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Colin R Grove,1 Wagner Henrique Souza,2 Patricia L Gerend,3 Cynthia A Ryan,3 Michael C Schubert1,4 1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Laboratory for Vestibular NeuroAdaptation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; 2KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2A2, Canada; 3Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA), Portland, OR, 97211, USA; 4Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USACorrespondence: Michael C Schubert, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, 601 N. Caroline Street, 6th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA, Tel +1 410 955 7381, Email mschube1@jhmi.eduIntroduction: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequently occurring peripheral vestibular disorder. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for BPPV exist; however, little is known about how affected patients perceive their condition is being managed. We aimed to leverage registry data to evaluate how adults who report BPPV are managed.Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed of data from 1,262 adults (58.4 ± 12.6 years old, 81.1% female, 91.1% White) who were enrolled in the Vestibular Disorders Association Registry from 2014 to 2020. The following patient-reported outcomes were analyzed by proportions for those who did and did not report BPPV: symptoms experienced, falls reported, diagnostics undertaken, interventions received (eg, canalith repositioning maneuvers [CRMs], medications), and responses to interventions.Results: Of the 1,262 adults included, 26% reported being diagnosed with BPPV. Many adults who reported BPPV (83%) also endorsed receiving additional vestibular diagnoses or may have had atypical BPPV. Those with BPPV underwent magnetic resonance imaging and were prescribed medications more frequently than those without BPPV (76% vs 57% [χ2=36.51, p< 0.001] and 85% vs 78% [χ2=5.60, p=0.018], respectively). Falls were experienced by similar proportions of adults with and without BPPV (55% vs 56% [χ2==11.26, p=0.59]). Adults with BPPV received CRMs more often than those without BPPV (86% vs 48%, χ2=127.23, p< 0.001). More registrants with BPPV also endorsed benefit from CRMs compared to those without BPPV (51% vs 12% [χ2=105.30, p< 0.001]).Discussion: In this registry, BPPV was often reported with other vestibular disorders. Healthcare utilization was higher than would be expected with care based on the CPG. The rates of falls in those with and without BPPV are higher than previously reported. Adults with BPPV reported significant differences in how their care is managed and their overall outcomes compared to those without BPPV.Conclusion: Patient-reported outcomes provide useful information regarding the lived experience of adults with BPPV.Keywords: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular disorders, falls, canalith repositioning maneuvers

Prolonged and excessive use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in serious harm to soil health and ecosystems. This study aimed to reduce the cultivation costs for apricot trees, nearly 1/3rd of which are spent on fertilizers. The research was conducted on fully grown apricot trees of the cultivar “New Castle,” in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatment combinations evaluated in triplicate and statistically analyzed using a randomized block design (RBD). Results revealed that treatment T12 [50% Nitrogen (Calcium Nitrate) + 50% Nitrogen (Urea) + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria + Vermicompost] resulted in the highest percent increase in tree trunk girth (6.82%), highest leaf chlorophyll content (3.00 mg g−1 fresh weight), leaf area (58.29 cm), fruit set (61.00%) and total yield (61.9 kg tree−1). In terms of nutrient status, T12 had the highest leaf N (2.95%), leaf K (2.60%), soil N (386.33 kg ha−1), soil P (51.00 kg ha−1) and soil organic carbon (1.81%). The highest net return and profit over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was also recorded in treatment T12. The results of this study show that judicious fertilizer use along with integrated organic manure and bio-fertilizers can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil health, and increase fruit production with minimum ecosystem damage.

Phytophthora meadii causes fruit rot disease (FRD) in arecanut palm trees in the Western Ghats of Southern India. The control of this disease is challenging due to intrinsic factors like continuous rainfall, skilled climbers being required and the emergence of virulent biotypes. Farmers have been relying on the fungicides for the FRD control, however efficacy of these fungicides is largely dependent on application strategy, schedule and timings. The main aim of this investigation was to evaluate commonly used and newly developed 12 oomycete-specific fungicidal products with different application strategies in 2018 and 2019 at Malnad regions. Fungicides viz., Bordeaux mixture, Mandipropamid, Metalaxyl + Mancozeb and Fosetyl-Al were the most effective in reducing FRD and efficiently controlling (70–80%) the disease with a statistically significant difference compared to untreated control (p ≤ 0.05). However, the efficacy of the evaluated fungicides greatly varied over the years. In terms of application strategies, the pre-monsoon application proved to be more effective in controlling FRD under field conditions. Further, this study suggests that a calendar-based approach to fungicidal application is recommended for effective management of FRD.

This study aims to test the prototype solar dryer using a hybrid drying mechanism. The study utilized direct and indirect drying models. The indirect drying used solar collectors. Solar collector serves to absorb heat captured by the black body inside. The solar collector media used are flat plates and corrugated plates. The hot air from the solar collector is blown and forced by the blower into the drying chamber. Blowers operate using electrical energy generated by solar panels. The experiment lasted for two days from 09.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. The observations focused on the temperature of the solar collector and the drying chamber as well as the output of electricity generated by the solar panels. The test results showed the highest temperature reached by the solar collector with a corrugated plate was 50.500C, while the flat plate was 49.600C. Furthermore, the highest electrical power produced by solar panel was 11.33 Watts.

Abstract Engineering metabolism to efficiently produce chemicals from multi-step pathways requires optimizing multi-gene expression programs to achieve enzyme balance. CRISPR-Cas transcriptional control systems are emerging as important tools for programming multi-gene expression, but poor predictability of guide RNA folding can disrupt expression control. Here, we correlate efficacy of modified guide RNAs (scRNAs) for CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) in E. coli with a computational kinetic parameter describing scRNA folding rate into the active structure (r S = 0.8). This parameter also enables forward design of scRNAs, allowing us to design a system of three synthetic CRISPRa promoters that can orthogonally activate (>35-fold) expression of chosen outputs. Through combinatorial activation tuning, we profile a three-dimensional design space expressing two different biosynthetic pathways, demonstrating variable production of pteridine and human milk oligosaccharide products. This RNA design approach aids combinatorial optimization of metabolic pathways and may accelerate routine design of effective multi-gene regulation programs in bacterial hosts.

