Inferring Past Pesticide Exposures: A Matrix of Individual Active Ingredients in Home and Garden Pesticides Used in Past Decades

BACKGROUND: In retrospective studies of the health effects of home and garden pesticides, self-reported information typically forms the basis for exposure assessment. Study participants generally find it easier to remember the types of pests treated than the specific pesticides used. However, if the goal of the study is to assess disease risk from specific chemicals, the investigator must be able to link the pest type treated with specific chemicals or products. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to develop a “pesticide–exposure matrix” that would list active ingredients on the market for treating different types of pests in past years, and provide an estimate of the probability that each active ingredient was used. METHODS: We used several different methods for deriving the active ingredient lists and estimating the probabilities. These methods are described in this article, along with a sample calculation and data sources for each. RESULTS: The pesticide–exposure matrix lists active ingredients and their probabilities of use for 96 distinct scenarios defined by year (1976, 1980, 1990, 2000), applicator type (consumer, professional), and pest type (12 categories). Calculations and data sources for all 96 scenarios are provided online. CONCLUSIONS: Although we are confident that the active ingredient lists are reasonably accurate for most scenarios, we acknowledge possible sources of error in the probability estimates. Despite these limitations, the pesticide–exposure matrix should provide valuable information to researchers interested in the chronic health effects of residential pesticide exposure

Feasibility and effectiveness of two community based HIV testing models in rural Swaziland

To evaluate the feasibility (population reached, costs) and effectiveness (positivity rates, linkage to care) of two strategies of community-based HIV testing and counselling (HTC) in rural Swaziland

"Libraries model sustainability": The results of an OCLC survey on library contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals

Ce document constitue un modèle de durabilité en bibliothèque. OCLC a mené une enquête auprès de 1700 employés de bibliothèques dans le monde entier pour déterminer comment les bibliothèques contribuent à cinq des objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies. Dans cet article, du Journal de l’IFLA, nous découvrons des résultats détaillés, montrant que les bibliothèques non seulement mettent en œuvre elles-mêmes des pratiques de durabilité, mais promeuvent également activement un comportement durable parmi leurs utilisateurs

F.A.R.O.G. FORUM, Vol. 6 No. 4

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/francoamericain_forum/1065/thumbnail.jp

Transcription errors induce proteotoxic stress and shorten cellular lifespan

Transcription errors occur in all living cells; however, it is unknown how these errors affect cellular health. To answer this question, we monitored yeast cells that were genetically engineered to display error-prone transcription. We discovered that these cells suffer from a profound loss in proteostasis, which sensitizes them to the expression of genes that are associated with protein-folding diseases in humans; thus, transcription errors represent a new molecular mechanism by which cells can acquire disease. We further found that the error rate of transcription increases as cells age, suggesting that transcription errors affect proteostasis particularly in aging cells. Accordingly, transcription errors accelerate the aggregation of a peptide that is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, and shorten the lifespan of cells. These experiments reveal a novel, basic biological process that directly affects cellular health and aging

Evaluation of the neutral red assay as a stress response indicator in cultivated mussels (Mytilus spp.) in relation to post-harvest processing activities and storage conditions

The neutral red assay (NRA) was evaluated and used as a biochemical indicator of stress response in cultured mussels that were subjected to various post-harvest processing and storage conditions. The NRA, which measures retention time of neutral red dye in the hemocyte organelle, the lysosome, can be correlated to the condition of mussels under various circumstances. Shelf life also provides an index of mussel condition and quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate mussel stress response in relation to post-harvest conditions of (1) handling, (2) processing, and (3) storage practices. Neutral red retention was altered in mussels that underwent washing and declumping compared to unprocessed mussels. However, the process of debyssing substantially decreased neutral red retention in mussels. Mussels held under chilled or iced storage conditions displayed decreased neutral red retention compared to those held under wet storage. The results demonstrated that NRA was a useful index of physiological stress response in mussels subjected to conditions under various culture practices. The implications of this study for growers are that the practice of reimmersion of mussels for 24 h, especially after debyssing, and storage of mussels in water or on ice can reduce stress response and provide a better quality product with longer shelf life.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Evaluation of the neutral red assay as a stress response indicator in cultivated mussels (Mytilus spp.) in relation to post-harvest processing activities and storage conditions

The neutral red assay (NRA) was evaluated and used as a biochemical indicator of stress response in cultured mussels that were subjected to various post-harvest processing and storage conditions. The NRA, which measures retention time of neutral red dye in the hemocyte organelle, the lysosome, can be correlated to the condition of mussels under various circumstances. Shelf life also provides an index of mussel condition and quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate mussel stress response in relation to post-harvest conditions of (1) handling, (2) processing, and (3) storage practices. Neutral red retention was altered in mussels that underwent washing and declumping compared to unprocessed mussels. However, the process of debyssing substantially decreased neutral red retention in mussels. Mussels held under chilled or iced storage conditions displayed decreased neutral red retention compared to those held under wet storage. The results demonstrated that NRA was a useful index of physiological stress response in mussels subjected to conditions under various culture practices. The implications of this study for growers are that the practice of reimmersion of mussels for 24 h, especially after debyssing, and storage of mussels in water or on ice can reduce stress response and provide a better quality product with longer shelf life.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

"Libraries model sustainability": The results of an OCLC survey on library contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals

« Une enquête menée auprès de plus de 1700 membres du personnel des bibliothèques dans le monde montre comment les bibliothèques contribuent à cinq des objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies. Les similitudes entre l’adoption, la contribution et l’utilisation des Objectifs de développement durable par les bibliothèques universitaires et publiques sont présentées. Les résultats indiquent que le personnel de la bibliothèque fait un travail considérable pour atteindre les cinq objectifs de développement durable sélectionnés. (…

New Model Library: Pandemic Effects and Library Directions

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted libraries of all types around the world, requiring library leaders to respond to rapidly shifting community and institutional needs. OCLC Research interviewed 29 library leaders from 11 countries to capture their experiences during the pandemic and understand what they envision for their libraries moving forward. We describe these transformations—how leaders strategically adapted to meet evolving needs and expectations—as movements toward a New Model Library.With a foreword from Janice Welburn, this high-level briefing synthesizes findings and recommendations within the context of work experiences, collections experiences, and engagement experiences. And within each of these contexts, it identifies New Model Library transformations occurring because of four areas of impact:AgilityCollaborationVirtualizationSpaceThe resulting framework can help you and your library find common ground with peers and identify new ideas and directions for your strategic planning. We hope you find this foundation useful as a way to share your own experiences and ideas for your New Model Library