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Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy caused by ASPA mutations that diminish oligodendroglial aspartoacylase activity, and is characterized by markedly elevated brain concentrations of the aspartoacylase substrate N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA) and by astroglial and intramyelinic vacuolation. Astroglia express NaDC3 (encoded by SLC13A3), a sodium-coupled transporter for NAA and other dicarboxylates. Astroglial conditional Slc13a3 deletion in aspartoacylase-deficient Canavan disease model mice ("CD mice") reversed brain NAA elevation and improved motor function. These results demonstrate that astroglial NaDC3 contributes to brain NAA elevation in CD mice, and suggest that suppressing astroglial NaDC3 activity would ameliorate human Canavan disease.

To compare pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation and myomectomy.The ULTRA (Uterine Leiomyoma Treatment With Radiofrequency Ablation) study is an ongoing multicenter prospective cohort study with longitudinal follow-up up to 5 years comparing outcomes of radiofrequency ablation with myomectomy in premenopausal women older than age 21 years with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. Participants were queried every 6 months after surgery to assess the incidence of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.Among 539 women enrolled in ULTRA, a total of 37 participants (mean age at first pregnancy 35.0±4.7 years) conceived 43 times as of March 2023 (22 radiofrequency ablation, 21 myomectomy). The average length of follow-up time after all procedures was 2.5±1.0 years. The baseline miscarriage rate in the study population was 33.3%. In participants who underwent radiofrequency ablation, 9 of 22 pregnancies (40.9%, 95% CI, 20.3-61.5%) ended in first-trimester miscarriage, 11 resulted in live births (50.0%, 95% CI, 29.1-70.9%), one resulted fetal death at 30 weeks of gestation, and one resulted in uterine rupture during miscarriage treatment with misoprostol 10 weeks after radiofrequency ablation. Among the live births in the radiofrequency ablation group, 45.5% were by vaginal delivery. In the myomectomy group, 9 of 21 pregnancies (42.9%, 95% CI, 21.7-64.0%) ended in first-trimester miscarriage and 12 resulted in live births (57.1%, 95% CI, 36.0-78.3%). There were no significant differences in the likelihood of live birth or miscarriage between the study groups.Full-term pregnancy and vaginal delivery are achievable after radiofrequency ablation of leiomyomas. However, in this interim analysis, the miscarriage rate in both radiofrequency ablation and myomectomy groups was higher than expected for women in this age group. Long-term data collection in the ongoing ULTRA study aims to further understand pregnancy outcomes after radiofrequency ablation compared with myomectomy.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT0210094.

BackgroundPregnant people are vulnerable to new or worsening mental health conditions. This study aims to describe prevalence and course of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with known or suspected COVID-19. Participants completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized-Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires, screening tools for depression and anxiety, at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum. Prevalence of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms at each visit was described. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic and clinical factors and those with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms.Results317 participants were included. The prevalence of elevated antepartum depression symptoms was 14.6%, 10.3%, and 20.6% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. The rate of elevated anxiety symptoms was 15.1%, 10.0%, and 17.3% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. A prior history of depression and/or anxiety (p's

Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are small double-stranded DNA viruses able to infect species across all vertebrate taxa. In cetaceans, PyVs have been reported only in short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and killer whale (Orcinus orca). Herein, we surveyed PyV in 119 cetaceans (29 mysticetes and 90 odontocetes) stranded along the Brazilian coast, from 2002 to 2022, comprising 18 species. DNA extracted from the lungs was tested using a nested PCR targeting the major capsid protein gene of PyV. Polyomavirus was detected in lung samples of 1.7% (2/119) cetaceans: two juvenile female Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) stranded in Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro state) and Guriri (Espírito Santo state), in 2018. Both retrieved sequences were identical and presented 93.3% amino acid identity with Zetapolyomavirus delphini, suggesting a novel species. On histopathology, one of the PyV-positive individuals presented basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies morphologically consistent with polyomavirus in the lungs. Other available tissues from both cases were PyV-PCR-negative; however, both individuals tested positive for Guiana dolphin morbillivirus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PyV infection in cetaceans of the Southern Hemisphere and the first description of a co-infection with morbillivirus.