With the increasing affordability of next-generation sequencing technologies, genotype-by-sequencing has become a cost-effective tool for ecologists and conservation biologists to describe a species' evolutionary history. For host–parasite interactions, genotype-by-sequencing can allow the simultaneous examination of host and parasite genomes and can yield insight into co-evolutionary processes. The eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, is among the most important aquacultured species in the United States. Natural and farmed oyster populations can be heavily impacted by ‘dermo’ disease caused by an alveolate protist, Perkinsus marinus. Here, we used restricted site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to simultaneously examine spatial population genetic structure of host and parasite. We analysed 393 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for P. marinus and 52,100 SNPs for C. virginica from 36 individual oysters from the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and mid-Atlantic coastline. All analyses revealed statistically significant genetic differentiation between the GOM and mid-Atlantic coast populations for both C. virginica and P. marinus, and genetic divergence between Chesapeake Bay and the outer coast of Virginia for C. virginica, but not for P. marinus. A co-phylogenetic analysis confirmed significant coupled evolutionary change between host and parasite across large spatial scales. The strong genetic divergence between marine basins raises the possibility that oysters from either basin would not be well adapted to parasite genotypes and phenotypes from the other, which would argue for caution with regard to both oyster and parasite transfers between the Atlantic and GOM regions. More broadly, our results demonstrate the potential of RADseq to describe spatial patterns of genetic divergence consistent with coupled evolution.

ABSTRACT Introduction Having a lower extremity amputation is a life‐changing decision for people living with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer. Although previous research has described both positive and negative lifestyle and function outcomes of diabetes‐related amputations, limited research has been conducted on the decision‐making processes leading up to the amputation. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of persons, healthcare practitioners and experts (including academics and specialists) on decision‐making for people with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer who may require a non‐emergency amputation. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured interviews enabled people to share their thought processes when making decisions for amputation. Twenty‐six participants were interviewed, including nine people with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer or amputation, nine health practitioners and eight experts located across five countries. There were 13 female and 13 male participants. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results Four themes described the decision‐making considerations for amputation: ‘Balancing the evidence in decision‐making’, ‘Trust, respect and timing of conversations inform decision‐making’, ‘Tailoring decisions for individual circumstance’ and ‘Reaching the tipping point in decisions for the future’. Work commitments, functional and lifestyle impacts of amputation, the presence of support networks and clinical wound features formed the evidence for a decision for amputation. Conclusion Understanding quality of life needs ensured that decisions for amputation addressed expectations and lifestyle needs. Living with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer presented daily challenges that pushed people to a tipping point, at which amputation was considered to overcome these hardships and enable them to move on to the next chapter of their life. Further research is required to understand how person‐centred factors can be better incorporated alongside objective clinical assessments in decisions for amputation. Patient or Public Contribution People with diabetes‐related foot ulcers, health practitioners and experts shared their perspectives on the decision‐making process for amputation through one‐to‐one interviews. Consideration of the person in the context of their life, environment and personal needs alongside the pathological factors is warranted.

Abstract Background Diabetes related foot ulcer (DFU) is a leading cause of impaired quality of life, disability, hospitalisation, amputation and mortality in people with diabetes. It is therefore critical that podiatrists across all settings, including community settings, are confident and capable of providing care for diabetes‐related foot complications. This study aims to describe current practice, confidence and anxiety levels of community podiatrists in the management of patients with foot ulceration. Furthermore, current barriers to service provision and interest in future educational opportunities will also be explored. Methods An online cross‐sectional survey was distributed to Australian community podiatrists. Descriptive variables including gender, age, professional experience, practice location and practise setting were elicited. A modified competitive State Anxiety Inventory‐2 (CSAI‐2) was utilised to measure anxiety related to managing a foot ulcer. Other questions included a combination of multiple choice and open‐ended free‐text responses relating to assessment, confidence and referral pathways. Results One hundred and twenty‐two Australian community‐based podiatrists responded to the survey. A variety of ulcer sizes and complexity were reported to be managed in community settings. Confidence in DFU management was high in most manual skill domains including: stabilisation of the foot (85.7%, standard deviation [SD] 17.42), scalpel control (83.0%, SD 20.02), debridement with a scalpel (82.7%, SD 18.19) and aseptic technique (81.0%, SD 18.62, maintaining integrity of healthy tissue (77.3%, SD 21.11), removal of appropriate tissue (75.6%, SD 22.53), depth of ulceration (73.7%, SD 23.99) and ability to manage messy wounds (69.1%, SD 26.04). Curette debridement had substantially lower levels of reported confidence (41.0%, SD 34.24). Performance anxiety was low with somatic and cognitive anxiety of 6/24 and 3/8 on the CSAI‐2, respectively. Conclusion Community podiatrists are managing foot ulcers of varying size and complexity. Confidence and anxiety do not pose a barrier to care. Adherence to wound assessment clinical guidelines is low and confidence with the use of curette was sub‐optimal. Further educational programs may overcome these barriers and support shared models of care between community and acute podiatry services.

Abstract Asian soybean rust (ASR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a devastating disease that is present in all major soybean-producing regions. The limited availability of resistant germplasm has resulted in a scarcity of commercial soybean cultivars that are resistant to the disease. To date, only the Chinese soybean landrace SX6907 has demonstrated an immune response to ASR. In this study, we present the isolation and characterization of Rpp6907-7 and Rpp6907-4, a gene pair that confer broad-spectrum resistance to ASR. Rpp6907-7 and Rpp6907-4 encode atypic nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins that are found to be required for NLR-mediated immunity. Genetic analysis shows that only Rpp6907-7 confers resistance, while Rpp6907-4 regulates Rpp6907-7 signaling activity by acting as a repressor in the absence of recognized effectors. Our work highlights the potential value of using Rpp6907 in developing resistant soybean cultivars.

