Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-28eCollection Date: 2023-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18888.2
Nguyen Le Quang, Do Dang Anh Thu, Le Pham Tien Trieu, Nguyen Hong Hanh, Nguyen Huu Lan, Dang Thi Minh Ha, Guy Thwaites, Nguyen Thuy Thuong Thuong, Timothy M Walker
{"title":"A modified decontamination and storage method for sputum from patients with tuberculosis.","authors":"Nguyen Le Quang, Do Dang Anh Thu, Le Pham Tien Trieu, Nguyen Hong Hanh, Nguyen Huu Lan, Dang Thi Minh Ha, Guy Thwaites, Nguyen Thuy Thuong Thuong, Timothy M Walker","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18888.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18888.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Collecting and storing large number of sputum samples with a view to culturing these in the future requires an efficient initial handling method. We devised a modified sputum digestion and decontamination method that maximised storage capacity and <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> (M.tb) recovery from culture while minimising laboratory workload and risk of contamination.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We collected smear microscopy positive sputum samples from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The sputum samples were split and processed using both the standard N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and sodium hydroxide (NALC-NaOH) method and our modified method before freezing and later culturing in BD BACTEC 960 Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tubes (MGIT) system. We assessed the Time to Positivity (TPP) and Growth Unit (GU) data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We selected 22 sputum samples to compare two digestion and decontamination methods. The samples that underwent the modified method had longer TTP (p < 0.05) but similar GU in comparison to standard method. Overall, 1/22 samples failed to grow in MGIT after being processed by the modified method. We then applied the modified method to 348 sputum samples with Rifampicin resistance detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay, which were frozen for between 1-25 months. The overall MGIT positive, negative, and contamination rate was 90.5%, 7.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in MGIT result when samples were grouped by duration of storage or positive smear grade.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our modified method yielded acceptable M.tb recovery rate and low contamination risk while allowing us to collect and store thousands of sputum samples over a long period of time for future tests.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"8 ","pages":"166"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11358684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142112575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-28eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23763.1
James McCulloch, Liam M Crowley
{"title":"The genome sequence of a mirid bug, <i>Stenodema calcarata</i> (Fallen, 1807).","authors":"James McCulloch, Liam M Crowley","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23763.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23763.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a genome assembly from a specimen of <i>Stenodema calcarata</i> (mirid bug; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Miridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 575.35 megabases. Most of the assembly (98.42%) is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.31 kilobases in length.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"10 ","pages":"115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11950723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143754751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-28eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23139.2
Fardawsa Ahmed, Owen Nyamwanza, Alice N Ladur, Jermaine Dambi, Frances Cowan, Webster Mavhu
{"title":"How do social norms influence the sexual and reproductive health of very young adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping review protocol.","authors":"Fardawsa Ahmed, Owen Nyamwanza, Alice N Ladur, Jermaine Dambi, Frances Cowan, Webster Mavhu","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23139.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23139.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Introduction Very young adolescents (VYAs, aged 10-14 years) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have the worst sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes of this age group worldwide due to structural, behavioural, socioeconomic and other factors. Social and gender norms have important consequences for the SRH and wellbeing of VYAs both now and over their life course. SRH programming often focuses on older adolescents (aged 15-19 years), overlooking younger ones. This scoping review sets out to explore how social and gender norms influence VYAs' SRH in SSA, in addition to exploring interventions that have been effective, to inform a context-specific intervention.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We will employ the methodology developed by Arksey and O'Malley to review the available literature. We will search online databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and African Index Medicus) for original studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2024. Further, we will perform a manual search to include relevant grey literature. The steps in the review are: 1) defining the research question, 2) identifying relevant studies, 3) selecting studies, 4) charting the data, and 5) collating, summarising, and reporting the results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results We will report findings in accordance with the guidance provided in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. We will analyse and summarise data about study characteristics using descriptive statistics. We will use thematic analysis to analyse and summarise key themes and issues. We will triangulate quantitative and qualitative findings.