bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deletion of ACC Deaminase in Symbionts Converts the Host Plant From Water Waster to Water Saver
Authors: Hecht Katharina , Kowalchuk George A. , Ford Denison R. , Kahmen Ansgar , Xiong Wu , Jousset Alexandre , Ravanbakhsh Mohammadhossein
Published: November 2024

Increasing drought events coupled with dwindling water reserves threaten global food production and security. This issue is exacerbated by the use of crops that overconsume water, undermining yield. We show here that microorganisms naturally associated with plant roots can undermine efficient water use, whereas modified bacteria can enhance it. We demonstrate that microbe‐encoded genes shape drought tolerance, likely by modulating plant hormonal balance. Specifically, we built a minimal holobiont out of Arabidopsis thaliana and either the bacterium Pseudomonas putida UW4 or its isogenic AcdS− mutant, lacking the enzyme ACC deaminase. This enzyme breaks down the precursor of ethylene, a key regulator in plant response to drought. This single mutation profoundly affected plant physiology and shifted the plant from a ‘water‐spender’ (with more growth under well‐watered conditions) to a ‘water‐spender’ phenotype. Under drought, plants associated with wild‐type bacteria consumed soil water faster, leading to a shorter period of growth followed by death. In contrast, plants associated with the AcdS− mutant managed to maintain growth by reducing water consumption via stomatal closure, thus conserving soil water. This allowed plants to survive severe water deficiency. We conclude that plant‐associated bacteria can modulate plant water use strategies, opening possibilities to engineer water‐savvy crop‐production systems.
Nitrogen Stress Memory in Quinoa: Maternal Effects on Seed Metabolism and Offspring Growth and Physiology
Authors: Castro Catalina , Rojas Javiera , Ortíz José , Sanhueza‐Lepe Rodrigo , Vergara Alexander , Poblete Francisco , Escobar Elizabeth , de la Peña Teodoro Coba , Ostria‐Gallardo Enrique , Bascuñan‐Godoy Luisa
Published: November 2024

Plants have developed various strategies to deal with abiotic stresses throughout their lifetimes. However, environmental stresses can have long‐lasting effects, positively modifying plant physiological responses to subsequent stress episodes, a phenomenon known as preconditioning or stress memory. Intriguingly, this memory can even be transmitted to offspring, referred to as “inter‐ or transgenerational memory”.

Chenopodium quinoa is a pseudocereal that can withstand several abiotic stresses, including nitrogen (N) limitation. This research highlights the critical role of maternal N conditions in shaping the physiological and metabolic responses of their offspring. Mother quinoa plants (F0) were grown under High N (HN) or Low N (LN) conditions. LNF0 plants exhibited lower panicle biomass, net photosynthesis, and yield compared to HNF0 plants. Seeds from LNF0 retained proteins, reduced amino acids’ levels, and increased lipids (such as PI 34:2), especially phosphatidylcholines, and their unsaturation level, which was associated with faster germination compared to HNF0 seeds. Offsprings seedlings (F1) grown under either HN or LN had similar proteins and amino acid proportions of their seeds. However, LNF0LNF1 seedlings displayed significantly higher biomass and number of root tips. These changes were significantly correlated with transpiration, net photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance, as well as with starch content, suggesting higher CO2 fixation at the whole plant level in LNF0LNF1 plants.

Our findings suggest that quinoa transmits maternal environmental stress information to its offspring, modulating their resilience. This work underscores the potential of utilizing maternal environmental conditions as a natural priming tool to enhance crop resilience against nutritional stress.
Collaboration and consent in decisions to initiate emergency dispatches for suicide risk: A national qualitative study
Authors: Denneson Lauren M. , Tompkins Kyla , Hindenburg Maeve M. , Reguinga Alexandria , Bohnert Kipling M. , Ganoczy Dara A. , Ilgen Mark A. , Britton Peter C.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study sought to better understand discussions of emergency dispatches (i.e., activation of local crisis services to conduct a welfare check) and the circumstances under which Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) callers and responders feel they are able contribute to (collaboration) and agree upon (consent) the decision to initiate an emergency dispatch.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews gathered data on veterans' (n = 40) experiences receiving an emergency dispatch and VCL responders' (n = 35) perspectives on initiating dispatches. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Veterans calling the VCL were often seeking emotional support and were surprised to receive a suicide risk assessment and emergency dispatch. Responders reported they strive for collaboration and consent prior to sending a dispatch, but the crisis setting challenged this ideal. Overall, veterans and responders described similar features of the ideal, collaborative conversation about dispatches yet noted threats to achieving collaboration: complex standard operating procedures, responder training quality, and responder lack of comfort with de‐escalation.

