Research papers

Determinants of depression among nursing students in Cameroon: a cross-sectional analysis

Tsi Njim, Clarence Mbanga, Dave Mouemba, Haman Makebe, Louise Toukam, Belmond Kika, Isabelle Mulango

Abstract Background Nursing students are highly susceptible to depression given the heavy workload and clinical demands of the curriculum. Depression has negative impacts on their health and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the determinants of depression amongst nursing students in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 447 nursing students recruited from a combination of state-owned and private nursing institutions in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon from January – April 2018 was carried out. Independent correlates of depression were determined using multivariable regression analysis, with the level of significance set at 95%. Results The overall prevalence of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 > 4) and major depressive disorder (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 > 9) in these students was 69.57 and 26.40% respectively. Independent correlates of depression were found to be: total Oldenburg Burnout Inventory score (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.25; p value < 0.01); level of studies (aOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.94; p value = 0.02) and occurrence of a life-changing crises (aOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.55, p value < 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of depression amongst nursing students in Cameroon is high. Determinants proposed in this study require further assessment to facilitate early identification and management of depression in this high-risk group, in order to limit the negative effects linked with the condition.

Incivility among nursing faculty: A multi-country study

Mohammed Baqer Al‐Jubouri, Patience E. Samson‐Akpan, Sadeq AL‐Fayyadh, Felipe Machuca‐Contreras, Brigid Unim, Srđjan Stefano…

A conceptual map of invasion biology: Integrating hypotheses into a consensus network

Martin Enders, Frank Havemann, Florian Ruland, Maud Bernard‐Verdier, Jane A. Catford, Lorena Gómez‐Aparicio, Sylvia Haider, …

Abstract Background and aims Since its emergence in the mid‐20th century, invasion biology has matured into a productive research field addressing questions of fundamental and applied importance. Not only has the number of empirical studies increased through time, but also has the number of competing, overlapping and, in some cases, contradictory hypotheses about biological invasions. To make these contradictions and redundancies explicit, and to gain insight into the field’s current theoretical structure, we developed and applied a Delphi approach to create a consensus network of 39 existing invasion hypotheses. Results The resulting network was analysed with a link‐clustering algorithm that revealed five concept clusters (resource availability, biotic interaction, propagule, trait and Darwin’s clusters) representing complementary areas in the theory of invasion biology. The network also displays hypotheses that link two or more clusters, called connecting hypotheses , which are important in determining network structure. The network indicates hypotheses that are logically linked either positively (77 connections of support) or negatively (that is, they contradict each other; 6 connections). Significance The network visually synthesizes how invasion biology’s predominant hypotheses are conceptually related to each other, and thus, reveals an emergent structure – a conceptual map – that can serve as a navigation tool for scholars, practitioners and students, both inside and outside of the field of invasion biology, and guide the development of a more coherent foundation of theory. Additionally, the outlined approach can be more widely applied to create a conceptual map for the larger fields of ecology and biogeography.

Comparative Molecular Biology Approaches for the Production of Poliovirus Virus-Like Particles Using <i>Pichia pastoris</i>

Lee Sherry, Keith Grehan, Joseph S. Snowden, Michael L. Knight, Oluwapelumi O. Adeyemi, David J. Rowlands, Nicola J. Stoneho…

Although the current poliovirus immunization program has been extremely successful in reducing the number of cases of paralytic polio worldwide, now more cases are caused by vaccine-derived polioviruses than by wild poliovirus. Switching to inactivated poliovirus vaccines will reduce this over time; however, their production requires the growth of large amounts of virus. This biosafety concern can be addressed by producing just the virus capsid. The capsid serves to protect the genetic material, which causes disease when introduced into a cell. Therefore, empty capsids (virus-like particles [VLPs]), which lack the viral RNA genome, are safe both to make and to use. We exploit yeast as a versatile model expression system to produce VLPs, and here we specifically highlight the potential of this system to supply next-generation poliovirus vaccines to secure a polio-free world for the future.

Functional Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions for Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and Maize (Zea mays L.)