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The review will map the breadth of studies focusing on social and gender norms, and SRH among VYAs, in addition to exploring interventions that have been effective. Findings will help us and others develop context-specific, bespoke interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"9 ","pages":"670"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894366/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143606447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-28eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23761.1
Gavin R Broad, Steph Holt, Laura Sivess, Douglas Boyes
{"title":"The genome sequence of the Scorched Wing moth, <i>Plagodis dolabraria</i> (Linnaeus, 1767).","authors":"Gavin R Broad, Steph Holt, Laura Sivess, Douglas Boyes","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23761.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23761.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a genome assembly from a male specimen of <i>Plagodis dolabraria</i> (Scorched Wing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 939.07 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.59%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.97 kilobases in length.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"10 ","pages":"111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11926530/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23766.1
Chris Fletcher, David C Lees
{"title":"The genome sequence of the Dotted Footman moth, <i>Pelosia muscerda</i> (Hufnagel, 1767).","authors":"Chris Fletcher, David C Lees","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23766.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23766.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a genome assembly from a male <i>Pelosia muscerda</i> (Dotted Footman; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 500.49 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.98%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.42 kilobases in length.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"10 ","pages":"106"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11897693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143617285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-26eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23767.1
Jenny C Hesson, Yuki Haba, Carolyn S McBride, Edel Sheerin, Thomas C Mathers, Michael Paulini, Damon-Lee B Pointon, James W Torrance, Cibin Sadasivan Baby, Jonathan M D Wood, Shane A McCarthy, Mara K N Lawniczak, Alex Makunin
{"title":"A chromosomal reference genome sequence for the northern house mosquito, <i>Culex pipiens</i> form <i>pipiens</i>, Linnaeus, 1758.","authors":"Jenny C Hesson, Yuki Haba, Carolyn S McBride, Edel Sheerin, Thomas C Mathers, Michael Paulini, Damon-Lee B Pointon, James W Torrance, Cibin Sadasivan Baby, Jonathan M D Wood, Shane A McCarthy, Mara K N Lawniczak, Alex Makunin","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23767.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23767.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a genome assembly from an individual female <i>Culex pipiens</i> sensu stricto (the northern house mosquito; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Culicidae), from a wild population in Sweden. The genome sequence is 533 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into three chromosomal pseudomolecules. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.6 kilobases in length.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"10 ","pages":"107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11923538/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23712.1
Duncan Sivell, Dmitry Telnov, Michael F Geiser, Maxwell V L Barclay
{"title":"The genome sequence of the click beetle, <i>Ampedus sanguinolentus sanguinolentus</i> (Schrank, 1776).","authors":"Duncan Sivell, Dmitry Telnov, Michael F Geiser, Maxwell V L Barclay","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23712.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23712.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a genome assembly from a female specimen of <i>Ampedus sanguinolentus sanguinolentus</i> (click beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Elateridae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 1,574.76 megabases and 1,572.87 megabases. Most of haplotype 1 (97.13%) is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules, while haplotype 2 is a scaffold-level assembly. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.99 kilobases in length.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"10 ","pages":"96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11933788/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143711372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acceptability trial of local Indonesian snack (SISTIK) enriched with chicken liver and eggshell powder as a potential food to increase micronutrient intakes among women of reproductive age.","authors":"Yenni Zuhairini, Aghnia Husnayiani Suryanto, Qorinah Estiningtyas Sakilah Adnani, Mohammad Brachim Anshari, Haidar Rizqi, Annisha Fathonah, Afini Dwi Purnamasari, Afiyah Hadiyanti Pangasih, Ayunda Jihadillah, Dina Novtyana Puspita, Dimas Erlangga Luftimas, Sofa Rahmannia, Umi Fahmida, Rosalind Gibson, Aly Diana","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20292.