Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of the small auxin-up RNA gene family during zygotic and somatic embryo maturation of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao).

Small auxin-up RNA (SAUR) proteins were known as a large family that supposedly participated in various biological processes in higher plant species. However, the SAUR family has been still not explored in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.), one of the most important industrial trees. The present work, as an in silico study, revealed comprehensive aspects of the structure, phylogeny, and expression of TcSAUR gene family in cacao. A total of 90 members of the TcSAUR gene family have been identified and annotated in the cacao genome. According to the physic-chemical features analysis, all TcSAUR proteins exhibited slightly similar characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these TcSAUR proteins could be categorized into seven distinct groups, with 10 sub-groups. Our results suggested that tandemly duplication events, segmental duplication events, and whole genome duplication events might be important in the growth of the TcSAUR gene family in cacao. By re-analyzing the available transcriptome databases, we found that a number of TcSAUR genes were exclusively expressed during the zygotic embryogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. Taken together, our study will be valuable to further functional characterizations of candidate TcSAUR genes for the genetic engineering of cacao.

Higher prevalence of sacbrood virus in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies after pollinating highbush blueberries.

Highbush blueberry pollination depends on managed honey bees (Apis mellifera) L. for adequate fruit sets; however, beekeepers have raised concerns about the poor health of colonies after pollinating this crop. Postulated causes include agrochemical exposure, nutritional deficits, and interactions with parasites and pathogens, particularly Melisococcus plutonius [(ex. White) Bailey and Collins, Lactobacillales: Enterococcaceae], the causal agent of European foulbrood disease, but other pathogens could be involved. To broadly investigate common honey bee pathogens in relation to blueberry pollination, we sampled adult honey bees from colonies at time points corresponding to before (t1), during (t2), at the end (t3), and after (t4) highbush blueberry pollination in British Columbia, Canada, across 2 years (2020 and 2021). Nine viruses, as well as M. plutonius, Vairimorpha ceranae, and V. apis [Tokarev et al., Microsporidia: Nosematidae; formerly Nosema ceranae (Fries et al.) and N. apis (Zander)], were detected by PCR and compared among colonies located near and far from blueberry fields. We found a significant interactive effect of time and blueberry proximity on the multivariate pathogen community, mainly due to differences at t4 (corresponding to ~6 wk after the beginning of the pollination period). Post hoc comparisons of pathogens in near and far groups at t4 showed that detections of sacbrood virus (SBV), which was significantly higher in the near group, not M. plutonius, was the primary driver. Further research is needed to determine if the association of SBV with highbush blueberry pollination is contributing to the health decline that beekeepers observe after pollinating this crop.

The Relationship of Preterm and Small for Gestational Age with Child Cognition During School-Age Years.

BACKGROUND: Children born preterm and/or small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of poor cognitive outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the cognitive and academic deficits during the school-age years in children born preterm or SGA compared with those in children born term adequate for gestational age (AGA) in rural Vietnam. METHODS: Children born to women in a preconception micronutrient supplementation trial in Vietnam were classified into 3 groups: preterm AGA (n =138), term SGA (n =169), and term AGA (n = 1134). Cognitive abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, measuring 4 domains [verbal comprehension index (VCI), perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), and processing speed index (PSI) scores] and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) at 6-7 and 10-11 y. Academic achievement was assessed with mathematic and language tests. Analysis of variance and multiple regression models were used to analyze differences in cognitive function and academic achievement at 6-7 and 10-11 y by birth phenotypes. RESULTS: Compared with term AGA children, those born SGA had lower cognitive scores at both 6-7 y (VCI, -2.3; PRI, -3.7; PSI -2.1; and FSIQ, -2.9) and 10-11 y (VCI, -3.7; PRI, -3.5; WMI, -2.7; PSI, -1.9; and FSIQ, -3.9). Children born SGA also had poorer academic achievement with lower language (5.3) and mathematic (2.5) scores. Adjustments for maternal factors and home environment attenuated the associations, but the differences in VCI, PRI, FSIQ, and language at 10-11 y remained significant. There were no differences in cognitive function and academic achievement between children born preterm and AGA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the enduring association of birth phenotype on cognitive functioning and academic achievement during the school years, despite adjustments for maternal education and family environment. Further research is needed to implement effective interventions to improve birth outcomes and optimize child health and development in LMICs. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01665378 (URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01665378).