Pooja Soni, Sunil S. Gangurde, Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran, Rakesh Kumar, Sejal Parmar, Hari Kishan Sudini, Yong Lei, Xinzhi Ni…

and closely related species that infect several agricultural commodities including groundnut and maize. The consumption of contaminated commodities adversely affects the health of humans and livestock. Aflatoxin contamination also causes significant economic and financial losses to producers. Research efforts and significant progress have been made in the past three decades to understand the genetic behavior, molecular mechanisms, as well as the detailed biology of host-pathogen interactions. A range of omics approaches have facilitated better understanding of the resistance mechanisms and identified pathways involved during host-pathogen interactions. Most of such studies were however undertaken in groundnut and maize. Current efforts are geared toward harnessing knowledge on host-pathogen interactions and crop resistant factors that control aflatoxin contamination. This study provides a summary of the recent progress made in enhancing the understanding of the functional biology and molecular mechanisms associated with host-pathogen interactions during aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize.

The biology of ergothioneine, an antioxidant nutraceutical

Irina Borodina, Louise C. Kenny, Cathal McCarthy, Kalaivani Paramasivan, Etheresia Pretorius, Timothy J. Roberts, Steven A. …

Ergothioneine (ERG) is an unusual thio-histidine betaine amino acid that has potent antioxidant activities. It is synthesised by a variety of microbes, especially fungi (including in mushroom fruiting bodies) and actinobacteria, but is not synthesised by plants and animals who acquire it via the soil and their diet, respectively. Animals have evolved a highly selective transporter for it, known as solute carrier family 22, member 4 (SLC22A4) in humans, signifying its importance, and ERG may even have the status of a vitamin. ERG accumulates differentially in various tissues, according to their expression of SLC22A4, favouring those such as erythrocytes that may be subject to oxidative stress. Mushroom or ERG consumption seems to provide significant prevention against oxidative stress in a large variety of systems. ERG seems to have strong cytoprotective status, and its concentration is lowered in a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. It has been passed as safe by regulatory agencies, and may have value as a nutraceutical and antioxidant more generally.

Influence of Teacher-Centered and Student-Centered Teaching Methods on the Academic Achievement of Post-Basic Students in Biology in Delta State, Nigeria

Ezurike Chidubem Precious, Ayo-Vaughan Adewunmi Feyisetan

Teaching methods are essential for effective teaching and learning and to a great extent influence academic achievement of students. The objective of this study therefore was to examine the influence of teaching methods on the academic achievement of senior secondary school students in Biology in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. The descriptive survey research method was adopted in the study. Two research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised 1,550 biology students in public schools in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select forty biology students from five randomly selected schools making it a total of two hundred (200) students. A questionnaire titled “Influence of Teaching Methods on Students' Academic Achievement in Biology Questionnaire (ITMSAABQ) was the main instrument for data collection. Cronbach Alpha analysis was used to test for the reliability of the instrument and it was found reliable with a reliability co-efficient of 0.75. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings from the study revealed that student-centered teaching method increases students’ academic achievement while teacher-centered teaching methods decreases students' academic achievement in biology. The study recommended that teachers should create an environment that will enable students participate fully in the teaching-learning process of biology. Also, State Education Boards should organize seminars to educate biology teachers on the need for and how to use innovative methods in teaching biology.

An exploration of the influences on under-representation of male pre-registration nursing students

Heather Whitford, Glenn Marland, Maggie Carson, Heather Bain, Jacqueline Eccles, John Lee, James G. Taylor

Oceanography and Marine Biology

Wernberg, Thomas, Coleman, Melinda A., Babcock, Russell C., Bell, Sahira Y.; id_orcid 0000-0001-9237-7507, Bolton, John J., …

