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The genome sequence of the common dung beetle, Aphodius fimetarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
No full textWe present a genome assembly from an individual male Aphodius fimetarius (Common dung beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1 343.38 megabases. Most of the assembly (72.44%) is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 22.01 kilobases. This assembly was generated as part of the Darwin Tree of Life project, which produces reference genomes for eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland
Development and validation of critical appraisal tool for individual participant data meta-analysis: protocol for a modified e-Delphi study
No full textIntroduction: Individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) is regarded as the gold standard for evidence synthesis. However, diverse recommendations and guidance on its conduct exist, and there is no consensus-based tool for the critical appraisal of a completed IPD-MA. We aim to close this gap by systematically identifying quality items and developing and validating a critical appraisal checklist for IPD-MA. Methods and analysis: This study will comprise three phases, as follows: Phase 1: a systematic methodology review to identify potential checklist domains and items; this will be conducted according to the Cochrane methods for systematic reviews and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis 2020 guidance. We will include studies that address methodological guides and essential statistical requirements for IPD-MA. We will use the proposed items to prepare a preliminary checklist for the e-Delphi study. Phase 2: at least two rounds of an e-Delphi survey will be conducted among panels with expertise in IPD-MA research, consensus development, healthcare providers, journal editors, healthcare policymakers, patients and public partners from diverse geographic locations with experience in IPD-MA. Participants will use Qualtrics software to rate items on a 5-point Likert scale. The Wilcoxon matched signed rank test will estimate response stability across rounds. Consensus on including an item will be achieved if ≥75% of the panel rates the item as ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’ and items will be excluded if ≥75% rates it as ‘strongly disagree’ or ‘disagree’. A convenience sample of 10 reviewers with experience in conducting an IPD-MA will pilot-test the checklist to provide practical feedback that will be used to refine the checklist. Phase 3: critical appraisal checklist validation: to improve confidence in the tool’s uptake, a subset of the e-Delphi participants and graduate students of epidemiology and biostatistics will conduct content validity and reliability testing, respectively, per the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments. Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval has been obtained from the Western University Health Science Research Ethics Board in Canada. The validated checklist will be published in a peer-reviewed open-access journal and shared across the networks of this study’s steering committee, Cochrane IPD-MA group and the institutions’ social media platforms
Genome-wide association study reveals multiple loci for nociception and opioid consumption behaviors associated with heroin vulnerability in outbred rats
No full textThe increased prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) makes it imperative to disentangle the biological mechanisms contributing to individual differences in OUD vulnerability. OUD shows strong heritability, however genetic variants contributing to vulnerability remain poorly defined. We performed a genome-wide association study using over 850 male and female heterogeneous stock (HS) rats to identify genes underlying behaviors associated with OUD such as nociception, as well as heroin-taking, extinction and seeking behaviors. By using an animal model of OUD, we were able to identify genetic variants associated with distinct OUD behaviors while maintaining a uniform environment, an experimental design not easily achieved in humans. Furthermore, we used a novel non-linear network-based clustering approach to characterize rats based on OUD vulnerability to assess genetic variants associated with OUD susceptibility. Our findings confirm the heritability of several OUD-like behaviors, including OUD susceptibility. Additionally, several genetic variants associated with nociceptive threshold prior to heroin experience, heroin consumption, escalation of intake, and motivation to obtain heroin were identified. Tom1, a microglial component, was implicated for nociception. Several genes involved in dopaminergic signaling, neuroplasticity and substance use disorders, including Brwd1, Pcp4, Phb1l2 and Mmp15 were implicated for the heroin traits. Additionally, an OUD vulnerable phenotype was associated with genetic variants for consumption and break point, suggesting a specific genetic contribution for OUD-like traits contributing to vulnerability. Together, these findings identify novel genetic markers related to the susceptibility to OUD-relevant behaviors in HS rats
Genomic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in Saudi Arabia: a nationwide study using whole-genome sequencing