Conclusions

Increasing veteran awareness of VCL services, altering the timing and type of suicide risk assessment, enhancing de‐escalation skill, increasing consistency of VCL responder proficiencies, and revising guidelines for dispatch disclosure were identified as ways to improve collaboration and consent around emergency dispatches.
An integrated alcohol and suicide intervention for adolescents in inpatient psychiatric treatment
Authors: McManama O'Brien Kimberly H. , Sellers Christina M. , Spirito Anthony , Yen Shirley , Braciszewski Jordan M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite the bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and STB, the two issues are often treated separately in adolescent inpatient psychiatric hospitals, highlighting the need for brief interventions that address both alcohol use and STB in an integrated fashion.

Aims

This study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a brief integrated Alcohol and Suicide Intervention for Suicidal Teens (iASIST) with a post‐discharge mHealth booster for adolescents in inpatient psychiatric treatment.

Methods

We conducted an RCT of iASIST relative to an attention‐matched comparison condition with adolescents hospitalized following STB (N = 40).

Results

iASIST demonstrated feasibility and acceptability and mixed models indicated that both groups had significant decreases in substance use over the 3‐month follow‐up, but post‐intervention group differences were not significant. In terms of cannabis use, however, iASIST participants significantly improved over time. Intervention group participants showed a significant decrease in suicide plans from baseline to follow‐up, which was not the case for control group participants.

Discussion

Study findings suggest a larger RCT is warranted to test the effectiveness of the iASIST intervention.

Conclusion

iASIST shows promise in its ability to target the public health problems of alcohol use and STB in an integrated fashion with a high‐risk adolescent population receiving acute psychiatric care.
Secondhand racism: What we know and where to go regarding the relationship between vicarious racism and mental and physical health
Authors: Howard Simon , Hu Lisa Y.
Published: November 2024

Racism has long been established to be a significant determinant of racial inequalities in health among racially minoritized individuals. Most of this research, however, has been focused on individuals' direct perceived experiences of racism, and far less has been conducted on the relationship between indirect, vicarious experiences of racism and mental and physical health outcomes and behaviors. In this review, racism and vicarious racism are defined, and what is known about the relationship between vicarious experiences of racism and psychological and physical well‐being and health behaviors is documented. Like direct experiences of racism, research on vicarious experiences of racism suggests it is also adversely related to anxiety, depression, general psychological distress, and physiological health (e.g., allostatic load, cardiometabolic risk). Lastly, future directions for research and clinical practice are discussed. Understanding the intricate interplay between vicarious racism and overall mental and physical wellbeing is crucial for informing interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse mental health outcomes associated with experiences with racism.
Associations of haematological and inflammatory biomarkers with brain volume in patients with sickle cell anaemia: A cross‐sectional retrospective study
Authors: Majrashi Naif A. , Hendi Ali M. , Dhayihi Turki M. , Khamesi Abdullah M. , Masmali Mohammed A. , Hakami Khalid J. , Alyami Ali S. , Alwadani Bandar , Ageeli Wael A. , Madkhali Yahia , Hakamy Ali , Refaee Turkey A.
Published: November 2024

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterised by abnormal haemoglobin production. This study aims to investigate the associations between haematological and inflammatory biomarkers and brain volumes in patients with sickle cell anaemia and compare brain structure between patients with sickle cell anaemia and healthy controls. This retrospective cross‐sectional study included 130 participants (70 sickle cell anaemia patients and 60 healthy controls) who underwent brain MRI examinations at King Fahad Central Hospital between January 2010 and October 2022. Demographic data and haematological and inflammatory biomarkers were collected to examine their relationships with brain volumes. Brain volumes were measured using FreeSurfer. Specific haematological and inflammatory biomarkers were correlated with brain volume in patients with sickle cell anaemia, p < 0.05. Sickle cell anaemia patients exhibited smaller volumes in the brainstem, corpus callosum and amygdala compared to healthy controls. Males had significantly higher iron levels (p < 0.001) and larger various brain structure volumes (p < 0.05) than females. This study demonstrates significant associations between specific biomarkers and brain volume in sickle cell anaemia patients, underscoring the importance of monitoring these biomarkers for early detection and management of neurological complications in sickle cell anaemia.
Charmed roots and the Kroweras complement
Authors: Dequêne Benjamin , Frieden Gabriel , Iraci Alessandro , Schreier‐Aigner Florian , Thomas Hugh , Williams Nathan
Published: November 2024

Although both noncrossing partitions and nonnesting partitions are uniformly enumerated for Weyl groups, the exact relationship between these two sets of combinatorial objects remains frustratingly mysterious. In this paper, we give a precise combinatorial answer in the case of the symmetric group: for any standard Coxeter element, we construct an equivariant bijection between noncrossing partitions under the Kreweras complement and nonnesting partitions under a Coxeter‐theoretically natural cyclic action we call the Kroweras complement. Our equivariant bijection is the unique bijection that is both equivariant and support‐preserving, and is built using local rules depending on a new definition of charmed roots. Charmed roots are determined by the choice of Coxeter element — in the special case of the linear Coxeter element , we recover one of the standard bijections between noncrossing and nonnesting partitions.
Towards a modular construction of OG10
Authors: Bottini Alessio
Published: November 2024

