Article
Genetics & Heredity
Abdel Abdellaoui, Conor Dolan, Karin J. H. Verweij, Michel G. Nivard
Summary: Gene-environment correlations have an impact on the associations between genetic variants and complex traits in genome-wide association studies. This study found that educational attainment polygenic scores in the British population capture gene-environment correlations, and migration extends these correlations beyond the family to broader geographic regions. Additionally, controlling for geographic regions significantly reduces the heritability of socioeconomic status-related traits and decreases the genetic correlations with educational attainment and income for most traits.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ngoc T. Phan, Edwin G. Rajotte, Guy Smagghe, Zong-Xin Ren, David J. Biddinger, Neelendra K. Joshi
Summary: This article examines the diverse approaches to pollinator protection within the pesticide regulatory environments of the United States, the European Union, and selected Asian countries. The US adopts a reactive approach, while the EU embraces a proactive stance. Some Asian countries face challenges with inadequate regulations, leading to adverse health and environmental consequences.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jeta Molla, Alejandro Ponce de Leon Chavez, Takayuki Hiraoka, Tapio Ala-Nissila, Mikko Kivela, Lasse Leskela
Summary: This study compared the effectiveness of heuristic strategies and optimized strategies for COVID-19 vaccine allocation using a mathematical model, finding that simultaneously vaccinating multiple age groups and targeting high-incidence regions can save more lives. It emphasizes the importance of reassessing vaccination strategies at different stages of the epidemic.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Management
Di Guo, Kun Jiang, Chenggang Xu, Xiyi Yang
Summary: We examine the relationship between industrial clusters, regional productivity, and resource reallocation efficiency using disaggregated data at the geographical and sectoral level. Our study on China's county-industry panel from 1998 to 2007 reveals that industrial clusters significantly enhance the productivity of local industries by improving average firm productivity and reallocating resources towards more productive firms. We also find that clusters facilitate resource reallocation through increased firm turnover and intensified competition within the clusters. Our findings highlight the importance of industrial clusters in China for improving regional productivity and resource allocation efficiency. Identification issues are addressed through rigorous estimation methods and robustness checks.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
David Quiroz, Jonah M. Greene, John McGowen, Jason C. Quinn
Summary: This study evaluates the evaporation losses in commercial-scale algae biomass production using a dynamic integrated thermal and biological modeling framework. The results suggest that cultivating algae in the Gulf Coast region of the United States can reduce water consumption compared to other locations, highlighting the need for more water-efficient strategies in algal biofuel production.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shudi Zuo, Lianping Yang, Panfeng Dou, Hung Chak Ho, Shaoqing Dai, Wenjun Ma, Yin Ren, Cunrui Huang
Summary: The study found that hydrological factors have significant impacts on bacillary dysentery in different regions and interact significantly with meteorological and socioeconomic factors.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
I. Filimonova, I. Provornaya, V. Yu Nemov, A. Komarova, D. D. Dochkina
Summary: This study assessed the resilience of the economy of energy resource regions of Russia to changes in the fiscal energy policy of the state. The findings suggest that factors such as tax yield and the balance of tax payments have a strong impact on these regions, which demonstrate resilience to these factors.
Article
Virology
Ueric Jose Borges de Souza, Raissa Nunes dos Santos, Fabricio Souza Campos, Karine Lima Lourenco, Flavio Guimaraes da Fonseca, Fernando Rosado Spilki
Summary: Brazil was considered an emerging epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, with a high number of daily deaths and confirmed cases. The study aimed to describe mutational events across Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 sequences and generate new mutation indexes for each genome. A comparative sequence analysis identified common mutations at 42 genome positions.
Article
Geography
Hugh B. Roland, Katherine J. Curtis, Kristen M. C. Malecki, Donghoon Lee, Juan Bazo, Paul Block
Summary: Geographically isolated places often face exported environmental risks, resource extraction, exploitation, and neglect of social policies, leading to unique challenges related to vulnerability and adaptation in disaster management. Our research focuses on the relationship between geographic isolation and flood-related social vulnerability in different ecological regions of Peru. We hypothesize that this relationship varies across ecoregions due to their different histories with colonialism and capitalism. Through mapping techniques and spatial regression analysis, we find regional variations in the relationship between vulnerability and geographic isolation, suggesting alignment with regional contexts of extraction. We also observe notable differences in vulnerability related to public health infrastructure and access to services between ecoregions with contrasting histories of natural resource extraction and investment.
ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF GEOGRAPHERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marelize Gorgens, Sosthenes Ketende, Andrew F. Longosz, Mbuso Mabuza, Muziwethu Nkambule, Tengetile Dlamini, Kelvin Sikwibele, Vimbai Tsododo, Tendai Chipepera, Mxolisi Leroy Ndikandika, Wendy Heard, Gugu Maphalala, Lindiwe Dlamini, David Wilson, Damien de Walque, Khanya Mabuza
Summary: Combining financial incentives with education attendance significantly reduces HIV infection rates among adolescent girls and young women in Eswatini.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mai-Lei Woo Kinshella, Shazmeen Omar, Kerri Scherbinsky, Marianne Vidler, Laura A. Magee, Peter von Dadelszen, Sophie E. Moore, Rajavel Elango
Summary: A systematic review found that adequate consumption of vegetables and fruits during pregnancy is associated with lower odds of developing pre-eclampsia in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). However, more research is needed to determine the impact of other dietary factors such as meat, grains, Western diet, and alcohol consumption on the incidence of pre-eclampsia in LMIC.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Koon-Hou Mak, Emmanuelle Vidal-Petiot, Robin Young, Emmanuel Sorbets, Nicola Greenlaw, Ian Ford, Michal Tendera, Roberto Ferrari, Jean-Claude Tardif, Jacob A. Udell, Jorge Escobedo, Kim M. Fox, Philippe Gabriel Steg
Summary: The prevalence and prognostic impact of diabetes in patients with chronic coronary syndromes vary according to geographical regions and ethnicities. However, diabetes is consistently associated with increased risks for mortality and cardiovascular events across different regions and ethnicities, independent of other factors.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Lin Jiang, Ningxuan Zhao, Minghan Xu, Jiao Pei, Yidie Lin, Qiang Yao, Meijing Hu, Cairong Zhu
Summary: China has a high incidence of primary liver cancer, with significant geographical disparities and gender differences. While some regions have seen a decrease in incidence, Zhongshan has shown an increasing trend.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Esam I. Azhar, Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, Ikrormi Rungsung, Tieble Traore, David S. Hui, Brian McCloskey, Sherif A. El-Kafrawy, Alimuddin Zumla
Summary: This study analyzed the infection and epidemiological characteristics of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in humans and camels from January 1, 2012 to August 3, 2022. It found that MERS-CoV remains a threat to global health security, with ongoing infections in humans and camels. Proactive surveillance of MERS-CoV infections and variants in camels and humans, as well as the development of a MERS vaccine, are essential for epidemic preparedness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Shengxin Wu, Jia Wu, Yun Wang, Yifei Qu, Yao He, Jingyan Wang, Jianhui Cheng, Liqin Zhang, Chihang Cheng
Summary: This study investigated the fungal community on the vector beetle Monochamus alternatus in southern China and identified 640 fungal strains. The results showed significant differences in fungal community composition among geographical populations of the beetle, indicating regionalized characteristics. Additionally, some fungi exhibited strong entomopathogenic activities while others showed high phytopathogenicity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Elsa Montgomery, Kaat De Backer, Abigail Easter, Laura A. Magee, Jane Sandall, Sergio A. Silverio
Summary: The study explores the psycho-social experiences of women who received maternity care and gave birth in South London during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through virtual interviews with 23 women, data were collected, analyzed, and a theory of 'Navigating uncertainty alone' was developed. Findings suggest that women's pregnancy and childbirth journeys during the pandemic had both positive and negative experiences, with issues such as lack of relational care, denial of embodied experiences, and being removed from support networks being significant.