Abstract Endothelial cells are integral components of all vasculature within complex organisms. As they line the blood vessel wall, endothelial cells are constantly exposed to a variety of molecular factors and shear force that can induce cellular damage and stress. However, how endothelial cells are removed or eliminate unwanted cellular contents, remains unclear. The generation of large extracellular vesicles (EVs) has emerged as a key mechanism for the removal of cellular waste from cells that are dying or stressed. Here, we used intravital microscopy of the bone marrow to directly measure the kinetics of EV formation from endothelial cells in vivo under homoeostatic and malignant conditions. These large EVs are mitochondria-rich, expose the ‘eat me’ signal phosphatidylserine, and can interact with immune cell populations as a potential clearance mechanism. Elevated levels of circulating EVs correlates with degradation of the bone marrow vasculature caused by acute myeloid leukaemia. Together, our study provides in vivo spatio-temporal characterization of EV formation in the murine vasculature and suggests that circulating, large endothelial cell-derived EVs can provide a snapshot of vascular damage at distal sites.

Boredom is a commonly experienced emotion that is detrimental to student performance. This study piloted Phase 2 of the Boredom Intervention Training (BIT) program which used cognitive restructuring to alter students' boredom misbeliefs. The sample consisted of 149 students from a midwestern Canadian University. We identified participants' boredom misbeliefs at baseline and employed McNemar tests to determine if students reported fewer boredom misbeliefs after viewing a psychoeducational training video. Our results revealed students reported fewer boredom misbeliefs post-video compared to pre-video (all p's < 0.025). Implications of Phase 2 of the BIT program for university students are discussed.

Canavan disease (CD) is a recessively inherited pediatric leukodystrophy resulting from inactivating mutations to the oligodendroglial enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA). ASPA is responsible for hydrolyzing the amino acid derivative N-acetyl-L-aspartate (NAA), and without it, brain NAA concentrations increase by 50% or more. Infants and children with CD present with progressive cognitive and motor delays, cytotoxic edema, astroglial vacuolation, and prominent spongiform brain degeneration. ASPA-deficient CD mice (Aspanur7/nur7 ) present similarly with elevated NAA, widespread astroglial dysfunction, ataxia, and Purkinje cell (PC) dendritic atrophy. Bergmann glia (BG), radial astrocytes essential for cerebellar development, are intimately intertwined with PCs, where they regulate synapse stability, functionality, and plasticity. BG damage is common to many neurodegenerative conditions and frequently associated with PC dysfunction and ataxia. Here, we report that, in CD mice, BG exhibit significant morphological alterations, decreased structural associations with PCs, loss of synaptic support proteins, and altered calcium dynamics. We also find that BG dysfunction predates cerebellar vacuolation and PC damage in CD mice. Previously, we developed an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy targeting Nat8l (N-acetyltransferase-8-like, "Nat8l ASO") that inhibits the production of NAA and reverses ataxia and PC atrophy in CD mice. Here, we show that Nat8l ASO administration in adult CD mice also leads to BG repair. Furthermore, blocking astroglial uptake of NAA is neuroprotective in astroglia-neuron cocultures exposed to elevated NAA. Our findings suggest that restoration of BG structural and functional integrity could be a mechanism for PC regeneration and improved motor function.

Abstract Recent advancements in translational gut microbiome research have revealed its crucial role in shaping predictive healthcare applications. Herein, we introduce the Gut Microbiome Wellness Index 2 (GMWI2), an enhanced version of our original GMWI prototype, designed as a standardized disease-agnostic health status indicator based on gut microbiome taxonomic profiles. Our analysis involves pooling existing 8069 stool shotgun metagenomes from 54 published studies across a global demographic landscape (spanning 26 countries and six continents) to identify gut taxonomic signals linked to disease presence or absence. GMWI2 achieves a cross-validation balanced accuracy of 80% in distinguishing healthy (no disease) from non-healthy (diseased) individuals and surpasses 90% accuracy for samples with higher confidence (i.e., outside the “reject option”). This performance exceeds that of the original GMWI model and traditional species-level α-diversity indices, indicating a more robust gut microbiome signature for differentiating between healthy and non-healthy phenotypes across multiple diseases. When assessed through inter-study validation and external validation cohorts, GMWI2 maintains an average accuracy of nearly 75%. Furthermore, by reevaluating previously published datasets, GMWI2 offers new insights into the effects of diet, antibiotic exposure, and fecal microbiota transplantation on gut health. Available as an open-source command-line tool, GMWI2 represents a timely, pivotal resource for evaluating health using an individual’s unique gut microbial composition.

