Geographical Areas Research Articles

Are Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Screenings in Pregnant Women Being Properly Performed? A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study in Italy

A new Italian intersociety position statement on the prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum was published in 2023. In this document, attention was paid to the indications for the screening of gonococcal and chlamydial infections during pregnancy according to the international and national guidelines for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted an observational retrospective study to assess whether the current guidelines for the prevention of STIs are being followed correctly. From February to August 2022, 2507 women nearing childbirth were enrolled. Among them, 42.4% received a swab for Chlamydia and only 0.5% for gonococcus. Concerning the geographical area of origin, most of the screened women came from Western Europe. None of the women who received gonococcal swabs and only 105 women out of 1062 screened for Chlamydia were under 25 years of age. Overall, only seven swabs were positive for Chlamydia, while none were positive for gonococcus. Concerning the age, geographical area of origin, and medical history of the women with a positive screening for Chlamydia, all were over 25 years old, six were from Western Europe, one was from South America, and none had other STIs. Although monocentric in nature, this study shows that the guidelines are not being followed correctly.

Extended-Release 7-Day Injectable Buprenorphine for Patients With Minimal to Mild Opioid Withdrawal

Buprenorphine is an effective yet underused treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). To evaluate the feasibility (acceptability, tolerability, and safety) of 7-day injectable extended-release buprenorphine in patients with minimal to mild opioid withdrawal. This nonrandomized trial comprising 4 emergency departments in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Pacific geographic areas of the US included adults aged 18 years or older with moderate to severe OUD and Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) scores less than 8 (minimal to mild), in which scores range from 0 to 7, with higher scores indicating increasing withdrawal. Exclusion criteria included methadone-positive urine, pregnancy, overdose, or required admission. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, daily for 7 days by telephone surveys, and in person at 7 days. Patient recruitment occurred between July 13, 2020, and May 25, 2023. Injection of a 24-mg dose of a weekly extended-release formulation of buprenorphine (CAM2038) and referral for ongoing OUD care. Primary feasibility outcomes included the number of patients who (1) experienced a 5-point or greater increase in the COWS score or (2) transitioned to moderate or greater withdrawal (COWS score ≥13) within 4 hours of extended-release buprenorphine or (3) experienced precipitated withdrawal within 1 hour of extended-release buprenorphine. Secondary outcomes included injection pain, satisfaction, craving, use of nonprescribed opioids, adverse events, and engagement in OUD treatment. A total of 100 adult patients were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 36.5 [8.7] years; 72% male). Among the patients, 10 (10.0% [95% CI, 4.9%-17.6%]) experienced a 5-point or greater increase in COWS and 7 (7.0% [95% CI, 2.9%-13.9%]) transitioned to moderate or greater withdrawal within 4 hours, and 2 (2.0% [95% CI, 0.2%-7.0%]) experienced precipitated withdrawal within 1 hour of extended-release buprenorphine. A total of 7 patients (7.0% [95% CI, 2.9%-13.9%]) experienced precipitated withdrawal within 4 hours of extended-release buprenorphine, which included 2 of 63 (3.2%) with a COWS score of 4 to 7 and 5 of 37 (13.5%) with a COWS score of 0 to 3. Site pain scores (based on a total pain score of 10, in which 0 indicated no pain and 10 was the worst possible pain) after injection were low immediately (median, 2.0; range, 0-10.0) and after 4 hours (median, 0; range, 0-10.0). On any given day among those who responded, between 29 (33%) and 31 (43%) patients reported no cravings and between 59 (78%) and 75 (85%) reported no use of opioids; 57 patients (60%) reported no days of opioid use. Improving privacy (62%) and not requiring daily medication (67%) were deemed extremely important. Seventy-three patients (73%) were engaged in OUD treatment on day 7. Five serious adverse events occurred that required hospitalization, of which 2 were associated with medication. This nonrandomized trial of the feasibility of a 7-day buprenorphine injectable in patients with minimal to mild opioid withdrawal (COWS scores, 0-7) found the formulation to be acceptable, well tolerated, and safe in those with COWS scores of 4 to 7. This new medication formulation could substantially increase the number of patients with OUD receiving buprenorphine. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04225598.

