Lion lords and sharing hyaenas: Carnivore guild dynamics around elephant carcasses.

Megaherbivore carcasses represent sporadic but energetically rewarding resources for carnivores, offering a unique opportunity to study coexistence dynamics between facultative scavengers. South African fenced protected areas, such as Madikwe Game Reserve (Madikwe hereafter), host viable populations of large carnivores and high densities of elephants, Loxodonta africana. However, high carnivore densities can lead to potentially fatal interspecific encounters and increased competition, particularly around high-quality trophic resources. This study explores the temporal partitioning and co-detection strategies of carnivores at six elephant carcasses in Madikwe, aiming to understand how the increased carrion biomass available at elephant carcasses influences coexistence dynamics. Camera traps were deployed to monitor carcasses during two periods (2019 and 2020), revealing occurrences of six carnivore species. Carnivores, particularly black-backed jackals, Lupulella mesomelas, (hereafter jackal), lions, Panthera leo, and spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta, comprised 56.7% of carcass observations, highlighting their pivotal roles in scavenging dynamics. Pairwise co-detection analysis demonstrated consistent association and shared peak activity periods between jackals and spotted hyaenas, indicating potential resource sharing. However, the minimal co-detection rates between lions and other carnivores highlight their resource domination. There was some evidence of temporal partitioning between carnivores, with most species exhibiting earlier peaks in nocturnal activity to avoid temporal overlap with lions. This study emphasises the importance of elephant carcasses in the diet of multiple species and coexistence techniques utilised to exploit this ephemeral resource. As fenced protected areas become crucial for conserving intact carnivore guilds globally, further research into carnivore behavioural adaptations at carcasses is recommended to shed light on their coexistence strategies.

Strengthening Review and Publication of Participatory Mental Health Research to Promote Empowerment and Prevent Co-optation.

As reviewers, editors, and researchers with lived experience of mental health challenges, addiction, and/or psychosocial distress/disability, the authors have struggled to find an adequate way to address inappropriate or misleading use of the term "participatory methods" to describe research that involves people with lived experience in only a superficial or tokenistic manner. The authors of this article have found that, in their experience, editors or other reviewers often appear to give authors extensive leeway on claims of participatory methods that more accurately reflect tokenism or superficial involvement. The problem of co-optation is described, examples from the authors' experiences are given, the potential harms arising from co-optation are articulated, and a series of concrete actions that journal editors, reviewers, and authors can take to preserve the core intent of participatory approaches are offered. The authors conclude with a call to action: the mental health field must ensure that power imbalances that sustain epistemic injustice against people with lived experience are not worsened by poorly conducted or reported studies or by tokenistic participatory methods.

Driver injuries in heavy vs. light and medium truck local crashes, 2010-2019.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple heavy truck driver injury studies exist, but there is a paucity of research on light and medium truck driver injuries. The objective of this study was to use first report of injury (FROI) data to: (a) compare demographic and injury characteristics; (b) assess workers' compensation (WC) claim disposition and lost work time status; and (c) describe injury scenarios by vehicle type for heavy truck and light/medium truck driver local crashes. METHOD: Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims FROI quantitative and free text data were analyzed for years 2010-2019. Of 800 total FROIs, 451 involved heavy trucks and 349 involved light or medium trucks. RESULTS: There was a higher light/medium truck driver crash FROI rate compared to the heavy truck driver crash FROI rate. There was a higher proportion of younger light/medium truck driver crash FROIs compared to younger heavy truck driver crash FROIs. The retail trade industry made up the largest percentage of light/medium truck local crash FROIs (47%); the transportation and warehousing industry was most frequently cited in heavy truck FROIs (46%). The heavy truck types most frequently identified in FROIs were semi-trucks (13%) and dump trucks (11%). The most common light/medium truck type identified was delivery trucks (30%). Most commonly, heavy truck crash FROIs involved rollovers, driving off/overcorrecting on narrow roadways, and driving downhill/unable to downshift. Light/medium truck crash FROIs most frequently involved being rear-ended, running red lights, and turning in front of other vehicles. CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of WC FROI data highlighted top injury scenarios and specific vehicle types for targeting driver safety training among truck drivers, particularly light/medium truck drivers. Road safety policies regarding driver training, crash reviews, and in-vehicle monitoring systems are needed for truck drivers with previous crash injuries, especially for light and medium truck drivers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Enhanced safety training on speeding on narrow roadways, on nearing intersections, and on downshifting on hills is needed for semi-truck, dump truck, and coal truck drivers with previous crash injuries. Rear-end crash prevention training (e.g., gradual stopping and checking mirrors) is needed for drivers of furniture, automotive parts and accessories, and groceries and soft drink delivery trucks with previous crash injuries.

