Developmental parameters and cocoon production by five silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombicidae) hybrids at different feeding regimes

The developmental characteristics of five silkworm hybrids -­‐ J2J1, K1W1, W1D2, J1C1, and C1J2 – fed with mulberry leaves, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times per day were investigated in a 5x5 factorial arrangement fitted into a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. The aim of the experiment was to identify the best of the four feeding regimes for cocoon production optimization. Each replicate consisted of one hundred silkworm larvae of each hybrid. Results showed that larval and pupal weights and fecundity were significantly jointly influenced by silkworm hybrid and feeding regime. Hybrid C1J2, when fed 3 times daily, produced the highest larval and pupal weights, and fecundity relative to other hybrids and feeding regimes, while higher fecundity was obtained at 4 and 5 feedings per day. Whereas larval developmental period was significantly influenced by silkworm hybrids, adult longevity was influenced by feeding regime. Mortality was higher with C1J2 at 1 feeding per day compared to other times of feeding, whereas adult longevity was influenced by feeding regimes. Shell weight and shell ratio were influenced jointly by silkworm hybrids and feeding regime. At feeding regime 1, significantly lower number and weight of cocoons were produced. Highest cocoon and shell weights were obtained from C1J2 at feeding regime 4 compared to other hybrids and feeding regimes

Occurrence of PAHs in water samples of the Diep River, South Africa

Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in freshwater may aggravate the water crisis currently being experienced in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. However, there is dearth of data on the levels of PAHs, which is necessary for effective assessment of water quality as well as remediation strategies. This study therefore assessed levels of PAHs in the Diep River freshwater system of Western Cape Province, South Africa. A liquid-liquid extraction solid-phase extraction gas chromatography flame ionisation detection (LLE-SPEGC-FID) method was developed to simultaneously determine the 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) listed priority PAHs in water samples. The SPE-GC-FID method allowed an acceptable linearity (R2 > 0.999) within the calibration range of 1 to 50 μg/mL. Instrument detection limits ranged between 0.02 and 0.04 μg/mL and instrument quantification limits between 0.06 and 0.13 μg/mL. Recovery study results were also acceptable (83.69–96.44%) except for naphthalene, which had recovery of 60.05% in spiked water matrix. The seasonal averages of individual PAH detected at the studied sites ranged between not detected (nd) and 72.38 ± 9.58 μg/L in water samples.Keywords: PAHs, Diep River, GC-FID, freshwate

Antibiogram nekih bakterija porodice Enterobacteriaceae izdvojenih iz pilića u slobodnom sustava držanja u Abeokuti u Nigeriji.

Antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae is an important indicator of the emergence of resistant bacterial strains in the community. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Enterobacteriaceae from free-range chickens to antimicrobial agents using the broth microdilution. In all, 184 isolates (including 104 Escherichia coli, 44 Klebsiella spp, 20 Salmonella spp. and 16 Enterobacter aerogenes) were resistant to ampicillin (89.7%), chloramphenicol (73.9%), ciprofloxacin (33.2%), enrofloxacin (60.3%), neomycin (70.7%), norfloxacin (45.7%), streptomycin (78.8%) and tetracycline (73.4%). Escherichia coli was resistant to ampicillin (92.3%), chloramphenicol (73.1%), ciprofloxacin (34.6%), enrofloxacin (61.5%), neomycin (76.9%), norfloxacin (46.2%), streptomycin (80.8%) and tetracycline (76.9%). The rate of resistance in Klebsiella spp. was ampicillin (90.9%), chloramphenicol (72.7%), ciprofloxacin (54.5%), enrofloxacin (90.9%), neomycin (63.6%), norfloxacin (63.6%), streptomycin (81.8%) and tetracycline (81.8%). Salmonella spp. showed resistance to ampicillin (80.0%), chloramphenicol (80.0%), enrofloxacin (20.0%), neomycin (80.0%), norfloxacin (20.0%), streptomycin (80.0%) and tetracycline (35.0%) but were completely susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Enterobacter aerogenes was resistant to ampicillin (81.3%), chloramphenicol (75.0%), ciprofloxacin (6.3%), enrofloxacin (18.8%), neomycin (37.5%), norfloxacin (25.0%), streptomycin (56.3%) and tetracycline (75.0%). Overall, 147 (79.9%) out of 184 isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance to at least three unrelated antimicrobial agents. The high rate of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial isolates from free-range birds may have major implications for human and animal health with adverse economic implications.Otpornost bakterija porodice Enterobacteriaceae na antimikrobne lijekove važan je pokazatelj pojave otpornih sojeva u populaciji. U ovom je radu mikrodilucijskim postupkom bila istražena osjetljivost na antimikrobne lijekove bakterija porodice Enterobacteriaceae izdvojenih iz pilića u slobodnom sustavu držanja. Od 184 izolata (104 izolata bakterije Escherichia coli, 44 Klebsiella spp., 20 Salmonella spp. i 16 Enterobacter aerogenes) na ampicilin je bilo otporno 89,7% izolata, na klormafenikol 73,9%, ciprofloksacin 33,2%, enrofloksacin 60,3%, neomicin 70,7%, norfloksacin 45,7%, streptomicin 78,8% i tetraciklin 73,4%. Izolati bakterije Escherichia coli bili su otporni na ampicilin (92,3%), kloramfenikol (73,1%), ciprofloksacin (34,6%), enrofloksacin (61,5%), neomicin (76,9%), norfloksacin (46,2%), streptomicin (80,8%) i tetraciklin (76,9%). Stopa otpornosti bakterija roda Klebsiella bila je za ampicilin 90,9%, kloramfenikol 72,7%, ciprofloksacin 54,5%, enrofloksacin 90,9%, neomicin 63,6%, norfloksacin 63,6%, streptomicin 81,8% i tetraciklin 81,8%. Izolati Salmonella spp. pokazivali su otpornost na ampicilin (80,0%), kloramfenikol (80,0%), enrofloksacin (20,0%), neomicin (80,0%), norfloksacin (20,0%), streptomicin (80,0%) i tetraciklin (35,0%), ali su u potpunosti bili osjetljivi na ciprofl oksacin. Izolati Enterobacter aerogenes su bili otporni na ampicilin (81,3%), kloramfenikol (75,0%), ciprofloksacin (6,3%), enrofloksacin (18,8%), neomicin (37,5%), norfloksacin (25,0%), streptomicin (56,3%) i tetraciklin (75,0%). Sveukupno je 147 (79,9%) od 184 izolata pokazivalo višestruku otpornost na najmanje tri nesrodna antimikrobna lijeka. Veliki postotak bakterijskih izolata iz slobodno držanih pilića na antimikrobne lijekove može biti od znatne važnosti za ljudsko i životinjsko zdravlje s nepovoljnim gospodarskim učinkom

Stigmatising attitude of medical students towards a psychiatry label

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

Previous disorders and depression outcomes in individuals with 12-month major depressive disorder in the World Mental Health surveys

AIMS: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterised by a recurrent course and high comorbidity rates. A lifespan perspective may therefore provide important information regarding health outcomes. The aim of the present study is to examine mental disorders that preceded 12-month MDD diagnosis and the impact of these disorders on depression outcomes.METHODS: Data came from 29 cross-sectional community epidemiological surveys of adults in 27 countries (n = 80 190). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess 12-month MDD and lifetime DSM-IV disorders with onset prior to the respondent's age at interview. Disorders were grouped into depressive distress disorders, non-depressive distress disorders, fear disorders and externalising disorders. Depression outcomes included 12-month suicidality, days out of role and impairment in role functioning.RESULTS: Among respondents with 12-month MDD, 94.9% (s.e. = 0.4) had at least one prior disorder (including previous MDD), and 64.6% (s.e. = 0.9) had at least one prior, non-MDD disorder. Previous non-depressive distress, fear and externalising disorders, but not depressive distress disorders, predicted higher impairment (OR = 1.4-1.6) and suicidality (OR = 1.5-2.5), after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Further adjustment for MDD characteristics weakened, but did not eliminate, these associations. Associations were largely driven by current comorbidities, but both remitted and current externalising disorders predicted suicidality among respondents with 12-month MDD.CONCLUSIONS: These results illustrate the importance of careful psychiatric history taking regarding current anxiety disorders and lifetime externalising disorders in individuals with MDD.</p