The demand for increasingly healthier food products requires challenges from food processors, to produce foods with better sensory properties, fortified with micronutrients and bioactive compounds of natural origin. This study addresses a novel formulation of osmosonicated orange peel snacks, impregnated with plant extracts during osmodehydration. Extracts of purple corn, camu-camu, lucuma, carob and prickly pear were used as hypertonic solution. Sucrose solution was used as control. Snacks exhibits adequate moisture values, important content of fibre and slightly reduction of proteins. Snacks with plant extracts had less content of carbohydrates than control. A preservation and/or reduced loss of bioactives compounds of the snacks was observed, being the ferulic acid, the main phenolic. The antioxidant activity was enhanced with the use of osmosonication and heat dehydration. Color changes were observed according to the different plant extracts used. The sensory quality exhibits a good acceptability for all snacks, mainly the snack impregned with lucuma extract.

Abstract: Importance: SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or other health effects after the acute phase of infection; termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. The characteristics, prevalence, trajectory and mechanisms of PASC are ill-defined. The objectives of the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Multi-site Observational Study of PASC in Adults (RECOVER-Adult) are to: (1) characterize PASC prevalence; (2) characterize the symptoms, organ dysfunction, natural history, and distinct phenotypes of PASC; (3) identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors for PASC onset and recovery; and (4) define the biological mechanisms underlying PASC pathogenesis. Methods: RECOVER-Adult is a combined prospective/retrospective cohort currently planned to enroll 14,880 adults aged ≥18 years. Eligible participants either must meet WHO criteria for suspected, probable, or confirmed infection; or must have evidence of no prior infection. Recruitment occurs at 86 sites in 33 U.S. states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, via facility– and community-based outreach. Participants complete quarterly questionnaires about symptoms, social determinants, vaccination status, and interim SARS-CoV-2 infections. In addition, participants contribute biospecimens and undergo physical and laboratory examinations at approximately 0, 90 and 180 days from infection or negative test date, and yearly thereafter. Some participants undergo additional testing based on specific criteria or random sampling. Patient representatives provide input on all study processes. The primary study outcome is onset of PASC, measured by signs and symptoms. A paradigm for identifying PASC cases will be defined and updated using supervised and unsupervised learning approaches with cross– validation. Logistic regression and proportional hazards regression will be conducted to investigate associations between risk factors, onset, and resolution of PASC symptoms. Discussion: RECOVER-Adult is the first national, prospective, longitudinal cohort of PASC among US adults. Results of this study are intended to inform public health, spur clinical trials, and expand treatment options.

Abstract The function and phenotype of γδ T cells in the context of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) has not been explored. CVID is a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by impaired antibody responses resulting in increased susceptibility to infections. γδ T cells are a subset of unconventional T cells that play crucial roles in host defence against infections. In this study, we aim to determine the roles and functions of γδ T cells in CVID. We observe a higher frequency of Vδ1+ γδ T cells compared to healthy controls, particularly in older patients. We also find a higher proportion of effector-memory Vδ1+ γδ T cells and a more clonal T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in CVID. The most significant driver of the Vδ1+ γδ T cell expansion and phenotype in CVID patients is persistent cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia. These findings provide valuable insights into γδ T cell biology and their contribution to immune defence in CVID.

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) remains an untreatable malignant tumor with poor patient outcomes, characterized by palisading necrosis and microvascular proliferation. While single-cell technology made it possible to characterize different lineage of glioma cells into neural progenitor-like (NPC-like), oligodendrocyte-progenitor-like (OPC-like), astrocyte-like (AC-like) and mesenchymal like (MES-like) states, it does not capture the spatial localization of these tumor cell states. Spatial transcriptomics empowers the study of the spatial organization of different cell types and tumor cell states and allows for the selection of regions of interest to investigate region-specific and cell-type-specific pathways. Here, we obtained paired 10x Chromium single-nuclei RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) and 10x Visium spatial transcriptomics data from three GBM patients to interrogate the GBM microenvironment. Integration of the snRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data reveals patterns of segregation of tumor cell states. For instance, OPC-like tumor and NPC-like tumor significantly segregate in two of the three samples. Our differentially expressed gene and pathway analyses uncovered significant pathways in functionally relevant niches. Specifically, perinecrotic regions were more immunosuppressive than the endogenous GBM microenvironment, and perivascular regions were more pro-inflammatory. Our gradient analysis suggests that OPC-like tumor cells tend to reside in areas closer to the tumor vasculature compared to tumor necrosis, which may reflect increased oxygen requirements for OPC-like cells. In summary, we characterized the localization of cell types and tumor cell states, the gene expression patterns, and pathways in different niches within the GBM microenvironment. Our results provide further evidence of the segregation of tumor cell states and highlight the immunosuppressive nature of the necrotic and perinecrotic niches in GBM.