We construct the first example of a stable hyperholomorphic vector bundle of rank five on every hyper-Kähler manifold of $\mathrm {K3}^{[2]}$-type whose deformation space is smooth of dimension 10. Its moduli space is birational to a hyper-Kähler manifold of type OG10. This provides evidence for the expectation that moduli spaces of sheaves on a hyper-Kähler could lead to new examples of hyper-Kähler manifolds.
Patrimonio arqueológico en contextos urbanos, alcances y limitaciones para aportar al desarrollo sustentable. El caso de Tenayuca, México.
Authors: Muñoz Aréyzaga Eréndira , González Guerrero Gandhi , Nieto Hernández Rubén , Valdez Pérez María Eugenia
Published: November 2024

Los sitios arqueológicos abiertos al público pretenden aportar al desarrollo sustentable de las comunidades, generalmente mediante su inclusión a programas de turismo en poblados típicos, sin embargo algunos están en contextos urbanos que parecen ser una oferta en declive. Se realiza un estudio de caso en el sitio arqueológico Tenayuca, Tlalnepantla en la zona metropolitana del Valle de México para comprender sus posibles aportes al desarrollo sustentable. Se analizan las políticas públicas globales y su aplicación en el ámbito local y de las percepciones sociales, que muestran que el contexto urbano presenta limitantes para que el patrimonio sea una herramienta para el desarrollo sustentable y de los procesos de simbolización que dan sentido al patrimonio arqueológico en las ciudades.
Adopción de innovaciones tecnológicas sustentables agropecuarias en la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina): desacoples entre la visión de la academia, la extensión y el sector productivo
Authors: Auer Alejandra , Mikkelsen Claudia , Laterra Pedro
Published: November 2024

La tensión entre las prácticas agrícolas dominantes y los problemas ambientales y sociales hacen reflexionar sobre la adopción de innovaciones que den solución a este desafío, como son las innovaciones tecnológicas sustentables (ITSA). El modelo lineal de difusión de innovaciones agrícolas no logró la interacción necesaria para su adopción.  Este trabajo busca comprender el nivel de acople entre la academia, la extensión y el sector productivo de la Provincia de Buenos Aires en relación a la adopción de las ITSA por parte de los productores y sus consecuencias sobre la implementación de prácticas que favorezcan la sustentabilidad del agroecosistema. La metodología aplicada es de naturaleza cuali-cuantitativa a partir de datos obtenidos de un cuestionario en línea aplicado a académicos, extensionistas y productores. Los resultados muestran desacoples entre los ámbitos estudiados. Los académicos tienen una visión sesgada hacia la dimensión ambiental y alejada de la realidad diaria de los productores, mientras que los extensionistas tienen una visión integral del territorio y el ámbito productivo muestra la necesidad de adoptar ITSA sin perder de vista los resultados económicos y las dificultades de su operatoria. En los tres ámbitos se reconoce al compromiso ambiental como un factor que favorece la adopción de ITSA y al contexto económico como principal limitante. Entre las diferencias, académicos y extensionistas muestran el desconocimiento y la falta de apoyo técnico como limitantes, mientras que los productores la aversión al riesgo y la “cultura” agropecuaria. Los factores técnicos y económicos no son suficientes para analizar la adopción de innovaciones.
Probing the biocompatibility of Mo2C nanosheet through an integrated metabolomics approach: Toward boosting energy metabolism
Authors: Zhang Dingkun , Li Xin , Zheng Wen , Gui Luolan , Zeng Wenjuan , Zeng Yu , Yang Yin , Fan Rong , Lu Yang , Liu Yueqiu , Hu Xinyi , Mao Ning , Guan Junwen , Li Tao , Cheng Jingqiu , Yang Hao , Gong Meng
Published: November 2024

An Mo2C nanosheet is an important two-dimensional nanomaterial with distinguished catalytic activity in biochemical applications. However, detailed information on Mo2C-induced changes in metabolic shifts, biosafety, and molecular mechanisms is insufficient. Integrated metabolomics (including aqueous metabolomics, lipidomics, and spatial metabolomics) has provided an excellent choice with massive bioinformation. In addition, the notion of “nanometabolomics” was first proposed and utilized to refer to these metabolomics studies on the biosafety, biocompatibility, and biological response of nanomaterials. Nanometabolomics innovatively combined nanoscience and metabolomics with massive bioinformation at the molecular level. For instance, in this work, nanometabolomics specialized in probing an Mo2C-induced metabolic shift of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through integrated metabolomics. Furthermore, integrated metabolomics was used to examine the metabolic shift of HUVECs at the metabolome and lipidome levels, as well as the spatial distribution of different metabolites. The findings demonstrated that high doses (1 mg/ml) of an Mo2C nanosheet might produce an immediate improvement in HUVECs’ energy metabolism, which was closely related to the improved morphology and function of mitochondria. The integrated metabolomics outcomes of this unique “Mo2C-cell” system increased our understanding of an Mo2C nanosheet. The proposed new word “nanometabolomics” could also be considered an excellent notion in representing nanomaterial-involved metabolomics studies.
Examining the Relationship Between Collegiate Athletes’ Setback-Related Control Beliefs, Rumination, and Psychosocial Outcomes: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Parker Patti C. , Daniels Lia M. , Ortner Catherine N.M. , Tulloch Sierra L.P.
Published: November 2024