Consumers' experiences and values in conventional and alternative medicine paradigms: a problem detection study (PDS)

Background: This study explored consumer perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and relationships with CAM and conventional medicine practitioners. A problem detection study (PDS) was used. The qualitative component to develop the questionnaire used a CAM consumer focus group to explore conventional and CAM paradigms in healthcare. 32 key issues, seven main themes, informed the questionnaire (the quantitative PDS component - 36 statements explored using five-point Likert scales.

Estimates of the global, regional, and national morbidity, mortality, and aetiologies of lower respiratory infections in 195 countries, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.

BACKGROUND: Lower respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) Study 2016, provides an up-to-date analysis of the burden of lower respiratory infections in 195 countries. This study assesses cases, deaths, and aetiologies spanning the past 26 years and shows how the burden of lower respiratory infection has changed in people of all ages. METHODS: We used three separate modelling strategies for lower respiratory infections in GBD 2016: a Bayesian hierarchical ensemble modelling platform (Cause of Death Ensemble model), which uses vital registration, verbal autopsy data, and surveillance system data to predict mortality due to lower respiratory infections; a compartmental meta-regression tool (DisMod-MR), which uses scientific literature, population representative surveys, and health-care data to predict incidence, prevalence, and mortality; and modelling of counterfactual estimates of the population attributable fraction of lower respiratory infection episodes due to Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. We calculated each modelled estimate for each age, sex, year, and location. We modelled the exposure level in a population for a given risk factor using DisMod-MR and a spatio-temporal Gaussian process regression, and assessed the effectiveness of targeted interventions for each risk factor in children younger than 5 years. We also did a decomposition analysis of the change in LRI deaths from 2000-16 using the risk factors associated with LRI in GBD 2016. FINDINGS: In 2016, lower respiratory infections caused 652 572 deaths (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 586 475-720 612) in children younger than 5 years (under-5s), 1 080 958 deaths (943 749-1 170 638) in adults older than 70 years, and 2 377 697 deaths (2 145 584-2 512 809) in people of all ages, worldwide. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the leading cause of lower respiratory infection morbidity and mortality globally, contributing to more deaths than all other aetiologies combined in 2016 (1 189 937 deaths, 95% UI 690 445-1 770 660). Childhood wasting remains the leading risk factor for lower respiratory infection mortality among children younger than 5 years, responsible for 61·4% of lower respiratory infection deaths in 2016 (95% UI 45·7-69·6). Interventions to improve wasting, household air pollution, ambient particulate matter pollution, and expanded antibiotic use could avert one under-5 death due to lower respiratory infection for every 4000 children treated in the countries with the highest lower respiratory infection burden. INTERPRETATION: Our findings show substantial progress in the reduction of lower respiratory infection burden, but this progress has not been equal across locations, has been driven by decreases in several primary risk factors, and might require more effort among elderly adults. By highlighting regions and populations with the highest burden, and the risk factors that could have the greatest effect, funders, policy makers, and programme implementers can more effectively reduce lower respiratory infections among the world's most susceptible populations. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Trends in future health financing and coverage: future health spending and universal health coverage in 188 countries, 2016–40