Impact of the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Hypertension Guideline on the prevalence of hypertension in young Saudi women

Background: The diagnostic criteria for hypertension have recently been redefined by the American College of Cardiolo-gy/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Data on the new prevalence of hypertension in different countries are emerg-ing, but none, to date, from Saudi Arabia.Aims: This study aimed to determine the impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline on the prevalence and de-terminants of hypertension in young Saudi women. Methods: 518 female college students, 17–29 years of age were prospectively enrolled in a survey during the period from January 1, 2016, to April 15, 2016 at Princess Nourah University. The participants completed a previously validated ques-tionnaire, that assessed their risk factors for hypertension, and their blood pressure, weight and height were measured.Results: Application of the 2017 ACC/AHA diagnostic criteria resulted in approximately 7-fold increase in the prevalence of hypertension, from 4.1% to 27.1% (P < 0.001). At a cut-off value of ≥140/90, hypertension was significantly associated with increased age, increased body mass index (BMI), increased heart rate, history of chronic illnesses, prior diagnosis with diabetes mellitus and family history of hypertension. Whereas, with the ≥130/80 cut-off value, only increased BMI and heart rate were significant predictors (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension markedly increased among young adult Saudi women with the 2017 ACC/AHA classification for hypertension, and the main predictors were increased BMI and heart rate. Further studies on the new prevalence and predictors of hypertension in the Saudi population are warranted. This information is important for healthcare authorities to plan cost effective screening, prevention and control programmes.

Contexte : Les critères de diagnostic de l’hypertension ont récemment été redéfinis par l’American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Des données sur la nouvelle prévalence de l’hypertension dans différents pays commence à voir le jour, mais il n’y a, pour l’heure, aucune donnée pour l’Arabie saoudite. Objectifs : La présente étude avait pour objectif de déterminer l’impact des lignes directrices 2017 sur l’hypertension de l’ACC/AHA sur la prévalence et les déterminants de l’hypertension chez les jeunes femmes saoudiennes. Méthodes : 518 étudiantes de l’Université Princesse Nourah, âgées de 17 à 29 ans ont été recrutées de manière prospective pour participer à une enquête entre le 1er janvier et le 15 avril 2016. Les participantes ont rempli un questionnaire préalablement validé, qui évaluait les facteurs de risque de l’hypertension et indiquait leur tension artérielle, leur poids et leur taille.Résultats : L’application des critères de diagnostic définis par les lignes directrices 2017 sur l’hypertension de l’ACC/AHA s’est traduite par une multiplication approximative par 7 de la prévalence de l’hypertension, qui est passée de 4,1 % à 27,1 % (p < 0,001). À une valeur seuil supérieure ou égale à 140/90, l’hypertension était significativement associée à l’âge, à un indice de masse corporelle (IMC) plus élevé, à une fréquence cardiaque accrue, à des antécédents de maladies chroniques, à un diagnostic antérieur de diabète sucré et à des antécédents familiaux d’hypertension. En revanche, avec une valeur seuil supérieure ou égale à 130/80, seule l’augmentation de l’IMC et de la fréquence cardiaque constituait des facteurs prédictifs significatifs (p < 0,001). Conclusion : La prévalence de l’hypertension a nettement augmenté chez les jeunes femmes adultes saoudiennes suite à l’application des lignes directrices 2017 de l’ACC/AHA sur l’hypertension. Les principaux facteurs prédictifs étaient l’augmentation de l’IMC et de la fréquence cardiaque. Des études supplémentaires sur les nouvelles données concernant la prévalence et les facteurs prédictifs de l’hypertension dans la population saoudienne sont nécessaires. Ces informations sont importantes pour les autorités sanitaires afin de prévoir la mise en place de programmes de dépistage, de prévention de l’hypertension et de lutte contre cette affection ayant un bon rapport coût-efficacité.

