The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii(hereafter Chlamydomonas)possesses both plant and animal attributes,and it is an ideal model organism for studying fundamental processes such as photosynthesis,sexua...The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii(hereafter Chlamydomonas)possesses both plant and animal attributes,and it is an ideal model organism for studying fundamental processes such as photosynthesis,sexual reproduction,and life cycle.N^(6)-methyladenosine(m^(6)A)is the most prevalent mRNA modification,and it plays important roles during sexual reproduction in animals and plants.However,the pattern and function of m^(6)A modification during the sexual reproduction of Chlamydomonas remain unknown.Here,we performed transcriptome and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing(MeRIP-seq)analyses on six samples from different stages during sexual reproduction of the Chlamydomonas life cycle.The results show that m^(6)A modification frequently occurs at the main motif of DRAC(D=G/A/U,R=A/G)in Chlamydomonas mRNAs.Moreover,m^(6)A peaks in Chlamydomonas mRNAs are mainly enriched in the 30 untranslated regions(30 UTRs)and negatively correlated with the abundance of transcripts at each stage.In particular,there is a significant negative correlation between the expression levels and the m^(6)A levels of genes involved in the microtubule-associated pathway,indicating that m^(6)A modification influences the sexual reproduction and the life cycle of Chlamydomonas by regulating microtubule-based movement.In summary,our findings are the first to demonstrate the distribution and the functions of m^(6)A modification in Chlamydomonas mRNAs and provide new evolutionary insights into m^(6)A modification in the process of sexual reproduction in other plant organisms.展开更多
Polyploids in vertebrates are generally associated with unisexual reproduction,but the direct consequences of polyploidy on sex determination system and reproduction mode remain unknown.Here,we synthesized a group of ...Polyploids in vertebrates are generally associated with unisexual reproduction,but the direct consequences of polyploidy on sex determination system and reproduction mode remain unknown.Here,we synthesized a group of artificial octoploids between unisexual gynogenetic hexaploid Carassius gibelio and sexual tetraploid Carassius auratus.The synthetic octoploids were revealed to have more than 200 chromosomes,in which 50 chromosomes including the X/Y sex determination system were identified to transfer from sexual tetraploid C.auratus into the unisexual gynogenetic hexaploid C.gibelio.Significantly,a few synthetic octoploid males were found to be fertile,and one octoploid male was confirmed to regain sexual reproduction ability,which exhibits characteristics that are the same to sexual reproduction tetraploid males,such as 1:1 sex ratio occurrence,meiosis completion and euploid sperm formation in spermatogenesis,as well as normal embryo development and gene expression pattern during embryogenesis.Therefore,the current finding provides a unique case to explore the effect of sex determination system incorporation on reproduction mode transition from unisexual gynogenesis to sexual reproduction along with genome synthesis of recurrent polyploidy in vertebrates.展开更多
The sexual and asexual reproductive features of the graminoid species Arundinella hirta growing at riversides of the Jialing River were analyzed.It was found that the total seed mass,seed number per plant,and sexual r...The sexual and asexual reproductive features of the graminoid species Arundinella hirta growing at riversides of the Jialing River were analyzed.It was found that the total seed mass,seed number per plant,and sexual reproductive allocation of A.hirta decreased with decreasing bank elevation,and plants growing at the lowest elevations of banks subjected to intense flooding did not show sexual reproduction.The total plant biomass and the number of ramifications per plant increased with flooding intensity,which implies that,contrary to sexual reproduction,asexual reproduction of A.hirta was enhanced by flooding.展开更多
To promote behavioral change among adolescents in Zambia, the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, in collaboration with UNICEF, developed the Zambia U-Report platform. This platform provides young people with improved a...To promote behavioral change among adolescents in Zambia, the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, in collaboration with UNICEF, developed the Zambia U-Report platform. This platform provides young people with improved access to information on various Sexual Reproductive Health topics through Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages. Over the years, the platform has accumulated millions of incoming and outgoing messages, which need to be categorized into key thematic areas for better tracking of sexual reproductive health knowledge gaps among young people. The current manual categorization process of these text messages is inefficient and time-consuming and this study aims to automate the process for improved analysis using text-mining techniques. Firstly, the study investigates the current text message categorization process and identifies a list of categories adopted by counselors over time which are then used to build and train a categorization model. Secondly, the study presents a proof of concept tool that automates the categorization of U-report messages into key thematic areas using the developed categorization model. Finally, it compares the performance and effectiveness of the developed proof of concept tool against the manual system. The study used a dataset comprising 206,625 text messages. The current process would take roughly 2.82 years to categorise this dataset whereas the trained SVM model would require only 6.4 minutes while achieving an accuracy of 70.4% demonstrating that the automated method is significantly faster, more scalable, and consistent when compared to the current manual categorization. These advantages make the SVM model a more efficient and effective tool for categorizing large unstructured text datasets. These results and the proof-of-concept tool developed demonstrate the potential for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of message categorization on the Zambia U-report platform and other similar text messages-based platforms.展开更多
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is among the fundamental packages of health care, which all clients seeking health care should receive. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers, in particular, nurses perce...Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is among the fundamental packages of health care, which all clients seeking health care should receive. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers, in particular, nurses perceive the issue of people with mental problems having sexual health needs. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards sexual health needs of people with mental health problems. A general descriptive qualitative study design was utilized and data were collected using three focus group discussions (FGDs) that were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Purposive sampling was used to select 21 nurses who participated in the study. Nine were male, while 12 were female. Each FGD comprised seven participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and six major themes: 1) physiological interplay among different body systems, 2) disease process and effects of psychotropic, 3) participant differences in age, gender, educational level, and cultural backgrounds, 4) staff shortages in mental health units, 5) deficient record keeping, and 6) Social stereotypes and labelling theories emerged. Despite acknowledging the existence of sexual activity among people with mental health problems;participants had both positive and negative perceptions. It is, therefore, recommended that interventions aimed at strengthening implementation of SRH guidelines among nurses caring for people with mental health problems should be put in place.展开更多
In an effort to ensure that Institutions of Higher Learning provide quality Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) at the level of Universities and Colleges, indeveloping coun...In an effort to ensure that Institutions of Higher Learning provide quality Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) at the level of Universities and Colleges, indeveloping countries such as Zambia, some universities have engaged in offering programmes and services in CSE and SRH. However, the provision of such programmes has had some limitations in terms of resources to ensure quality delivery. As a result, there was a need to examine the provision of CSE and SRH in a resource constrained Mukuba University. The study has three research objectives: 1) to examine the CSE and SRH programmes and services that are available at Mukuba University;2) to determine the actual resources available for the University to ensure quality provision of CSE and SRH to students;3) to use views and opinions of students and academics to examine the extent to which the CSE and SRH are reflected as standards by UNESCO and universities and colleges. The study took a pragmatic philosophy stance and convergent parallel research design of mixed methods;the primary approach is qualitative which will be analysed using thematic analysis, while the quantitative approach was secondary and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study envisaged some implications that include the rise in communicable diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), gender based violence, general lack of information on matters relating to CSE and SRH among students at Mukuba University. The policy implication is that policy makers will be able to formulate policies that address the needs and challenges of students in providing quality CSE and SRH programmes and services for a university that is constrained with resources. The study found that there was a need to contextualize the quality provision of CSE and SRH at an institutional level, for instance, Mukuba University has created an enabling environment for quality provision of CSE and SRH activities and programmes through training of the stakeholders. Further, it was found that in any successful programme, it is expected to meet certain challenges that might in some cases make it difficult to implement the programme as envisaged. In other words, this study has revealed that there are some drawbacks as well as lessons that Mukuba University could learn from other universities that offer CSE and SRH. The study provides a synergistic conceptual model that could be used in the implementation of CSE and SRH in colleges and universities for sustainability. It is hoped that this study has proved that even with limited resources a university can provide CSE and SHR programmes and services without depending on support from other external funders and cooperating partners.展开更多