Control beliefs are adaptive for athletes coping with significant obstacles to sport. Our study tested whether the effects of setback-related primary (PC) and secondary control (SC) on adaptive sport-related outcomes were mediated via setback rumination in collegiate athletes. We recruited 200 collegiate athletes using Prolific, from both Canada and the United States of America (Mage = 22.3 years; 125 women, 69 men, five nonbinary individuals, and one nonresponse). We used structural equation modelling to test direct paths from Time 1 PC and SC and rumination to Time 2 competition anxiety and sport commitment and test indirect paths of PC and SC to the outcomes through rumination. Findings revealed PC directly increased sport commitment, and through higher rumination, PC predicted higher competition anxiety. Athletes’ SC predicted lower competition anxiety via lower rumination. We discuss the implications of these findings for athletes managing significant sport setbacks and for sport personnel supporting athletes.
Drawing Team Members Together: Intersection of Socialization Tactics and Proactivity With Cohesion
Authors: Revell Charlotte , Gayman Amy , Benson Alex , Eys Mark
Published: November 2024

The effects of having new individuals join a team introduce competitive and cooperative actions that are challenging to groups. Employing socialization tactics that provide tailored role information and cultivate opportunities for social connection is positively related to perceptions of cohesion. However, the socialization process likely relies on the specific actions undertaken by members of the group on their own behalf (i.e., proactivity behaviors). The purpose of the present study was to examine how individual proactive behaviors interact with the group’s socialization tactics to predict group cohesion. Athletes’ (N = 398) responses to surveys were analyzed via polynomial regressions and response surface analyses to examine the independent and interactive effects of the predictor variables on cohesion. The results pointed to the importance of employing socialization tactics that can work in tandem with proactive behaviors, such that both approaches contributed uniquely to the integration of new and existing members on sport teams.
“Take a Ride on a Lifelong Journey!” A Physical Literacy School-Based Intervention to Safely Engage Adolescents in Active Transport
Authors: Derigny Thibaut , Gandrieau Joseph , Mekkaoui Léa , Llena Clément , Schnitzler Christophe , Potdevin François
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To provide safe and high-quality physical education, this study analyzed a physical literacy school-based intervention on active transport to school. Method: A total of 185 pupils (agemean = 11.76 ± 0.52; 46% girls) participated in the intervention. Pupils from test (n = 110) and control (n = 75) groups completed a survey based on their perceptions of the four dimensions of physical literacy (physical, cognitive, psychological, and social). Results: The test group displayed a significantly higher level of overall physical literacy compared with the control group (14.9 vs. 13.4) and also in the specific physical (16.4 vs. 15.3), cognitive (16.0 vs. 12.8), and psychological (15.3 vs. 13.8) dimensions. Boys recorded a significantly higher score than girls (16.7 vs. 14.5), particularly in the test group where girls showed less improvement than boys compared with the control group (+2.78 vs. +1.76). Discussion/Conclusion: Physical literacy is a dynamic process, which may be useful to reinforce the importance of incorporating this concept into physical education lesson planning while focusing on gender differences.
Does Physical Exercise Improve Resting Autonomic Cardiac Modulation in Overweight and Obese Children and Adolescents? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cavenago Henrique Flore , Venancio Emerson José , de Oliveira Gabriela , Goldberg Tamara Beres Lederer , Ramos Solange de Paula , Silva Carla Cristiane
Published: November 2024

Purpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of interventions with physical exercise on cardiac autonomic modulation of overweight and/or obese children and adolescents. Method: The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO. Searches were performed in the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, SciELO, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using the standardized mean difference. The quality of evidence was rated by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Results: From 1866 records identified, 15 randomized clinical trials were included in the systematic review; however, only 4 randomized clinical trials were pooled in the meta-analysis (69 participants in the experimental group and 71 in the control group). The meta-analysis showed a positive effect on the experimental group for the high-frequency power (%; standardized mean difference = 2.22; 95% CI, 1.46–2.98; P < .01), and low-frequency power (%) was reduced after the intervention (standardized mean difference = −1.66; 95% CI, −2.19 to −1.12; P < .01). Conclusion: This study showed that interventions had a positive effect on frequency domain variables of cardiac autonomic modulation in overweight and/or obese children and adolescents. However, more studies with lower heterogeneity and higher quality evidence are needed.
Global record-breaking recurrence rates indicate more widespread and intense surface air temperature and precipitation extremes
Authors: Benestad Rasmus E. , Lussana Cristian , Dobler Andreas
Published: November 2024