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20292.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic micronutrient deficiencies in Indonesian women and young children contribute to poor foetal and infant growth. To address this, we formulated micronutrient-enriched crackers (MEC) incorporating nutrient-rich chicken liver, rich in iron, zinc, vitamin A, and B vitamins, along with powdered eggshells as a calcium source. Known locally as ' <i>sistik</i>,' MEC may provide a sustainable solution to improve micronutrient intakes. This study evaluated MEC acceptability among non-pregnant women of reproductive age to ensure safety and feasibility before extending future research to pregnant and lactating populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A single-blinded, two-phase acceptability trial involved 81 non-pregnant women aged 19-35 years in Ujung Berung Sub-district, Bandung City, Indonesia. In Phase 1, participants sampled both MEC and standard wheat crackers (SWC) in a test feeding session and rated each product using a 7-point cued facial response scale, evaluating colour, smell, flavour, and texture. In Phase 2, participants were randomly assigned to receive a 14-day home supply (75 g/day) of either MEC (n=41) or SWC (n=40). Adherence was determined by weighing unconsumed products. Data were analysed using mixed linear model for liking scores and a t-test for adherence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MEC received favourable ratings, with no significant differences compared to SWC in liking scores for colour (MEC 4.5±1.2 vs. SWC 5.4±0.9), smell (MEC 4.9±1.5 vs. SWC 5.6±0.9), flavour (MEC 4.9±1.4 vs. SWC 5.6±0.9), and texture (MEC 5.4±1.0 vs. SWC 5.7±0.8); p-value > 0.05. Average daily consumption over 14 days was comparable between groups (MEC: 50.8±23.0 g vs. SWC: 51.0±20.0 g; mean difference: -0.2 g; 95% CI: -6.5 to 6.1; p-value = 0.802).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MEC demonstrates reasonable acceptability and feasibility as a daily snack, supporting its potential as a dietary intervention to improve women's micronutrient intake and reduce infant stunting, especially among those women who found it appealing.</p><p><strong>Registration: </strong>ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04564222, 25 <sup>th</sup> September 2020).</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"9 ","pages":"550"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11907183/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650937","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-24eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23064.2
Amy C Thomas, Suzanne Gokool, Genevieve Clapp, Harry Whitlow, Carmel McGrath, Peter Moore, Maud Helwegen, Mariam Logunleko, Irene Bueno, Mick Bailey, Sarah Masterton, Jo Taylor-Egbeyemi, Ian Brown, Richard Puleston, Riinu Pae, Louise E Smith, Sarah Lambton, Ellen Brooks-Pollock
{"title":"Data note on the Avian Contact Study: a questionnaire resource for avian influenza public health planning.","authors":"Amy C Thomas, Suzanne Gokool, Genevieve Clapp, Harry Whitlow, Carmel McGrath, Peter Moore, Maud Helwegen, Mariam Logunleko, Irene Bueno, Mick Bailey, Sarah Masterton, Jo Taylor-Egbeyemi, Ian Brown, Richard Puleston, Riinu Pae, Louise E Smith, Sarah Lambton, Ellen Brooks-Pollock","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23064.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23064.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Avian Contact Study is a cross-sectional questionnaire of poultry workers and other individuals who have contact with domestic and/or wild birds in the UK. The questionnaire was launched online in May 2024 and in-person responses were gathered at the British Pig and Poultry Fair in Birmingham on 15 and 16 May 2024. This Data Note documents questionnaire development, content and delivery methods. Data collected include information on demographics, seasonal influenza vaccination, avian influenza exposure, contact with birds and people, and awareness of avian influenza. This Data Note provides insights into the first data release collected up to 31 July 2024 for 225 respondents. Data have been released as a University of Bristol held dataset available upon request. The Avian Contact Study provides a pilot resource for research into avian influenza from a zoonotic perspective.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"9 ","pages":"604"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11955075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143754748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wellcome Open ResearchPub Date : 2025-02-24eCollection Date: 2025-01-01DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23746.1
Steven Falk, Joseph Monks
{"title":"The genome sequence of the Coppice Mining Bee, <i>Andrena helvola</i> (Linnaeus, 1758).","authors":"Steven Falk, Joseph Monks","doi":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23746.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/wellcomeopenres.23746.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present a genome assembly from a female <i>Andrena helvola</i> (Coppice Mining Bee; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Andrenidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 442.47 megabases. Most of the assembly (91.93%) is scaffolded into 7 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.61 kilobases in length.</p>","PeriodicalId":23677,"journal":{"name":"Wellcome Open Research","volume":"10 ","pages":"102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11897692/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143617277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}