Most fungi display a mixed mating system with both asexual and sexual reproduction.The timing of the two modes of reproduction must be carefully coordinated through signal perception and coordination in the cell along...Most fungi display a mixed mating system with both asexual and sexual reproduction.The timing of the two modes of reproduction must be carefully coordinated through signal perception and coordination in the cell along with chromatin modification.Here,we investigated coordination of reproductive output by investigating the function of the histone chaper-one anti-silencing factor 1(ASF1)in a fungal species amenable to characterization of both asexual and sexual reproduction.We used knockout approach to show that SeASF1 influenced asexual and sexual reproduction in Stemphylium eturmiunum.SeASF1-deleted strains failed to produce pseudothecia,but produce abnormal conidia and showed an irregular distribution of nuclei in mycelium.Transcriptome sequencing was then used to identify genes with altered expression in the SeASF1-deleted strains.The transcriptional expression of the identified SeDJ-1 was strongly regulated by SeASF1.The interaction of SeDJ-1 and SeASF1 was confirmed using Y2H,Co-IP,and pull-down.Due to some components of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were known to interact with DJ-1 in mammals,we verified SePI3K,an element of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in S.eturmiunum,was directly linked to SeDJ-1 and then these two proteins were defined as a coordinator of reproduction.However,knockout of SeDJ-1 or SePI3K altered the asexual and sexual repro-duction,but SePI3K recovered the asexual and sexual development of∆Sedj-1.The SeDJ-1-M6 segment of SeDJ-1 was essential for its interaction with SePI3K and played a critical role in restoring sexual reproduction in the∆Sepi3k,providing a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanism of SeDJ-1 in S.eturmiunum development.Summarily,SeASF1 is able to trigger SeDJ-1 and SeDJ-1can also activate SePI3K,which is orchestrally involved in asexual and sexual reproduction in S.eturmiunum.All these results reveal that SeASF1 manipulates asexual and sexual reproduction in S.eturmiunum by SeDJ-1 perception of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.These data highlight the deep similarities in coordinating asexual and sexual processes in both fungi and eukaryotes in general.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> India being the country with largest adolescent population in the world, needs a special focus on the health services as the status of an adolescent determines the health statu...<strong>Background:</strong> India being the country with largest adolescent population in the world, needs a special focus on the health services as the status of an adolescent determines the health status in his/her adulthood. Some of the major issues faced by the adolescents include: mental health problems, early pregnancy and childbirth, (HIV/STI) and other infectious diseases, violence, injuries and malnutrition. The present study aims to understand the effectiveness of peer-led intervention on knowledge, attitude and practices related to sexual reproductive and mental health issues in adolescents among participants and non-participants. The study was carried out to improve the health-seeking behaviour of adolescents on sexual reproductive and mental health issues in low resource setting across four states in India. <strong>Methods:</strong> The study adopted a cross-sectional survey which was conducted on 400 adolescents from each of the four districts namely Bangalore, Khagaria-Bihar, Khed-Pune and Sahinganj-Jharkhand. A comparative analysis was conducted between the participants and the non-participants of the intervention to understand the effectiveness of the intervention on the KAP related to sexual reproductive and mental health of adolescents.<strong> Results:</strong> The study shows that the participants from Karnataka and Maharashtra had better knowledge in emergency contraception, HIV awareness, use of contraceptives and consumption of IFA’s than the non-participants;both the participants and the non-participants showed a positive behaviour in help-seeking in case of psychological challenges. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The peer-led approach was found to be an effective strategy for learning, sharing and monitoring adolescent sexual reproductive and mental health.展开更多
Objective To analyze and evaluate the impact of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education on students’ sexual knowledge,attitude and behavior.Methods A short term intervention was conducted among high sc...Objective To analyze and evaluate the impact of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education on students’ sexual knowledge,attitude and behavior.Methods A short term intervention was conducted among high school students in two schools in Xixiang county,Shaanxi Province.The intervention was carried out in the forms of manual,video,discussion,consultation,and so on .The contents of intervention consisted of the knowledge about adolescent physiology,care,conception,STD/HIV, and so on. Results The results showed that students’ knowledge increased significantly(11.92±4.61 before intervention vs 19.81±4.8 after intervention, P =0.000).The sexual attitude and behavior changed insignificantly,especially the change of behavior.Conclusion The intervention is significantly effective in increasing knowledge,but less effective in the change of attitude and almost ineffective in the behavior change.展开更多
Most young person will become sexually active before their 20<sup>th</sup> birthday having to battle with early and unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal deaths and injuries. This study examine...Most young person will become sexually active before their 20<sup>th</sup> birthday having to battle with early and unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal deaths and injuries. This study examined young person’s sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices and their levels of utilization of sexual reproductive health. Our study progresses beyond current research of reporting only sexual behaviour among youth to have insight into sexual and reproductive health update drivers yielding new empirically robust results for the Ghanaian case for sexual and reproductive health service uptake. The descriptively cross sectional design was employed in sampling 170 youth (150 surveyed and 20 Interviewed) using the stratified sampling technique together with a purposive selection of one key informant. Test of significance and associations were performed with the Chisquare test. In all 45.2% (77/170) of youth (10 - 24) had had sexual experience in life time. In respect of in-school youth, 42% (63/150) had had sexual experience whiles 70% (14/20) out-of-school youth had had sexual intercourse in life time. A total of 28.8% (49/170) of all the youth had sexual intercourse in the last six months with only 40.1 (20/49) using condom for protection. Parental discussion of contraceptive methods (29.3%) and sexual and romantic relationship (28.0%) was the least sexual and reproductive health area discussed among in-school youth. Youth knowledge of the available sexual reproductive health service was statistically associated with reproductive health service utilization (X<sup>2</sup> = 0.00, P ≤ 0.05). A concerted effort is required from government, NGO, Civil society organizations and religious bodies to help translate youth knowledge about sexual health into responsible sexual life and protective sex.展开更多
Introduction: In developing countries, gender-based violence (GBV) is a real public health problem. In Benin, GBV affects the majority of women and girls (69%). Benin has implemented strategies and set up integrated c...Introduction: In developing countries, gender-based violence (GBV) is a real public health problem. In Benin, GBV affects the majority of women and girls (69%). Benin has implemented strategies and set up integrated centers for the management of violence in order to reduce cases of violence and ensure the holistic management of victims. The objective of our study was to assess the functionality of the network of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in case of GBV in the commune of Kpomasse in 2022. Method: This descriptive and evaluative study was conducted from March 21 to April 11, 2022. The sampling method used was non-probabilistic. Reasoned choice and convenience were the techniques used for the different targets of the study. The functionality of the SRHR service network was assessed first by calculating scores at the structure, process and outcome levels, and then by analysis using the human rights-based approach. Results: Out of the 34 GBV victims identified, only one had received a full response and 54% of the victims had no knowledge of SRHR. The lack of knowledge about health care facilities was 41% for victims and 80% for non-victims in the community who participated in the study. In the case of gender-based violence, the community preferred to settle out of court rather than report it. The functionality of the networking of sexual and reproductive health rights services in the event of the occurrence of gender-based violence in the commune of Kpomassè is insufficient. Lack of knowledge of the roles of rights holders (DD) and duty bearers (DO) explains the insufficient functionality of networking. Conclusion: Training of SRHR service agents and community sensitization are essential to improve the functionality of SRHR service networking in the commune of Kpomasse.展开更多