We analyzed the evolution of extreme annual surface air temperature and rainfall on Earth, based on the recurrence rate of record-breaking events, and found the highest recurrence rates for record-high annual temperatures in the tropics, as opposed to the polar regions with the fastest warming. Both recurrence rates and the global surface area fraction with daily mean surface air temperatures exceeding 30° and 40°C provide further evidence for extremely hot years becoming more common and widespread. A similar analysis for precipitation highlighted some regions with more record-high annual total precipitation and others with record-low annual precipitation typically associated with drought. A multimodel ensemble of 306 runs with global climate models [Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP) Shared Socioeconomic Pathways 2-45 (SSP2-45)] reproduced the statistics of record-breaking high temperatures, but there were some differences for the reanalysis precipitation record-breaking recurrence rates. The global climate model simulations suggested a slightly altered geographical pattern for record-breaking annual precipitation recurrence rates.
Scalable bottom-up synthesis of Co-Ni–doped graphene
Authors: Chesnyak Valeria , Perilli Daniele , Panighel Mirco , Namar Alessandro , Markevich Alexander , Bui Thuy An , Ugolotti Aldo , Farooq Ayesha , Stredansky Matus , Kofler Clara , Cepek Cinzia , Comelli Giovanni , Kotakoski Jani , Di Valentin Cristiana , Africh Cristina
Published: November 2024

Introducing heteroatoms into graphene is a powerful strategy to modulate its catalytic, electronic, and magnetic properties. At variance with the cases of nitrogen (N)– and boron (B)–doped graphene, a scalable method for incorporating transition metal atoms in the carbon (C) mesh is currently lacking, limiting the applicative interest of model system studies. This work presents a during-growth synthesis enabling the incorporation of cobalt (Co) alongside nickel (Ni) atoms in graphene on a Ni(111) substrate. Single atoms are covalently stabilized within graphene double vacancies, with a Co load ranging from 0.07 to 0.22% relative to C atoms, controllable by synthesis parameters. Structural characterization involves variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and ab initio calculations. The Co- and Ni-codoped layer is transferred onto a transmission electron microscopy grid, confirming stability through scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. This method holds promise for applications in spintronics, gas sensing, electrochemistry and catalysis, and potential extension to graphene incorporation of similar metals.
Global expansion of wildland-urban interface intensifies human exposure to wildfire risk in the 21st century
Authors: Guo Yongxuan , Wang Jianghao , Ge Yong , Zhou Chenghu
Published: November 2024

Rapidly increasing human-nature interactions exacerbate the risk of exposure to wildfires for human society. The wildland-urban interface (WUI) represents the nexus of human-nature interactions, where the risk of exposure to natural hazards such as wildfire is most pronounced. However, quantifying long-term global WUI change and the corresponding driving factors at fine resolution remain challenging. Here, we mapped and analyzed the global WUI at 30-meter resolution in 2000, 2010, and 2020. Our analysis revealed that the global WUI expanded by 35.6% since 2000, reaching 1.93 million square kilometer in 2020. Notably, 85% of this growth occurred between 2010 and 2020. The increase in WUI was primarily driven by the unprecedented expansion of global urbanization, contributing an additional 589,914 square kilometer of WUI. In addition, the number of small fires occurring in WUI areas has increased substantially since 2010. These findings underscore the rising wildfire risk to human society and highlight the urgency of implementing tailored fire management strategies in WUI areas.
Soil fungal networks exhibit sparser interactions than bacterial networks in diseased banana plantations
Authors: Chen Peng , Li Jinku , Wei Dandan , Chen Yanlin , He Chen , Bao Huanyu , Jia Zhongjun , Ruan Yunze , Fan Pingshan
Published: November 2024

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in suppressing soil-borne diseases. Although the composition of microbial communities in healthy versus diseased soils is somewhat understood, the interplay between microbial interactions and disease incidence remains unclear. This study used 16S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing to investigate the bacterial and fungal community composition in three soil types: forest soil (Z), soil from healthy banana plantations (H), and soil from diseased banana plantations (D). Principal coordinate analysis revealed significant differences among the bacterial and fungal community structures of the three soil types. Compared with those in forest soil, bacterial and fungal diversities significantly decreased in diseased banana soil. Key microorganisms, including the bacteria Chloroflexi and Pseudonocardia and the fungi Mortierellomycota and Moesziomyces, were significantly increased in soil from diseased banana plantations. Redundancy analysis revealed that total nitrogen and available phosphorus were the primary drivers of the soil microbial community structure. The neutral community model posited that the bacterial community assembly in banana plantations is predominantly governed by stochastic processes, whereas the fungal community assembly in banana plantations is primarily driven by deterministic processes. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the proportion of positive edges in the fungal network of soil from diseased banana plantations was 5.92 times lower than that in soil from healthy banana plantations, and its fungal network structure was sparse and simple. In conclusion, reduced interactions within the fungal network were significantly linked to the epidemiology of Fusarium wilt. These findings underscore the critical role of soil fungal communities in modulating pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

