Assessing present and future suitability of European cities to the Asian Tiger mosquito, a vector of dengue and Zika

The Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is already established in many countries of Europe and cities are particularly vulnerable to the spread of vector-borne diseases. We evaluated the suitability of 62 large urban areas in Europe to the establishment of this mosquito, based on the level of agreement between published predictions of its potential distribution. We classified levels of suitability and uncertainty according to the number of matching models at a 25 km cell size and retrieved the predominant class within the boundaries of each urban area. We analysed 7 independent predictions for current conditions and 5 for future conditions (2050-2080), as well as changes in classes between the two timeframes. Currently, 60% of the cities are suitable to the mosquito, 8% are unsuitable and 32% show high uncertainty. In the future, 87% will be suitable and none will be unsuitable, including cities in the British Isles and Scandinavia, which will have to adapt their public health policies.publishe

PENGARUH PROFITABILITAS DAN LEVERAGE TERHADAP TAX AVOIDANCE (Studi Pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Subsektor Otomotif dan Komponen yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Periode 2012-2016)

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh profitabilitas dan leverage terhadap tax avoidance pada peusahaan Manufaktur Subsektor Otomotif dan Komponen yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2012-2016. Variabel independen dalam penelitian ini adalah Return On Asset (ROA) dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER). Sedangkan untuk variabel dependen dalam penelitian ini menggunakan Cash Effective Tax Rate (CETR). Model penelitian yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif dan verifikatif. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah perusahaan manufaktur subsektor otomotif dan konsumen yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2012-2016 berjumlah 13 perusahaan. Metode penelitian sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dengan total sampel 8 perusahaan yang memenuhi kriteria. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa secara parsial profitabilitas berpengaruh terhadap tax avoidance dengan kontribusi pengaruh sebesar 12,9%. Sedangkan leverage secara parsial berpengaruh terhadap tax avoidance dengan kontribusi pengaruh sebesar 21,3%. Secara simultan profitabilitas dan leverage berpengaruh terhadap tax avoidance dengan kontribusi 34,3% pada perusahaan manufaktur subsektor otomotif dan komponen yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia periode 2012-2016. Kata kunci: Profitabilitas, Leverage dan Tax avoidance

In situ labeling of DNA reveals interindividual variation in nuclear DNA breakdown in hair and may be useful to predict success of forensic genotyping of hair

Hair fibers are formed by keratinocytes of the hair follicle in a process that involves the breakdown of the nucleus including DNA. Accordingly, DNA can be isolated with high yield from the hair bulb which contains living keratinocytes, whereas it is difficult to prepare from the distal portions of hair fibers and from shed hair. Nevertheless, forensic investigations are successful in a fraction of shed hair samples found at crime scenes. Here, we report that interindividual differences in the completeness of DNA removal from hair corneocytes are major determinants of DNA content and success rates of forensic investigations of hair. Distal hair samples were permeabilized with ammonia and incubated with the DNA-specific dye Hoechst 33258 to label DNA in situ. Residual nuclear DNA was visualized under the fluorescence microscope. Hair from some donors did not contain any stainable nuclei, whereas hair of other donors contained a variable number of DNA-positive nuclear remnants. The number of DNA-containing nuclear remnants per millimeter of hair correlated with the amount of DNA that could be extracted and amplified by quantitative PCR. When individual hairs were investigated, only hairs in which DNA could be labeled in situ gave positive results in short tandem repeat typing. This study reveals that the completeness of DNA degradation during cornification of the hair is a polymorphic trait. Furthermore, our results suggest that in situ labeling of DNA in hair may be useful for predicting the probability of success of forensic analysis of nuclear DNA in shed hair

Pattern of humoral immune response to Plasmodium falciparum blood stages in individuals presenting different clinical expressions of malaria