Coastal plankton show fluctuations in abundance and species composition. Resting stage (cyst) production is a common strategy adopted by hundreds of plankton species to ensure reproduction and to avoid adverse conditions. During the resting period, these species are normally absent from the water column, and cysts produced in the plankton accumulate in the sediment where they wait for the return of suitable conditions. A portion of the cyst bank does not hatch, instead undergoing a dormancy that may extend for decades. Confined coastal areas accumulate cysts in sediment due to one or more possibilities, including reduced water movement/hydrodynamics, high population density, abundance of cyst-producing species, and the absence or scarcity of possible cyst consumers in the benthos. The pelagic-benthic nexus, which affects both the sediment and the water column (and possibly sea ice) is still poorly understood. In fact, the presence of cysts in the life cycle of organisms is likely to have considerable consequences for the ecology of coastal plankton, as well as the evolution and biogeography of species. This review aims to depict the presence (and even abundance) of resting stages in marine environments and their impact on ecosystem functioning. The review starts with a description of encysted resting stages in all marine planktonic taxa, listing a total of 501 species with known cysts, and methods and tools for their collection and study. The physiology and timing of the rest period is then described for various taxa, followed by a discussion of the evolutionary implications of resting. The presence of encysted stages in different realms and phyla of plankton suggests an ancient origin and a successive diversification of morphologies that, today, roughly characterise each taxa. Ecological and biogeographical implications stem from this general framework and support the hypothesis of seasonal occurrences of planktonic life in ecosystems where productivity is suspended for a long time (e.g. in polar seas). The potential to suspend or resume life has implications for human activities, such as the risk of translocations through ship ballast water and contamination of water and seafood with toxins but also the benefit of cysts for the production of aquaculture feed. The review concludes with perspectives on present knowledge and outstanding questions to address in future studies.

Biology and Ecology of the Globally Significant Kelp Ecklonia radiata

Thomas Wernberg, Melinda A. Coleman, Russell C. Babcock, Sahira Bell, John J. Bolton, Sean D. Connell, Catriona L. Hurd, Cra…

Ecklonia radiata is one of the most widespread kelps globally, dominating temperate reefs throughout much of Australasia and southeastern Africa. Throughout much of its range, it is the only laminarian kelp and hence plays a key role in facilitating biodiversity and driving food webs, and it underpins immense ecological and socioeconomic values. This review synthesises the growing literature on E. radiata from its phylogeny and distribution through to its biology, ecology and recent changes. 266 It provides an assessment of the state of knowledge and identifies gaps in our understanding of this important species. Despite being tolerant of a wide range of abiotic conditions, recent environmental change has caused direct and indirect loss of E. radiata forests, with extensive areas transitioning to turf and urchin barrens. Ongoing climate change may require application of multifaceted and novel strategies to increase its resistance and resilience to future conditions. By integrating variation across space, time and environmental change, this review provides a description of the current status and possible future trajectories of E. radiata forests.

Assessment of students performances in biology: Implication for measurements and evaluation of learning

Ado Abdu Bichi, Rahinatu Hassan Ibrahim, Fatima Ibrahim

Scienceeducation is believed to be a vital tool for individual and societal development at large. The persistent low levels of students’ achievement in sciences at the various public examinations in Nigeria have continued to draw the attention of major stakeholders in education. This study examined academic achievement of Senior Secondary School students in biology and gender difference in students’ achievement was examined. Ex-post facto design of descriptive research was adopted for the study. A proforma was used to collect data from a sample of two hundred (200) students, selected using stratified random sampling procedure from the Science secondary schools in Kano state Nigeria. The data collected were the students’ performances in biology achievement tests. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and independent-sample t-test. Overall results showed that the test internal consistency reliability is low and unsatisfactory; the students performed below average (M=47.02, SD=16.493 (47%). Similarly, gender difference exists in biology performance with another significant difference between performance of urban and rural school students. The study concludes that, biology test used in Kano state qualifying examinations to assess students potential ability in biology is not a reliable measurement tool and that, academic performance of students in biology is unsatisfactory and evidence of differential performance between gender and schools locations. The implication for measurements and evaluation of learning as well as recommendations has been discussed.

