Mosaic fungal individuals have the potential to evolve within a single generation

Although cells of mushroom-producing fungi typically contain paired haploid nuclei (n + n), most Armillaria gallica vegetative cells are uninucleate. As vegetative nuclei are produced by fusions of paired haploid nuclei, they are thought to be diploid (2n). Here we report finding haploid vegetative nuclei in A. gallica at multiple sites in southeastern Massachusetts, USA. Sequencing multiple clones of a single-copy gene isolated from single hyphal filaments revealed nuclear heterogeneity both among and within hyphae. Cytoplasmic bridges connected hyphae in field-collected and cultured samples, and we propose nuclear migration through bridges maintains this nuclear heterogeneity. Growth studies demonstrate among- and within-hypha phenotypic variation for growth in response to gallic acid, a plant-produced antifungal compound. The existence of both genetic and phenotypic variation within vegetative hyphae suggests that fungal individuals have the potential to evolve within a single generation in response to environmental variation over time and space

Family Wellness, Not HIV Prevention

HIV exceptionalism (and disease-specific programs generally) garner both unbalanced funding and the most talented personnel, distorting local health priorities. In support of HIV exceptionalism, the successful mobilization of significant global health sector resources was not possible prior to HIV. Both sides of the debate have merits; rather than perpetuating polarization, we suggest that sustained improvements in global health require creating a prevention infrastructure to meet multiple health challenges experienced by local communities. We propose four fundamental shifts in HIV and disease prevention: (1) horizontally integrating prevention at one site locally, with priorities tailored to local health challenges and managed by local community leaders; (2) using a family wellness metaphor for services, not disease prevention; (3) implementing evidence-based prevention programs (EBPP) based on common principles, factors, and processes, rather than replication of specific programs; and (4) utilizing the expertise of private enterprise to re-design EBPP into highly attractive, engaging, and accessible experiences

Exercise on Prescription Evaluation Report for South Gloucestershire

Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading cause of non-communicable disease worldwide (Kohl et al. 2012) and is associated with a range of diseases including Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity (HSE, 2012; Department of Health (DH), 2011). Currently, 61.9% of adults are overweight and obese in the UK (HSE, 2012). The beneficial effects of regular physical activity including protection from serious illness such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) easily exceed the effectiveness of drugs or other medical treatments (Department of Health, 2009). The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the South Gloucestershire Exercise on Prescription (EOP) Scheme. Overall, there were 2,505 participants in the programme aged 18-94 years old (M = 53.02, SD = 15.40) with a modal age of 66. Most participants were female (60.6%) (n = 1,517) versus 39.4% of males (n = 987), and the majority were White British (95%). Frequent reasons for programme referral were a BMI >30 and depression. Proportionally, postcodes B37 and B16 had the highest number of service users (n = 407; n = 389) and the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) ranged from 5.9-21.1. A total of 312 (12.5%) participants presented with a longstanding illness. This may not be an accurate representation of the service users as a whole due to a high degree of missing data. • There was a significant increase in the number of reported 30 minute exercise sessions per week between the start and the end of the programme. • There was a significant decrease in reported systolic blood pressure and waist measurement between the start and the end of the programme. • The programme did not appear to make a difference to the service users’ weight, BMI, hip measurement, or diastolic blood pressure. • There was a significant increase in reported well-being WEMWBS scores between the start and the end of the programm

Common Principles Embedded in Effective Adolescent HIV Prevention Programs

Each interpersonally delivered, evidence-based (EB) program for HIV prevention shares common features that aim to shift HIV risk behaviors. We used qualitative research methods to examine manuals from five EB programs for adolescents and identified 10 core principles embedded in each program’s activities. Principles reflect the stated goals and anticipated lessons in an activity. The principles were: Believe in your own worth and your right to a happy future; Commit to change; Distinguish fact from myth; Plan ahead and be prepared; Practice self-control; Know pleasurable alternatives to high risk activities; Negotiate verbally, not nonverbally; Evaluate options and consequences; Show concern for others; Choose to limit your own freedom; and Act to help others protect themselves. Focusing on common features rather than the unique properties of each EB program may allow community providers to have more flexibility and ownership in adapting EB programs, and may also facilitate development of new EB program

Common Principles Embedded in Effective Adolescent HIV Prevention Programs

Each interpersonally delivered, evidence-based (EB) program for HIV prevention shares common features that aim to shift HIV risk behaviors. We used qualitative research methods to examine manuals from five EB programs for adolescents and identified 10 core principles embedded in each program’s activities. Principles reflect the stated goals and anticipated lessons in an activity. The principles were: Believe in your own worth and your right to a happy future; Commit to change; Distinguish fact from myth; Plan ahead and be prepared; Practice self-control; Know pleasurable alternatives to high risk activities; Negotiate verbally, not nonverbally; Evaluate options and consequences; Show concern for others; Choose to limit your own freedom; and Act to help others protect themselves. Focusing on common features rather than the unique properties of each EB program may allow community providers to have more flexibility and ownership in adapting EB programs, and may also facilitate development of new EB program