Background: Candida auris is an emerging threat to hospitalized patients and invasive disease is associated with high mortality. This study describes clinical and microbiological characteristics of nine patients identified with C. auris at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center discovered through active surveillance or clinical investigation and uses whole genome sequencing (WGS) to compare isolates. Methods: In November 2022, an active C. auris surveillance program was implemented to screen patients admitted to high-risk units (intensive care units and progressive care units). Bilateral axilla and groin swabs were obtained upon unit admission and, if positive, were submitted for C. auris polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with culture and sensitivity testing. Patients with a positive screening or clinical isolate from November 2022 to November 2023 underwent chart review for clinical characteristics, microbiologic data, and index admission information. For each isolate, DNA was extracted and WGS was performed. Core single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variation identified from the sequence data was used to infer genetic relationships among the isolates. Results: Nine patients were identified between November 2022 and November 2023. The clinical and microbiologic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. All patients were hospitalized at various acute care facilities across the state at least once in the preceding 12 months. C. auris was determined to be present on admission for 6 patients. For 5 of these patients, it was their first interaction with our healthcare system. Three patients were not in contact isolation for >3 days before C. auris was identified. Unit wide point-prevalence screening was completed in these cases and no evidence of transmission was found. WGS showed eight of the nine isolates were related with 28 or less core SNP differences between isolates (Figure 1). One isolate (8) was genetically distinct with >45000 core SNP differences. Five isolates were highly related with a range of 4-15 SNP differences. No temporal or spatial overlap at our institution was identified among these five patients. Conclusions: The active surveillance program identified several patients colonized with C. auris in addition to those found through clinical testing. Multiple risk factors for C. auris were identified with high patient mortality (67%). Majority of the isolates were closely related without association with a known outbreak or epidemiologic link, suggesting a possible diffuse common reservoir. Next steps with surveillance in acute care and long-term care facilities will be critical for early detection to halt transmission of this organism.

To confirm target engagement of hits from our high-throughput screening efforts, we ran biophysical assays on several hundreds of hits from 15 different high-throughput screening campaigns. Analyzing the biophysical assay results from these screening campaigns led us to conclude that we could be more strategic in our biophysical analysis of hits by first confirming activity in a thermal shift assay (TSA) and then confirming activity in either a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay or a temperature-related intensity change (TRIC) assay. To understand how this new workflow shapes the quality of the final hits, we compared TSA/SPR or TSA/TRIC confirmed and unconfirmed hits to one another using four measures of compound quality: quantitative estimate of drug-likeness (QED), Pan-Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS), promiscuity, and aqueous solubility. In general, we found that the biophysically confirmed hits performed better in the compound quality metrics than the unconfirmed hits, demonstrating that our workflow not only confirmed target engagement of the hits but also enriched for higher quality hits.

In a world of negation, it is exhilarating to imagine possibilities. Such is evident in the strain of critique that asserts there is something radically productive in opening up possibilities. This makes sense: critical theory seeks to illuminate something beyond endless torrents of death and destruction. But, this essay contends, the thrill of possibility-creation has created a new aporia: the affect gesture of possibility risks overshadowing the realization of radical possibilities. Various strains of scholarship presume that scholarly politics is a matter of perceiving and awakening possibilities. The impulse is most readily clear in utopianist scholarship like that of José Esteban Muñoz, but it’s also evident in work by Saidiya Hartman, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, and even Rita Felski. All these materials propose that cultural materials can coordinate possible worlds, and by extension, scholarship competency is to schematize them. But, I argue, the scholarship that follows these thinkers risks becoming trapped by possibility. It’s captivating to imagine new ways of being or living or knowing, but there exists neither the professional incentive nor the affective discipline to realize those possibilities. In our reverie at imagining the construction of a better world, our blueprints don’t necessarily reach the builder—and the indulgence of possibility risks sliding back into despair. This essay does not argue for dismissing the scholarship above, but rather suggests we haven’t read them well enough. Muñoz, Hartman, and Sedgwick are not drunk on hope; their openness to possibility comes from the mute agony of living in an unlivable world. Although a variety of material factors stand in the way of scholar-activism, this affective trap remains one of the most pressing—for if we do not recognize the feelings that structure political scholarship, we will only be playing a language game, projecting possibilities that could never come to fruition.

Abstract In the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), mesenchymal cells are key players, yet their specific roles in prostate cancer (PCa) progression remain to be fully deciphered. This study employs single-cell RNA sequencing to delineate molecular changes in tumor stroma that influence PCa progression and metastasis. Analyzing mesenchymal cells from four genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and correlating these findings with human tumors, we identify eight stromal cell populations with distinct transcriptional identities consistent across both species. Notably, stromal signatures in advanced mouse disease reflect those in human bone metastases, highlighting periostin’s role in invasion and differentiation. From these insights, we derive a gene signature that predicts metastatic progression in localized disease beyond traditional Gleason scores. Our results illuminate the critical influence of stromal dynamics on PCa progression, suggesting new prognostic tools and therapeutic targets.

Abstract Efficient manufacture of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors for gene therapy remains challenging. Packaging cell lines containing stable integration of the AAV rep/cap genes have been explored, however rAAV production needs to be induced using wild-type adenoviruses to promote episomal amplification of the integrated rep/cap genes by mobilizing a cis-acting replication element (CARE). The adenovirus proteins responsible are not fully defined, and using adenovirus during rAAV manufacture leads to contamination of the rAAV preparation. ‘TESSA’ is a helper adenovirus with a self-repressing Major Late Promoter (MLP). Its helper functions enable efficient rAAV manufacture when the rep and cap genes are provided in trans but is unable to support rAAV production from stable packaging cells. Using rAAV-packaging cell line HeLaRC32, we show that expression of the adenovirus L4 22/33K unit is essential for rep/cap amplification but the proteins are titrated away by binding to replicating adenovirus genomes. siRNA-knockdown of the adenovirus DNA polymerase or the use of a thermosensitive TESSA mutant decreased adenovirus genome replication whilst maintaining MLP repression, thereby recovering rep/cap amplification and efficient rAAV manufacture. Our findings have direct implications for engineering more efficient adenovirus helpers and superior rAAV packaging/producer cells.