Abstract Background Pregnant people are vulnerable to new or worsening mental health conditions. This study aims to describe prevalence and course of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnancy during the pre-vaccine COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals with known or suspected COVID-19. Participants completed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized-Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires, screening tools for depression and anxiety, at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum. Prevalence of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms at each visit was described. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between demographic and clinical factors and those with elevated depression or anxiety symptoms. Results 317 participants were included. The prevalence of elevated antepartum depression symptoms was 14.6%, 10.3%, and 20.6% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. The rate of elevated anxiety symptoms was 15.1%, 10.0%, and 17.3% at 34weeks gestational age, 6-8weeks postpartum, and 6months postpartum, respectively. A prior history of depression and/or anxiety (p’s

Abstract Canavan disease is a leukodystrophy caused by ASPA mutations that diminish oligodendroglial aspartoacylase activity, and is characterized by markedly elevated brain concentrations of the aspartoacylase substrate N‐acetyl‐l‐aspartate (NAA) and by astroglial and intramyelinic vacuolation. Astroglia express NaDC3 (encoded by SLC13A3), a sodium‐coupled transporter for NAA and other dicarboxylates. Astroglial conditional Slc13a3 deletion in aspartoacylase‐deficient Canavan disease model mice (“CD mice”) reversed brain NAA elevation and improved motor function. These results demonstrate that astroglial NaDC3 contributes to brain NAA elevation in CD mice, and suggest that suppressing astroglial NaDC3 activity would ameliorate human Canavan disease.

Abstract Astaxanthin, a versatile C40 carotenoid prized for its applications in food, cosmetics, and health, is a bright red pigment with powerful antioxidant properties. To enhance astaxanthin production in Corynebacterium glutamicum, we employed rational pathway engineering strategies, focused on improving precursor availability and optimizing terminal oxy-functionalized C40 carotenoid biosynthesis. Our efforts resulted in an increased astaxanthin precursor supply with 1.5-fold higher β-carotene production with strain BETA6 (18 mg g−1 CDW). Further advancements in astaxanthin production were made by fine-tuning the expression of the β-carotene hydroxylase gene crtZ and β-carotene ketolase gene crtW, yielding a nearly fivefold increase in astaxanthin (strain ASTA**), with astaxanthin constituting 72% of total carotenoids. ASTA** was successfully transferred to a 2 L fed-batch fermentation with an enhanced titer of 103 mg L−1 astaxanthin with a volumetric productivity of 1.5 mg L−1 h−1. Based on this strain a pathway expansion was achieved towards glycosylated C40 carotenoids under heterologous expression of the glycosyltransferase gene crtX. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time astaxanthin-β-d-diglucoside was produced with C. glutamicum achieving high titers of microbial C40 glucosides of 39 mg L−1. This study showcases the potential of pathway engineering to unlock novel C40 carotenoid variants for diverse industrial applications.

Abstract Background Cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) impact about 10% of patients with pediatric cancer. Genetic testing (CPS‐GT) has multiple benefits, but few studies have described parent and child knowledge and attitudes regarding CPS‐GT decision‐making. This study examined parent and patient CPS‐GT decision‐making knowledge and attitudes. Procedure English‐ or Spanish‐speaking parents of children with pediatric cancer and patients with pediatric cancer ages 15–18 within 12 months of diagnosis or relapse were eligible to participate. Seventy‐five parents and 19 parent‐patient dyads (N = 94 parents, 77.7% female, 43.6% Latino/a/Hispanic; 19 patients, 31.6% female) completed surveys measuring CPS‐GT‐related beliefs. Independent samples t‐tests compared parent responses across sociodemographic characteristics and parent‐patient responses within dyads. Results Spanish‐speaking parents were significantly more likely than English‐speaking parents to believe that CPS‐GT not being helpful (p