Conservation genomics of the wild pumpkin Cucurbita radicans in Central Mexico: The influence of a changing environment on the genetic diversity and differentiation of a rare species.

The genetic diversity found in natural populations is the result of the evolutionary forces in response to historical and contemporary factors. The environmental characteristics and geological history of Mexico promoted the evolution and diversification of plant species, including wild relatives of crops such as the wild pumpkins (Cucurbita). Wild pumpkin species are found in a variety of habitats, evidencing their capability to adapt to different environments. Despite the potential value of wild Cucurbita as a genetic reservoir for crops, there is a lack of studies on their genetic diversity. Cucurbita radicans is an endangered species threatened by habitat destruction leading to low densities in small and isolated populations. Here, we analyze Genotype by Sequencing genomic data of the wild pumpkin C. radicans to evaluate the influence of factors like isolation, demographic history, and the environment shaping the amount and distribution of its genetic variation. We analyzed 91 individuals from 14 localities along its reported distribution. We obtained 5,107 SNPs and found medium-high levels of genetic diversity and genetic structure distributed in four main geographic areas with different environmental conditions. Moreover, we found signals of demographic growth related to historical climatic shifts. Outlier loci analysis showed significant association with the environment, principally with precipitation variables. Also, the outlier loci displayed differential changes in their frequencies in response to future global climate change scenarios. Using the results of genetic structure, outlier loci and multivariate analyses of the environmental conditions, we propose priority localities for conservation that encompass most of the genetic diversity of C. radicans.

Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with Sarcoptes scabiei in wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Although mortality caused by Sarcoptes scabiei has been reported in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), there is a lack of detailed information regarding the exposure of wild lagomorph species to this parasite. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with S. scabiei exposure in European wild rabbits and Iberian hares in Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain. Between 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons, serum samples from 464 wild rabbits and 132 Iberian hares were collected from 100 hunting grounds in Andalusia (southern Spain). Sera were tested using an in-house indirect ELISA to detect specific anti-S. scabiei antibodies based on the immunodominant protein Ssλ20ΔB3. The overall apparent individual seroprevalence was 15.9% (95/596; 95%CI: 13.0–18.9). Antibodies against S. scabiei were detected in 11.6% (54/464; 95%CI: 8.7–14.5) of the European wild rabbits and 31.1% (41/132; 95%CI: 23.2–39.0) of the Iberian hares. Species (Iberian hare), age (adults) and geographical area (western Andalusia) were identified as risk factors potentially associated with S. scabiei exposure using generalized estimating equation analysis. By applying spatial analysis, two significant cluster of high seropositivity were detected in western and central Andalusia, respectively. The seroprevalence values obtained provide evidence of endemic, widespread and heterogeneous exposure to S. scabiei among wild lagomorph populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing integrated surveillance programs for sarcoptic mange in wild lagomorphs as well as in other sympatric species.

Land Suitability Analysis for Residential Development in an Ecologically Sensitive Area: A Case Study of Nusantara, the New Indonesian Capital

Land suitability analysis is a process of evaluating various criteria to assess the appropriateness of land for specific purposes, such as agriculture, urban development, conservation, or infrastructure projects. This paper integrates multi-criteria analysis (MCA) and geographic information systems (GIS) to assess potential residential development suitability in Nusantara—the new Indonesian Capital. This study used two models to evaluate residential development suitability—a simple suitability model with equal criteria weight and a weighted suitability model using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach with two scenarios (waterfront city and biodiversity-positive city). Various criteria, including physical attributes, natural preservation and protection, blue amenities, transport accessibility, and natural disaster risks, were analysed. Integrating MCA with the AHP approach and GIS can be considered an advanced methodology. The simple suitability model is relatively more straightforward than the weighted suitability model since it does not require a weighting process. However, the weighted suitability model produced more nuanced results for the case study as the approach more accurately models real-world conditions. The weighted suitability analysis showed that most of the western and eastern parts of the new capital are highly suitable for future residential development. Comparing the Indonesian government’s planned residential areas with the result of the weighted suitability model for the biodiversity-positive city scenario showed that most planned residential areas are in highly suitable areas. The methodologies in the paper can be extended to similar contexts in different geographical areas.