Abstract The removal of toxic dye pigments from the environment is of utmost importance since even trace amounts of these pollutants can lead to harmful impacts on ecosystems. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a potential technique for eliminating microbiological, inorganic, and organic pollutants from wastewater. Here, we report the band gap alteration of ZnO by making its composites with CuSe to enhance photocatalytic activity. The purpose is to develop metal oxide nanocomposites (ZnO/CuSe) as an effective and efficient material for the photodegradation of methyl blue. The photocatalysts, ZnO nanorods, CuSe, and ZnO/CuSe nanocomposites of different weight ratios were synthesized by the simple and cost-effective technique of precipitation. UV–Vis spectra verified that the ZnO/CuSe photocatalyst improved absorption in the visible region. The optical bandgap of ZnO/CuSe nanocomposites reduced from 3.37 to 2.68 eV when CuSe concentration increased from 10 to 50%. ZnO/CuSe composites demonstrated better photocatalytic activity than ZnO when exposed to UV–visible light. The pure ZnO nanorods could absorb UV light and the nanocomposites could absorb visible light only; this was attributed to the transfer of excited high-energy electrons from ZnO to CuSe.

Abstract The Src homology 2 (SH2) domain recognizes phosphotyrosine (pY) post translational modifications in partner proteins to trigger downstream signaling. Drug discovery efforts targeting the SH2 domains have long been stymied by the poor drug-like properties of phosphate and its mimetics. Here, we use structure-based design to target the SH2 domain of the E3 ligase suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2). Starting from the highly ligand-efficient pY amino acid, a fragment growing approach reveals covalent modification of Cys111 in a co-crystal structure, which we leverage to rationally design a cysteine-directed electrophilic covalent inhibitor MN551. We report the prodrug MN714 containing a pivaloyloxymethyl (POM) protecting group and evidence its cell permeability and capping group unmasking using cellular target engagement and in-cell 19F NMR spectroscopy. Covalent engagement at Cys111 competitively blocks recruitment of cellular SOCS2 protein to its native substrate. The qualified inhibitors of SOCS2 could find attractive applications as chemical probes to understand the biology of SOCS2 and its CRL5 complex, and as E3 ligase handles in proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTACs) to induce targeted protein degradation.

Abstract Duckweeds, a family of floating aquatic plants, are ideal model plants for laboratory experiments because they are small, easy to cultivate, and reproduce quickly. Duckweed cultivation, for the purposes of scientific research, requires that lineages are maintained as continuous populations of asexually propagating fronds, so research teams need to develop optimized cultivation conditions and coordinate maintenance tasks for duckweed stocks. Additionally, computational image analysis is proving to be a powerful duckweed research tool, but researchers lack software tools to assist with data collection and storage in a way that can feed into scripted data analysis. We set out to support these processes using a laboratory management software called Aquarium, an open-source application developed to manage laboratory inventory and plan experiments. We developed a suite of duckweed cultivation and experimentation operation types in Aquarium, which we then integrated with novel data analysis scripts. We then demonstrated the efficacy of our system with a series of image-based growth assays, and explored how our framework could be used to develop optimized cultivation protocols. We discuss the unexpected advantages and the limitations of this approach, suggesting areas for future software tool development. In its current state, our approach helps to bridge the gap between laboratory implementation and data analytical software for duckweed biologists and builds a foundation for future development of end-to-end computational tools in plant science.

ABSTRACTThe mechanisms underpinning the replication of genomic DNA have recently been challenged in Archaea. Indeed, the lack of origin of replication has no deleterious effect on growth, suggesting that replication initiation relies on homologous recombination. Recombination-dependent replication (RDR) appears to be based on the recombinase RadA, which is of absolute requirement when no initiation origins are detected. The origin of this flexibility in the initiation of replication and the extent to which it is used in nature are yet to be understood. Here, we followed the process of DNA replication throughout the growth stages of Thermococcus barophilus. We combined deep sequencing and genetics to elucidate the dynamics of oriC utilization according to growth phases. We discovered that in T. barophilus, the use of oriC diminishes from the lag to the middle of the log phase, and subsequently increases gradually upon entering the stationary phase. Although oriC demonstrates no indispensability, RadA does exhibit essentiality. Notably, a knockdown mutant strain provides confirmation of the pivotal role of RadA in RDR for the first time. Thus, we demonstrate the existence of a tight combination between oriC utilization and homologous recombination to initiate DNA replication along the growth phases. Overall, this study demonstrates how diverse physiological states can influence the initiation of DNA replication, offering insights into how environmental sensing might impact this fundamental mechanism of life.IMPORTANCEReplication of DNA is highly important in all organisms. It initiates at a specific locus called ori, which serves as the binding site for scaffold proteins—either Cdc6 or DnaA—depending on the domain of life. However, recent studies have shown that the Archaea, Haloferax volcanii and Thermococcus kodakarensis could subsist without ori. Recombination-dependent replication (RDR), via the recombinase RadA, is the mechanism that uses homologous recombination to initiate DNA replication. The extent to which ori’s use is necessary in natural growth remains to be characterized. In this study, using Thermococcus barophilus, we demonstrated that DNA replication initiation relies on both oriC and RDR throughout its physiological growth, each to varying degrees depending on the phase. Notably, a knockdown RadA mutant confirmed the prominent use of RDR during the log phase. Moreover, the study of ploidy in oriC and radA mutant strains showed that the number of chromosomes per cell is a critical proxy for ensuring proper growth and cell survival.

Objective: Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists reduce food intake, producing remarkable weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. While much of this weight loss is fat mass, there is also a loss of lean mass, similar to other approaches that induce calorie deficit. Targeting signaling pathways that regulate skeletal muscle hypertrophy is a promising avenue to preserve lean mass and modulate body composition. Myostatin and Activin A are TGFβ-like ligands that signal via the activin type II receptors (ActRII) to antagonize muscle growth. Pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrate that ActRII blockade induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy and reduces fat mass. In this manuscript, we test the hypothesis that combined ActRII blockade and GLP-1 receptor agonism will preserve muscle mass, leading to improvements in skeletomuscular and metabolic function and enhanced fat loss. Methods: In this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of bimagrumab, a monoclonal antibody against ActRII, to modify body composition alone and during weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide in diet-induced obese mice. Mechanistically, we define the specific role of the anabolic kinase Akt in mediating the hypertrophic muscle effects of ActRII inhibition in vivo. Results: Treatment of obese mice with bimagrumab induced a ∼10 % increase in lean mass while simultaneously decreasing fat mass. Daily treatment of obese mice with semaglutide potently decreased body weight; this included a significant decrease in both muscle and fat mass. Combination treatment with bimagrumab and semaglutide led to superior fat mass loss while simultaneously preserving lean mass despite reduced food intake. Treatment with both drugs was associated with improved metabolic outcomes, and increased lean mass was associated with improved exercise performance. Deletion of both Akt isoforms in skeletal muscle modestly reduced, but did not prevent, muscle hypertrophy driven by ActRII inhibition. Conclusions: Collectively, these data demonstrate that blockade of ActRII signaling improves body composition and metabolic parameters during calorie deficit driven by GLP-1 receptor agonism and demonstrate the existence of Akt-independent pathways supporting muscle hypertrophy in the absence of ActRII signaling.