Abstract Background Advancements in cancer treatment and survivorship rely on participation in research and access to health records. Methods This study explored preferences for data access and sharing in 14 workshops with 42 community members, most of whom were a cancer survivor or carer. Various scenarios for data access and sharing were presented and discussed, with participants' preferences summarized using descriptive statistics. Reasons underlying these preferences were identified through a thematic analysis of workshop transcripts. Results Most participants indicated a willingness for researchers to use their self‐report data and current health records for a specific research project (86%). Many were also willing for their self‐report data and current (62%) or all future (44%) health records to be shared with other researchers for use in other studies if made aware of this. Willingness to consent to data access and sharing data in cancer research was influenced by: (i) the potential for data sharing to advance medical discoveries and benefit people impacted by cancer in the future, (ii) transparency around researchers' credibility and their intentions for data sharing, (iii) level of ownership and control over data sharing, and (iv) protocols for privacy and confidentiality in data sharing. Conclusions Based on these themes, we present practical strategies for optimizing data access and sharing in cancer research.

Introduction Physical capacity is an important determinant of physical activity in people with obstructive airway disease (OAD). This study aimed to extend the “can do, do do” concept in people with OAD, to identify if people categorised into quadrants based on physical capacity and activity differ by clinical and movement behaviour characteristics. Methods A total of 281 participants (bronchiectasis n=60, severe asthma n=93, COPD n=70 and control n=58) completed assessments to characterise physical capacity as “can do” versus “can't do” (6-min walk distance < or ≥70% pred) and physical activity as “do do” versus “don't do” (accelerometer-derived moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) < or ≥150 min·week−1). Results The control group had a greater proportion of people in the “can do, do do” quadrant compared with the OAD groups (76% versus 10–33%). People with OAD in the “can't do, don‘t do” quadrant had worse clinical characteristics (airflow limitation, comorbidities, quality of life and functional dyspnoea) and spent less time doing light-intensity physical activity (LPA) and more time being sedentary compared with the “can do, do do” quadrant. Discussion This study highlights that many people with OAD may be inactive because they do not have the physical capacity to participate in MVPA, which is further impacted by greater disease severity. It is important to consider the potential benefits of addressing LPA and sedentary behaviour due to suboptimal levels of these movement behaviours across different quadrants. Future research is needed to investigate if tailoring intervention approaches based on quadrant allocation is effective in people with OAD.

Children with SOX2 deficiency develop ocular disorders and extra-ocular CNS anomalies. Animal data show that SOX2 is essential for retinal and neural stem cell development. In the CNS parenchyma, SOX2 is primarily expressed in astroglial and oligodendroglial cells. Here, we report a crucial role of astroglial SOX2 in postnatal brain development. Astroglial Sox2-deficient mice develop hyperactivity in locomotion and increased neuronal excitability in the corticostriatal circuit. Sox2 deficiency inhibits postnatal astrocyte maturation molecularly, morphologically, and electrophysiologically without affecting astroglia proliferation. Mechanistically, SOX2 directly binds to a cohort of astrocytic signature and functional genes, the expression of which is significantly reduced in Sox2-deficient CNS and astrocytes. Consistently, Sox2 deficiency remarkably reduces glutamate transporter expression and compromised astrocyte function of glutamate uptake. Our study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying brain defects in children with SOX2 mutations and suggests a link of astrocyte SOX2 with extra-ocular abnormalities in SOX2-mutant subjects.

Abstract Despite the significant body of research on social determinants of health (SDH) and mortality, limited knowledge is available on the epidemiology of aggregated Latino health overall, and by women and subgroups. In population health studies, U.S. Latinos often are considered a monolithic population and presented as an aggregate, obscuring the diversity and variations within and across Latino subgroups, contributing to missed opportunities to identify SDH of health outcomes, and limiting the understanding of health differences. Given diverse environmental, racial, class, and geographic factors, a specific focus on women facilitates a more in-depth view of health disparities. This paper provides a scoping review of current gaps in research that assesses the relationships between SDH and mortality rates for the five leading causes of chronic-disease related deaths among Latinas by ethnic origin, place, race, and SES. We analyzed 2020 national mortality statistics from the CDC WONDER Online database jointly with reviews of empirical articles on Latina health, employing the EBSCOhost MEDLINE databases. These findings challenge the phenomenon of the Hispanic paradox that identified Latinos as a relatively healthy population compared to non-Hispanic White populations despite their lower economic status. The findings confirm that prior research on Latino women had methodological limitations due to the exclusion of SDH and an overemphasis on culturalist perspectives, while overlooking the critical role of socioeconomic impacts on health. Findings indicate major knowledge gaps in Latina mortality by SDH and subgroups that may undermine surveillance efforts and treatment efficacy. We offer forward-looking recommendations to assure the inclusion of key SDH associated with Latina mortality by subgroup as essential to inform future studies, intervention programs, and health policy.