Soil microorganisms are pivotal in mitigating soil-borne diseases. The intricate mechanisms underlying the interactions among microbes and their impact on disease occurrence remain enigmatic. This study underscores that a reduction in fungal network interactions correlates with the incidence of soil-borne Fusarium wilt.
Potential role of alginate in marine bacteria-yeast interactions
Authors: Nakata Shota , Takase Ryuichi , Kawai Shigeyuki , Ogura Kohei , Hashimoto Wataru
Published: November 2024

The ability of microorganisms to decompose brown algae has attracted attention. This study aims to clarify the characteristics of marine microbial communities in which prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms interact via the metabolism of brown algae carbohydrates. Amplicon-based microbiome analysis revealed the predominance of the genera
Marinomonas
and
Vibrio
in seawater and seaweed samples mixed with alginate and mannitol, which are the primary carbohydrates in brown algae. Three
Vibrio
species and
Candida intermedia
were isolated via alginate enrichment culture. Although
C. intermedia
did not utilize alginate as a nutrient source, the yeast grew in the spent alginate medium in which
Vibrio algivorus
had been cultured. Coculture with
C. intermedia
and the
Vibrio
isolates, especially
V. algivorus
, also enhanced the growth of the yeast on alginate. These results suggested that
C. intermedia
grew because of the supply of nutrients via alginate metabolism by
Vibrio
species. In the coculture medium, the amount of phosphatidylserine increased in the early phase but decreased with the growth of
C. intermedia
, indicating that phosphatidylserine secreted by
Vibrio
is involved in the putative mutualistic interaction. We examined whether such interaction is applicable to the production of useful substances and succeeded in lipid production by oleaginous marine yeast
Yarrowia lipolytica
through coculture with
V. algivorus
. Our study suggested the potential of mutualistic interaction via degradation of alginate by marine
Vibrio
for production of industrially useful substances in yeast cells.

IMPORTANCE

In this study, we analyzed the microbiome of seawater and seaweed in the presence of brown algae carbohydrates and reconstructed the putative mutualistic relationship of marine
Vibrio
and
Candida intermedia
mediated by metabolism of brown algae in the ocean.
Analysis of Newcastle disease virus prevalence in wild birds reveals interhost transmission of genotype VI strains
Authors: Zeng Tingting , Xie Liji , Xie Zhixun , Hua Jun , Huang Jiaoling , Xie Zhiqin , Zhang Yanfang , Zhang Minxiu , Luo Sisi , Li Meng , Wang Can , Wan Lijun , Ya Houxun
Published: November 2024

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can infect more than 200 species of birds, and most reports have focused on poultry. The pathogenic ecology of NDV in wild birds remains largely unknown. Thus, an investigation of NDV in domestic wild birds and pigeons was conducted. Thirty-nine NDV strains were characterized from 3,549 oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples collected from 2016 to 2019 in Guangxi, China. Among them, 3 NDV strains belonged to class I genotype 1.1.2, and 36 strains belonged to class II, including 6 strains belonging to genotype I, 1 strain belonging to genotype II, 4 strains belonging to genotype VI.2.1.1.2.1, 23 strains belonging to genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2, and 2 strains belonging to genotype XII. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that genotype VI NDVs circulate among multiple species of resident wild birds and may spread back to pigeons. In addition, resident wild birds are important for short-distance NDVs transmission. The prevalence of NDVs in wild birds indicates that more restrictive biosecurity measures and ongoing epidemiological investigations are needed.

IMPORTANCE

Surveillance of Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) has been conducted primarily in poultry, but their prevalence in wild birds remains largely unknown. Increasing our understanding of the ecology and evolution of NDVs in different species of birds will help us develop better prevention and control strategies. In this study, large-scale epidemiological sampling of resident wild birds in Guangxi from 2016 to 2019 was performed. The results demonstrated that different genotypes, especially genotype VI NDVs, circulated among resident wild birds. Our findings highlight the potential threat to the pigeon industry and public health.
Exploring interaction effects of social determinants of health with hospital admission type on academic performance: a data linkage study
Authors: Dipnall Joanna F , Lyons Jane , Lyons Ronan , Ameratunga Shanthi , Brussoni Marianna , Rivara Frederick P , Lecky Fiona , Schneeberg Amy , Harrison James E , Gabbe Belinda J
Published: November 2024

Objective

To investigate the moderating effects of socio-demographic social determinants of health (SDH) in the relationship between types of childhood hospitalisation (ie, none, injury, non-injury, injury+non-injury) and academic performance.

Design, setting and patients

Children residing in Wales 2009–2016 (N=369 310). Secure Anonymised Information Linkage databank linked Tagged Electronic Cohort Cymru (five data sources) from the Wales Electronic Cohort for Children.

Main outcome measure

Binary educational achievement (EA) measured across three key educational stage time points: grade 6 (mean age 11 years, SD 0.3), 9 (mean age 14 years, SD 0.3) and 11 (mean age 16 years, SD 0.3).

