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BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024While hybridization was viewed as a hindrance to adaptation and speciation by early evolutionary biologists, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of...
UNLABELLED
While hybridization was viewed as a hindrance to adaptation and speciation by early evolutionary biologists, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of hybridization in facilitating evolutionary processes. However, it is still not well-known what role spatial and temporal variation in natural selection play in the maintenance of naturally occurring hybrid zones. To identify whether hybridization is adaptive between two closely related monkeyflower species, and , we performed repeated reciprocal transplants between natural hybrid and pure species' populations. We planted parental genotypes along with multiple experimental hybrid generations in a dry (2021) and extremely wet (2023) year in the Sierra Nevada, CA. By taking fine scale environmental measurements, we found that the environment of the hybrid zone is more similar to seasonally dry rocky outcrop habitat than moist meadows. In our transplants hybridization does not appear to be maintained by a consistent fitness advantage of hybrids over parental species in hybrid zones, but rather a lack of strong selection against hybrids. We also found higher fitness of the drought adapted species, than in both species' habitats, as well as phenotypic selection for like traits in the hybrid habitat in the dry year of our experiment. These findings suggest that in this system hybridization might function to introduce drought-adapted traits and genes from into , specifically in years with limited soil moisture. However, we also find evidence of genetic incompatibilities in second generation hybrids in the wetter year, which may balance a selective advantage of introgression. Therefore, we find that hybridization in this system is both potentially adaptive and costly, and that the interaction of positive and negative selection likely determines patterns of gene flow between these species.
LAY SUMMARY
Early evolutionary biologists understood hybridization, or interbreeding between species, as limiting to adaptation. While recent studies have shown that hybridization is important for adaptation, much remains to be learned about the role of natural selection in maintaining hybridization. We use a repeated transplant experiment in dry and wet years with two closely related monkeyflower species, and , and experimental hybrids, to identify how hybridization is maintained. By measuring environmental variables, we found that the hybrid zone is more similar to habitat than in some years. We found that hybrids do equally well as parental species in hybrid zones. Additionally, the drought adapted species, performed better than in both parental habitats, and there was selection for more like traits in the hybrid habitat. These results suggest that hybridization might introduce drought-adapted traits and genes from in a dry year. In a wet year, first generation hybrids performed better than advanced generation hybrids, possibly due to negative genetic interactions. In summary, we find that hybridization is beneficial and costly, and variation in environmental factors likely determines patterns of hybridization.
PubMed: 38948721
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599085 -
Journal of Social and Personal... Sep 2023This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of maternal and sibling relational intimacy on adolescents' volunteering behaviors via their social...
This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of maternal and sibling relational intimacy on adolescents' volunteering behaviors via their social responsibility values. Participants included two adolescents (50% female; age = 14 years) and one parent (85% female; age = 45 years) from 682 families ( = 2,046) from an ongoing longitudinal study. Adolescents self-reported their intimacy with mothers and siblings (Time 1), social responsibility values (Time 1), and volunteering (Times 1 and 2); parents reported on sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., gender, birth order, family income). Results from a structural equation model indicated that after accounting for adolescents' earlier volunteering, both maternal and sibling intimacy were indirectly related to greater volunteering via social responsibility values. There were no significant direct effects from maternal or sibling intimacy to adolescents' volunteering. Results indicate that both mothers and siblings are important in socializing prosocial and civic values and behaviors during adolescence.
PubMed: 38948659
DOI: 10.1177/02654075221083301 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and all age groups were equally affected. Coronavirus had devastating effects worldwide due to the emergence of new variants till...
Descriptive cross-sectional study to evaluate perception, attitude, and practice of parents regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children 10-12 years of age-A step toward prevention of future COVID-19 outbreaks in India.
PURPOSE
COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic and all age groups were equally affected. Coronavirus had devastating effects worldwide due to the emergence of new variants till vaccination was adopted to eradicate the transmission of the virus and restore normalcy. However, children were not included in the initial phase of vaccination. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of perception, attitude, and practice among parents toward the COVID-19 vaccination drive in children 10-12 years of age.