Platelet-rich fibrin as an apical barrier for MTA placement in the treatment of teeth with open apices: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present pilot study was to assess the effectiveness of the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) apical barrier for the placement of MTA for the treatment of teeth with periapical lesions and open apices. METHODS: A total of thirty teeth on twenty-eight patients with open apices and periapical periodontitis were enrolled and divided into two groups in the present pilot study. In the PRF group (fourteen teeth in thirteen patients), nonsurgical endodontic treatment was performed using PRF as an apical matrix, after which the apical plug of the MTA was created. For the non-PRF group (fourteen teeth in fourteen patients), nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed using only the MTA for an apical plug with no further periapical intervention. Clinical findings and periapical digital radiographs were used for evaluating the healing progress after periodic follow-ups of 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. The horizontal dimension of the periapical lesion was gauged, and the changes in the dimensions were recorded each time. The Friedman test, Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc correction, and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05 serving as the threshold for determining statistical significance. RESULTS: All patients in both groups in the present pilot study had no clinical symptoms after 1 month, with a significant reduction in the periapical lesion after periodic appointments. The lesion width of the PRF group was significantly smaller than that of the non-PRF group in the sixth and ninth month after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PRF is a promising apical barrier matrix when combined with MTA for the treatment of teeth with open apices and periapical periodontitis. Small number of study subjects and the short time of follow-up period limit the generalizability of these results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR, TCTR20221109006. Registered 09 November 2022 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20221109006 .

Variation in Root Biomass and Distribution Based on the Topography, Soil Properties, and Tree Influence Index: The Case of Mt. Duryun in Republic of Korea.

Root biomass and distribution are influenced by abiotic factors, such as topography and soil physicochemical properties, determining belowground productivity. Hence, we investigated the variation in root biomass and vertical root distribution based on the topography, soil physicochemical properties, and tree influence index, and their relationships, across soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm) and topographical gradients in a warm-temperate forest in Mt. Duryun, Republic of Korea. Two contrasting research sites were established: a lower slope oriented at ≤3° and an upper slope with a slope of 30°. Each site comprised eleven 400 m2 sampling plots from which root samples from various diameter classes (<2 mm, 2-5 mm, 5-10 mm, and >10 mm) were collected. While the bulk density increased with soil depth in the lower slope, the organic matter, available phosphorus, Ca2+, and Mg2+ showed a reversed pattern. Linear mixed-effects models generally revealed significant negative correlations between root biomass and soil pH, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity, particularly in small roots (ßstd = -1.03 to -1.51) and coarse roots (ßstd = -6.30). Root biomass exhibited a 10-15% increase in the upper slope compared to the lower slope, particularly in fine (median = 52.0 g m2-65.64 g m2) and medium roots (median = 56.04 g m2-69.52 g m2) at a 0-20 cm soil depth. While no significant correlation between root biomass and the tree influence index was found on the lower slope, a different pattern was found on the upper slope. Our results indicate that the variation in root biomass and distribution can also be explained by the differences in the soil environment and topographical positions.

Feasibility of Using an Artificial Intelligence-based Telephone Application for Dietary Assessment and Nudging to Improve the Quality of Food Choices of Female Adolescents in Vietnam: Evidence from a Randomized Pilot Study.

Background: Adolescent nutrition has faced a policy neglect, partly owing to the gaps in dietary intake data for this age group. The Food Recognition Assistance and Nudging Insights (FRANI) is a smartphone application validated for dietary assessment and to influence users toward healthy food choices. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the feasibility (adherence, acceptability, and usability) of FRANI and its effects on food choices and diet quality in female adolescents in Vietnam. Methods: Adolescents (N = 36) were randomly selected from a public school and allocated into 2 groups. The control group received smartphones with a version of FRANI limited to dietary assessment, whereas the intervention received smartphones with gamified FRANI. After the first 4 wk, both groups used gamified FRANI for further 2 wk. The primary outcome was the feasibility of using FRANI as measured by adherence (the proportion of completed food records), acceptability and usability (the proportion of participants who considered FRANI acceptable and usable according to answers of a Likert questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included the percentage of meals recorded, the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDDW) and the Eat-Lancet Diet Score (ELDS). Dietary diversity is important for dietary quality, and sustainable healthy diets are important to reduce carbon emissions. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the effect of gamified FRANI on the MDDW and ELDS. Results: Adherence to the application was 82% and the percentage of meals recorded was 97%. Acceptability and usability were 97%. MDDW in the intervention group was 1.07 points (95% CI: 0.98, 1.18; P = 0.13) greater than that in the control (constant = 4.68); however, the difference was not statistically significant. Moreover, ELDS in the intervention was 1.09 (95% CI: 1.01, 1.18; P = 0.03) points greater than in the control (constant = 3.67). Conclusions: FRANI was feasible and may be effective to influence users toward healthy food choices. Research is needed for FRANI in different contexts and at scale.The trial was registered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number as ISRCTN 10681553.

Corrigendum to 'Defining a Dichotomous Indicator for Population-Level Assessment of Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant Adolescent Girls and Women: ' [Curr. Dev. Nutr. 8 (2024) 102053].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.102053.].