Adolescent/youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services(SRHS)play a vital role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with adolescent SRH.This review examined studies carried out on adolescent/youth-...Adolescent/youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services(SRHS)play a vital role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with adolescent SRH.This review examined studies carried out on adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS with focus on availability,accessibility,utilization as well as perception of health care providers,and adolescents about the services.The study design was systematic review of empirical studies using a well-defined strategy.Online journal was searched comprehensively using Web of Science,Google Scholars databases,PubMed,Medline,and EMBASE.Other sources were identified through the scanning of references of selected sources.The articles selected were between 2016 and 2022 and had qualitative/quantitative and mixed methods.The articles that met the selection criteria were also screened using PRISMA-P guidelines and SPIDER framework for systematic review was further used for inclusion criteria based on the following concepts:sample,phenomenon of interest,design,evaluation and research type.A total number of 32 studies were included in the study and findings were reported based on the five emerging themes.The review showed that majority of the adolescents were not aware of adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS,some health care providers were not also in support of the services which accounted for low utilization of the services among adolescents.The review further showed poor accessibility and nonavailability of AYFSRHS as the only available SRHS were meant for married adults.Therefore,these findings serve as evidence for policy-makers at all the levels of healthcare delivery system to considered all the factors observed in this review and develop strategies that will make adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS available and accessible to adolescents.More so,other stakeholders,especially health care providers must improve their attitude toward provision of adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS.展开更多
Nearly half of the world’s population comprise youths. However, addressing their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains a challenge. Globally countries are mandated to continually provide Youth Friendly Sexual ...Nearly half of the world’s population comprise youths. However, addressing their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains a challenge. Globally countries are mandated to continually provide Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health services (YFSRHs) to the youth. The objective of this study was to assess and describe youth’s perspectives on a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs in Kenya. Data was collected among 400 youths aged 18 - 24 years in Embu and Kirinyaga counties, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was utilized as the data collection tool. Collected data was analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.4. Statistical threshold of P ≤ 0.05 was used. Overall the mean age of the study participants was ±standard deviation (SD) 21.2 ± 1.86 years. Majority of the participants’ perspective on the health care system sustainability was that the waiting time at the facility should be less than an hour, accessible geographically (less than a kilometre), affordable (≤20 Ksh.), and convenient working hours (weekday and weekends ratio 1:1). Advocacy was on health care provider’s attributes of politeness, welcoming, confidential and non-judgmental. The most preferred locations for the youth friendly centres by the participants were community and school based locations. Similarly, parental and community support was reported to highly contribute to sustained utilization and provision of the YFSRHs (P < 0.001). Unlike popular belief, 99.8% did not see the need for recreational facilities at the youth centres to ensure sustainability of the model. To ensure a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs, there is need for a multi-sectoral and stakeholder involvement that is;youth, health care system structure, health care service providers, parents and community. Further research is needed on parents and health care service provider’s perspectives on how to sustain the provision of YFSRH services.展开更多
<strong>Background: </strong>Despite increased recognition of the need for sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings, evidence focusing on mainstreaming reproductive health service...<strong>Background: </strong>Despite increased recognition of the need for sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings, evidence focusing on mainstreaming reproductive health services such as maternal, neonatal mortality, human immunodeficiency virus transmission and unsafe abortion still remains inadequate. The ability to understand the magnitude of the needs and highlight existing gaps is supported by improved data which is critical to informing effective policies, programming and funding decisions. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a research prioritization exercise on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings for the WHO Africa region for the next three years. <strong>Methods:</strong> We adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method in three phases. Experts from the region participated in an online survey to identify key areas for research in sexual and reproductive health and rights. To identify potential areas for research, the experts ensured answerability, effectiveness, deliverability, equity and potential impact of the questions. The research areas they identified were reviewed by World Health Organization technical team from headquarters. In a meeting of 67 participants, the questions were subjected to further review and analysis. Using a modified for scoring criteria, the questions were scored and ranked to provide the top ten priority questions to address sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings. <strong>Results: </strong>A list of 21 priority research questions on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were scored and ranked. Top ten priorities research questions were identified. Those that scored highly by scoring 30 points out of the possible maximum of 30 include: “determining the prevalence and associated factors of unwanted pregnancies and abortions performed in emergency and humanitarian settings”, “evidence on gender-based violence in humanitarian situations and its associated factors” and “defining an optimal model for coordinating sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions and responses in crisis situations”.<strong> Conclusions:</strong> Top ten research priorities in sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were identified. The priority research areas have the potential to identify the best areas for programming of services in humanitarian settings. It is our hope that the identified research areas will be prioritized to support programming of services in humanitarian settings based on scientific evidence.展开更多
<strong>Background: </strong>The use of mobile phones continues to rise rapidly in the provision of health related services. Many countries have adopted the use of mobiles to provide sexual and reproductiv...<strong>Background: </strong>The use of mobile phones continues to rise rapidly in the provision of health related services. Many countries have adopted the use of mobiles to provide sexual and reproductive health and rights and especially among the adolescents where specific messages are tailored for various audiences with specific messages. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research priority setting exercise on mHealth and innovative strategies. <strong>Methods:</strong> We adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology to identify and set research priorities on mHealth and innovative strategies that respond to sexual and reproductive health and rights services. General potential research questions were gathered online from multiple stakeholders in the region and sent for consolidation consolidated to technical experts in World Health Organization headquarters. The second phase involved a meeting with experts to review and thematically analyze the questions list of 33 questions producing a list of 22 research questions. The questions were scored against a six point criteria and ranked accordingly. Ten top priority research questions were identified. <strong>Results: </strong>Lists of 33 priority research questions for mHealth and innovative strategies were proposed for discussions by 67 stakeholders. The questions were reviewed, scored and ranked in a technical meeting by experts. The highest ranking questions at 87% include evaluation of mHealth for data management and sexual and reproductive health and rights decision making, assessment of innovative local financing techniques to support community based sexual reproductive health and rights and evaluation of the role of mobile technologies in referral and counter referral. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Information and communication technology is developing drastically and has a great potential in improving health especially in sexual and reproductive health and rights service delivery. This potential must be demonstrated with more relevant and quality research on mHealth and innovative strategies priorities identified.展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong> Many policy makers deliberating on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services need reliable evidence to make choices that benefit women, adolescents, chil...<strong>Background:</strong> Many policy makers deliberating on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services need reliable evidence to make choices that benefit women, adolescents, children and the wider society. While universal health coverage discourse provides an opportunity to expand access through evidence based interventions, many gaps exist. Research prioritization has proved to be very helpful in identifying relevant areas especially in constrained resource settings. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the World Health Organization Africa Region research prioritization for sexual and reproductive health and rights. These priorities hope to guide the region for the next three years. <strong>Methods: </strong>We used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach to identify priority questions among many potential areas for research prioritization on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The implementation process was organized in three phases. The first phase involved sending out an online survey to various experts with experience in sexual and reproductive health rights. These questions were received by a technical team from World Health Organization headquarters for review. 634 questions were identified for potential research and grouped into 12 themes. The second phase involved experts who reviewed the questions. The team merged questions with duplications, removed the questions that were out of scope and finally refined the wordings. In the final phase, experts worked in groups to score and rank top ten priority questions for each of the 12 thematic areas. <strong>Results: </strong>A list of 120 priority questions for sexual and reproductive health and rights were prioritized by 67 participants drawn from 16 organizations. Most of the priority research questions (45%) focused on the theme of gender-based violence, 35% prioritized services in sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings while 15% prioritized preventing unsafe abortion. 5% of the participants prioritized cervical cancer prevalence, prevention and treatment as a thematic area out of the questions in the top 20 research priority questions. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Key priority research questions in sexual and reproductive health and rights were identified around five themes. The priority list will be of significance to World Health Organization regional Office for Africa and her stakeholders for the next three years.展开更多
Arabinogalactan proteins(AGPs)are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play a vital role during the process of plant sexual reproduction.In this study,we performed a comprehensive identification of the PbrAGPs ...Arabinogalactan proteins(AGPs)are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play a vital role during the process of plant sexual reproduction.In this study,we performed a comprehensive identification of the PbrAGPs expressed in pear pollen and further explored their influences on pollen tube growth.Among the 187 PbrAGPs that were found to be expressed in pear pollen tubes,38 PbrAGPs were specifically expressed in pollen according to the RNA-seq data.The PbrAGPs were divided into two groups of highly expressed and specifically expressed in pear pollen.We further tested their expression patterns using RT-PCR and RT-qPCR.Most of the PbrAGPs were expressed in multiple tissues and their expression levels were consistent with reads per kilobase per million map reads(RPKM)values during pollen tube growth,implying that PbrAGPs might be involved in the regulation of pear pollen tube growth.We also constructed phylogenetic trees to identify the functional genes in pear pollen tube growth.Therefore,19 PbrAGPs(PbrAGP1 to PbrAGP19)were selected to test their influences on pollen tube growth.Recombinant proteins of the 19 PbrAGP-His were purified and used to treat pear pollen,and 11 of the PbrAGP-His recombinant proteins could promote pear pollen tube growth.Additionally,pollen tube growth was inhibited when the expression levels of PbrAGP1 and PbrAGP5 were knocked down using an antisense oligonucleotide assay.PbrAGP1 and PbrAGP5 were localized in the plasma membrane and might not alter the distribution of pectin in the pollen tube.In summary,this study identified the PbrAGPs expressed in pear pollen and lays the foundation for further exploring their functions in pollen tube growth.展开更多
BACKGROUND Online surveys can align with youth’s increased use of the internet and can be a mechanism for expanding youth participation in research.This is particularly important during the coronavirus disease 2019(C...BACKGROUND Online surveys can align with youth’s increased use of the internet and can be a mechanism for expanding youth participation in research.This is particularly important during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,when inperson interactions are limited.However,the advantages and drawbacks of online systems used for research need to be carefully considered before utilizing such methodologies.AIM To describe and discuss the strengths and limitations of an online system developed to recruit adolescent girls for a sexual health research study and conduct a three-month follow up survey.METHODS This methodology paper examines the use of an online system to recruit and follow participants three months after their medical visit to evaluate a mobile sexual and reproductive health application,Health-E You/Salud iTuTM,for adolescent girls attending school-based health centers(SBHCs)across the United States.SBHC staff gave adolescent girls a web link to an online eligibility and consent survey.Participants were then asked to complete two online surveys(baseline and 3-month follow-up).Surveys,reminders,and incentives to complete them were distributed through short message service(SMS)text messages.Upon completing each survey,participants were also sent an email with a link to an electronic gift card as a thank-you for their participation.Barriers to implementing this system were discussed with clinicians and staff at each participating SBHC.RESULTS This online recruitment and retention system enabled participant recruitment at 26 different SBHCs in seven states across the United States.Between September 2021 and June 2022,415 adolescent girls were screened using the Qualtrics online survey platform,and 182 were eligible to participate.Of those eligible,78.0%(n=142)completed the baseline survey.Participants were racially,geographically,and linguistically diverse.Most of the participants(89.4%)were non-White,and 40.8%spoke Spanish.A total of 62.0%(n=88)completed the 3-month follow-up survey.Limitations of this system included reliance on internet access(via Wi-Fi or cell service),which was not universally available or reliable.In addition,an individual unrelated to the study obtained the survey link,filled out multiple surveys,and received multiple gift cards before the research team discovered and stopped this activity.As a result,additional security protocols were instituted.CONCLUSION Online systems for health research can increase the reach and diversity of study participants,reduce costs for research personnel time and travel,allow for continued study operation when in-person visits are limited(such as during the COVID-19 pandemic),and connect youth with research using technology.However,there are challenges and limitations to online systems,which include limited internet access,intermittent internet connection,data security concerns,and the potential for fraudulent users.These challenges should be considered prior to using online systems for research.展开更多
Puccinia striiformis Westend.f.sp.tritici Erikss.(Pst)infects wheat and causes stripe rust.The rust is heteroecious with wheat as the primary uredinial and telial host and barberry(Berberis spp.)as the alternate pycni...Puccinia striiformis Westend.f.sp.tritici Erikss.(Pst)infects wheat and causes stripe rust.The rust is heteroecious with wheat as the primary uredinial and telial host and barberry(Berberis spp.)as the alternate pycnial and aecial host.More than 40 Berberis species have been identified as alternate hosts for Pst,and most of these are Chinese Berberis species.However,little is known about Berberis species or their geographic distributions in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau in southwestern China.The Yunnan-Guizhou plateau is considered to be an important and relatively independent region for the evolution of the wheat stripe rust pathogen in China because the entire disease cycle can be completed within the region.In this study,we conducted a survey of barberry plants in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and identified the eight Pst-susceptible Berberis species under controlled conditions,including B.julianae,B.tsienii,B.veitchii,B.wilsonae,B.wilsonae var.guhtzunica,B.franchetiana,B.lepidifolia and B.pruinosa.These species are reported here for the first time to serve as alternate hosts for the wheat stripe rust pathogen under controlled conditions.展开更多
Cat’s claw creeper vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) Lohmann (syn. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry), is a major environmental weed in Australia. Two forms (“long” and “short” pod) of the weed occur in Austral...Cat’s claw creeper vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) Lohmann (syn. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry), is a major environmental weed in Australia. Two forms (“long” and “short” pod) of the weed occur in Australia. This investigation aimed to evaluate and compare germination behavior and occurrence of polyembryony (production of multiple seedlings from a single seed) in the two forms of the weed. Seeds were germinated in growth chambers set to 10/20°C, 15/25°C, 20/30°C, 30/45°C and 25°C, representing ambient temperature conditions of the region. Germination and polyembryony were monitored over a period of 12 weeks. For all the treatments in this study, seeds from the short pod form exhibited significantly higher germination rates and higher occurrence of polyembryony than those from the long pod form. Seeds from the long pod form did not germinate at the lowest temperature of 10/20°C;in contrast, those of the short pod form germinated under this condition, albeit at a lower rate. Results from this study could explain why the short pod form of D. unguis-cati is the more widely distributed form in Australia, while the long pod form is confined to a few localities. The results have implication in predicting future ranges of both forms of the invasive D. unguis-cati, as well as inform management decisions for control of the weed.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant Nos.2019YFA0904600,2018YFA0801200,and 2021YFA0910800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31870217 and 91940304).