Timely linkage of individuals to substance use disorder treatment: development, implementation, and evaluation of FindHelpNowKY.org.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUD) have steadily increased over the last two decades. Seeking SUD treatment involves searching SUD treatment facility types (inpatient, outpatient and intensive outpatient, residential and family residential, and detoxification facilities) that offer specialized SUD treatment depending on individual needs and preferences. Referrals to SUD treatment require innovative strategies that rapidly link individuals to SUD treatment when they are at the critical stage of readiness. The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a user-friendly SUD treatment facility opening availability website called FindHelpNowKY.org. The objectives of the study were to 1) recruit SUD treatment facility and partner participation; 2) develop platform, content, and analytics for the FindHelpNowKY.org website intervention with an information repository; 3) assess barriers and facilitators to implementation; and 4) evaluate the development and implementation of FindHelpNowKY.org. METHODS: Website development stakeholders were identified and the website concept was developed. The logic model for FindHelpNowKY.org outlined resources, activities, and outputs as well as the associated short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives, along with a website evaluation plan. Website usability and focus group testing was conducted. Information repository resource documents were compiled and categorized. An inventory of Kentucky-based SUD treatment facilities was compiled using various state and federal resources. RESULTS: Development/implementation barriers were addressed, facilitators were identified, and the website was implemented; 83% of SUD treatment facilities were indexed on the website, and average website user time was 7 min. From February to October 2018, there were 29,000 visitors, and 30,000 unique searches. The most common website query was a friend or family member seeking long-term residential or outpatient treatment facilities accepting Medicaid or Medicare. CONCLUSIONS: FindHelpNowKY.org has the potential to fill a critical need for timely access to available SUD treatment in the state. The website may be a valuable resource for health professionals that can enhance clinical workflow and reduce staff time conducting phone and website searches for available SUD treatment. The website is a promising tool for assessing current SUD treatment capacity vs. SUD treatment need. The FindHelpNow model can be used by other states to increase timely access to SUD treatment.

Role of extracellular reactive sulfur metabolites on microbial Se(0) dissolution.

The dissolution of elemental selenium [Se(0)] during chemical weathering is an important step in the global selenium cycle. While microorganisms have been shown to play a key role in selenium dissolution in soils, the mechanisms of microbial selenium solubilization are poorly understood. In this study, we isolated a Bacillus species, designated as strain JG17, that exhibited the ability to dissolve Se(0) under oxic conditions and neutral pH. Growth of JG17 in a defined medium resulted in the production and accumulation of extracellular compounds that mediated Se(0) dissolution. Analysis of the spent medium revealed the presence of extracellular sulfite, sulfide, and thiosulfate. Abiotic Se(0) dissolution experiments with concentrations of sulfite, sulfide, and thiosulfate relevant to our system showed similar extents of selenium solubilization as the spent medium. Together, these results indicate that the solubilization of Se(0) by JG17 occurs via the release of extracellular inorganic sulfur compounds followed by chemical dissolution of Se(0) by the reactive sulfur metabolites. Our findings suggest that the production of reactive sulfur metabolites by soil microorganisms and the formation of soluble selenosulfur complexes can promote selenium mobilization during chemical weathering.

Characterization of Foreign-Born vs. Native-Born Worker Fatalities in Kentucky, 2001-2014.

Information on foreign-born worker (FBW) and native-born worker (NBW) fatal injuries is scarce. The Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program analyzed 2001-2014 worker fatality data. The Kentucky FBW fatality rate was double the US FBW and NBW rates, and 50% higher than the Kentucky NBW fatality rate. FBW average age at death was 38 years; NBW age was 47 years. FBW deaths occurred in construction (26%) and services (22%) industries, and transportation [28% (54% due to semi truck crashes)] and construction [26%(48% due to roofing, scaffolding, and ladder-related falls)] occupations; in contrast, NBW deaths occurred in services (22%), and transportation (18%) industries, and transportation (25%) and management (20%) occupations, and were due to exposures to inanimate mechanical forces (38%), and transport accidents (30%). Enhanced FBW cultural competent interventions and policies are needed to prevent FBW occupational injuries, and improve FBW workplace safety and health.

Microbiological oxidation of antimony(III) with oxygen or nitrate by bacteria isolated from contaminated mine sediments.

Bacterial oxidation of arsenite [As(III)] is a well-studied and important biogeochemical pathway that directly influences the mobility and toxicity of arsenic in the environment. In contrast, little is known about microbiological oxidation of the chemically similar anion antimonite [Sb(III)]. In this study, two bacterial strains, designated IDSBO-1 and IDSBO-4, which grow on tartrate compounds and oxidize Sb(III) using either oxygen or nitrate, respectively, as a terminal electron acceptor, were isolated from contaminated mine sediments. Both isolates belonged to the Comamonadaceae family and were 99% similar to previously described species. We identify these novel strains as Hydrogenophaga taeniospiralis strain IDSBO-1 and Variovorax paradoxus strain IDSBO-4. Both strains possess a gene with homology to the aioA gene, which encodes an As(III)-oxidase, and both oxidize As(III) aerobically, but only IDSBO-4 oxidized Sb(III) in the presence of air, while strain IDSBO-1 could achieve this via nitrate respiration. Our results suggest that expression of aioA is not induced by Sb(III) but may be involved in Sb(III) oxidation along with an Sb(III)-specific pathway. Phylogenetic analysis of proteins encoded by the aioA genes revealed a close sequence similarity (90%) among the two isolates and other known As(III)-oxidizing bacteria, particularly Acidovorax sp. strain NO1. Both isolates were capable of chemolithoautotrophic growth using As(III) as a primary electron donor, and strain IDSBO-4 exhibited incorporation of radiolabeled [(14)C]bicarbonate while oxidizing Sb(III) from Sb(III)-tartrate, suggesting possible Sb(III)-dependent autotrophy. Enrichment cultures produced the Sb(V) oxide mineral mopungite and lesser amounts of Sb(III)-bearing senarmontite as precipitates.