No full textMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) surveillance in regions with mass gatherings presents unique challenges for public health systems. Saudi Arabia, hosting millions of pilgrims annually, provides a distinctive setting for studying how human mobility shapes bacterial populations, yet comprehensive genomic surveillance data from this region remain limited. Here, we present an integrated analysis of S. aureus isolates collected across seven Saudi Arabian regions, combining whole-genome sequencing with extensive antimicrobial susceptibility testing and standardized metadata following findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability data principles. Our analysis revealed striking differences between pilgrimage and non-pilgrimage cities. Pilgrimage cities showed significantly higher genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance rates, harbouring numerous international strains, including recognized clones from diverse geographic origins. Reported lineage dynamics are changing, expanding toward community clones. While genomic prediction of antimicrobial resistance showed high accuracy for some antibiotics, particularly beta-lactams, with varying performance for others, it highlights the necessity for phenotypic testing in clinical settings. Our findings demonstrate how mass gatherings drive bacterial population structures and emphasize the importance of integrated surveillance approaches in regions with significant global connectivity and travel
Real-world data landscape for glaucoma in Europe: a questionnaire-based analysis of resources among European Glaucoma Society members
No full textBackground/aimsTo investigate the landscape to support Europe-wide collaborative real-world data (RWD) collection, exploring whether required resources are available to glaucoma clinicians.MethodsThis cross-sectional study employed a two-phase method, including two consecutive electronic questionnaires. For phase I, a survey was distributed to all European Glaucoma Society members inquiring about use of electronic medical records (EMRs). For phase II, EMR users who expressed their interest in contributing to a European RWD were surveyed regarding EMR data characteristics and technical resources.ResultsPhase I garnered responses from 201 glaucoma specialists, with 68% reporting use of an EMR. Among them, 47% and 65% reported over 90% of coding rates for diagnoses and medications, respectively. Despite the EMR making available report copies for perimetry (27%) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) (37%), automatic data extraction capabilities were limited to only 10% and 8%. 47 participants responded to phase II. Their practices saw an average of 415 glaucoma patients per month. Date of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement was the most commonly available structured data (67%), followed by visual acuity (59%) and IOP (56%). 46% had access to central computing systems, with 41% reporting past experience in federated learning initiatives and 73% willing contribution. 34% reported involvement in the development of artificial intelligence algorithms.ConclusionThis study highlights a noteworthy EMR use among European glaucoma specialists, with structured data for metrics like IOP, but identifies gaps in data extraction capabilities. Major challenges include EMR heterogeneity, lack of standardised outcomes, healthcare system differences and cost. A combined approach using structured coding, digitised EMR data and semistructured OCT/perimetry data is recommended
Addressing potentially inappropriate prescribing in care homes: regional evaluation of a pharmacist-led model in Northern Ireland
No full textPotentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) increases the risk for medication-related harm amongst older adults, with those in long-term care at particular risk. This study sought to evaluate a medicines optimisation pharmacist case management model for older adults in care homes in Northern Ireland (NI). Secondary analysis of prospective data collected during the case management model delivered to older adults (≥ 65 years) across 32 care homes in NI (N = 1,095). Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) scores were compared at baseline and post-intervention. Variability in MAI per medication score change (ΔMAI) was examined using multiple linear regression. Multiple logistic and Poisson regressions examined potential associations between ΔMAI and secondary outcomes, including unplanned hospital admissions (all-cause); general practitioner (GP) call-outs; out-of-hours (OOH) GP call-outs; and emergency department (ED) visits. PIP was highly prevalent at baseline (83.5%; n = 914). A significant reduction in MAI (per medication) score was observed from pre to post-intervention; 82% (n = 898) of participants experienced some MAI score improvement. Overall, 3,044 clinical interventions were delivered; 2,062 medications were stopped, 141 medications were started, and 438 dosages were changed. Several unexpected significant associations were observed between ΔMAI and GP call-outs during follow-up; sensitivity analyses suggested these findings were likely due to confounding. No association was observed between ΔMAI (per medication) and likelihood for unplanned hospital admission. PIP is highly prevalent in NI care homes and was significantly reduced by a medicine optimisation pharmacist case management model. Clinical pharmacist input in long-term care is warranted to lessen medication-related harm for older adults
Delivering a European Union cardiovascular health plan: from building momentum to political action
No full textPelodera: cosmopolitan phoretic saprotrophs and neglected models for origins of nematode parasitism