DESIGN AND STUDY
The present research is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey including parents of children aged 10-12 years as participants. The survey was conducted between May 2022 and July 2022 with a sample size of 320.
RESULTS
A high willingness (80%) among parents was found for getting their children vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines were perceived to be safe by the parents (59%) and efficacious (75%) for their children. Parents (67%) felt that the benefits of getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19 prevail over the risks of the vaccine. Parents 214 (67%) feel the need of getting their child vaccinated for sending them to school followed by availing of daycare facilities after school 54 (17%) among working parents. A significant association ( < 0.05) was seen between the variables of practice being followed by parents and their children as per COVID-19 norms. Parent's negative attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination was associated with availability of no/unclear safety information (36%), fear of adverse effects of vaccine (3%), and false belief of having long-term immunity due to natural infection (32%). The positive attitude of parents was due to trust in positive information/news about the vaccine (42%), belief in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (5%), acceptability for mild adverse effects (1%), and the necessity of vaccine to send children to schools (1%).
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The awareness of parents regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children was limited, high level of acceptance for vaccination was seen in our study. We recommend to continuing educational programs through mass campaigns to increase increasing awareness among parents for getting COVID-19 vaccination for their children. Vaccine hesitancy including vaccine safety concerns of parents should be addressed by presenting myths and facts related to COVID-19 vaccine using television, radio, and social media platforms.
PubMed: 38948576
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1710_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024The role of caregivers in grooming the neuro-developmental outcome of high-risk newborns and developmental challenges in children needs to be explored.
BACKGROUND
The role of caregivers in grooming the neuro-developmental outcome of high-risk newborns and developmental challenges in children needs to be explored.
OBJECTIVES
To find the knowledge and perception among parents regarding the neuro-developmental outcome of high-risk newborns, methods adopted to address these problems, and to identify areas on which awareness generation needs to focus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A questionnaire-based awareness survey was conducted to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practices of families of children with developmental challenges.
RESULTS
The study revealed that more than 70 percent of families lack information about child development, developmental challenges, and means to deal with them. They are unaware of the available health care services and other resources. One in three families has misconceptions on developmental disabilities; consider them as curse or jinx and consequently neglected. Female children with developmental problems are further ostracized due to gender inequity in families. About 10 percent of families have shown great openness toward acquiring new skills and knowledge for handling their children with developmental delays.
CONCLUSIONS
This study is based on the précis research findings of our grass-root level fieldwork conducted in remote rural Bengal areas. The observation will be of interest and learning materials for general primary care practitioners, family physicians, and stakeholders to initiate appropriate intervention strategies for properly rehabilitating children with developmental delay at grass-root levels of primary health care.
PubMed: 38948571
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1780_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Malnourishment is a risk factor for persistent pneumonia among under-five children with severe pneumonia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of persistent...
Prevalence of persistent pneumonia among severe pneumonia and nutritional status as its associated risk factor: A prospective observational study among under-five children.
BACKGROUND
Malnourishment is a risk factor for persistent pneumonia among under-five children with severe pneumonia. This study aims to determine the prevalence of persistent pneumonia and the association between nutritional status and pneumonia severity in children under 5 years of age.
METHODOLOGY
A prospective observational hospital-based study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, King George's Medical University (KGMU) from May 2019 to April 2020 among children aged 1 month to 5 years admitted with a diagnosis of severe pneumonia. An anthropometric assessment along with general and systemic examination was conducted. Weight for age, height for age and weight for height were calculated to assess the nutritional status. Children with severe pneumonia were followed for 4-6 weeks to assess the prevalence of persistent pneumonia.