Abstract The model moss, Physcomitrium patens, is routinely cultured on cellophane placed over a solid nutrient medium. While this culture method is convenient for moss propagation, it is not suitable for studying how topographical features and mechanical cues from the environment influence the growth and development of moss. Here, we show that P. patens can be grown on fibrous scaffolds consisting of nanoscale, randomly oriented fibers composed of polyvinylidene tri‐fluoroethylene (NRP). The moss adheres tightly to NRP in contrast to the lack of adhesion to cellophane. Adhesion to the scaffold is associated with slower tip growth of moss protonema for some time, followed by an increase in tip growth rate that is equivalent to that on cellophane. In addition, the orientation of the first subapical cell division plane differs between NRP‐grown and cellophane‐grown protonema. Nonetheless, moss colonies grown on NRP did not show signs of nutrient or photosynthetic stress and developed normal gametophores. Together, these data establish NRP as a suitable substrate for the culture of P. patens and to probe the influence of mechanical forces on tip growth and cell division of moss.

As tobacco smoking prevalence is unacceptably high for the one in five Australians reporting a mental health condition in the past year, multiple cessation supports are needed to reduce tobacco-related disease. Nicotine vaping product (NVP)-facilitated smoking cessation is one option requiring a medical prescription in Australia. Yet, people easily obtain NVPs via non-prescription channels. As mental health impacts quitting intentions and health system engagement, this study examined how presence of anxiety and depression symptoms may be associated with perceived health risk of using NVPs from prescription or non-prescription sources for smoking cessation. We used cross-sectional South Australian (15 years +) 2022 survey data on vaping, smoking, anxiety, and depression. Robust linear regression was used to examine the association of anxiety and depression symptoms and nicotine addiction concern on perceived health risk of using NVPs from prescription or non-prescription sources. For prescription NVPs, vaping was associated with lower perceived health risk (b=−0.732). Higher perceived addiction risk was associated with higher perceived health risk from prescription NVPs (b=0.784). For non-prescription NVPs, vaping (b=−0.661) or smoking (b=−0.310) was associated with lower perceived health risk, and higher perceived addiction risk (b=0.733) was associated with a higher perceived health risk. Although anxiety and depression were not directly associated with NVP health risk perceptions, vaping while having depression symptoms was associated with higher perceived health risk ratings for prescription (b=0.700) but not non-prescription sources. People with depression who vape may see health risk barriers in NVP prescription access for smoking cessation, a smoking cessation support gap.

Abstract Background The harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), native to Asia, has been introduced to other major continents where it has caused serious negative impacts on local biodiversity. Though notable advances to understand its invasion success have been made during the past decade, especially with then newer molecular tools, the conclusions reached remain to be confirmed with more advanced genomic analyses and especially using more samples from larger geographical regions across the native range. Furthermore, although H. axyridis is one of the best studied invasive insect species with respect to life history traits (often comparing invasive and native populations), the traits responsible for its colonization success in non-native areas warrant more research. Results Our analyses of genome-wide nuclear population structure indicated that an eastern Chinese population could be the source of all non-native populations and revealed several putatively adaptive candidate genomic loci involved in body color variation, visual perception, and hemolymph synthesis. Our estimates of evolutionary history indicate (1) asymmetric migration with varying population sizes across its native and non-native range, (2) a recent admixture between eastern Chinese and American populations in Europe, (3) signatures of a large progressive, historical bottleneck in the common ancestors of both populations and smaller effective sizes of the non-native population, and (4) the southwest origin and subsequent dispersal routes within its native range in China. In addition, we found that while two mitochondrial haplotypes-Hap1 and Hap2 were dominant in the native range, Hap1 was the only dominant haplotype in the non-native range. Our laboratory observations in both China and USA found statistical yet slight differences between Hap1 and Hap2 in some of life history traits. Conclusions Our study on H. axyridis provides new insights into its invasion processes into other major continents from its native Asian range, reconstructs a geographic range evolution across its native region China, and tentatively suggests that its invasiveness may differ between mitochondrial haplotypes.

Abstract Active machine learning is widely used in computational studies where repeated numerical simulations can be conducted on high performance computers without human intervention. But translation of these active learning methods to physical systems has proven more difficult and the accelerated pace of discoveries aided by these methods remains as yet unrealized. Through the presentation of a general active learning framework and its application to large-scale boundary layer wind tunnel experiments, we demonstrate that the active learning framework used so successfully in computational studies is directly applicable to the investigation of physical experimental systems and the corresponding improvements in the rate of discovery can be transformative. We specifically show that, for our wind tunnel experiments, we are able to achieve in approximately 300 experiments a learning objective that would be impossible using traditional methods.