Background: Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) requires health financing systems that provide prepaid pooled resources for key health services without placing undue financial stress on households. Understanding current and future trajectories of health financing is vital for progress towards UHC. We used historical health financing data for 188 countries from 1995 to 2015 to estimate future scenarios of health spending and pooled health spending through to 2040. Methods: We extracted historical data on gross domestic product (GDP) and health spending for 188 countries from 1995 to 2015, and projected annual GDP, development assistance for health, and government, out-of-pocket, and prepaid private health spending from 2015 through to 2040 as a reference scenario. These estimates were generated using an ensemble of models that varied key demographic and socioeconomic determinants. We generated better and worse alternative future scenarios based on the global distribution of historic health spending growth rates. Last, we used stochastic frontier analysis to investigate the association between pooled health resources and UHC index, a measure of a country's UHC service coverage. Finally, we estimated future UHC performance and the number of people covered under the three future scenarios. Findings: In the reference scenario, global health spending was projected to increase from US$10 trillion (95$20 trillion (18 trillion to 22 trillion) in 2040. Per capita health spending was projected to increase fastest in upper-middle-income countries, at 4·2% (3·4–5·1) per year, followed by lower-middle-income countries (4·0%, 3·6–4·5) and low-income countries (2·2%, 1·7–2·8). Despite global growth, per capita health spending was projected to range from only $40 (24–65) to$413 (263–668) in 2040 in low-income countries, and from $140 (90–200) to$1699 (711–3423) in lower-middle-income countries. Globally, the share of health spending covered by pooled resources would range widely, from 19·8% (10·3–38·6) in Nigeria to 97·9% (96·4–98·5) in Seychelles. Historical performance on the UHC index was significantly associated with pooled resources per capita. Across the alternative scenarios, we estimate UHC reaching between 5·1 billion (4·9 billion to 5·3 billion) and 5·6 billion (5·3 billion to 5·8 billion) lives in 2030. Interpretation: We chart future scenarios for health spending and its relationship with UHC. Ensuring that all countries have sustainable pooled health resources is crucial to the achievement of UHC. Funding: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Mapping geographical inequalities in access to drinking water and sanitation facilities in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-17

Background: Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is an essential human right, recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals as crucial for preventing disease and improving human wellbeing. Comprehensive, high-resolution estimates are important to inform progress towards achieving this goal. We aimed to produce high-resolution geospatial estimates of access to drinking water and sanitation facilities. Methods: We used a Bayesian geostatistical model and data from 600 sources across more than 88 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to estimate access to drinking water and sanitation facilities on continuous continent-wide surfaces from 2000 to 2017, and aggregated results to policy-relevant administrative units. We estimated mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive subcategories of facilities for drinking water (piped water on or off premises, other improved facilities, unimproved, and surface water) and sanitation facilities (septic or sewer sanitation, other improved, unimproved, and open defecation) with use of ordinal regression. We also estimated the number of diarrhoeal deaths in children younger than 5 years attributed to unsafe facilities and estimated deaths that were averted by increased access to safe facilities in 2017, and analysed geographical inequality in access within LMICs. Findings: Across LMICs, access to both piped water and improved water overall increased between 2000 and 2017, with progress varying spatially. For piped water, the safest water facility type, access increased from 40·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 39·4–40·7) to 50·3% (50·0–50·5), but was lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to piped water was mostly concentrated in urban centres. Access to both sewer or septic sanitation and improved sanitation overall also increased across all LMICs during the study period. For sewer or septic sanitation, access was 46·3% (95% UI 46·1–46·5) in 2017, compared with 28·7% (28·5–29·0) in 2000. Although some units improved access to the safest drinking water or sanitation facilities since 2000, a large absolute number of people continued to not have access in several units with high access to such facilities (>80%) in 2017. More than 253 000 people did not have access to sewer or septic sanitation facilities in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, despite 88·6% (95% UI 87·2–89·7) access overall. Many units were able to transition from the least safe facilities in 2000 to safe facilities by 2017; for units in which populations primarily practised open defecation in 2000, 686 (95% UI 664–711) of the 1830 (1797–1863) units transitioned to the use of improved sanitation. Geographical disparities in access to improved water across units decreased in 76·1% (95% UI 71·6–80·7) of countries from 2000 to 2017, and in 53·9% (50·6–59·6) of countries for access to improved sanitation, but remained evident subnationally in most countries in 2017. Interpretation: Our estimates, combined with geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden, identify where efforts to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are most needed. By highlighting areas with successful approaches or in need of targeted interventions, our estimates can enable precision public health to effectively progress towards universal access to safe water and sanitation