Background: Down syndrome has a unique medical and psychological profile. To date, few studies have asked individuals with Down syndrome about their views of health. Methods: Eight focus groups of 20 parents and 8 individuals with Down syndrome, were conducted virtually via videoconferencing to obtain participants' views of health indicators. Focus group moderators employed some modifications for individuals with Down syndrome, including simplified language and use of graphics. Transcripts were coded using a hybrid inductive/deductive framework and thematically analysed using the Framework Method. Results: We describe lessons learned in conducting virtual focus groups of individuals with Down syndrome and their parents. Individuals with Down syndrome could describe their views of health indicators and identified many of the same topics as their parents. Both groups discussed physical, mental, and social health components. However, people with Down syndrome gave a more restricted range of examples, but with different nuances than parents. Conclusion: Participants discussed physical, social, and mental well-being components of health in Down syndrome. Interviewing individuals with Down syndrome in virtual focus groups with appropriate modifications added important self-report health information.

Mentoring is a critical element in the well-being, socialization, and professional identity development of graduate students. Yet in music education, little is known about the graduate student mentoring experience from the mentors' perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine music teacher educators' perspectives on and experiences with graduate student mentoring. We used a concurrent nested approach to mixed-methods phenomenological research (QUAN + PHEN) with a survey of a national sample of music teacher educators (N = 142) and a phenomenology built from a three-interview series with individuals (n = 6) at various career stages. After analyzing each phase separately, we engaged in data integration and interpretation of study findings to reveal a description of current mentoring practices and beliefs. Key elements include relationship building, a multilayered community of practice, and intentional acts of anticipatory socialization that empower students as they transition to the role of colleague.

Background Disabling symptoms of asthma including breathlessness, cough, wheeze and chest tightness largely impact quality of life; however, how these symptoms impact people with asthma of different severity levels remains unknown. This study aimed to compare and characterise patients' symptom experience and the burden caused, their quality of life, and the medication preferences of people with severe asthma against those of people with mild-to-moderate asthma. Methods This was a multisite qualitative study involving two focus groups and semistructured interviews of adults with severe asthma undertaken in Australia and UK. Interviews were also undertaken in people with mild-to-moderate asthma. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results Participants in both severe asthma and mild-to-moderate asthma groups had a mean±sd age of 57±12 years. Between the severe asthma and mild-to-moderate asthma groups, 62% of participants were female and 86% lived with family. Themes were identified: 1) what is asthma and most bothersome symptoms: both groups reported breathlessness as the most bothersome symptom; 2) impacts on life: disease-related impact differed as people with severe asthma reported significant burden in their quality of life, which encompassed emotional, physical, social and financial wellbeing; and 3) personalised and responsive care: severe asthma interviewees preferred injectable biological therapy as a mode of treatment administration. Conclusions People with asthma are burdened by breathlessness and cough and other disabling symptoms resulting in impaired quality of life. Understanding the experiences of people with asthma of different severities can improve the patient–clinician partnership.

Background: Reported outcomes in patients with primary immunodeficiency (PID) infected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been variable owing to a combination of viral strain heterogeneity, differences in patient populations and health systems, and local availability of vaccination and specific COVID-19 therapies. There are few reports on the experience of Australian patients with PID during the pandemic. Objectives: In this retrospective study, we describe the baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes of patients with PID who were infected by COVID-19 and known to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, a major tertiary center in Victoria, Australia. Methods: Between April 2021 and April 2022, a total of 31 of 138 patients with PID were affected by COVID-19. More than half of them had 3 vaccine doses at the time of infection (which at the time was considered being fully vaccinated) and received COVID-19–targeted treatment. Results: All of the infected patients had ambulatory disease, with no cases of morbidity or mortality. In line with the current literature, the PID subtypes described did not appear to independently predict worse outcomes. Conclusions: Some protective factors include this cohort's relatively younger average age and its high uptake of vaccination and COVID-19 therapies.