Genetic diversity of the Chagas vector Triatoma dimidiata s.l. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) across geographic scales in a top-priority area for control.

Population genetic structure of arthropod disease vectors provides important information on vector movement and climate or other environmental variables that influence their distribution. This information is critical for data-driven vector control. In the first comprehensive study of the genetic structure of T. dimidiata s.l. (Latreille, 1811) we focus on an area of active transmission designated as a top priority for control. We examined a high number of specimens across a broad geographic area along the border of Guatemala and El Salvador including multiple spatial scales using a high number of genome-wide markers. Measuring admixture, pairwise genetic differentiation, and relatedness, we estimated the specimens represented three genetic clusters. We found evidence of movement (migration/gene flow) across all spatial scales with more admixture among locations in El Salvador than in Guatemala. Although there was significant isolation by distance, the 2 close villages in Guatemala showed either the most or least genetic variation indicating an additional role of environmental variables. Further, we found that social factors may be influencing the genetic structure. We demonstrated the power of genomic studies with a large number of specimens across a broad geographic area. The results suggest that for effective vector control movement must be considered on multiple spatial scales along with its contributing factors.

Digital violence in schools: a unified theory and structural equation model to counteract cyberbullying

Purpose This study aims to investigate the dynamics of cyberbullying among minority youths, focusing on its increasing prevalence in the digital realm, which does not necessitate technical expertise from the offenders. It explores a shift from conventional bully characteristics to individuals assuming new digital personas, merging traditional criminology with flag theory to analyze violent behavior online, specifically in educational environments, and studying the correlation between low self-control, affiliations with delinquent peers and the likelihood of cyberbullying occurrences. Design/methodology/approach The research uses structural equation modeling to examine survey data from 237 eleventh-grade students in St. Louis public schools, focusing on the relationships between cyberbullying, low self-control and association with delinquent peers within a comprehensive theoretical framework that includes the flag theory and demographic factors, as well as using multigroup analysis to investigate racial dynamics and confirming indirect effects using bootstrapping techniques. Findings The research establishes strong connections between low self-control, delinquent peer involvement, and cyberbullying, supporting the flag theory in digital violence contexts, while also showing that low self-control and peer engagement play a mediating role in cyberbullying incidents among minority youth, with racial composition having no significant impact on these dynamics. Research limitations/implications The study is restricted by its focus on a particular geographical area, in conjunction with its reliance on self-reported information obtained exclusively from a specific age group. This specificity raises concerns about the applicability of the findings to diverse populations. Furthermore, the study’s dependence on a three-item assessment for cyberbullying, combined with the challenges encountered in achieving complete scalar invariance during multigroup analysis, emphasizes the need for more precise measurement tools and improved methodological frameworks. Practical implications This research discloses actionable insights fundamental to the advancement of cyberbullying prevention strategies. The finding that the connection between race and the effects of peer association and self-control on cyberbullying is minimal suggests that these interventions can be generally applied, transcending racial boundaries. Moreover, identifying self-control as a critical intermediary offers fresh avenues for cybercrime research, shifting the conventional focus from established predictors. By zeroing in on peer influence as a fundamental element, this study provides innovative angles to bolster the understanding of digital violence mitigation in educational settings. Social implications This research emphasizes the urgent concern of cyberbullying among minority youths, along with its psychological and academic impacts. By elucidating the interaction between personal traits and social networks, the findings can guide comprehensive strategies aimed at cultivating safer digital spaces and bolstering social wellness within educational frameworks. Originality/value This research presents an original and ground-breaking method that combines various theories in criminology specifically in the context of cyberbullying among minority youths. By proposing a new and redefined role for self-control, which is not seen as the common main predictor but rather as a crucial mediator, this study provides fresh insights into the dynamics of cyber aggression. Through the detailed examination of the flag theory framework, the study uncovers the complex reciprocal relationship between self-control and peer engagement, revealing previously overlooked mechanisms in a broader landscape of digital violence.

Assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure in Moringa oleifera accessions using DNA markers and phenotypic descriptors

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is one of the multipurpose trees with significant promise as a high-value crop of industrial importance, having nutritional, therapeutic, and prophylactic properties. Genetic diversity is a cornerstone of any crop improvement program and plays a key role in the selection of promising parental lines for hybrid breeding. Morphological and molecular markers have been proven to be potential tools for the evaluation of genetic diversity, crop genetic improvement, and conservation of plant genetic resources. In the current study, morphological descriptors, RAPD, and SCoT markers were used to determine genetic diversity among 28 M. oleifera accessions. Significant morphological variations were noted for several economic traits across the accessions studied. Four primary clusters were visible on the dendrogram based on phenotypic markers, indicating clustering of accession from a shared geographical habitat. No correlation was estimated between morphological traits, indicating an environmental influence. Three RAPD and seven SCoT primer sets produced 37 and 46 markers, with 53.2 and 71.3% polymorphisms, respectively. Based on genotypic data and the UPGMA approach, all 28 accessions were separated into two major clusters in the phylogenetic tree, irrespective of any geographical areas. The clustering pattern indicates widespread plant species and rapid gene flow through cross-pollination in Moringa populations. Three subpopulations of the involved accessions were identified by population structure analysis; however, there was only a weak link with the location of plant cultivation. The expected heterozygosity for the three subpopulations varied from 0.23 to 0.32, as per R-based structural analysis. AMOVA's attribution of 86% and 19% of all variations to within- and between-populations, respectively, indicates that there has been gene flow across geographic regions. The PCA showed a wide distribution of genotypes in the scatterplot, also suggesting huge genetic variation among the M. oleifera population. The study revealed a significant level of genetic diversity among M. oleifera accessions, which can be harnessed to conserve plant genetic resources and develop high-yielding, nutrient-dense Moringa cultivars.

NLRP3 (rs10754558) gene polymorphism and tumor necrosis factor alpha as predictors for disease activity and response to methotrexate and adalimumab in psoriasis

BackgroundPsoriasis has a global prevalence of 1–3%, with variations observed across different ethnic groups and geographical areas. Disease susceptibility and response to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) drugs suggest different genetic regulatory mechanisms which may include NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) polymorphism. Evaluation of the NLRP3 gene polymorphism, the serum level of CRP and TNFα in psoriasis patients and assessment of the NLRP3 (rs10754558) gene polymorphism, CRP and TNFα with disease severity and their role as biomarkers for response to Methotrexate and Adalimumab in psoriasis. The study had a total of 75 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris, who were compared to a control group of 75 healthy individuals.ResultsThere was a highly significant difference in NLRP3 genotypes and alleles distribution between psoriasis patients and controls (P = 0.002,0.004). The heterozygote genotype GC (OR = 3.67,95%CI:1.75–7.68, P = 0.0006), was linked with increased risk of psoriasis. Additionally, The GC genotype was significantly associated with nonresponse to psoriasis therapy (OR = 11.7,95%CI:3.24–42.28, P = 0.0002). Regarding serum CRP and TNFα levels, there was a highly statistically significant difference between psoriasis patients and controls (P < 0.0001), and there was also a highly statistically significant difference between responders and non-responders in psoriasis patients regarding PASI 50 (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe NLRP3 (rs10754558) genotypes GC was associated with the severe form of psoriasis and with nonresponse to psoriasis medication. Therefore, NLRP3 (rs10754558) gene polymorphism is an important prognostic biomarker in psoriasis patients. The serum TNFα can be used as a predictor for response to therapy in psoriasis patients. More research for evaluation of role of the NLRP3 gene polymorphism in the genetic risks and treatment outcomes associated with psoriasis is still required.