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley and papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are becoming major threats to the production of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) in India. Management mainly depends on chemical insecticides which cause a serious problem of pesticide residue and insecticide resistance. The use of biorational insecticides such as biopesticides, botanicals, insect growth regulators, and microbial insecticides is important components of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for successful management. We evaluated the bio-efficacy of twelve biorational insecticides, including entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), using the leaf spray method in laboratory conditions at 25 ± 1 °C, 70 % ± 5 % RH. The results revealed that the highest percent mortality was recorded by acetamiprid 20 % SP (100.00 %), followed by azadirachtin (98.27 %), Lecanicillium muscarium (2 × 109 spores/mL) (85.70 %) and Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (76.87 %) at 120 h after treatment (HAT) in P. solenopsis. In P. marginatus, 100.00 %, 96.39 % and 85.67 % and 74.90 % mortalities were achieved by acetamiprid 20 % SP, azadirachtin, L. muscarium (2 × 109 spores/mL) and O. sanctum leaf extract, respectively, at 120 HAT during the first spray. Various biorational insecticides showed a more or less similar trend of percent mortality in both species during the second spray. In both species, the lowest percent mortality was recorded by Andrographis paniculata leaf extract (46.29, 44.54) and (41.03, 46.39) at 120 Hours after treatment in the first and second spray, respectively. It was concluded that all the prescribed treatments are more effective than the control. Overall, azadirachtin recorded the highest percent mortality after acetamiprid and had the shortest LT50 (12.52 h) and (13.87 h) values in P. solenopsis and P. marginatus, respectively. Our study emphasizes that biopesticides like Azadirachtin 1 % EC (10000 ppm), L. muscarium (2 × 109 spores/mL) (5 mL/L) and O. sanctum leaf extract (5 %) may be recommended as alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Botanicals and EPF would be the most effective approach for sustainable integrated management of P. solenopsis and P. marginatus in the G. sylvestre ecosystem.

Abstract Objective: To test whether traffic light labels and an increased range of healthy beverages, individually and in combination, can increase healthy beverage choices from vending machines. Design: Two studies (n 558, 420) tested whether the provision of traffic light labels (green, amber and red) and an increased range of healthy beverages (from 20 % to 50 % green options), individually and in combination, could increase healthy beverage choices from a digital vending machine display. The studies used a between-subjects experimental design, and a hypothetical beverage choice, a limitation when considering real-world applicability. Setting: Both studies utilised an online Qualtrics survey that featured a digital vending machine display. Participants: Both studies (n 558, 420) consisted of university students from Flinders University and individuals from a survey recruitment service. Results: Featuring traffic lights did not significantly influence beverage choices (P = 0·074), while increasing the healthy range (P = 0·003, OR = 3·27), and the combination of both, did significantly increase healthier beverage choices (P < 0·001, OR = 4·83). Conclusions: The results suggest that the traffic light system and increased healthy range are not maximally effective when used on their own, and benefit greatly when combined, to increase healthy beverage choices. It was suggested that the provision of traffic light labels supplied the necessary nutritional information, and the increased healthy range offered greater opportunity to act in accordance with that information. In so doing, the present findings offer a promising pathway for reducing unhealthy beverage consumption.

Mycobacterium xenopi is a slow growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) isolated from water systems and has been associated with pseudo-outbreaks and pulmonary infections in humans. We observed a cluster of six respiratory cultures positive for M. xenopi within a six-month period at our institution, approximately double our normal isolation rate of this organism. Only three of the six cases met clinical, radiographic, and microbiologic criteria for NTM infection. An investigation led by our hospital’s Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Program found no epidemiologic link between the six patients. Three isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis confirmed they were non-clonal. In vitro susceptibility data found the isolates were sensitive to macrolides, moxifloxacin, and rifabutin. Our findings suggest that isolation of M. xenopi from pulmonary specimens may be increasing, further defines the genomic population structure of this potentially emerging infection, and establishes WGS as a useful tool for outbreak investigation strain typing.

Opioid-involved overdose deaths continue to climb, in part because of suboptimal access to and retention on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine. Low barrier buprenorphine treatment aims to reduce or eliminate the threshold for getting and staying on medication by providing immediate and long-term access to buprenorphine without strict rules or requirements. This study examines associations between medical providers’ beliefs about treating people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and naloxone access with their self-reported low-barrier buprenorphine prescribing practices. We surveyed and analyzed responses from providers (N = 86) who completed X-waiver courses in Missouri between March 2017 and September 2019, of which 55% (n = 47) both completed the full survey and endorsed prescribing buprenorphine since the training. The survey included questions about buprenorphine prescribing behaviors as well as the Naloxone-Related Risk Compensation Beliefs (NaRCC-B) scale and the Attitudes toward Patients with OUD scale. Analyses consisted of a series of linear and logistic regressions with the NaRCC-B and OUD Attitudes scales predicting various domains of low-barrier prescribing behaviors. Findings indicate medical providers’ beliefs about treating people with OUD are associated with their practice of addiction medicine, with individuals with more favorable views being more likely to endorse low-barrier buprenorphine prescribing practices including offering telemedicine and at-home inductions, prescribing higher doses of buprenorphine, treating larger caseloads, and discussing overdose risk and protective factors with their patients. Providers’ beliefs about naloxone being enabling were less related to their buprenorphine practices but strongly related to their likelihood of providing naloxone. Future research may examine which strategies effectively change prescriber attitudes and their adoption of lower-barrier prescribing practices.

Abstract Objective Evaluation of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), measured using high‐throughput assays on widely accessible platforms in large, real‐world MS populations, is a critical step for sNfL to be utilized in clinical practice. Methods Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology and Health Solutions (MS PATHS) is a network of healthcare institutions in the United States and Europe collecting standardized clinical/imaging data and biospecimens during routine clinic visits. sNfL was measured in 6974 MS and 201 healthy control (HC) participants, using a high‐throughput, scalable immunoassay. Results Elevated sNfL levels for age (sNfL‐E) were found in 1238 MS participants (17.8%). Factors associated with sNfL‐E included male sex, younger age, progressive disease subtype, diabetes mellitus, impaired renal function, and active smoking. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower odds of elevated sNfL. Active treatment with disease‐modifying therapy was associated with lower odds of sNfL‐E. MS participants with sNfL‐E exhibited worse neurological function (patient‐reported disability, walking speed, manual dexterity, and cognitive processing speed), lower brain parenchymal fraction, and higher T2 lesion volume. Longitudinal analyses revealed accelerated short‐term rates of whole brain atrophy in sNfL‐E participants and higher odds of new T2 lesion development, although both MS participants with or without sNfL‐E exhibited faster rates of whole brain atrophy compared to HC. Findings were consistent in analyses examining age‐normative sNfL Z‐scores as a continuous variable. Interpretation Elevated sNfL is associated with clinical disability, inflammatory disease activity, and whole brain atrophy in MS, but interpretation needs to account for comorbidities including impaired renal function, diabetes, and smoking.