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Several factors may place people with mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, at increased risk of experiencing homelessness and experiencing homelessness may also increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Meta-analyses examining the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness globally are lacking. Objective: To determine the current and lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness and identify associated factors. Data Sources: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and AMED) was conducted from inception to May 1, 2021. Study Selection: Studies investigating the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness aged 18 years and older were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data extraction was completed using standardized forms in Covidence. All extracted data were reviewed for accuracy by consensus between 2 independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence (with 95% CIs) of mental health disorders in people experiencing homelessness. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, study year, age group, region, risk of bias, and measurement method. Meta-regression was conducted to examine the association between mental health disorders and age, risk of bias, and study year. Main Outcomes and Measures: Current and lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness. Results: A total of 7729 citations were retrieved, with 291 undergoing full-text review and 85 included in the final review (N = 48 414 participants, 11 154 [23%] female and 37 260 [77%] male). The current prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness was 67% (95% CI, 55-77), and the lifetime prevalence was 77% (95% CI, 61-88). Male individuals exhibited a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders (86%; 95% CI, 74-92) compared to female individuals (69%; 95% CI, 48-84). The prevalence of several specific disorders were estimated, including any substance use disorder (44%), antisocial personality disorder (26%), major depression (19%), schizophrenia (7%), and bipolar disorder (8%). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings demonstrate that most people experiencing homelessness have mental health disorders, with higher prevalences than those observed in general community samples. Specific interventions are needed to support the mental health needs of this population, including close coordination of mental health, social, and housing services and policies to support people experiencing homelessness with mental disorders.

Investigation of Urinary Metabolites of Organophosphate Esters in Hanoi, Vietnam: Assessment Exposure and Estimated Daily Intake.

In recent years, organophosphate esters (OPEs) have become one of the most common additives in various consumer products worldwide, therefore the exposure and impact of OPEs on human health are drawing a lot of attention. In this study, three metabolites of OPEs including bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), diphenyl phosphate (DPhP) and diethyl phosphate (DEP) were investigated in first-morning void urine samples taken from a population (age range: 3-76 years old) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The most dominant urinary OPE metabolite was DEP with the geometric mean of specific gravity adjust (SG-adjusted) concentration were 1960 ng mL-1 and detected frequency (DF) of 98%. Followed by DPhP (8.01 ng mL-1, DF: 100%) and BDCIPP (2.18 ng mL-1, DF: 51%). The results indicated that gender and age might have associations with the OPE metabolites variation in urine samples. The levels of OPE metabolites in urine samples from females were slightly higher than in males. An increase in age seems to have an association with a decrease in DPhP levels in urine. Exposure doses of parent OPEs were evaluated from the unadjusted urinary concentration of corresponding OPE metabolite. The estimated exposure doses of triethyl phosphate (TEP) (mean: 534,000 ng kg-1 d-1) were significantly higher than its corresponding reference dose, suggesting the high potential risk from the current exposure doses of TEP to human health. The results of this work provided the initial information on the occurrence of three OPE metabolites in urine from Hanoi, Vietnam and estimated exposure dose of corresponding parent OPEs.

A graphene oxide based composite granule for methylene blue separation from aqueous solution: Adsorption, kinetics and thermodynamic studies.

Graphene oxide and chitosan composite material using as a high-efficiency and low-cost granular adsorbent for methylene blue removal was fabricated via self-assembling method. The effects of pH value, contact time, initial concentration, adsorbent dose, temperature, and recyclic stability on the adsorption performance of methylene blue in aqueous solution were investigated in detail. Desorption process with the effects of solvents, contact time, and temperature were also conducted carefully in this study. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm of dye adsorption process showed that dye adsorption process was fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich adsorption isotherm, indicating a physical adsorption process with multilayer adsorption. The intra-particle diffusion model indicated that the dye adsorption by the granular adsorbent was strongly happened during the first 4 h. The thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process and dye ions were condensed onto the surface of adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity of dye on the granular adsorbent was calculated as 951.35 mg/g and the adsorbent could maintain its adsorption performance after six cycles. In general, this study provided an efficient, cost-effective, and recyclable the granular adsorbent for dye separation from aqueous solution.

The relationships between optimal infant feeding practices and child development and attained height at age 2 years and 6-7 years.