20 years of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) research in low-income and middle-income countries: systematic evaluation of progress made in addressing WHO priorities for research in HSV-2/HIV interactions, HSV-2 control and mathematical modelling

IntroductionReviewing and updating research priorities is essential to assess progress and to ensure optimal allocation of financial and human resources in research. In 2001, WHO held a research priority setting...

Bee monitoring by community scientists: comparing a collections-based program with iNaturalist.

Bee monitoring, or widespread efforts to document bee community biodiversity, can involve data collection using lethal (specimen collections) or non-lethal methods (observations, photographs). Additionally, data can be collected by professional scientists or by volunteer participants from the general public. Collection-based methods presumably produce more reliable data with fewer biases against certain taxa, while photography-based approaches, such as data collected from public natural history platforms like iNaturalist, can involve more people and cover a broader geographic area. Few efforts have been made to quantify the pros and cons of these different approaches. We established a community science monitoring program to assess bee biodiversity across the state of Pennsylvania (USA) using specimen collections with nets, blue vane traps, and bowl traps. We recruited 26 participants, mostly Master Gardeners, from across the state to sample bees after receiving extensive training on bee monitoring topics and methods. The specimens they collected were identified to species, stored in museum collections, and the data added to public databases. Then, we compared the results from our collections to research-grade observations from iNaturalist during the same time period (2021 and 2022). At state and county levels, we found collections data documented over twice as much biodiversity and novel baseline natural history data (state and county records) than data from iNaturalist. iNaturalist data showed strong biases toward large-bodied and non-native species. This study demonstrates the value of highly trained community scientists for collections-based research that aims to document patterns of bee biodiversity over space and time.

Education and Religion in Shaping Support for Same-Sex Relations: Considering Differences Over Time and Across Geographical Areas

Abstract Across the world, attitudes about same-sex relationships have become rapidly more supportive. While education is typically viewed as a liberalizing force, religious beliefs are often seen as restricting more tolerant perspectives and contributing to more conservative attitudes in general. Focusing on the United States, this study examines the roles of religion and education, as individual and group properties, for understanding disapproval of same-sex relationships. Drawing on restricted information that makes it possible to identify where General Social Survey respondents lived, we find that graduating from college is associated with more support, but has less of an effect on Evangelicals and more religiously engaged people. Moreover, we find that residents in areas with higher overall levels of education became liberal faster, irrespective of whether or not they had a college degree. Our findings speak to the power of education and religion, as micro and macro forces, for understanding public opinion about same-sex relations over time.

Geographic and dietary differences of urinary uranium levels in the Strong Heart Family Study.

American Indian (AI) communities are affected by uranium exposure from abandoned mines and naturally contaminated drinking water. Few studies have evaluated geographical differences across AI communities and the role of dietary exposures. We evaluated differences in urinary uranium levels by diet and geographical area among AI participants from the Northern Plains, the Southern Plains, and the Southwest enrolled in the Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS). We used food frequency questionnaires to determine dietary sources related to urinary uranium levels for 1,682 SHFS participants in 2001-2003. We calculated adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of urinary uranium for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in self-reported food group consumption accounting for family clustering and adjusting for sociodemographic variables and other food groups. We determined the percentage of variability in urinary uranium explained by diet. Median (IQR) urinary uranium levels were 0.027 (0.012, 0.057) μg/g creatinine. Urinary uranium levels were higher in Arizona (median 0.039 μg/g) and North Dakota and South Dakota (median 0.038 μg/g) and lower in Oklahoma (median 0.019 μg/g). The adjusted percent increase (95% confidence interval) of urinary uranium levels per IQR increase in reported food intake was 20% (5%, 36%) for organ meat, 11% (1%, 23%) for cereals, and 14% (1%, 29%) for alcoholic drinks. In analyses stratified by study center, the association with organ meat was specific to North Dakota and South Dakota participants. An IQR increase in consumption of fries and chips was inversely associated with urinary uranium levels -11% (-19%, -3%). Overall, we estimated that self-reported dietary exposures explained 1.71% of variability in urine uranium levels. Our paper provides a novel assessment of self-reported food intake and urinary uranium levels in a cohort of American Indian participants. We identify foods (organ meat, cereals, and alcohol) positively associated with urinary uranium levels, find that organ meat consumption is only associated with urine uranium in North Dakota and South Dakota, and estimate that diet explains relatively little variation in total urinary uranium concentrations. Our findings contribute meaningful data toward a more comprehensive estimation of uranium exposure among Native American communities and support the need for high-quality assessments of water and dust uranium exposures in SHFS communities.