The coastal terrestrial-aquatic interface (TAI) is a highly dynamic system characterized by strong physical, chemical, and biological gradients. In particular, shifting soil redox conditions and consumption of terminal electron acceptors, due in part to dynamic hydrologic conditions, is a strong driver of carbon availability and transformations across TAIs. However, while redox dynamics are well described, our ability to quantitatively forecast rates of oxic to anoxic shifts in soils with different characteristics and inundation regimes is limited. We integrated field measurements, laboratory incubations, and model simulations to improve mechanistic understanding of oxygen consumption dynamics in coastal soils. Continuous in situ monitoring unexpectedly revealed that flooding caused temporary spikes in subsurface dissolved oxygen followed by rapid consumption in the wetlands. To further investigate these mechanisms in a controlled setting, we performed laboratory incubations using surface and subsurface soils from a TAI gradient (defined here as upland forest to transitional forest to wetland) in Western Lake Erie to measure oxygen consumption rates in TAI soils during flood events. In our experiments, wetland soils reached anoxia the fastest, in ∼ 9 h on average, whereas upland soils turned anoxic in ∼ 18 h. Subsurface upland soils did not turn anoxic even after two weeks of saturation in the lab, and their oxygen consumption patterns suggested carbon and/or nutrient limitation. These results are consistent with in-situ groundwater redox and oxygen measurements in the field, where wetland soils exhibited the highest rates of oxygen consumption along the TAI. Model simulations of oxygen consumption suggested that oxygen consumption had stronger abiotic controls in wetland soils but stronger biotic controls in upland soils, providing a useful framework for future incubation experiments. Microbial activity is a strong driver of oxygen consumption in TAI soils, although it is constrained by the availability of dissolved carbon in subsurface soils.

Pregnancy confers unique immune responses to infection and vaccination across gestation. To date, there are limited data comparing vaccine- and infection-induced neutralizing Abs (nAbs) against COVID-19 variants in mothers during pregnancy. We analyzed paired maternal and cord plasma samples from 60 pregnant individuals. Thirty women vaccinated with mRNA vaccines (from December 2020 through August 2021) were matched with 30 naturally infected women (from March 2020 through January 2021) by gestational age of exposure. Neutralization activity against the 5 SARS-CoV-2 spike sequences was measured by a SARS-CoV-2-pseudotyped spike virion assay. Effective nAbs against SARS-CoV-2 were present in maternal and cord plasma after both infection and vaccination. Compared with WT spike protein, these nAbs were less effective against the Delta and Mu spike variants. Vaccination during the third trimester induced higher cord-nAb levels at delivery than did infection during the third trimester. In contrast, vaccine-induced nAb levels were lower at the time of delivery compared with infection during the first trimester. The transfer ratio (cord nAb level divided by maternal nAb level) was greatest in mothers vaccinated in the second trimester. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection in pregnancy elicits effective nAbs with differing neutralization kinetics that are influenced by gestational time of exposure.

Black and Latino adult cancer patients are underrepresented in cancer clinical trials, which limits generalizability of findings and amplifies disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Community-level education programs designed to address barriers to participation could improve representation in cancer clinical trials. Through a community-campus partner framework, this study evaluated the Women United: Clinical Trials and the Fight Against Breast Cancer Program in Spanish and English. Participants were 422 women (141 Black, 140 Latina Spanish preference, 141 Latina English preference) who were randomized to view either the intervention (n = 215) or a control (n = 207) program. Assessments of clinical trials knowledge and barriers to clinical trials participation were taken before and after viewing. Results suggested that clinical trials knowledge increased and perceived barriers to participation decreased for those who viewed the educational program. More specifically, those in the intervention condition perceived fewer barriers related to personal benefits, mistrust, and familiarity of clinical trials. As expected, there were no differences in perceived barriers related to community support for either condition. Participants in both conditions were equally likely to join a subsequent study or a clinical trials community ambassador program. There were no differences in any of the outcomes across ethnicity or language, suggesting the program works equivalently across groups. This program is easy to administer and can be recommended for use among Black and Latina women to address factors related to clinical trials participation.

Reflective practice positively affects preservice teacher growth. Yet, in structures used to support student teachers, faculty often prioritize professionalism and logistics over pedagogical concerns. The purpose of this intrinsic case study was to describe the use of pedagogical documentation with preservice music teachers to establish a culture of inquiry and community of practice during their student teaching experience. Repositioning supervisor-preservice teacher meeting time as a nonhierarchical space of uncovering student learning may be a pathway to encourage a collective discourse about teaching and facilitate preservice music teachers' transition to inservice practice.

