFHIV barriers than patients with other racial identities. Discomfort balancing the goals to protect infants from infection risk and support the parent's role in infant feeding decisions was a key theme in free text responses; this manifested in a spectrum of management styles ranging from patient's informed choice to paternalism. This study highlights the tension providers navigate regarding BFHIV discussions, calling for patient care guidelines and protocols grounded in risk reduction and respect of patient autonomy.

Intraguild Predation of Hippodamia variegata on Aphid Mummies in Cotton Field.

Intraguild predation among arthropod predators in agricultural ecosystems may have a negative impact on biological control. At present, there are few direct reports on trophic relationships among participants of predation in field groups. In this study, we measured the feeding choices of Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) towards mummies with different densities of Aphis gossypii Glover. The dynamics of the occurrence of mummies in the cotton field were investigated over 2017-2019. Singleplex PCR and multiplex PCR were used to detect the predation of 2090 H. variegata individuals on aphids and mummies in Xinjiang cotton field, which revealed the intraguild predation frequency between H. variegata and various parasitoids. There was no obvious feeding preference of H. variegata towards live aphids or mummies, which mainly depended on the relative density of prey. Among the four species of aphids detected in H. variegata, A. gossypii had a high detection rate and was the main prey source of the ladybeetle in the cotton filed. Mostly, ladybeetles consumed parasitoids through mummies, with 6.39% directly feeding on adult parasitoids. H. variegata had strong trophic links to both parasitoids and aphids. We established a food web of aphids-primary parasitoids-hyperparasitoids-H. variegata, which can be used to evaluate the pest control ability of H. variegata from a new perspective.