A single polyploidization event at the origin of the tetraploid genome of Coffea arabica is responsible for the extremely low genetic variation in wild and cultivated germplasm

The genome of the allotetraploid species Coffea arabica L. was sequenced to assemble independently the two component subgenomes (putatively deriving from C. canephora and C. eugenioides) and to perform a genome-wide analysis of the genetic diversity in cultivated coffee germplasm and in wild populations growing in the center of origin of the species. We assembled a total length of 1.536 Gbp, 444 Mb and 527 Mb of which were assigned to the canephora and eugenioides subgenomes, respectively, and predicted 46,562 gene models, 21,254 and 22,888 of which were assigned to the canephora and to the eugeniodes subgenome, respectively. Through a genome-wide SNP genotyping of 736 C. arabica accessions, we analyzed the genetic diversity in the species and its relationship with geographic distribution and historical records. We observed a weak population structure due to low-frequency derived alleles and highly negative values of Taijma's D, suggesting a recent and severe bottleneck, most likely resulting from a single event of polyploidization, not only for the cultivated germplasm but also for the entire species. This conclusion is strongly supported by forward simulations of mutation accumulation. However, PCA revealed a cline of genetic diversity reflecting a west-to-east geographical distribution from the center of origin in East Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. The extremely low levels of variation observed in the species, as a consequence of the polyploidization event, make the exploitation of diversity within the species for breeding purposes less interesting than in most crop species and stress the need for introgression of new variability from the diploid progenitors

Social autopsy: INDEPTH Network experiences of utility, process, practices, and challenges in investigating causes and contributors to mortality

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Effective implementation of child survival interventions depends on improved understanding of cultural, social, and health system factors affecting utilization of health care. Never the less, no standardized instrument exists for collecting and interpreting information on how to avert death and improve the implementation of child survival interventions.</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To describe the methodology, development, and first results of a standard social autopsy tool for the collection of information to understand common barriers to health care, risky behaviors, and missed opportunities for health intervention in deceased children under 5 years old.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Under the INDEPTH Network, a social autopsy working group was formed to reach consensus around a standard social autopsy tool for neonatal and child death. The details around 434 child deaths in Iganga/Mayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (HDSS) in Uganda and 40 child deaths in Dodowa HDSS in Ghana were investigated over 12 to 18 months. Interviews with the caretakers of these children elicited information on what happened before death, including signs and symptoms, contact with health services, details on treatments, and details of doctors. These social autopsies were used to assess the contributions of delays in care seeking and case management to the childhood deaths.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>At least one severe symptom had been recognized prior to death in 96% of the children in Iganga/Mayuge HDSS and in 70% in Dodowa HDSS, yet 32% and 80% of children were first treated at home, respectively. Twenty percent of children in Iganga/Mayuge HDSS and 13% of children in Dodowa HDSS were never taken for care outside the home. In both countries most went to private providers. In Iganga/Mayuge HDSS the main delays were caused by inadequate case management by the health provider, while in Dodowa HDSS the main delays were in the home.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>While delay at home was a main obstacle to prompt and appropriate treatment in Dodowa HDSS, there were severe challenges to prompt and adequate case management in the health system in both study sites in Ghana and Uganda. Meanwhile, caretaker awareness of danger signs needs to improve in both countries to promote early care seeking and to reduce the number of children needing referral. Social autopsy methods can improve this understanding, which can assist health planners to prioritize scarce resources appropriately.</p

Coping self-efficacy mediates the influence of generalized control beliefs on physical activity behavior and intentions to be active: A population based sample

Generalized beliefs about one’s control are thought to affect behaviors and behavioral intentions (BI). We sought to examine how a sense of mastery and constraints contribute to a specific control belief, exercise self-efficacy (SE), as well as BI and physical activity (PA) behavior in the Alberta population. We thought SE would partially mediate the effect of mastery and constraints on exercise and BI, with constraints showing a direct influence on PA. A random digit dialing survey of 1210 Albertans was conducted in Calgary, Edmonton and elsewhere. Participants were asked about control beliefs (mastery and constraints) and SE for coping with barriers to PA as well as their PA behavior and their BI to engage in PA. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the role of mastery and constraints on SE and BI and then on behavior. Mastery was positively related to SE and those reporting higher constraints were less confident in the ability to cope with the demands of exercise. Coping SE fully mediated the relationship between mastery and constraints and behavior, as well as BI. Standardized direct effects between SE and PA behavior and BI were .47 and .21, respectively. General beliefs people hold about the extent to which they can control their lives influences specific beliefs, such as coping self-efficacy. Perceiving broader barriers in one’s life lead to less confidence in one’s ability to cope with the demands of regular PA, and consequently less PA. Broader beliefs about one’s control may serve as a target to influence behavioral specific control beliefs such as coping SE for exercise, in future interventions to improve SE

SocioEconomic Status, Control Beliefs and Exercise Intentions and Behavior

I presented the above paper to a group of my peers. I am attaching my slides from my presentation. The comments and feedback received will help in the publication of the paper as well as future research. Further, potential future collaboration may take place between myself and a research from another university.Purpose: Perceived control and socioeconomic status (SES) are thought to play important roles in health behavior. In exercise research, proximal control beliefs are most often studied, but some socio-ecological models suggest that distal factors are related to behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of SES, generalized and behavioral specific control beliefs on exercise intentions and behavior. Methods: People living in a Canadian city were mailed an anonymous survey. Participants reported income, education, occupation, subjective social status, perceptions of control over life (perceived mastery; PM, and personal constraints; PC), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and exercise intentions and behavior. Complete data was collected from 323 participants (N = 212 women, M age=48.1). Results: Separate hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the influence of SES and control variables on exercise intentions and behavior. For intentions (R2 = .38), income (β = .13), social status (β = .25), PM (β = .26) and PBC (β = .49) were important predictors. SES variables were no longer significant after the addition of PBC. For behavior (R2 = .18), significant predictors were income (β = .13), PM (β = .15), PC (β = -.24) and PBC (β = .25). Income and PM were no longer significant once PBC was included in the model. Conclusions: People with higher income and PBC had stronger intentions and engaged in more exercise. Individuals who believed they had control over their life had higher intentions to exercise, only those who perceived fewer constraints were more likely to engage in exercise.Academic & Professional Development Fund (A&PDF

Exploring beliefs around physical activity among older adults in rural Canada

Objective: As physical activity can improve health and reduce the risk of chronic disease, it is important to understand the contributing factors to physical activity engagement among older adults, particularly those living in rural communities to assist in remaining active and healthy as long as possible. The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the socio-ecological factors that influence or contribute to physical activity among rural-dwelling older adults in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. Methods: This qualitative description explored the perceptions of physical activity among older adults living in two rural communities in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 adults aged 69–94. Using content analysis techniques, transcribed interview data were coded and categorized. Results: Participants identified socio-ecological elements facilitating physical activity such as improved health, independence, and mobility as well as social cohesion and having opportunities for physical activity. The most common perceived environmental barrier to engaging in physical activity was the fear of falling, particularly on the ice during the winter months. Participants also cited adverse weather conditions, aging (e.g., arthritis), and family members (e.g., encouraged to “take it easy”) as barriers to physical activity. Conclusion: Hearing directly from older adults who reside in rural Saskatchewan was determined to have the potential to improve awareness of physical activity in rural communities to support the implementation of programs and practices that will facilitate active lifestyles for older adults