Background: Cancellation of elective surgery is one of the quality indicators of theatre operation worldwide. The cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients is a worldwide problem with the rates ranging from 0.21% to 44%. This study aimed to determine the rates and describe the reasons for cancellation of elective surgeries in paediatric patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH). Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using theatre records from 1st January to 31st December 2019. The numbers and reasons for elective paediatric surgeries were reviewed. Data were collected using the structured collection sheet and entered into Microsoft Excel. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was also used to further analyse the data. Results were expressed as percentages in a graph and table forms. Results: In the year 2019, a total of 3399 elective paediatric procedures were scheduled in 14 specialities at CHBAH. Of these, 634 (19%) were cancelled due to various reasons. The highest number of cases cancelled were from paediatric surgery and neonates (n = 204, 31%), followed by ear nose and throat (n = 99, 24%), burns (n = 80, 20%) and paediatric orthopaedics (n = 79, 16%). The most common reason for cancellation of elective surgery in paediatric patients at CHBAH was found to be time constraint (34%). The reasons for cancellation in our study were mostly due to avoidable factors at 68% and non-avoidable at 32%. Conclusion: The rate of cancellation in our study was high. Majority of the causes for cancellation were avoidable.

Clinical management of prostate cancer is challenging because of its highly variable natural history and so there is a need for improved predictors of outcome in non-metastatic men at the time of diagnosis. In this study we calculated the model score from the leading clinical multivariable model, PREDICT prostate, and the poor prognosis DESNT molecular subtype, in a combined expression and clinical dataset that were taken from malignant tissue at prostatectomy (n = 359). Both PREDICT score (p < 0.0001, IQR HR = 1.59) and DESNT score (p < 0.0001, IQR HR = 2.08) were significant predictors for time to biochemical recurrence. A joint model combining the continuous PREDICT and DESNT score (p < 0.0001, IQR HR = 1.53 and 1.79, respectively) produced a significantly improved predictor than either model alone (p < 0.001). An increased probability of mortality after diagnosis, as estimated by PREDICT, was characterised by upregulation of cell-cycle related pathways and the downregulation of metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis. The DESNT molecular subtype has distinct biological characteristics to those associated with the PREDICT model. We conclude that the inclusion of biological information alongside current clinical prognostic tools has the potential to improve the ability to choose the optimal treatment pathway for a patient.

Abstract Background Increases in serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity have been reported in Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses and associated with maladaptation to training but the underlying etiology remains unknown. Hypothesis/Objectives Classify the etiology of high GGT syndrome in racing TBs by assessment of pancreatic enzymes, vitamin E concentrations, and both a candidate gene and whole genome association study. We hypothesized that a genetic variant resulting in antioxidant insufficiency or pancreatic dysfunction would be responsible for high GGT syndrome in TBs. Animals A total of 138 California racing TBs. Amylase: n = 31 affected (serum GGT activity ≥60 IU/L), n = 52 control (serum GGT activity

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are used to treat many infectious diseases. Nowadays, AMPs enjoy special attention due to their novel mode of action and kill various pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. Among insects, the ant genus can provide a potential antimicrobial peptide against various microorganisms. In the present study, AMPs compounds were isolated and purified from the ant species Trichomyrmex scabriceps using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The extract from abdomen showed the highest protein content (4.60 µg/µl) compared to head and thorax. The HPLC profile of the abdomen showed 14 different peaks, of which the peaks eluting at the 6th, 8th, 17th and 23rd minutes had a higher intensity. The number of peaks was comparatively lower in the extracts from the head and thorax. The antimicrobial activity of the head, thorax and abdomen extracts of ants was evaluated against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 3160) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (MTCC 2692) bacterial strains. Among the extracts tested, the abdomen alone exhibited a distinct zone of inhibition against E. coli (176.98 ± 3.36 mm2). However, the extracts of the head and thorax showed no zone of inhibition. In addition, none of the extracts showed a zone of inhibition against S. aureus. To our knowledge, this is the first report observed AMPs in T. scabriceps ant and their antimicrobial property against these bacterial strains.

Soil function encompasses numerous functions and services the soil provides and can be measured using physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. In any event, research on fertility and biological activity is increasingly being stressed as indices of ecosystem services. Rangeland degradation is one of the world's most widespread land use changes, with serious consequences for soil processes and ecosystem services. The influence of uncontrolled grass cover on soil functioning in semiarid environments is little understood. In the current study, the following seven varieties of grass coverings were studied in a semiarid area of central India: Cenchrus ciliaris (CC), Megathyrsus maximus (MM), Chrysopogon fulvus (CF), Heteropogon contortus (HC), Sehima nervosum (SN), Vetiveria zizanioides (VZ), and Tri-Specific Hybrid (TSH). The carbon accumulation proficiency of TSH, MM, and HC was ~2.23, 2.17, and 2.07 times greater than fallow. The nutrient cycling capacity of grasses was ~1.1 to 1.6 times greater than that of fallow, despite the grasses' depleted macronutrients in the soil. The biological activity under MM and HC was ~1.23 and 1.67 times higher than fallow. Overall soil functionality under TSH and HC was 83 and 25% greater than MM, respectively. These soil functions augment ecosystem services like climate regulation, biomass production, nutrient recycling, water, and airflow. However, more attention should be paid to the management of inputs for greater ecosystem services from this grass cover in semiarid, degraded land.

Sustainability of contemporary crop establishment and management practices is questioned due to soil degradation, higher carbon emission and declining soil productivity. Hence, this study was conducted to address the impacts of conservation agriculture (CA) practices like permanent broad beds (PBB), permanent narrow beds (PNB) and zero tilled flat beds (ZT) with residue retention on soil organic carbon (SOC) protection within aggregates in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP). Compared to conventionally tilled (CT) plots, the total SOC content was ∼27%–33% higher in the CA plots on equivalent mass basis. The soil physical properties, such as soil aggregation and mean weight diameter were considerably improved under the CA practices. The macroaggregates were ∼41, 37% and 27% higher in the PBB with residue (PBB + R), PNB with residue (PNB + R) and ZT with residue (ZT + R) plots (CA plots), respectively, than the CT plots in the surface soil (0–15 cm). The plots under PBB + R had ∼31% higher microaggregates within macroaggregates than the CT plots (24.4 g 100 g−1) soil. An increase in SOC content by ∼72, 55% and 69% was observed in the PBB + R, PNB + R and ZT + R plots over the CT plots in microaggregates within macroaggregates (3.02 Mg ha−1). However, plots under PBB + R, PNB + R and ZT + R had only ∼11, 3% and 23% more SOC within silt + clay fraction, respectively, than CT plots (5.85 Mg ha−1). Thus, SOC stabilization within microaggregates inside macroaggregates was the major mechanism, and not the chemical stabilization within silt + clay, of C sequestration under CA. As aggregate-associated carbon is an ecosystem property that strongly affects organic carbon stabilization, water holding capacity and resistance to erosion, growing maize/cotton–wheat system under PBB + R practice is a viable option for carbon sequestration in the IGP and similar agro-ecologies.