Speculative culture and corporate high-quality development in China: mediating effect of corporate innovation

This paper associates the speculative culture with the corporate total factor productivity (TFP), aiming to explore the influence of speculative culture on corporate high-quality development. The results reveal that the presence of a speculative atmosphere varies across different regions in China, leading to uneven development among companies located in these regions. Specifically, companies situated in regions with a weaker speculative culture demonstrate higher TFP. The finding suggests a causal relationship between speculative culture and corporate high-quality development by adopting an instrumental variable test using natural calamities. Moreover, the research indicates that speculative culture can impact corporate high-quality development by influencing their innovation activities. Additionally, the study identifies heterogeneous effects of speculative culture on companies of different sizes and levels of analyst attention. The implications of this research shed light on the influence of speculative culture on the real economy, providing insights into the informal institutional factors contributing to the corporate high-quality development in different geographical areas. These findings contribute to the promotion of economic high-quality development at the geographical level and inform related policy formulation.

Heart Zone as a measure to influence traffic safety culture: which factors influence culture change?

Measures to influence traffic safety culture in designated areas (e.g. schools) exist in several different countries across the world. The Norwegian traffic safety scheme Heart Zone is a measure that aims to influence the traffic culture within a specific geographical area. The study examines whether four Norwegian schools have managed to establish a Heart Zone traffic safety culture, factors facilitating and impeding the implementation of Heart Zone traffic safety culture and subsequent changes in parents' traffic safety behavior. The study is based on survey data from four Norwegian schools (n = 220) and qualitative interviews (n = 19). Although the level of implementation varies, results from the interviews and the survey suggest that the schools have established Heart Zone cultures, where large proportions of the parents drop the children off at the recommended drop-off zone, when driving, are attentive to students who come walking/cycling within the Heart Zone and walk or cycle when transporting children within the Heart Zone. The Heart Zone culture is related to changes in parents' traffic safety behaviors and reductions in dangerous traffic situations. The study identifies specific factors facilitating and impeding traffic culture change, related to enclosed geographical areas like the Heart Zone, developing an analytical model that researchers and future traffic culture measures like this can learn from.

O-103

Abstract In the mid-1970s, when women born immediately after the Second World War were at full reproductive age, the demographic transition in Europe could be considered concluded. Birth and death rates were around 10 per thousand (a quarter compared to a century earlier), fertility was around two children per woman, and the differences in fertility between countries were modest. It seemed like the end of a path towards a new demographic stability. In reality, for subsequent cohorts, things continue to change: fertility in many countries declines, while differences between countries grow. The fertility of women born around 1980 in Europe is not far from two children for France and Northern Europe, around 1.6 children in Central and Eastern Europe, around 1.4 children in Southern Europe. Although these differences may seem minimal, the medium-long term consequences on age distributions are enormous. It would be wrong, however, to say that no similar patterns of fertility exist after the end of the demographic transition. First of all, as already mentioned, there are strong similarities between countries and regions of the same geographical area: Italian fertility patterns, for example, are similar to those of other countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Balkan states. Furthermore, all European countries share a progressive increase in the age at birth, both of the first and subsequent children, while late fertility (35+ years of age) increases greatly. The differences between countries are far from irrelevant. However, the variability between countries has been progressively decreasing for thirty years now. These changes in reproductive behaviours are intertwined with other important changes in Europe's natural demography. The most important is undoubtedly aging, determined by the lengthening of the average lifespan, especially by the spectacular increase in survival beyond fifty years of age. This phenomenon has also been very diversified among European states, less accentuated in particular in Eastern Europe and Russia. The imbalances in the age structure of the population generated by the joint effect of low birth rates and high survival of the elderly are attenuated by consistent and growing immigration flows from poor countries, where – contrary to what happened in Europe – the working age population grows. These population movements are accompanied by those within Europe, in particular from Eastern and Balkan countries to the other part of the continent. The future prospects of European demography are traced starting from this global description, underlining in particular what can reasonably be predicted about reproductive behaviour.