Abstract\ud \ud \ud \ud Background\ud \ud The development of protective immunity against malaria is slow and to be maintained, it requires exposure to multiple antigenic variants of malaria parasites and age-associated maturation of the immune system. Evidence that the protective immunity is associated with different classes and subclasses of antibodies reveals the importance of considering the quality of the response. In this study, we have evaluated the humoral immune response against Plasmodium falciparum blood stages of individuals naturally exposed to malaria who live in endemic areas of Brazil in order to assess the prevalence of different specific isotypes and their association with different malaria clinical expressions.\ud \ud \ud \ud Methods\ud \ud Different isotypes against P. falciparum blood stages, IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgE and IgA, were determined by ELISA. The results were based on the analysis of different clinical expressions of malaria (complicated, uncomplicated and asymptomatic) and factors related to prior malaria exposure such as age and the number of previous clinical malaria attacks. The occurrence of the H131 polymorphism of the FcγIIA receptor was also investigated in part of the studied population.\ud \ud \ud \ud Results\ud \ud The highest levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies were observed in individuals with asymptomatic and uncomplicated malaria, while highest levels of IgG4, IgE and IgM antibodies were predominant among individuals with complicated malaria. Individuals reporting more than five previous clinical malaria attacks presented a predominance of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies, while IgM, IgA and IgE antibodies predominated among individuals reporting five or less previous clinical malaria attacks. Among individuals with uncomplicated and asymptomatic malaria, there was a predominance of high-avidity IgG, IgG1, IgG2 antibodies and low-avidity IgG3 antibodies. The H131 polymorphism was found in 44.4% of the individuals, and the highest IgG2 levels were observed among asymptomatic individuals with this allele, suggesting the protective role of IgG2 in this population.\ud \ud \ud \ud Conclusion\ud \ud Together, the results suggest a differential regulation in the anti-P. falciparum antibody pattern in different clinical expressions of malaria and showed that even in unstable transmission areas, protective immunity against malaria can be observed, when the appropriated antibodies are produced.We would like to especially thank Dr. Cristóvão Luis Pitangueira Mangueira, Flávia Cristina Kinskowski and Milca Geane de Lamos Valim at the Central Laboratory of the Clinical Hospital for participating in the determination of the total IgE and IgA levels. This work was supported by FAPESP (process number 2001/04073-5) and Laboratório de Investigações Médicas do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (LIM-48/HCFMUSP)We would like to especially thank Dr. Cristóvão Luis Pitangueira Mangueira, Flávia Cristina Kinskowski and Milca Geane de Lamos Valim at the Central Laboratory of the Clinical Hospital for participating in the determination of the total IgE and IgA levels. This work was supported by FAPESP (process number 2001/040735) and Laboratório de Investigações Médicas do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (LIM48/HCFMUSP

Exploring the role of organizational policies and procedures in promoting research utilization in registered nurses

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Policies and procedures (P&Ps) have been suggested as one possible strategy for moving research evidence into practice among nursing staff in hospitals. Research in the area of P&Ps is limited, however. This paper explores: 1) nurses' use of eight specific research-based practices (RBPs) and RBP overall, 2) nurses' use and understanding of P&Ps, and 3) the role of P&Ps in promoting research utilization.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Staff nurses from the eight health regions governing acute care services across the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador completed an anonymous questionnaire regarding their use of eight RBPs and associated P&Ps. Data were also obtained from authorities in six of the eight regions about existing relevant P&Ps. We used descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis to assess the relationship between key independent variables and self-reported use of RBP.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Use of the eight RBPs ranged from 7.8% to 88.6%, depending on the practice. Nurses ranked P&P manuals as their number one source of practice knowledge. Most respondents (84.8%) reported that the main reason they consult the P&P manual is to confirm they are practicing according to agency rules. Multivariate regression analysis identified three significant predictors of being a user versus non-user of RBP overall: awareness, awareness by regular use, and persuasion. Six significant predictors of being a consistent versus less consistent user of RBP overall were also identified: perception of P&P existence, unit, nursing experience, personal experience as a source of practice knowledge, number of existing research-based P&Ps, and lack of time as a barrier to consulting P&P manuals.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Findings suggest that nurses use P&Ps to guide their practice. However, the mere existence of P&Ps is not sufficient to translate research into nursing practice. Individual and organizational factors related to nurses' understanding and use of P&Ps also play key roles. Thus, moving research evidence into practice will require careful interplay between the organization and the individual. P&Ps may be the interface through which this occurs.</p