RESULTS
The prevalence of persistent pneumonia was 6.8%, while 32 (31.1%) and 64 (62.1%) patients had recurrent and severe pneumonia, respectively. No statistically significant distribution was observed in age, sex, residential area, parent's education or occupation of the child. The statistically significant distribution was seen on assessing nutritional status based on weight for age, height for age and weight for height ( value- 0.001, 0.001, 0.0001). Those with weight for age ≤ 3SD were anaemics and up to 1 year of age had 5.21, 3.52 and 2.83 times more odds of having persistent pneumonia, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of persistent pneumonia among children less than 5 years of age was 6.8%. Malnutrition can be considered a major determinant of persistent pneumonia among children under 5 years of age.
PubMed: 38948562
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1480_23 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... May 2024Patients with complex rare disorders often require the care of multiple specialists. Effective coordination between primary and specialty care is needed to ensure...
BACKGROUND
Patients with complex rare disorders often require the care of multiple specialists. Effective coordination between primary and specialty care is needed to ensure patients receive high-quality care. Previous research has documented the importance of primary care clinicians providing referrals to specialty care and the importance of specialists in helping patients reach a diagnosis. However, little is known about primary care clinicians' roles in the ongoing care of patients with rare disorders. In the current study, we explored the role of primary care clinicians in the care of rare and complex vascular anomalies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data were collected using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 34 parents and 25 adult patients recruited from advocacy groups for patients with complex vascular anomalies participated. We asked participants about their diagnosis, care experiences, and communication with clinicians. We used thematic analysis to identify themes illustrating the roles of primary care clinicians.
RESULTS
PCC roles were characterized by four behaviors. behaviors included learning more about vascular anomalies and asking participants about the care they received from specialists. included providing referrals, ordering tests, and engaging in problem-solving. included failing to provide referrals or help participants coordinate care, ordering incorrect tests, or making inappropriate recommendations. included focusing narrowly on primary care needs and not showing concern about the vascular anomaly.
CONCLUSIONS
The results reveal opportunities to improve primary care for patients with vascular anomalies. Disregarding and interfering behaviors furthered the division between primary and specialty care for patients with vascular anomalies and prevented patients from receiving comprehensive primary care. Supporting and facilitating behaviors convey genuine interest in the care of the vascular anomaly and a commitment to helping the patient and parent.
PubMed: 38948545
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1556_23 -
F1000Research 2023Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK, encoded by the gene, is a non-receptor type protein kinase which mediates immune signal transduction through immunoreceptors....
Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK, encoded by the gene, is a non-receptor type protein kinase which mediates immune signal transduction through immunoreceptors. Tyrosine-protein kinase SYK expression has been associated with the development of various inflammatory diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. The reproducibility of tyrosine-protein kinase SYK research would help elucidate the mechanism in which it causes neuroinflammation as well as its potential as a novel target to treat Alzheimer's disease. This would be facilitated with the availability of high-quality tyrosine-protein kinase SYK. In this study, we characterized thirteen tyrosine-protein kinase SYK commercial antibodies for Western Blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. We identified many high-performing antibodies and encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibody for their specific needs.
PubMed: 38948505
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.140456.2 -
Journal of Pediatrics. Clinical Practice Sep 2024To compare adolescent and caregiver reports of adolescent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their relationship with current adolescent depression and to analyze...
OBJECTIVE
To compare adolescent and caregiver reports of adolescent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their relationship with current adolescent depression and to analyze the relationship between ACEs and depression.
METHODS
We recruited 46 adolescent-caregiver dyads from a large, inner-city medical center's adolescent medicine clinic. Adolescents and caregivers completed the Center for Youth Wellness ACE questionnaire, encompassing traditional ACEs (eg, abuse, neglect, household dysfunction) and nontraditional ACEs (eg, foster care, parental death, exposure to community violence). Adolescents also completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9A (PHQ-9A) depression screening tool.