Police mental health in small and rural areas of Pennsylvania

PurposeThe nature of policework is uniquely challenging to officers’ mental health, producing detrimental outcomes such as higher rates of suicide, substance abuse and divorce compared to other occupations. This is especially true in small and rural police departments, where officers often have broader responsibilities and cover a larger geographic area than their counterparts who work in large urban departments. Given the limited resources available to small and rural police, the purpose of this study is to explore the mental health services available to officers in small and rural police departments.Design/methodology/approachWe used a mixed methods approach. First, we surveyed 349 small and rural Pennsylvania police chiefs about the mental health services in their department. Of these chiefs, 53 participated in subsequent in-depth qualitative interviews about officer awareness of the mental health services available to them, what resources they thought would be helpful to officers and what barriers exist to prevent officers from seeking help.FindingsQuantitative results indicated that 22% of small and rural police departments had no mental health programs available to officers; Critical Incident Stress Management and Employee Assistance Programs were most commonly available. Budget size and the presence of a union influenced whether a department had mental health programs available to officers. Qualitative interviews found that although most departments provided some mental health services, officers were unlikely to use them. Chiefs expressed a need for improved services that officers might be more likely to use.Practical implicationsGiven the lack of resources available in small and rural police departments and the lack of adoption of some resources, we recommend peer assistance, general wellness programs and telehealth as feasible options for officer mental health.Originality/valueSmall and rural police comprise the bulk of policing in the USA, yet remain understudied. This study focuses on small and rural police.

P-205 Exploring the influence of platelet rich plasma (PRP) versus PRP with hyaluronic acid on endometrial thickness (ET) and IVF outcome: a pilot study