Identification of a cross-reacting, monoclonal anti-human CD233 antibody for identification and sorting of rhesus macaque erythrocytes.

Erythroid biology research involving rhesus macaques has been applied to several topics including malaria, hemoglobinopathy and gene therapy research. However, analyses of the rhesus red blood cells are limited by the inability to identify and sort those cells in research blood samples using flow cytometry. Here it is reported that the BRIC 6 hybridoma clone raised to the human erythroid surface molecule (referred to as CD233, Band 3, AE1, or SLC4A1) produces cross-reactive and erythroid-specific antibodies for flow cytometric detection and sorting of rhesus macaque erythrocytes.

Exploring women's perceptions about their role in supporting partners' and sons' reproductive health care.

Women serve as important health information sources for young men. No previous study has explored women's perceptions about this role related to young men's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. Twenty African American women recruited from two clinics participated in three focus groups to explore perceptions to engage young men in SRH care. Themes were identified that may facilitate and/or hinder women to engage young men in SRH care: 1) communication/actions to provide support; 2) challenges in providing support; 3) traditional gender role perceptions and other access barriers; and 4) motivation, influence and control. Participants were interested and willing to support young men's SRH including sharing information about clinics (95%), making appointments (90%), going to visits together (90%), and having joint appointments (67%). Findings provide a foundation for programs interested to engage women as health promotion agents to improve young men's SRH care access. Future efforts should explore the generalizability of study findings.

Mediators of the development and prevention of violent behavior.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the Aban Aya Youth Project, a culturally grounded intervention, produced differences in changes over time in core intervening variables (i.e., communal value orientation, empathy, violence avoidance efficacy beliefs) and whether these variables mediated intervention effects on the development of youth violent behavior. Fifth grade cohorts at 12 schools were randomly assigned to one of two intervention conditions or an attention placebo control condition and followed longitudinally through eighth grade. A total of 668 students (49% male) participated in the study. Mediation analyses suggested that both program conditions (as compared to the control condition) led to steeper increases over time in empathy which, in turn were related to reductions in the likelihood of violent behavior over time. No other significant program effects were detected, although changes over time in violence avoidance efficacy were associated with reduced likelihood of violent behavior. Findings are discussed in terms of theory development, program development and points of refinement of the Aban Aya Youth Project and implications for future research.

Cl-IB-MECA inhibits human erythropoiesis.

Candidate drugs are being sought for the suppression of human erythropoiesis. Cl-IB-MECA [2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide] is a derivative of adenosine that inhibits the growth of leukaemic cell lines. To determine the effects of Cl-IB-MECA upon erythropoiesis, studies were performed by using an ex vivo culture system of primary human CD34+ cells. Cl-IB-MECA suppressed erythroblast growth and maturation at doses >/=50 mumol/l through a mechanism of cell cycle inhibition and accumulation of cells in the G1/G0 phase. These findings demonstrate that Cl-IB-MECA inhibits human erythropoiesis, and suggest that further consideration of this drug is warranted for patients with erythrocytosis or polycythemia syndromes.

Identification of an alternate delta-globin mRNA in adult human erythroid cells.

Here we describe the identification and characterization of an alternate delta-globin mRNA (Alt-d) discovered during high-throughput sequencing of mRNA from adult human erythroid cells. Alt-d mRNA shares the same coding region, splicing pattern, downstream untranslated region, and site of polyadenylation with the previously defined delta-globin (Delta) mRNA. Alt-d mRNA encodes an additional 145 nt in the upstream untranslated region, suggesting an alternative site of transcriptional initiation and transcription through the previously defined promoter, which contains several protein-binding motifs and a TATA box. Northern blot and PCR analyses demonstrated a restricted expression of Alt-d in fetal liver, bone marrow, and adult reticulocytes. Quantitative PCR demonstrated an Alt-d expression pattern similar to that of the Delta transcripts. In addition to intergenic RNA species and the dominant delta-globin transcripts, these data suggest that a third form of RNA is produced from low-level transcription through the delta-globin gene promoter.

Use of Conjugated Dienones in Cyclialkylations: The Total Syntheses of (+/-)-Barbatusol, (+/-)-Pisiferin, (+/-)-Deoxofaveline, (+/-)-Xochitlolone, and (+/-)-Faveline.

Concise syntheses of five tricyclic diterpenoids are reported. The key reaction in each synthesis is a cyclialkylation of a functionalized arene with a Lewis acid-activated conjugated dienone to generate a 6,7,6-fused tricycle.