RESULTS
Among adolescents, 14 (30%) reported no traditional ACEs, 11 (24%) reported 1, and 21 (46%) reported more than 1. Regarding nontraditional ACEs, 16 (35%) reported none, 11 (24%) reported 1, and 19 (41%) reported more than 1. Caregiver reports consistently indicated lower ACEs compared with adolescent self-reports ( < .005). For the PHQ-9A scores, 26 (57%) of adolescents showed no or minimal depression, 14 (30%) mild, and 6 (13%) moderate depression. A moderate positive correlation emerged between PHQ-9A scores and self-reported traditional ACEs (r = 0.5, < .001) and nontraditional ACEs (r = 0.49, < .001). In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the absolute differences in adolescent and caregiver reports of traditional ACEs and PHQ-9A scores (n = 46, ρ = 0.51, < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
As the differences in ACE reports between adolescents and caregivers increased, there was a corresponding increase in adolescent depression scores. It is essential to incorporate comprehensive ACE screening and encourage open communication between adolescents and caregivers, which may improve mental health outcomes.
PubMed: 38948383
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedcp.2024.200113 -
Sexuality Research & Social Policy :... Jun 2024Parents who do not feel responsible for parent-child sexual communication (PCSC) may be missing out on opportunities to engage in PCSC that has protective effects on...
INTRODUCTION
Parents who do not feel responsible for parent-child sexual communication (PCSC) may be missing out on opportunities to engage in PCSC that has protective effects on children's sexual well-being. Using the theory of planned behavior and feminist theory, we explore how parents' PCSC attitudes and demographics are associated with perceptions of who is responsible for PCSC.
METHODS
Using data collected in December 2019 through January 2020 from parents of 6-11-year-olds, we ran chi-square tests, ANOVAs, and logistic regressions to determine how parent PCSC attitudes and other parental factors are associated with parent perceptions of who is responsible for PCSC.
RESULTS
The majority of parents saw themselves and/or a co-parent as primarily responsible for PCSC about facts and values. Bivariately, parents with higher scores of perceived positive PCSC outcomes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy were more likely to believe that they were solely responsible or shared an equal responsibility for PCSC. Multivariately, mothers and genderqueer parents, parents with the same gender as their child, and parents whose co-parent was less involved in parenting were more likely to report being solely responsible for PCSC.
CONCLUSIONS
Most parents saw themselves or a partner as most responsible for PCSC; parent and child gender were the strongest determinants of parents' perceptions of PCSC responsibility.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
These results suggest that it may be more effective for parent education to challenge and deconstruct traditional gender roles versus focusing on self-efficacy, norms, and perceived outcomes if we want to increase parents' perceived PCSC responsibility, especially within different-gender parent-child dyads.
PubMed: 38948363
DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00898-w -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024Genomic mosaicism arising from mosaic variants is a phenomenon that describes the presence of a cell or cell populations with different genome compositions from the...
Genomic mosaicism arising from mosaic variants is a phenomenon that describes the presence of a cell or cell populations with different genome compositions from the germline cells of an individual. It comprises all types of genetic variants. A large proportion of childhood genetic disorders are defined as being , meaning that the disease-causing mutations are only detected in the proband, not in any of the parents. Population studies show that 80% of the mutations arise from the paternal haplotype, that is, from paternal sperm mosaicism. This review provides a summary of the types and detection strategies of sperm mosaicism. In addition, it provides discussions on how recent studies demonstrated that genomic mosaic mutations in parents, especially those in the paternal sperms, could be inherited by the offspring and cause childhood disorders. According to the previous findings of the author's research team, sperm mosaicism derived from early embryogenesis and primordial germ cell stages can explain 5% to 20% of the mutations related to clinical phenotypes and can serve as an important predictor of both rare and complex disorders. Sperm mosaicism shows great potential for clinical genetic diagnosis and consultations. Based on the published literature, the author suggests that, large-scale screening for sperm mosaic mutations and population-based genetic screening should be conducted in future studies, which will greatly enhance the risk assessment in the offspring and effectively improve the genetic health at the population level. Implementation of direct sperm detection for mutations will significantly increase the efficiency of the stratification of patient cohorts and improve recurrence risk assessment for future births. Future research in the field should be focused on the impact of environmental and lifestyle factors on the health of the offspring through sperms and their modeling of mutation signatures. In addition, targeted modeling of sperm mutations will also be a promising direction.
PubMed: 38948294
DOI: 10.12182/20240560507