Mycoplasma spp. are wall-less bacteria able to infect mammals and are classified as hemotropic (hemoplasma) and nonhemotropic. In aquatic mammals, hemoplasma have been reported in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and river dolphins (Inia spp.). We investigated Mycoplasma spp. in blood samples of West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus), pinnipeds (5 species), and marine cetaceans (18 species) that stranded or were undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil during 2002–2022. We detected Mycoplasma in blood of 18/130 (14.8%) cetaceans and 3/18 (16.6%) pinnipeds. All tested manatees were PCR-negative for Mycoplasma. Our findings indicate that >2 different hemoplasma species are circulating in cetaceans. The sequences from pinnipeds were similar to previously described sequences. We also detected a nonhemotropic Mycoplasma in 2 Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) that might be associated with microscopic lesions. Because certain hemoplasmas can cause disease and death in immunosuppressed mammals, the bacteria could have conservation implications for already endangered aquatic mammals.

Graphene-based materials have great potential for tribological applications. Graphene’s unique properties such as low shear resistance, high stiffness, and thermal conductivity make it an attractive material for improving the properties of lubricants in a wide range of industrial applications, from vehicles to house refrigerators and industrial machinery such as gearboxes, large compressors, etc. The current review aims to give an engineering perspective, attributing more importance to commercially available graphene and fully formulated lubricants instead of laboratory-scaled produced graphene and base oils without additives. The use of lubricants with graphene-based additives has produced e.g., an increase in mechanical efficiency, consequently reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20% for domestic refrigerators and up to 6% for ICE vehicles. Potential effects, other than purely friction reduction, contributing to such benefits are also briefly covered and discussed.

Abstract Transferable and mechanistic understanding of cross-scale interactions is necessary to predict how coastal systems respond to global change. Cohesive datasets across geographically distributed sites can be used to examine how transferable a mechanistic understanding of coastal ecosystem control points is. To address the above research objectives, data were collected by the EXploration of Coastal Hydrobiogeochemistry Across a Network of Gradients and Experiments (EXCHANGE) Consortium – a regionally distributed network of researchers that collaborated on experimental design, methodology, collection, analysis, and publication. The EXCHANGE Consortium collected samples from 52 coastal terrestrial-aquatic interfaces (TAIs) during Fall of 2021. At each TAI, samples collected include soils from across a transverse elevation gradient (i.e., coastal upland forest, transitional forest, and wetland soils), surface waters, and nearshore sediments across research sites in the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic regions (Chesapeake and Delaware Bays) of the continental USA. The first campaign measures surface water quality parameters, bulk geochemical parameters on water, soil, and sediment samples, and physicochemical parameters of sediment and soil.

Abstract Background Physiological and biochemical processes across tissues of the body are regulated in response to the high demands of intense physical activity in several occupations, such as firefighting, law enforcement, military, and sports. A better understanding of such processes can ultimately help improve human performance and prevent illnesses in the work environment. Methods To study regulatory processes in intense physical activity simulating real-life conditions, we performed a multi-omics analysis of three biofluids (blood plasma, urine, and saliva) collected from 11 wildland firefighters before and after a 45 min, intense exercise regimen. Omics profiles post- versus pre-exercise were compared by Student’s t-test followed by pathway analysis and comparison between the different omics modalities. Results Our multi-omics analysis identified and quantified 3835 proteins, 730 lipids and 182 metabolites combining the 3 different types of samples. The blood plasma analysis revealed signatures of tissue damage and acute repair response accompanied by enhanced carbon metabolism to meet energy demands. The urine analysis showed a strong, concomitant regulation of 6 out of 8 identified proteins from the renin-angiotensin system supporting increased excretion of catabolites, reabsorption of nutrients and maintenance of fluid balance. In saliva, we observed a decrease in 3 pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in 8 antimicrobial peptides. A systematic literature review identified 6 papers that support an altered susceptibility to respiratory infection. Conclusion This study shows simultaneous regulatory signatures in biofluids indicative of homeostatic maintenance during intense physical activity with possible effects on increased infection susceptibility, suggesting that caution against respiratory diseases could benefit workers on highly physical demanding jobs.