文摘The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii(hereafter Chlamydomonas)possesses both plant and animal attributes,and it is an ideal model organism for studying fundamental processes such as photosynthesis,sexual reproduction,and life cycle.N^(6)-methyladenosine(m^(6)A)is the most prevalent mRNA modification,and it plays important roles during sexual reproduction in animals and plants.However,the pattern and function of m^(6)A modification during the sexual reproduction of Chlamydomonas remain unknown.Here,we performed transcriptome and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing(MeRIP-seq)analyses on six samples from different stages during sexual reproduction of the Chlamydomonas life cycle.The results show that m^(6)A modification frequently occurs at the main motif of DRAC(D=G/A/U,R=A/G)in Chlamydomonas mRNAs.Moreover,m^(6)A peaks in Chlamydomonas mRNAs are mainly enriched in the 30 untranslated regions(30 UTRs)and negatively correlated with the abundance of transcripts at each stage.In particular,there is a significant negative correlation between the expression levels and the m^(6)A levels of genes involved in the microtubule-associated pathway,indicating that m^(6)A modification influences the sexual reproduction and the life cycle of Chlamydomonas by regulating microtubule-based movement.In summary,our findings are the first to demonstrate the distribution and the functions of m^(6)A modification in Chlamydomonas mRNAs and provide new evolutionary insights into m^(6)A modification in the process of sexual reproduction in other plant organisms.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31930111 and 31873036)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA24030104)+4 种基金the National Key Research and Development Project(2018YFD0900204)the Key Program of Frontier Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(QYZDY-SSW-SMC025)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-45-07)the Autonomous Project of the State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology(2019FBZ04)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS。
文摘Polyploids in vertebrates are generally associated with unisexual reproduction,but the direct consequences of polyploidy on sex determination system and reproduction mode remain unknown.Here,we synthesized a group of artificial octoploids between unisexual gynogenetic hexaploid Carassius gibelio and sexual tetraploid Carassius auratus.The synthetic octoploids were revealed to have more than 200 chromosomes,in which 50 chromosomes including the X/Y sex determination system were identified to transfer from sexual tetraploid C.auratus into the unisexual gynogenetic hexaploid C.gibelio.Significantly,a few synthetic octoploid males were found to be fertile,and one octoploid male was confirmed to regain sexual reproduction ability,which exhibits characteristics that are the same to sexual reproduction tetraploid males,such as 1:1 sex ratio occurrence,meiosis completion and euploid sperm formation in spermatogenesis,as well as normal embryo development and gene expression pattern during embryogenesis.Therefore,the current finding provides a unique case to explore the effect of sex determination system incorporation on reproduction mode transition from unisexual gynogenesis to sexual reproduction along with genome synthesis of recurrent polyploidy in vertebrates.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30440035 and 30500041).
文摘The sexual and asexual reproductive features of the graminoid species Arundinella hirta growing at riversides of the Jialing River were analyzed.It was found that the total seed mass,seed number per plant,and sexual reproductive allocation of A.hirta decreased with decreasing bank elevation,and plants growing at the lowest elevations of banks subjected to intense flooding did not show sexual reproduction.The total plant biomass and the number of ramifications per plant increased with flooding intensity,which implies that,contrary to sexual reproduction,asexual reproduction of A.hirta was enhanced by flooding.
文摘To promote behavioral change among adolescents in Zambia, the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, in collaboration with UNICEF, developed the Zambia U-Report platform. This platform provides young people with improved access to information on various Sexual Reproductive Health topics through Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages. Over the years, the platform has accumulated millions of incoming and outgoing messages, which need to be categorized into key thematic areas for better tracking of sexual reproductive health knowledge gaps among young people. The current manual categorization process of these text messages is inefficient and time-consuming and this study aims to automate the process for improved analysis using text-mining techniques. Firstly, the study investigates the current text message categorization process and identifies a list of categories adopted by counselors over time which are then used to build and train a categorization model. Secondly, the study presents a proof of concept tool that automates the categorization of U-report messages into key thematic areas using the developed categorization model. Finally, it compares the performance and effectiveness of the developed proof of concept tool against the manual system. The study used a dataset comprising 206,625 text messages. The current process would take roughly 2.82 years to categorise this dataset whereas the trained SVM model would require only 6.4 minutes while achieving an accuracy of 70.4% demonstrating that the automated method is significantly faster, more scalable, and consistent when compared to the current manual categorization. These advantages make the SVM model a more efficient and effective tool for categorizing large unstructured text datasets. These results and the proof-of-concept tool developed demonstrate the potential for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of message categorization on the Zambia U-report platform and other similar text messages-based platforms.
文摘Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is among the fundamental packages of health care, which all clients seeking health care should receive. However, it is unclear how healthcare providers, in particular, nurses perceive the issue of people with mental problems having sexual health needs. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of nurses at Ndola Teaching Hospital towards sexual health needs of people with mental health problems. A general descriptive qualitative study design was utilized and data were collected using three focus group discussions (FGDs) that were recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Purposive sampling was used to select 21 nurses who participated in the study. Nine were male, while 12 were female. Each FGD comprised seven participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and six major themes: 1) physiological interplay among different body systems, 2) disease process and effects of psychotropic, 3) participant differences in age, gender, educational level, and cultural backgrounds, 4) staff shortages in mental health units, 5) deficient record keeping, and 6) Social stereotypes and labelling theories emerged. Despite acknowledging the existence of sexual activity among people with mental health problems;participants had both positive and negative perceptions. It is, therefore, recommended that interventions aimed at strengthening implementation of SRH guidelines among nurses caring for people with mental health problems should be put in place.