Article
Family Studies
Emily Hotchkiss, Hadija Nalubwama, Suellen Miller, Nessa Ryan, Justus Barageine, Josaphat Byamugisha, Alison M. El Ayadi
Summary: This study investigated the role of emotional, informational, and tangible social support for Ugandan women affected by genital fistula. Key providers of social support included family, friends, community organizations, and other women affected by fistula. The study found that social support was critical in helping women cope with fistula, access care, and recover after surgery.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
S. Relph, M. C. Vieira, A. Copas, A. Alagna, L. Page, C. Winsloe, A. Shennan, A. Briley, M. Johnson, C. Lees, D. A. Lawlor, J. Sandall, A. Khalil, D. Pasupathy
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and patterns of ultrasound use in pregnancies with an antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus. The study found that women without serial ultrasound scans, those with cephalic presentation at birth, higher BMI, and less severe SGA were more likely to have an antenatally unidentified SGA fetus.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
S. Ali, J. Byamugisha, M. G. Kawooya, I. M. Kakibogo, I. Ainembabazi, E. A. Biira, A. N. Kagimu, A. Migisa, M. Munyakazi, S. Kuniha, C. Scheele, A. T. Papageorghiou, K. Klipstein-Grobusch, M. J. Rijken
Summary: This study aimed to assess the quality of fetal biometry and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound measurements in Uganda. The results showed that with training and quality control, healthcare providers in Uganda can effectively perform Doppler ultrasound and fetal biometric assessments. The impact of interventions to improve ultrasound measurement quality should be further investigated in future studies.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mark A. Klebanoff, Ewoud Schuit, Ronald F. Lamont, Per-Goeran Larsson, Hein J. Odendaal, Austin Ugwumadu, Herbert Kiss, Ljubomir Petricevic, William W. Andrews, Matthew K. Hoffman, Andrew Shennan, Paul T. Seed, Robert L. Goldenberg, Lynda M. Emel, Vinay Bhandaru, Steven Weiner, Michael D. Larsen
Summary: Using individual participant data (IPD), this study investigated whether treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy reduced the risk of preterm delivery (PTD). The results showed that clindamycin treatment was beneficial in studies providing IPD, but when data from studies without IPD were imputed, neither metronidazole nor clindamycin treatment reduced the risk of PTD or prolonged pregnancy. The timing of treatment and history of PTD did not affect treatment efficacy.
PAEDIATRIC AND PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, Louise H. Hull, Kirstie Coxon, Mary Bollard, Pauline Cross, Paul T. Seed, Andrew H. Shennan, Jane Sandall
Summary: This study evaluated the implementation and effectiveness of the POPPIE care model, which combines midwifery continuity of care with a specialist obstetric clinic, for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth in London, UK. The results showed that the POPPIE model was feasible, acceptable, and implemented with high fidelity and sustainability. The importance of this study lies in providing a new care model for improving the care of pregnant women at risk of preterm birth.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katy Kuhrt, Paul T. Seed, Andrew H. Shennan
Summary: The 223,000 refugees in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement are at risk of malaria due to overcrowding and limited healthcare access. Detecting abnormal vital signs early through the use of the shock index can help reduce morbidity and mortality. The CRADLE Vital Signs Alert device, used by non-medically trained Voluntary Health Team workers, proves useful in identifying severe cases of malaria and other diseases.
Article
Acoustics
A. E. Ridout, G. Ross, P. T. Seed, N. L. Hezelgrave, R. M. Tribe, A. H. Shennan
Summary: The study aimed to determine the performance of cervicovaginal quantitative fetal fibronectin (fFN) and cervical length in predicting spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic high-risk women. The results showed that both markers performed well in predicting preterm birth, especially in women with a history-indicated stitch.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Josaphat Byamugisha, Barageine Justus, Othman Kakaire, Nalubwama Haddy, Obore Susan, Abner Korn, David Christopher Mukasa, Mwanje Haruna, Alia Godfrey, El Ayadi Alison
Summary: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) from 2007 to 2016. The study found that the majority of patients presented with a protrusion from the vagina, with uterine prolapse and cystocele being common. Persistent pain post-operatively was experienced by 35% of patients, but at hospital discharge, 83% had achieved either complete resolution or improvement in their condition. Measures encouraging early presentation for care and reducing fertility rate are recommended.