Thermal biology of mosquito‐borne disease

Erin A. Mordecai, Jamie M. Caldwell, Marissa K. Grossman, Catherine A. Lippi, Leah R. Johnson, Marco Neira, Jason R. Rohr, S…

Mosquito-borne diseases cause a major burden of disease worldwide. The vital rates of these ectothermic vectors and parasites respond strongly and nonlinearly to temperature and therefore to climate change. Here, we review how trait-based approaches can synthesise and mechanistically predict the temperature dependence of transmission across vectors, pathogens, and environments. We present 11 pathogens transmitted by 15 different mosquito species - including globally important diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika - synthesised from previously published studies. Transmission varied strongly and unimodally with temperature, peaking at 23-29ºC and declining to zero below 9-23ºC and above 32-38ºC. Different traits restricted transmission at low versus high temperatures, and temperature effects on transmission varied by both mosquito and parasite species. Temperate pathogens exhibit broader thermal ranges and cooler thermal minima and optima than tropical pathogens. Among tropical pathogens, malaria and Ross River virus had lower thermal optima (25-26ºC) while dengue and Zika viruses had the highest (29ºC) thermal optima. We expect warming to increase transmission below thermal optima but decrease transmission above optima. Key directions for future work include linking mechanistic models to field transmission, combining temperature effects with control measures, incorporating trait variation and temperature variation, and investigating climate adaptation and migration.

Effects of audiovisual technological aids on students' achievement and interest in secondary school biology in Nigeria

Ebere Ibe, Joy Abamuche

While Science teaching and learning is changing at an amazing pace in developed countries, same cannot be said of developing countries. Nigeria secondary school classrooms have remained 'chalk and board' affair with students seated in rows copying notes. In a developing country such as Nigeria, teachers need sustained support from colleagues at tertiary level who are compliant with the new technologies to help them learn how best to integrate technology into their teaching. In this paper, we describe a study that employed quasi experiment of the non-equivalent control group design. 150 senior secondary two (SS2) students of two intact classes randomly selected from two schools were assigned one to experimental and other to control. . Training was given to a regular teacher of Biology that taught experimental group while the control group teacher did not receive training but given a template on the conduct of the study. Two instruments for data collection were Biology achievement test and Interest scale. Mean and Standard Deviation and ANCOVA were used for data analysis. Result revealed that group exposed to lessons with Audio-visual technological contents integrated achieved higher in test scores than the group not exposed to. It was recommended that classroom teachers keep pace with development trend by learning and using new technologies (Audio-visual) in instructional delivery.

Microbiome and skin biology

Nonhlanhla Lunjani, Carol Hlela, Liam O’Mahony

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The skin is home to a diverse milieu of bacteria, fungi, viruses, bacteriophages, and archaeal communities. The application of culture-independent approaches has revolutionized the characterization of the skin microbiome and have revealed a previously underappreciated phylogenetic and functional granularity of skin-associated microbes in both health and disease states. RECENT FINDINGS: The physiology of a given skin-niche drives the site-specific differences in bacterial phyla composition of healthy skin. Changes in the skin microbiome have consistently been associated with atopic dermatitis. In particular, Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth with concomitant decline in Staphylococcus epidermidis is a general feature associated with atopic dermatitis and is not restricted to eczematous lesions. Changes in fungal species are now also being described. Changes in the composition and metabolic activity of the gut microbiota are associated with skin health. SUMMARY: We are now beginning to appreciate the intimate and intricate interactions between microbes and skin health. Multiple studies are currently focused on the manipulation of the skin or gut microbiome to explore their therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of skin inflammation.

A Multicountry Study on Nursing Students’ Self‐Perceived Competence and Barriers to Evidence‐Based Practice

Leodoro J. Labrague, Denise M. McEnroe–Petitte, Melba Sheila D’Souza, Helen Shaji John Cecily, Dennis C. Fronda, Olaide B. E…