文摘In an effort to ensure that Institutions of Higher Learning provide quality Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) at the level of Universities and Colleges, indeveloping countries such as Zambia, some universities have engaged in offering programmes and services in CSE and SRH. However, the provision of such programmes has had some limitations in terms of resources to ensure quality delivery. As a result, there was a need to examine the provision of CSE and SRH in a resource constrained Mukuba University. The study has three research objectives: 1) to examine the CSE and SRH programmes and services that are available at Mukuba University;2) to determine the actual resources available for the University to ensure quality provision of CSE and SRH to students;3) to use views and opinions of students and academics to examine the extent to which the CSE and SRH are reflected as standards by UNESCO and universities and colleges. The study took a pragmatic philosophy stance and convergent parallel research design of mixed methods;the primary approach is qualitative which will be analysed using thematic analysis, while the quantitative approach was secondary and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study envisaged some implications that include the rise in communicable diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), gender based violence, general lack of information on matters relating to CSE and SRH among students at Mukuba University. The policy implication is that policy makers will be able to formulate policies that address the needs and challenges of students in providing quality CSE and SRH programmes and services for a university that is constrained with resources. The study found that there was a need to contextualize the quality provision of CSE and SRH at an institutional level, for instance, Mukuba University has created an enabling environment for quality provision of CSE and SRH activities and programmes through training of the stakeholders. Further, it was found that in any successful programme, it is expected to meet certain challenges that might in some cases make it difficult to implement the programme as envisaged. In other words, this study has revealed that there are some drawbacks as well as lessons that Mukuba University could learn from other universities that offer CSE and SRH. The study provides a synergistic conceptual model that could be used in the implementation of CSE and SRH in colleges and universities for sustainability. It is hoped that this study has proved that even with limited resources a university can provide CSE and SHR programmes and services without depending on support from other external funders and cooperating partners.
基金Funding was provided by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant nos.31230001,U200220015).
文摘Most fungi display a mixed mating system with both asexual and sexual reproduction.The timing of the two modes of reproduction must be carefully coordinated through signal perception and coordination in the cell along with chromatin modification.Here,we investigated coordination of reproductive output by investigating the function of the histone chaper-one anti-silencing factor 1(ASF1)in a fungal species amenable to characterization of both asexual and sexual reproduction.We used knockout approach to show that SeASF1 influenced asexual and sexual reproduction in Stemphylium eturmiunum.SeASF1-deleted strains failed to produce pseudothecia,but produce abnormal conidia and showed an irregular distribution of nuclei in mycelium.Transcriptome sequencing was then used to identify genes with altered expression in the SeASF1-deleted strains.The transcriptional expression of the identified SeDJ-1 was strongly regulated by SeASF1.The interaction of SeDJ-1 and SeASF1 was confirmed using Y2H,Co-IP,and pull-down.Due to some components of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were known to interact with DJ-1 in mammals,we verified SePI3K,an element of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in S.eturmiunum,was directly linked to SeDJ-1 and then these two proteins were defined as a coordinator of reproduction.However,knockout of SeDJ-1 or SePI3K altered the asexual and sexual repro-duction,but SePI3K recovered the asexual and sexual development of∆Sedj-1.The SeDJ-1-M6 segment of SeDJ-1 was essential for its interaction with SePI3K and played a critical role in restoring sexual reproduction in the∆Sepi3k,providing a deep understanding of the regulatory mechanism of SeDJ-1 in S.eturmiunum development.Summarily,SeASF1 is able to trigger SeDJ-1 and SeDJ-1can also activate SePI3K,which is orchestrally involved in asexual and sexual reproduction in S.eturmiunum.All these results reveal that SeASF1 manipulates asexual and sexual reproduction in S.eturmiunum by SeDJ-1 perception of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.These data highlight the deep similarities in coordinating asexual and sexual processes in both fungi and eukaryotes in general.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> India being the country with largest adolescent population in the world, needs a special focus on the health services as the status of an adolescent determines the health status in his/her adulthood. Some of the major issues faced by the adolescents include: mental health problems, early pregnancy and childbirth, (HIV/STI) and other infectious diseases, violence, injuries and malnutrition. The present study aims to understand the effectiveness of peer-led intervention on knowledge, attitude and practices related to sexual reproductive and mental health issues in adolescents among participants and non-participants. The study was carried out to improve the health-seeking behaviour of adolescents on sexual reproductive and mental health issues in low resource setting across four states in India. <strong>Methods:</strong> The study adopted a cross-sectional survey which was conducted on 400 adolescents from each of the four districts namely Bangalore, Khagaria-Bihar, Khed-Pune and Sahinganj-Jharkhand. A comparative analysis was conducted between the participants and the non-participants of the intervention to understand the effectiveness of the intervention on the KAP related to sexual reproductive and mental health of adolescents.<strong> Results:</strong> The study shows that the participants from Karnataka and Maharashtra had better knowledge in emergency contraception, HIV awareness, use of contraceptives and consumption of IFA’s than the non-participants;both the participants and the non-participants showed a positive behaviour in help-seeking in case of psychological challenges. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The peer-led approach was found to be an effective strategy for learning, sharing and monitoring adolescent sexual reproductive and mental health.
基金theMinistryofChinesePublicHealthandUNFPA(No .99 z 0 7)
文摘Objective To analyze and evaluate the impact of adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health education on students’ sexual knowledge,attitude and behavior.Methods A short term intervention was conducted among high school students in two schools in Xixiang county,Shaanxi Province.The intervention was carried out in the forms of manual,video,discussion,consultation,and so on .The contents of intervention consisted of the knowledge about adolescent physiology,care,conception,STD/HIV, and so on. Results The results showed that students’ knowledge increased significantly(11.92±4.61 before intervention vs 19.81±4.8 after intervention, P =0.000).The sexual attitude and behavior changed insignificantly,especially the change of behavior.Conclusion The intervention is significantly effective in increasing knowledge,but less effective in the change of attitude and almost ineffective in the behavior change.
文摘Most young person will become sexually active before their 20<sup>th</sup> birthday having to battle with early and unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal deaths and injuries. This study examined young person’s sexual knowledge, attitudes and practices and their levels of utilization of sexual reproductive health. Our study progresses beyond current research of reporting only sexual behaviour among youth to have insight into sexual and reproductive health update drivers yielding new empirically robust results for the Ghanaian case for sexual and reproductive health service uptake. The descriptively cross sectional design was employed in sampling 170 youth (150 surveyed and 20 Interviewed) using the stratified sampling technique together with a purposive selection of one key informant. Test of significance and associations were performed with the Chisquare test. In all 45.2% (77/170) of youth (10 - 24) had had sexual experience in life time. In respect of in-school youth, 42% (63/150) had had sexual experience whiles 70% (14/20) out-of-school youth had had sexual intercourse in life time. A total of 28.8% (49/170) of all the youth had sexual intercourse in the last six months with only 40.1 (20/49) using condom for protection. Parental discussion of contraceptive methods (29.3%) and sexual and romantic relationship (28.0%) was the least sexual and reproductive health area discussed among in-school youth. Youth knowledge of the available sexual reproductive health service was statistically associated with reproductive health service utilization (X<sup>2</sup> = 0.00, P ≤ 0.05). A concerted effort is required from government, NGO, Civil society organizations and religious bodies to help translate youth knowledge about sexual health into responsible sexual life and protective sex.