Results

Of the 369 310 children, 51% were males, 25.4% of children were born in the lowest two Townsend deciles. Females were more likely to meet EA than males (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) (95% CI): 1.047 (1.039, 1.055)). EA was lower for injury admissions in males and any admission type in females (interactions: female×non-injury 0.982 (0.975, 0.989); female×injury+non-injury 0.980 (0.966, 0.994)). Children born into a more deprived decile were less likely to achieve EA (0.979 (0.977, 0.980)) and worsened by an injury admission (interactions: townsend×injury 0.991 (0.988, 0.994); Townsend×injury+non-injury 0.997 (0.994, 1.000)). Children with special educational needs (SEN) were less likely to meet EA (0.471 (0.459, 0.484) especially for an injury admission (interactions: SEN×injury 0.932 (0.892, 0.974)).

Conclusion

SDH moderated the impact of hospital admission type on educational outcomes prompting future investigation into the viability of in-hospital routine screening of families for SDH and relevant post-hospital interventions to help reduce the impact of SDH on educational outcomes post-hospitalisation.
Airway pressure release ventilation to salvage brain oxygenation in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Gensler Ryan , Lilian Sigmund , Spiegel Rory , Chang Jason
Published: November 2024

The BOOST-2 trial indicated that optimising brain oxygen (PbtO2) could be a viable therapeutic target for severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Previous studies have suggested the safety of airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) in sTBI patients, but its effect on PbtO2 has not been demonstrated. This study is aimed to show that APRV can improve PbtO2 in sTBI patients. In a retrospective case series, two sTBI patients with controlled intracranial pressures developed refractory hypoxemia and brain hypoxia, unresponsive to traditional therapies. Treated with APRV, both patients showed improved hypoxemia and increased PbtO2 levels above 20 mm Hg without adverse effects on intracranial pressure. They recovered from hypoxemia, transitioned to assist-controlled ventilation and were discharged to rehabilitation. These cases suggest that APRV can safely and effectively improve PbtO2 in sTBI patients when other treatments fail, warranting further exploration pending results from the ongoing BOOST-3 trial.
Healthcare utilisation and costs associated with poor access to diagnosis and treatment for children and young people with tic disorders
Authors: Hall Charlotte L , Le Novere Marie , Murphy Tara , McNally Emma , Hollis Christopher , Hunter Rachael
Published: November 2024

Background

There are no specific national guidelines in England to guide healthcare professionals in how to assess or treat young people with tic disorders. Access to evidence-based treatment, including behavioural therapy, is of limited availability.

Objectives

This study examined the economic impact on services arising from a lack of access to appropriate healthcare services for young people with tic disorders, alongside the impact on school attendance.

Methods

This study used data from the randomised controlled trial ‘ORBIT’ (Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics). ORBIT compared online exposure and response prevention behavioural therapy for tics with online psychoeducation and recruited 224 young people aged 9–17 years in England. Here, we explore costs of health service use and school absenteeism from children who participated in the ORBIT trial and present these alongside the economic impact of including ORBIT within a tic service. We supplement ORBIT data with findings from two case studies.

Findings

The data showed that patients have care from several healthcare professionals and miss school due to accessing care for tics. The case studies suggest that most of these contacts with specialist services are unlikely to be supportive. However, adding ORBIT could save the National Health Service £1 million.

Conclusions

Young people with tic disorders are likely to engage in substantial use of healthcare resources because of inadequate care pathways. The availability of an evidence-based online therapy such as ORBIT could save money to the healthcare system.

Clinical implications

There is a need to improve service provision and develop national guidelines for tic disorders.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN70758207,NCT03483493.
Early life adverse environmental, nutrition and infection factors are associated with lower developmental scores in Pakistani children at 5 years: a cohort study
Authors: González-Fernández Doris , Yousafzai Aisha , Cousens Simon , Rizvi Arjumand , Ahmed Imran , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Bhutta Zulfiqar Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Background

The effects of multiple early adverse psychosocial and biological factors on child development at preschool age in deprived settings are not fully understood.

Methods

The ‘Etiology, Risk Factors and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health and Development’ (MAL-ED) project followed children from eight countries, recording sociodemographic, nutritional, illness, enteroinfection biomarkers and scores for quality of home environment (Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME)), development (Bayley) and maternal depression during the first year of life. In the Pakistan cohort, we investigated associations of these early factors with Z-scores (derived from the eight participating countries) of three developmental outcomes at 5 years: Executive Functions (Z-EF), the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale for Intelligence (Z-WPPSI) and the externalising behaviours component of the Strength and Difficulties test (Z-externalising behaviours).

Results

Most children had 5-year development measurements below other MAL-ED countries (Z-EF<0, 80.3%, Z-WPPSI<0, 69.3%) and 45.6% had Z-externalising behaviours>0. Higher Z-EF was associated with higher HOME (coeff: 0.03 (95% CI 0.005, 0.05), p=0.017) and Bayley scores (0.01 (0.002, 0.01), p=0.010). Higher Z-WPPSI was associated with more household assets (0.02 (0.01, 0.03), p=0.003), but with lower alpha-1 antitrypsin (µmol/L, protein-losing enteropathy) (−0.01 (−0.02, –0.005), p=0.003). Lower externalising behaviour was associated with female sex (−0.30 (−0.53, –0.08), p=0.009), higher soluble-transferrin-receptors (mg/L) (−0.07 (−0.14, –0.01), p=0.024) and initiation of solids/semisolids≥6 months (−0.16 (−0.31, –0.01), p=0.033), but higher externalising behaviour was associated with underweight (0.35 (0.07, 0.62), p=0.014), more diarrhoeal episodes (0.03 (0.004, 0.06), p=0.022) and higher Maternal Depression Score (0.04 (0.01, 0.07), p=0.003) in the first year.