BACKGROUND: Nursing education and training are essential in the attainment of evidence-based practice (EBP) competence in nursing students. Although there is a growing literature on EBP among nursing students, most of these studies are confined to a single cultural group. Thus, cross-cultural studies may provide shared global perspectives and theoretical understandings for the advancement of knowledge in this critical area. AIMS: This study compared self-perceived EBP competence among nursing students in four selected countries (India, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Oman) as well as perceived barriers to EBP adoption. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and comparative survey of 1,383 nursing students from India, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Oman participated in the study. The Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire (EBP-COQ) and the BARRIERS scale were used to collect data during the months of January 2016 to August 2017. RESULTS: Cross-country comparisons revealed significant differences in EBP competence (F = 24.437, p < .001), knowledge (F = 3.621, p = .013), skills (F = 9.527, p < .001), and attitudes (F = 74.412, p < .001) among nursing students. Three variables including nursing students' gender (β = .301, p < .001), type of institution, (β = -0.339, p = .001), and type of nursing student (β = .321, p < .001) were associated with EBP competence. Barriers to EBP adoption included having no authority to change patient care policies (M = 1.65, SD = 1.05), slow publication of evidence (M = 1.59, SD = 1.01), and paucity of time in the clinical area to implement the evidence (M = 1.59, SD = 1.05). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Both academe and hospital administration can play a pivotal role in the successful acquisition of EBP competence in nursing students.

Update of the statements on biology and clinical impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection

Giovanni Raimondo, Stephen Locarnini, Teresa Pollicino, Massimo Levrero, Fabien Zoulim, Anna S. Lok, Jean‐Pierre Allain, Tho…

In October 2018 a large number of international experts with complementary expertise came together in Taormina to participate in a workshop on occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). The objectives of the workshop were to review the existing knowledge on OBI, to identify issues that require further investigation, to highlight both existing controversies and newly emerging perspectives, and ultimately to update the statements previously agreed in 2008. This paper represents the output from the workshop.

High-fidelity simulation and nursing students’ anxiety and self-confidence: A systematic review

Leodoro J. Labrague, Denise M. McEnroe–Petitte, Ann Bowling, Chidozie Edwin Nwafor, Konstantinos Tsaras

BACKGROUND: As a complementary teaching pedagogy, high-fidelity simulation remains as an effective form of simulation modality. Empirical evidence has additionally shown high-fidelity simulation (HFS) to be an effective contributor to students' learning outcomes. PURPOSE: This paper critically appraised existing scientific articles that covered the influence of utilizing HFS on the effects of nursing students' anxiety and self-confidence during undergraduate nursing education. METHODS: This was a systematic review of scientific articles conducted from 2007 to 2017 on the topic of the influence of using HFS on students' self-confidence and anxiety. The literature of six electronic databases (Proquest, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, PubMed Central, CINAHL, and PsychINFO) was reviewed. RESULTS: Following the literature search, 35 articles were selected. This review provides updated evidence on the efficacy of HFS in reducing anxiety and enhancing self-confidence among nursing students when performing nursing duties or managing patients. Moreover, this review highlights the need for more research that examines the impact of HFS on students' anxiety. CONCLUSION: As this form of simulation is found to be effective in the enhancement of nursing student self-confidence and the reduction of their anxiety when caring for patients and/or employing nursing skills, the inclusion of simulation-based activities in all clinical nursing courses is vital.

Occurrence, biology, natural enemies and management of Tuta absoluta in Africa

Ramzi Mansour, Thierry Brévault, Anaïs Chailleux, Asma Cherif, Kaouthar Grissa-Lebdi, Khalid Haddi, Samira A. Mohamed, Rober…

International audience

Harmonizing semantic annotations for computational models in biology

Maxwell L. Neal, Matthias König, David Nickerson, Göksel Mısırlı, Reza Kalbasi, Andreas Dräger, Koray Atalağ, Vijayalakshmi …

Life science researchers use computational models to articulate and test hypotheses about the behavior of biological systems. Semantic annotation is a critical component for enhancing the interoperability and reusability of such models as well as for the integration of the data needed for model parameterization and validation. Encoded as machine-readable links to knowledge resource terms, semantic annotations describe the computational or biological meaning of what models and data represent. These annotations help researchers find and repurpose models, accelerate model composition and enable knowledge integration across model repositories and experimental data stores. However, realizing the potential benefits of semantic annotation requires the development of model annotation standards that adhere to a community-based annotation protocol. Without such standards, tool developers must account for a variety of annotation formats and approaches, a situation that can become prohibitively cumbersome and which can defeat the purpose of linking model elements to controlled knowledge resource terms. Currently, no consensus protocol for semantic annotation exists among the larger biological modeling community. Here, we report on the landscape of current annotation practices among the COmputational Modeling in BIology NEtwork community and provide a set of recommendations for building a consensus approach to semantic annotation.