文摘Introduction: In developing countries, gender-based violence (GBV) is a real public health problem. In Benin, GBV affects the majority of women and girls (69%). Benin has implemented strategies and set up integrated centers for the management of violence in order to reduce cases of violence and ensure the holistic management of victims. The objective of our study was to assess the functionality of the network of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in case of GBV in the commune of Kpomasse in 2022. Method: This descriptive and evaluative study was conducted from March 21 to April 11, 2022. The sampling method used was non-probabilistic. Reasoned choice and convenience were the techniques used for the different targets of the study. The functionality of the SRHR service network was assessed first by calculating scores at the structure, process and outcome levels, and then by analysis using the human rights-based approach. Results: Out of the 34 GBV victims identified, only one had received a full response and 54% of the victims had no knowledge of SRHR. The lack of knowledge about health care facilities was 41% for victims and 80% for non-victims in the community who participated in the study. In the case of gender-based violence, the community preferred to settle out of court rather than report it. The functionality of the networking of sexual and reproductive health rights services in the event of the occurrence of gender-based violence in the commune of Kpomassè is insufficient. Lack of knowledge of the roles of rights holders (DD) and duty bearers (DO) explains the insufficient functionality of networking. Conclusion: Training of SRHR service agents and community sensitization are essential to improve the functionality of SRHR service networking in the commune of Kpomasse.
文摘Adolescent/youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services(SRHS)play a vital role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with adolescent SRH.This review examined studies carried out on adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS with focus on availability,accessibility,utilization as well as perception of health care providers,and adolescents about the services.The study design was systematic review of empirical studies using a well-defined strategy.Online journal was searched comprehensively using Web of Science,Google Scholars databases,PubMed,Medline,and EMBASE.Other sources were identified through the scanning of references of selected sources.The articles selected were between 2016 and 2022 and had qualitative/quantitative and mixed methods.The articles that met the selection criteria were also screened using PRISMA-P guidelines and SPIDER framework for systematic review was further used for inclusion criteria based on the following concepts:sample,phenomenon of interest,design,evaluation and research type.A total number of 32 studies were included in the study and findings were reported based on the five emerging themes.The review showed that majority of the adolescents were not aware of adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS,some health care providers were not also in support of the services which accounted for low utilization of the services among adolescents.The review further showed poor accessibility and nonavailability of AYFSRHS as the only available SRHS were meant for married adults.Therefore,these findings serve as evidence for policy-makers at all the levels of healthcare delivery system to considered all the factors observed in this review and develop strategies that will make adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS available and accessible to adolescents.More so,other stakeholders,especially health care providers must improve their attitude toward provision of adolescent/youth-friendly SRHS.
文摘Nearly half of the world’s population comprise youths. However, addressing their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) remains a challenge. Globally countries are mandated to continually provide Youth Friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health services (YFSRHs) to the youth. The objective of this study was to assess and describe youth’s perspectives on a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs in Kenya. Data was collected among 400 youths aged 18 - 24 years in Embu and Kirinyaga counties, Kenya. A structured questionnaire was utilized as the data collection tool. Collected data was analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.4. Statistical threshold of P ≤ 0.05 was used. Overall the mean age of the study participants was ±standard deviation (SD) 21.2 ± 1.86 years. Majority of the participants’ perspective on the health care system sustainability was that the waiting time at the facility should be less than an hour, accessible geographically (less than a kilometre), affordable (≤20 Ksh.), and convenient working hours (weekday and weekends ratio 1:1). Advocacy was on health care provider’s attributes of politeness, welcoming, confidential and non-judgmental. The most preferred locations for the youth friendly centres by the participants were community and school based locations. Similarly, parental and community support was reported to highly contribute to sustained utilization and provision of the YFSRHs (P < 0.001). Unlike popular belief, 99.8% did not see the need for recreational facilities at the youth centres to ensure sustainability of the model. To ensure a sustainable model for the provision of YFSRHs, there is need for a multi-sectoral and stakeholder involvement that is;youth, health care system structure, health care service providers, parents and community. Further research is needed on parents and health care service provider’s perspectives on how to sustain the provision of YFSRH services.
文摘<strong>Background: </strong>Despite increased recognition of the need for sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings, evidence focusing on mainstreaming reproductive health services such as maternal, neonatal mortality, human immunodeficiency virus transmission and unsafe abortion still remains inadequate. The ability to understand the magnitude of the needs and highlight existing gaps is supported by improved data which is critical to informing effective policies, programming and funding decisions. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a research prioritization exercise on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings for the WHO Africa region for the next three years. <strong>Methods:</strong> We adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method in three phases. Experts from the region participated in an online survey to identify key areas for research in sexual and reproductive health and rights. To identify potential areas for research, the experts ensured answerability, effectiveness, deliverability, equity and potential impact of the questions. The research areas they identified were reviewed by World Health Organization technical team from headquarters. In a meeting of 67 participants, the questions were subjected to further review and analysis. Using a modified for scoring criteria, the questions were scored and ranked to provide the top ten priority questions to address sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings. <strong>Results: </strong>A list of 21 priority research questions on sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were scored and ranked. Top ten priorities research questions were identified. Those that scored highly by scoring 30 points out of the possible maximum of 30 include: “determining the prevalence and associated factors of unwanted pregnancies and abortions performed in emergency and humanitarian settings”, “evidence on gender-based violence in humanitarian situations and its associated factors” and “defining an optimal model for coordinating sexual and reproductive health and rights interventions and responses in crisis situations”.<strong> Conclusions:</strong> Top ten research priorities in sexual and reproductive health and rights services in humanitarian settings were identified. The priority research areas have the potential to identify the best areas for programming of services in humanitarian settings. It is our hope that the identified research areas will be prioritized to support programming of services in humanitarian settings based on scientific evidence.
文摘<strong>Background: </strong>The use of mobile phones continues to rise rapidly in the provision of health related services. Many countries have adopted the use of mobiles to provide sexual and reproductive health and rights and especially among the adolescents where specific messages are tailored for various audiences with specific messages. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a research priority setting exercise on mHealth and innovative strategies. <strong>Methods:</strong> We adapted Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative methodology to identify and set research priorities on mHealth and innovative strategies that respond to sexual and reproductive health and rights services. General potential research questions were gathered online from multiple stakeholders in the region and sent for consolidation consolidated to technical experts in World Health Organization headquarters. The second phase involved a meeting with experts to review and thematically analyze the questions list of 33 questions producing a list of 22 research questions. The questions were scored against a six point criteria and ranked accordingly. Ten top priority research questions were identified. <strong>Results: </strong>Lists of 33 priority research questions for mHealth and innovative strategies were proposed for discussions by 67 stakeholders. The questions were reviewed, scored and ranked in a technical meeting by experts. The highest ranking questions at 87% include evaluation of mHealth for data management and sexual and reproductive health and rights decision making, assessment of innovative local financing techniques to support community based sexual reproductive health and rights and evaluation of the role of mobile technologies in referral and counter referral. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Information and communication technology is developing drastically and has a great potential in improving health especially in sexual and reproductive health and rights service delivery. This potential must be demonstrated with more relevant and quality research on mHealth and innovative strategies priorities identified.