Abstract Study question What is the impact of sub-endometrial instillation of PRP versus PRP with hyaluronic acid on ET and IVF outcome defined by positive and clinical pregnancy Summary answer PRP with hyaluronic acid group had more endometrial thickness with better vascularity and better pregnancy outcomes as compared to normal PRP What is known already Receptive endometrium is the end result of an interplay of a myriad of cytokines, adhesion molecules growth factors etc. Defect in these can result in thin endometrium. Sub endometrial PRP instillation has been attempted in such cases with promising results and acts by stimulating cell growth and angiogenesis These actions are enhanced by hyaluronic acid along with its antiadhesive effect. PRP with hyaluronic acid has been used previously in orthopedics, dermatology but not documented in thin endometrium. Most of previous studies have focused on endometrial thickness and no comparison has been done between PRP and PRP with hyaluronic acid. Study design, size, duration A retrospective observational study was conducted at Gunjan IVF WORLD Ghaziabad, from January 2022 to Dec 2023. Total 215 patients between the age group of 21-50 years with thin endometrium (ET &amp;lt; 7mm) with zone 2 or less vascularity with at least 1 good quality blastocyst for transfer were selected. They were subjected to hysteroscopic sub endometrial PRP instillation or instillation of PRP with hyaluronic acid Participants/materials, setting, methods Women with diverse reasons for infertility were divided into 2 groups - those receiving PRP (87 subjects) vs PRP with hyaluronic acid (128 subjects). PRP was activated by adding 0.1 ml of Calcium Chloride in 0.9 ml of PRP. Hyaluronic acid (80IU/ML) was added to PRP in the ratio of 1:5. The two groups were compared for positive pregnancy defined as βhCG &amp;gt;100 mIU/ml, clinical pregnancy defined as visualization of gestational sac and endometrial thickness Main results and the role of chance 112 of 215 (52.09%) women had positive pregnancy outcomes (βhCG &amp;gt;100 mIU/ml). Of the 112 subjects having positive outcomes, 40 (35.71%) belonged to normal PRP group and 72 (64.28%) belonged to PRP with hyaluronic acid group. Clinical pregnancy was seen in 37 (33.03%) in normal PRP group and 70(62.5%) in PRP with hyaluronic acid group. Mean βhCG was significantly higher in PRP with hyaluronic acid group (p = 0.013). Mean endometrial thickness was also higher in PRP with hyaluronic acid group (p = 0.05). The findings of the study suggest that PRP with hyaluronic acid has much better results in patients with thin endometrium in terms of not only the endometrial thickness but it also translates into better pregnancy rates. Limitations, reasons for caution 1. Patient pool from limited geographical area. 2. More Randomized controlled trials with larger sample size required to assess efficacy of Platelet rich plasma with hyaluronic acid. 3. The results were analyzed only up to clinical pregnancy and not ongoing pregnancy or live birth rates Wider implications of the findings 1. PRP with hyaluronic acid can be a boon to patients having thin endometrium who otherwise would have sub optimal IVF outcomes 2. Study can encourage larger randomized controlled trials in this direction especially in cases of intrauterine adhesions. Trial registration number not applicable

Wild yeast isolation by middle school students reveals features of North American oak populations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis.

Features of the natural life cycle of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were crucial to its domestication as a laboratory experimental model, especially the ability to maintain stable haploid clones and cross them at will to combine alleles via meiosis. Stable haploidy results from mutations in HO , which encodes an endonuclease required for haploid-specific mating-type switching. Previous studies found an unexpected diversity of HO alleles among natural isolates within a small geographic area. We developed a hands-on field and laboratory activity for middle school students in Denver, Colorado, USA to isolate wild yeast from oak bark, identify species via DNA sequencing, and sequence HO from S. cerevisiae isolates. We find limited HO diversity in North American oak isolates, pointing to efficient, continuous dispersal across the continent. By contrast, we isolated the "dairy yeast", Kluyveromyces lactis , from a tree <10 m away and found that it represents a new population distinct from an oak population in an adjacent state, pointing to high genetic diversity. The outreach activity partnered middle school, high school, and university students in making scientific discoveries and can be adapted to other locations and natural yeast habitats. Indeed, a pilot sampling activity in southeast Texas yielded S. cerevisiae oak isolates with a new allele of HO and, from a nearby prickly pear cactus, a heat-tolerant isolate of Saccharomyces paradoxus .

Food and beverage rituals at the period of birth, marriage, and death in Shamanist Turks and its modern reflections

It is known that the Turks have adopted many religions in history. Shamanism is also among the ancient beliefs of the Turks. Shamanism; Tengrism is also known by names such as the religion of the Sky God. This study examines the food and drink habits of Turks who believe in Shamanism during the mythological rituals they perform on the occasions of birth, marriage, and death. It also investigates how food and beverages were consumed during these occasions in Turkish mythology. The study emphasizes the reflections of the eating and drinking rituals in Turkish mythology to the present day. . In this context, a compilation article was made by using the literature review method, one of the qualitative research methods, by making use of secondary data sources. Various Turkic peoples and Turkic tribes were examined by scanning the relevant academic literature, and a conceptual framework was tried to be created. The research shows that Turks often use plant foods (barley, wheat, and oats) grown in their geographical area and horse meat in their rituals because it has an essential function in their lives. In addition, milk has an important place and is often consumed.