Key features of palliative care service delivery to Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States: A comprehensive review

Background: Indigenous peoples in developed countries have reduced life expectancies, particularly from chronic diseases. The lack of access to and take up of palliative care services of Indigenous peoples is an ongoing concern. Objectives: To examine and learn from published studies on provision of culturally safe palliative care service delivery to Indigenous people in Australia, New Zealand (NZ), Canada and the United States of America (USA); and to compare Indigenous peoples’ preferences, needs, opportunities and barriers to palliative care. Methods: A comprehensive search of multiple databases was undertaken. Articles were included if they were published in English from 2000 onwards and related to palliative care service delivery for Indigenous populations; papers could use quantitative or qualitative approaches. Common themes were identified using thematic synthesis. Studies were evaluated using Daly’s hierarchy of evidence-for-practice in qualitative research. Results: Of 522 articles screened, 39 were eligible for inclusion. Despite diversity in Indigenous peoples’ experiences across countries, some commonalities were noted in the preferences for palliative care of Indigenous people: to die close to or at home; involvement of family; and the integration of cultural practices. Barriers identified included inaccessibility, affordability, lack of awareness of services, perceptions of palliative care, and inappropriate services. Identified models attempted to address these gaps by adopting the following strategies: community engagement and ownership; flexibility in approach; continuing education and training; a whole-of-service approach; and local partnerships among multiple agencies. Better engagement with Indigenous clients, an increase in number of palliative care patients, improved outcomes, and understanding about palliative care by patients and their families were identified as positive achievements. Conclusions: The results provide a comprehensive overview of identified effective practices with regards to palliative care delivered to Indigenous populations to guide future program developments in this field. Further research is required to explore the palliative care needs and experiences of Indigenous people living in urban areas

Analisis Pengelolaan Alokasi Dana Desapada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Di Desa Pringgasela Selatan

Penelitian ini memfokuskan perhatian pada pengelolaan Alokasi Dana Desa pada masa pandemi Covid-19 di Desa Pringgasela Selatan dimana terdapat pemotongan anggaran sejumlah Rp 32.000.000 dan adanya Peraturan Bupati Kabupaten Lombok Timur Nomor 2 Tahun 2019 tentang pengelolaan keuangan desa terkait pengalihan anggaran untuk penanggulangan bencana, keadaan darurat dan mendesak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk 1). mengetahui tahapan pengelolaan Alokasi Dana Desa di Desa Pringgasela Selatan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 2). Mengetahui tingkat efektivitas kinerja keuangan pemerintah Desa Pringgasela Selatan pada masa pandemi Covid-19.Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dimana kehadiran peneliti tidak mempengaruhi dinamika pada objek tersebut. peneliti melakukan wawancara mendalam sebagai Strategi untuk mendapat informasi secara mendetail kepada narasumber yang kompeten di bidang pengelolaan Alokasi Dana Desa seperti kepala desa, sekretaris desa, kaur keuangan, kaur perencanaan, dan BPD untuk menggali informasi secara obyektif mengenai Alokasi Dana Desa pada masa pandemi Covid-19. Kesimpulan penelitian ini bahwa 1). Sistem pengelolaan Alokasi Dana Desa di Desa Pringgasela Selatan adalah perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pertanggungjawaban Alokasi Dana Desa Secara teknis dan administrasi sudah baik ini dilihat dari pencairan Alokasi Dana Desa Di Desa Pringgasela Selatan Selalu tepat waktu. 2) Pengukuran kinerja keuangan desa di Desa Pringgasela Selatan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 didasarkan pada tingkat efektivitasnya yaitu sebesar 92% yang berarti efektif dan dipertimbangkan dengan pencapaian tujuan, ketepatan waktu, sesuai manfaat, dan harapan masyarakat

Stop! In the name of transforming growth factor-β: keeping estrogen receptor-α-positive mammary epithelial cells from proliferating

Recent genetic and cell biological studies illustrate the importance of active transforming growth factor-β signaling in preventing the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive cells in the normal mammary gland, and suggest how the loss of this inhibition may be important in early breast cancer progression