No full textPelodera (A. Schneider, 1866) is a Clade V nematode genus of the Rhabditidae family and close relative of Caenorhabditis elegans. The genus comprises 26 species poised between free-living, commensal, and parasitic lifestyles, as well as species with underappreciated roles in soil nutrient cycling. Pelodera strongyloides, the type species, is a cause of follicular larva migrans among humans and other mammals but can be confused with hookworm folliculitis. With minimal genetic resources available, the capacity to identify and diagnose infectious species and strains of Pelodera are limited. Thus, the ecology of Pelodera species as both parasites and commensalists is likely underreported and possibly mischaracterised. Similarly, decomposition biome studies report Pelodera and other Rhabditidae as dominant taxa during decay but require greater genetic resources to classify species. To renew appreciation for these neglected model organisms, this review collates available literature to detail Pelodera associations across mammalian and invertebrate hosts and discusses traits that drive host association such as dauer formation, waving (nictation), phoresy, and tissue invasion. The potential for Pelodera as a satellite model to C. elegans is also discussed since Pelodera are readily culturable while having inducible parasitic forms. Research into Pelodera will not only improve understanding of their ecology and contribution to decomposition but may prove invaluable in identification of behaviours underpinning parasitism and parasite origins. Utilising Pelodera facultative parasites may be essential to triangulate and resolve differences between C. elegans and obligate nematode parasites with similar niches such as hookworms, lungworms, Strongyloides, and gastrointestinal nematodes of livestock.<br/
Nationwide spatial dynamics of taeniasis in Thailand: declining prevalence but shifting focus and One Health risk factors across 2008-2014
No full textThe prevalence of taeniasis in Thailand has decreased over the past six decades. However, it remains a public health concern, particularly in focal areas, especially along the border regions where migration between Thailand and neighboring endemic countries is frequent. Spatial distribution analysis provides a useful method for identifying high-risk areas and implementing targeted integrated control measures. This study aimed to examine the spatial patterns of taeniasis in 2008 and 2014, along with their associated One Health risk factors at the sub-district level. National surveys of helminthiases and taeniasis were conducted in Thailand in 2008 and 2014. We used data from these surveys and integrated publicly available spatial covariates. A Bayesian spatial model with geostatistical random effects and covariates, implemented using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA), was applied to predict the spatial distribution of taeniasis in each survey year. The prevalence of taeniasis in 2008 was 0.9% (95% CI 0.7-1.1%), while in 2014, it decreased to 0.5% (95% CI 0.4-0.6%). In 2008, higher prevalence was observed in the north, northeast, and parts of the west. In contrast, the 2014 predictions showed a more focal distribution, especially in the western border regions of Thailand, near the Myanmar border. Bangkok was identified as another hotspot, warranting further investigation. One Health factors, including human population density, livestock (cattle and pig) density, antimicrobial use in livestock, and environmental factors (including altitude, precipitation, travel time to cities and healthcare facilities, and normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]), were associated with high prevalence of taeniasis. One Health factors significantly influenced the spatial distribution of taeniasis in Thailand. High-risk areas, particularly along the Thai-Myanmar border, require integrated control efforts that involve cross-border collaboration. Cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Livestock Development will be crucial for more effective control measures
Evidence for a steeper SMBH–bulge mass relationship extended to low masses using TDE host galaxies
No full textTidal disruption events (TDEs) are excellent tools for probing low-mass supermassive black holes (SMBHs) that may otherwise remain undetected. Here, we present an extended SMBH–bulge mass scaling relationship using these lower mass TDE black holes and their host galaxies. Bulge masses are derived using prospector fits to UV-MIR spectral energy distributions for the hosts of 40 TDEs that have a detected late-time UV/optical plateau emission, from which an SMBH mass is derived. Overall, we find that TDE plateaus are a successful method for probing BH scaling relations. We combine the observed TDE sample with a higher mass SMBH sample and extend the known relationship, recovering a steeper slope () than current literature estimates, which focus on the high-mass regime. For the TDE-only sample, we measure an equally significant but shallower relationship with a power-law slope of and significance < 0.001. Forward modelling is used to determine whether known selection effects can explain both the comparatively flatter TDE-only relation and the overall steepening across the full SMBH mass range. We find that the flattening at TDE masses can be accounted for, however the steepening cannot. It appears that if a single slope extends for the whole BH mass range, it must be steeper to include the TDE population