This research pursued the effect of various calcination temperatures (300–1000 °C) on developing structural phases and the optical, dielectric, and photodegradation characteristics of cobalt-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs). The prepared NPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, ultraviolet–visible light (UV–VIS) spectroscopy, and photodegradation of methylene blue in the presence of visible light. XRD analysis revealed the formation of a tetragonal anatase phase for the samples calcined at 300–600 °C, while the Co-doped samples calcined at 800 °C and 1000 °C displayed a tetragonal rutile phase. The optical band gap analysis indicated that doping in the host matrix produced lower band gap energy for all the prepared samples. Dielectric measurements showed that the rutile phase heated at 800 °C had a larger dielectric constant and dielectric loss than the un-doped TiO2 and the other cobalt-doped samples. Finally, the anatase Co-doped TiO2 exhibited a maximum MB degradation of 93 % in 90 min compared to un-doped TiO2, which only degraded 14 % and rutile-TiO2 NPs (62 % degradation). The underlying mechanism responsible for the diverse photodegradation performance displayed by the anatase and rutile phases of TiO2 NPs is discussed. Overall, these results demonstrate that cobalt doping and the crystalline phase of TiO2 NPs are vital parameters involved in optimizing the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.

Chagas disease has been the target of widespread control programs, primarily through residual insecticide treatments. However, in some regions like the Gran Chaco, these efforts have failed to sufficiently curb the disease. Vector reinfestation into homes and vector resistance to insecticides are possible causes of the control failure. This work proposes a mathematical model for the dynamics of Chagas disease in neighboring rural villages of the Gran Chaco region, incorporating human travel between the villages, passive vector migration, and insecticide resistance. Computational simulations across a wide variety of scenarios are presented. The simulations reveal that the effects of human travel and passive vector migration are secondary and unlikely to play a significant role in the overall dynamics, including the number of human infections. The numerical results also show that insecticide resistance causes a notable increase in infections and is an especially important source of reinfestation when spraying stops. The results suggest that control strategies related to migration and travel between the villages are unlikely to yield meaningful benefit and should instead focus on other reinfestation sources like domestic foci that survive insecticide spraying or sylvatic foci.

Understanding the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors is vital for enhancing livestock production efficiency while safeguarding animal health. Despite extensive studies on production-specific genes in livestock, exploring how epigenetic mechanisms and heritable modifications govern animal growth and development remains an under-explored frontier with potential implications across all life stages. This study focuses on the GBAF chromatin remodeling complex and evaluates its presence during embryonic and fetal development in swine. Immunocytochemistry and co-immunoprecipitation techniques were employed to investigate the presence and interactions of GBAF subunits BRD9 and GLTSCR1 in porcine oocytes, preimplantation embryos, and cell lines, and transcriptional dynamics of GBAF subunits across these key developmental stages were analyzed using existing RNA-seq datasets. BRD9 and GLTSCR1 were identified across all represented stages, and an interaction between GLTSCR1 and BAF170 was shown in PTr2 and PFF cells. Our findings highlight the ubiquitous presence of GBAF in porcine early development and the potentially novel association between GLTSCR1 and BAF170 in swine. The transcriptional dynamics findings may suggest GBAF-specific contributions during key developmental events. This study contributes to the growing understanding of epigenetic regulators in both swine and mammalian development, emphasizing the implications of GBAF as a modulator of key developmental events.

Studying microorganisms at high temperatures is challenging on conventional optical microscopes. Here, the authors introduce the concept of microscale laser heating over the full field of view by using gold nanoparticles as light absorbers, and study thermophile species up to 80 °C.

The purpose of this study was to better understand how LGBT+ college students find a safe space on college and university campuses when there is not one already provided for them. Strange and Banning’s (2015) four environments served as the theoretical framework. Data were collected through individual interviews with six college students who identify within the LGBT+ community and attend a mid-sized institution in South Georgia which does not have an established safe space. Students indicated locations like the library, front lawn, and individuals such as faculty, staff, and student organizations offered safe spaces. The results can better inform student affairs educators or any professional who works with LGBT+ populations on how to better support these students while they are under their guise. It also supports the trend of colleges and universities establishing safe spaces for their LGBT+ students.

Faisalabad is a major industrial area in Pakistan’s Punjab province that discharges wastewater into the Chenab River. Industrial effluents in Faisalabad are predicted to pose a significant threat to the riparian vegetation of the Chenab River and nearby vegetation. Heavy metal pollution of plants, water, and soils is one of the biggest problems worldwide that needs to be addressed because heavy metals above normal levels are extremely dangerous to both riparian vegetation and wildlife. The results indicated high levels of pollution in the industrial effluents as well as in the river in terms of salinity, metal toxicity, TSS, TDS, SAR, the acidic and alkaline nature of the industrial effluents, and the spread of industrial effluents up to 15 square kilometres in the Chenab River. Despite the higher pollution, four plants were found at all sites: Calotropis procera, Phyla nodiflora, Eclipta alba and Ranunculus sceleratus. It was found that most of the selected plants were phytoaccumulators, making them best suited to survive in harsh environments such as those with industrial pollution. The Fe concentration in the plant constituents was the highest, along with Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu, all of which were above the permissible limits of the WHO. The metal transfer factor (MTF) was higher in most of the plants studied, and even exceeded 10 at some severely affected sites. Calotropis procera proved to be the most suitable plant for growth on drainage systems and also at river sites, as it had the highest importance value across all sites and seasons.