Physics-informed neural networks: A deep learning framework for solving forward and inverse problems involving nonlinear partial differential equations

Maziar Raissi, Paris Perdikaris, George Em Karniadakis

The future of quantum biology

Adriana Marais, Betony Adams, Andrew K. Ringsmuth, Marco Ferretti, J. Michael Gruber, Ruud Hendrikx, Maria Schuld, Samuel Sm…

Biological systems are dynamical, constantly exchanging energy and matter with the environment in order to maintain the non-equilibrium state synonymous with living. Developments in observational techniques have allowed us to study biological dynamics on increasingly small scales. Such studies have revealed evidence of quantum mechanical effects, which cannot be accounted for by classical physics, in a range of biological processes. Quantum biology is the study of such processes, and here we provide an outline of the current state of the field, as well as insights into future directions.

Advanced Techniques in Biology &amp; Medicine

Arika, W.M., Ogola, P.E., Nyamai, D.W., Mawia, A.M., Wambua, F.K., Kiboi, N.G., Wambani, J.R., Njagi, S.M., Rachuonyo, H.O.,…

The present study was out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of crude ethanolic extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk ash against some pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and their wound healing potential in experimental rats. The wound healing potential of the ethanolic extract ointment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk ash was evaluated in albino rats using excision wound model. Eighteen rats were divided into three groups of six each. Group 1 received no treatment (blank ointment base) which is the negative control, Group II received treatment with 1% silver sulphadiazine and group III received treatment with coconut husk ash extract. 1% silver sulphadiazine ointment was used as standard for the activity comparison. Wound healing was monitored on day 4, 8, 12 and 16. Wound healing parameters such as percentage of wound contraction rate and epithelialization period were observed.

Review of Particle Physics

Masaharu Tanabashi, Katsuro Hagiwara, Ken‐ichi Hikasa, K. Nakamura, Y. Sumino, Fuminobu Takahashi, J. Tanaka, Kaustubh Agash…

The Review summarizes much of particle physics and cosmology. Using data from previous editions, plus 2,873 new measurements from 758 papers, we list, evaluate, and average measured properties of gauge bosons and the recently discovered Higgs boson, leptons, quarks, mesons, and baryons. We summarize searches for hypothetical particles such as supersymmetric particles, heavy bosons, axions, dark photons, etc. Particle properties and search limits are listed in Summary Tables. We give numerous tables, figures, formulae, and reviews of topics such as Higgs Boson Physics, Supersymmetry, Grand Unified Theories, Neutrino Mixing, Dark Energy, Dark Matter, Cosmology, Particle Detectors, Colliders, Probability and Statistics. Among the 118 reviews are many that are new or heavily revised, including a new review on Neutrinos in Cosmology.Starting with this edition, the Review is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 includes the Summary Tables and all review articles. Volume 2 consists of the Particle Listings. Review articles that were previously part of the Listings are now included in volume 1.The complete Review (both volumes) is published online on the website of the Particle Data Group (http://pdg.lbl.gov) and in a journal. Volume 1 is available in print as the PDG Book. A Particle Physics Booklet with the Summary Tables and essential tables, figures, and equations from selected review articles is also available.The 2018 edition of the Review of Particle Physics should be cited as: M. Tanabashi et al. (Particle Data Group), Phys. Rev. D 98, 030001 (2018).

Examining stress perceptions and coping strategies among Saudi nursing students: A systematic review

Leodoro J. Labrague, Denise M. McEnroe–Petitte, Janet Alexis A. De los Santos, Olaide B. Edet