Conclusion

Adverse environmental, nutrition and infectious factors, and indicators of deprived early development in the first year of life have a negative association with developmental scores at 5 years. Addressing early stressors, improving diet, infections and environment stimulation early in life could positively impact child development in resource-constrained settings.
Patient and clinician perspectives of an eHealth intervention for supporting cancer treatment in the UK: mixed methods evaluation of the eRAPID randomised controlled trial
Authors: Warrington Lorraine , Holmes Marie , Gibson Andrea , Peacock Rosemary , Rogers Zoe , Dickinson Sarah , Holch Patricia , Hewison Jenny , Hulme Claire , Dawkins Bryony , Woroncow Barbara , Cucchi Virginia , Hudson Eleanor Mae , Brown Julia , Velikova Galina , Absolom Kate
Published: November 2024

Objectives

During 2015–2018, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluated eRAPID, an eHealth intervention designed to capture patient-reported symptoms online during cancer treatment. eRAPID provides patients with advice on when to self-manage or seek medical support. Clinicians accessed symptom reports within electronic patient records. 508 participants starting systemic cancer treatment were recruited and followed for 18 weeks. The intervention group (n=256) was asked to access eRAPID and complete weekly online symptom reports. Clinicians received training on accessing and interpreting symptom reports. Overall, eRAPID had a positive impact on patients’ symptoms, quality of life and self-efficacy, particularly early in treatment and for patients with early-stage disease. Using mixed methods, we aimed to gather insight from patients and clinicians on how eRAPID worked to facilitate the interpretation of RCT findings.

Methods

Following a concurrent triangulation design, patient experiences of eRAPID were gathered via end-of-study interviews (n=45) and questionnaires (n=186). Clinician experiences were obtained by end-of-study interviews (n=18) and completion, throughout the trial, of feedback questionnaires (n=787 from n=55 clinicians). Framework analysis was applied to examine qualitative data and close-ended questions were descriptively summarised. Findings were mapped against results from the RCT.

Setting

Medical oncology services, UK cancer centre.

Results

Patient feedback indicated eRAPID was easy to use. Adherence to weekly reporting was influenced by health status, reminders, perceived value and clinical use. Patient-reported benefits of eRAPID included an enhanced connection with the hospital, provision of practical advice and personal monitoring, which provided reassurance and empowerment. Clinicians were positive about the potential for online symptom monitoring but had mixed levels of direct experience with using eRAPID during the trial. Patients echoed this and recommended more explicit clinician use of symptom data.

Conclusions

The mixed-method approach to capturing patient and clinician opinions provided valuable insight into the eRAPID intervention and complementary information on how the intervention was received and functioned.
Theoretically informed codesign of a tailored intervention to support pressure ulcer prevention behaviours by older people living in their own homes in the UK and their lay carers: an intervention codesign study (C-PrUP)
Authors: Woodhouse Marjolein , Cowdell Fiona , Roddis Jennifer , Devrell Anne , Oakley Karen , Dyson Judith
Published: November 2024

Objective

To codesign a theoretically underpinned, healthcare practitioner-mediated, tailored intervention to support housebound older patients and their lay carers to adopt pressure ulcer prevention behaviours.

Design

Theoretical domains framework informed codesign.

Setting

One geographical area in the UK, spanning several community National Health Service Trusts.

Participants

Community-dwelling older patients at risk of pressure ulcer development and their lay carers (n=4) and health practitioners (n=6) providing related care.

Results

Codesigners addressed five identified barriers to pressure ulcer prevention, knowledge and beliefs about consequences, social or professional role and influence, motivation and priorities, emotion and environment. Prioritised intervention components were (1) making every contact count, all health and social care workers to be conversant with basic prevention behaviours and to support and reiterate these at every visit (9.1/10), (2) signposting of existing support groups and sitting services (8.4/10), (3) accessible, timely, trustable and relatable written information including the role of patients, carers and staff in prevention and links to other resources (7.7/10) and (4) supporting close family involvement in some of the practical elements of care (5.6/10).

Conclusions

Our study sought to codesign a practitioner-mediated, tailored intervention to support housebound older patients and their lay carers to adopt pressure ulcer prevention behaviours. The process of barrier identification and selection of behaviour change techniques for intervention components was theoretically informed. However, further development will be needed to refine the prototype intervention to take into account the complexity of multiple health needs and priorities of patients. The principles of this study are likely to be transferable to similar national and international contexts.