AFRICAN HEALTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sophie C. Relph, Matias Vieira, Andrew Copas, Chivon Winsloe, Kirstie Coxon, Alessandro Alagna, Annette Briley, Mark Johnson, Louise Page, Donald Peebles, Andrew Shennan, Baskaran Thilaganathan, Neil Marlow, Christoph A. Lees, Deborah Lawlor, Asma Khalil, Jane Sandall, Dharmintra Pasupathy
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether the use of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) affects the antenatal detection of large for gestational age (LGA) babies and their maternal and perinatal outcomes. The study found that there were no significant differences in the rate of LGA detection or any of the maternal and perinatal outcomes between the GAP and standard care groups.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bronwen Gillespie, Geetanjali Katageri, Shumona Salam, Umesh Ramadurg, Shrinivas Patil, Jayaraj Mhetri, Umesh Charantimath, Shivaprasad Goudar, Ashwini Dandappanavar, Chandrashekhar Karadiguddi, Ashalata Mallapur, Phaniraj Vastrad, Subarna Roy, Basavaraj Peerapur, Dilly Anumba
Summary: Between 1990 and 2016, the global prevalence of anemia in adolescents increased by 20% to almost one in four. Iron deficiency during adolescence has negative impacts on growth, cognitive function, and immune function, and increases the risk of pregnancy-related complications, especially in young adolescents. Despite governmental efforts, the awareness of anemia among adolescents and families is low. A study conducted in rural areas of Karnataka explored the factors influencing adolescents' awareness of anemia. The findings revealed that adolescent girls, particularly those who have not experienced pregnancy or motherhood, had very low awareness of anemia. Improved age-appropriate measures specific for adolescence, such as school-based nutrition outreach, are needed to reduce anemia.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sunesh Kumar, Neerja Bhatla, K. Aparna Sharma, Ramesh Agarwal, Ankit Verma, Vanamail Perumal, Poonam Shiv Kumar, B. S. Garg, Shivaprasad S. Goudar, Yeshita V. Pujar, Avinash Kavi, Vanita Suri, Bharti Joshi, Asmita Rathore, Madhavi M. Gupta, Ajay Kumar, Manju Puri, Deepika Meena, Sushma Nangia, Renu Arora, Sumitra Bachani, Pratima Anand, Shikha Seth, Rakesh Gupta, Rohini Sehgal, Anubhuti Rana, Archana Kumari, P. Shainy, Kasturi Donimath, Guruprasad Gowder, Lakshmi Kedar, Tushar Kar, Sujata Mishra, Chinmayi Joshi, Yogendra Kabade, Saroja Kamatar, Saumya Nanda, Vandana Mohapatra, Janki Vellanki, Sarita Agarwal, Aparna Wahane Borkar, Aruna Kumar, Shabana Sultan, Neha Gangane, Pushpa Chaudhary, Anoma Jayathilaka, Neena Raina, Priya Karna
Summary: A multicentre case-control study in India found that COVID-19 infection predisposed pregnant women to adverse maternal outcomes, including a higher rate of asymptomatic infection, increased risk of antenatal complications and cesarean delivery, and a higher maternal mortality rate compared to COVID-negative pregnant women.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shawn Walker, Emma Spillane, Kate Stringer, Amy Meadowcroft, Tisha Dasgupta, Sian M. Davies, Jane Sandall, Andrew Shennan
Summary: OptiBreech Care is a feasible approach for providing care to breech presentation at term, with the goal of supporting physiologic breech birth attended by trained professionals. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing OptiBreech team care prior to a planned pilot randomized controlled trial.
PILOT AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Avinash Kavi, Matthew K. Hoffman, Manjunath S. Somannavar, Mrityunjay C. Metgud, Shivaprasad S. Goudar, Janet Moore, Eleanor Nielsen, Norman Goco, Elizabeth M. McClure, Adrien Lokangaka, Antoinette Tshefu, Melissa Bauserman, Musaku Mwenechanya, Elwyn Chomba, Waldemar A. Carlo, Lester Figueroa, Nancy F. Krebs, Saleem Jessani, Sarah Saleem, Robert L. Goldenberg, Prabirkumar Das, Archana Patel, Patricia L. Hibberd, Fabian Esamai, Sherri Bucher, Marion Koso-Thomas, Robert Silver, Richard J. Derman
Summary: Assessing the impact of low-dose aspirin starting in early pregnancy, it was found that it can delay the occurrence of preterm hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Compared with the placebo group, women who received aspirin had lower proportions of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy before 28 weeks, before 34 weeks, and before 37 weeks. The results of this study suggest that early administration of low-dose aspirin can delay the onset of hypertension.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Megan Hall, Jana Hutter, Alena Uus, Elise du Crest, Alexia Egloff, Natalie Suff, Mudher Al Adnani, Paul T. Seed, Deena Gibbons, Maria Deprez, Rachel M. Tribe, Andrew Shennan, Mary Rutherford, Lisa Story
Summary: This study investigated the changes in adrenal volumes prior to preterm birth using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and correlated these changes with histopathological chorioamnionitis. The study found that the adrenal: body volume ratios were higher in fetuses who go on to deliver preterm, which may be associated with chorioamnionitis, but the adrenal volumes themselves did not significantly increase.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)