文摘<strong>Background:</strong> Many policy makers deliberating on comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights services need reliable evidence to make choices that benefit women, adolescents, children and the wider society. While universal health coverage discourse provides an opportunity to expand access through evidence based interventions, many gaps exist. Research prioritization has proved to be very helpful in identifying relevant areas especially in constrained resource settings. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the World Health Organization Africa Region research prioritization for sexual and reproductive health and rights. These priorities hope to guide the region for the next three years. <strong>Methods: </strong>We used the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach to identify priority questions among many potential areas for research prioritization on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The implementation process was organized in three phases. The first phase involved sending out an online survey to various experts with experience in sexual and reproductive health rights. These questions were received by a technical team from World Health Organization headquarters for review. 634 questions were identified for potential research and grouped into 12 themes. The second phase involved experts who reviewed the questions. The team merged questions with duplications, removed the questions that were out of scope and finally refined the wordings. In the final phase, experts worked in groups to score and rank top ten priority questions for each of the 12 thematic areas. <strong>Results: </strong>A list of 120 priority questions for sexual and reproductive health and rights were prioritized by 67 participants drawn from 16 organizations. Most of the priority research questions (45%) focused on the theme of gender-based violence, 35% prioritized services in sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings while 15% prioritized preventing unsafe abortion. 5% of the participants prioritized cervical cancer prevalence, prevention and treatment as a thematic area out of the questions in the top 20 research priority questions. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Key priority research questions in sexual and reproductive health and rights were identified around five themes. The priority list will be of significance to World Health Organization regional Office for Africa and her stakeholders for the next three years.
基金supported by the earmarked fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-28-37)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(CXGC2022E21)+1 种基金the Youth Foundation of Shandong Institute of Pomology,China(GSS2022QN11)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2019BC075,ZR2020MC141,and ZR2021MC177)。
文摘Arabinogalactan proteins(AGPs)are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play a vital role during the process of plant sexual reproduction.In this study,we performed a comprehensive identification of the PbrAGPs expressed in pear pollen and further explored their influences on pollen tube growth.Among the 187 PbrAGPs that were found to be expressed in pear pollen tubes,38 PbrAGPs were specifically expressed in pollen according to the RNA-seq data.The PbrAGPs were divided into two groups of highly expressed and specifically expressed in pear pollen.We further tested their expression patterns using RT-PCR and RT-qPCR.Most of the PbrAGPs were expressed in multiple tissues and their expression levels were consistent with reads per kilobase per million map reads(RPKM)values during pollen tube growth,implying that PbrAGPs might be involved in the regulation of pear pollen tube growth.We also constructed phylogenetic trees to identify the functional genes in pear pollen tube growth.Therefore,19 PbrAGPs(PbrAGP1 to PbrAGP19)were selected to test their influences on pollen tube growth.Recombinant proteins of the 19 PbrAGP-His were purified and used to treat pear pollen,and 11 of the PbrAGP-His recombinant proteins could promote pear pollen tube growth.Additionally,pollen tube growth was inhibited when the expression levels of PbrAGP1 and PbrAGP5 were knocked down using an antisense oligonucleotide assay.PbrAGP1 and PbrAGP5 were localized in the plasma membrane and might not alter the distribution of pectin in the pollen tube.In summary,this study identified the PbrAGPs expressed in pear pollen and lays the foundation for further exploring their functions in pollen tube growth.
基金Supported by a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute(PCORI)Dissemination and Implementation Award,No.DI-2020C2-20372.
文摘BACKGROUND Online surveys can align with youth’s increased use of the internet and can be a mechanism for expanding youth participation in research.This is particularly important during the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,when inperson interactions are limited.However,the advantages and drawbacks of online systems used for research need to be carefully considered before utilizing such methodologies.AIM To describe and discuss the strengths and limitations of an online system developed to recruit adolescent girls for a sexual health research study and conduct a three-month follow up survey.METHODS This methodology paper examines the use of an online system to recruit and follow participants three months after their medical visit to evaluate a mobile sexual and reproductive health application,Health-E You/Salud iTuTM,for adolescent girls attending school-based health centers(SBHCs)across the United States.SBHC staff gave adolescent girls a web link to an online eligibility and consent survey.Participants were then asked to complete two online surveys(baseline and 3-month follow-up).Surveys,reminders,and incentives to complete them were distributed through short message service(SMS)text messages.Upon completing each survey,participants were also sent an email with a link to an electronic gift card as a thank-you for their participation.Barriers to implementing this system were discussed with clinicians and staff at each participating SBHC.RESULTS This online recruitment and retention system enabled participant recruitment at 26 different SBHCs in seven states across the United States.Between September 2021 and June 2022,415 adolescent girls were screened using the Qualtrics online survey platform,and 182 were eligible to participate.Of those eligible,78.0%(n=142)completed the baseline survey.Participants were racially,geographically,and linguistically diverse.Most of the participants(89.4%)were non-White,and 40.8%spoke Spanish.A total of 62.0%(n=88)completed the 3-month follow-up survey.Limitations of this system included reliance on internet access(via Wi-Fi or cell service),which was not universally available or reliable.In addition,an individual unrelated to the study obtained the survey link,filled out multiple surveys,and received multiple gift cards before the research team discovered and stopped this activity.As a result,additional security protocols were instituted.CONCLUSION Online systems for health research can increase the reach and diversity of study participants,reduce costs for research personnel time and travel,allow for continued study operation when in-person visits are limited(such as during the COVID-19 pandemic),and connect youth with research using technology.However,there are challenges and limitations to online systems,which include limited internet access,intermittent internet connection,data security concerns,and the potential for fraudulent users.These challenges should be considered prior to using online systems for research.
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFD0200500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31960524,31071641 and 32072358)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2452019046)the Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China(2020JZ-15,2017JM3006)。
文摘Puccinia striiformis Westend.f.sp.tritici Erikss.(Pst)infects wheat and causes stripe rust.The rust is heteroecious with wheat as the primary uredinial and telial host and barberry(Berberis spp.)as the alternate pycnial and aecial host.More than 40 Berberis species have been identified as alternate hosts for Pst,and most of these are Chinese Berberis species.However,little is known about Berberis species or their geographic distributions in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau in southwestern China.The Yunnan-Guizhou plateau is considered to be an important and relatively independent region for the evolution of the wheat stripe rust pathogen in China because the entire disease cycle can be completed within the region.In this study,we conducted a survey of barberry plants in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and identified the eight Pst-susceptible Berberis species under controlled conditions,including B.julianae,B.tsienii,B.veitchii,B.wilsonae,B.wilsonae var.guhtzunica,B.franchetiana,B.lepidifolia and B.pruinosa.These species are reported here for the first time to serve as alternate hosts for the wheat stripe rust pathogen under controlled conditions.
文摘Cat’s claw creeper vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) Lohmann (syn. Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) Gentry), is a major environmental weed in Australia. Two forms (“long” and “short” pod) of the weed occur in Australia. This investigation aimed to evaluate and compare germination behavior and occurrence of polyembryony (production of multiple seedlings from a single seed) in the two forms of the weed. Seeds were germinated in growth chambers set to 10/20°C, 15/25°C, 20/30°C, 30/45°C and 25°C, representing ambient temperature conditions of the region. Germination and polyembryony were monitored over a period of 12 weeks. For all the treatments in this study, seeds from the short pod form exhibited significantly higher germination rates and higher occurrence of polyembryony than those from the long pod form. Seeds from the long pod form did not germinate at the lowest temperature of 10/20°C;in contrast, those of the short pod form germinated under this condition, albeit at a lower rate. Results from this study could explain why the short pod form of D. unguis-cati is the more widely distributed form in Australia, while the long pod form is confined to a few localities. The results have implication in predicting future ranges of both forms of the invasive D. unguis-cati, as well as inform management decisions for control of the weed.