Limited evidence exists on the long-term effects of early feeding practices on child growth and development. We examined the relationships between infant feeding practices and child height and development at ages 2 and 6-7 years. We studied 885 mother-child dyads from a randomized controlled trial of preconception supplementation in Vietnam. Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), breastfeeding (BF) duration and minimum dietary diversity (MDD) were assessed using World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Child development was assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III at 2 years and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children® - IV at 6-7 years. Child height-for-age z-score (HAZ) was calculated from child height and age. Multivariable regression and structural equation models were used in analyses that controlled for confounding. EIBF and EBF at 6 months occurred in 52% and 62% of children, respectively. Mean breastfeeding duration was 18 months and 83% achieved MDD at 1 year. EIBF was associated with motor (ß = 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00, 0.28) and cognitive development at 2 years (ß = 0.12, 95% CI: -0.01, 0.26), which in turn were positively associated with cognitive development at 6-7 years. EBF was directly associated with development at 6-7 years (ß = 0.21, 95% CI:0.08, 0.34) whereas motor and cognitive development at 2 years explained 41%-75% of the relationship between EIBF and development at 6-7 years. HAZ at 2 years also mediated 70% of the association between MDD at 1 year and HAZ at 6-7 years. BF duration was not associated with child development and HAZ. Early infant feeding practices, especially EIBF and EBF, have important long-term implications for optimizing child linear growth and cognition as they begin school.

Growth patterns of preterm and small for gestational age children during the first 10 years of life.

Background: Preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) remain significant public health concerns worldwide. Yet limited evidence exists on their growth patterns during childhood from low-or middle-income countries. Objectives: We investigated the postnatal growth patterns of preterm and SGA compared to term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) children from birth to 10-11y, and examined the impact of birth status on child nutritional status during the school age years. Methods: Children born to women who participated in a double-blinded randomized controlled trial of preconception micronutrient supplementation in Vietnam were classified into three groups: preterm AGA (n = 130), full-term SGA (n = 165) and full-term AGA (n = 1,072). Anthropometric data (weight and height) were collected prospectively at birth, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months and at 6-7 and 10-11y. We used ANOVA and multiple regression models to examine the differences in growth patterns from birth to 10-11y as well as child undernutrition and overnutrition by birth status. Results: Children who were born preterm exhibited rapid postnatal growth, but still had lower HAZ at 1y and 2y and showed catch up to the AGA group at 6y. Compared to those born AGA, SGA infants had higher risk of thinness (BMIZ < -2) at 2y and 6y (adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR [95% CI] 2.5 [1.0, 6.1] and 2.6 [1.4, 4.6], respectively); this risk reduced at 10-11y (1.6 [0.9, 2.8]). The risk of stunting (HAZ < -2) was also 2.4 [1.5, 3.8] and 2.3 times [1.2, 4.1] higher in SGA than AGA group at ages 2y and 6-7y, respectively, with no differences at 10y. Although preterm children had higher rates of thinness and stunting at 2y compared to AGA children, these differences were not statistically significant. No associations were found between preterm or SGA and overweight /obesity at age 10-11y. Conclusion: Children who were born term-SGA continued to demonstrate deficits in weight and height during childhood whereas those born preterm showed catch-up growth by age 6-7y. Additional efforts to reduce the burden of these conditions are needed, particularly during school-age and early adolescents when children are exposed to challenging environments and have higher demands for nutrition.

Preconception Micronutrient Supplementation Affects Maternal BMI and Body Composition Postpartum: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Although there is growing evidence on the role of preconception nutrition for birth outcomes, limited evidence exists for its effects on maternal health. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the impact of preconception micronutrient supplementation on maternal BMI (kg/m2) and body composition at 6 to 7 y postpartum (PP). METHODS: We followed females who participated in a randomized controlled trial of preconception supplementation in Vietnam and delivered live offspring (n = 1599). Females received weekly supplements containing either 2800 µg folic acid (FA) only, 60 mg iron and 2800 µg FA (IFA), or multiple micronutrients (MMs) (15 micronutrients including IFA) from baseline until conception followed by daily prenatal IFA supplements until delivery. Height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and waist-hip circumference were measured at recruitment and at 1, 2, and 6 to 7 y PP. Body fat was assessed using bioelectric impedance at 6 to 7 y PP (n = 867). Group comparisons were made using analysis of variance or chi-square tests and general linear models for adjusted models. RESULTS: At 6 to 7 y PP, we found significant differences (P < 0.05) by treatment group for mean percent fat (MM: 29.2%; IFA: 27.6%; FA: 27.8%), absolute fat mass (MM: 15.1 kg; IFA: 14.0 kg; FA: 14.3 kg), and prevalence of underweight based on BMI < 18.5 (MM: 5.8%; IFA: 10.3%; FA: 14.3%). Mean BMI and triceps skinfold thickness were higher in the MM group, but these differences were not statistically significant; the differences in absolute fat mass were also attenuated after controlling for body weight. No differences were observed for fat-free mass, prevalence of overweight (BMI >23), or other anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Preconception MM supplementation was associated with lower prevalence of underweight and higher percent fat when compared with IFA and/or FA only. Preconception micronutrient interventions may have long-term effects on maternal health and merit further examination. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01665378.

Reaching High Accuracy for Energetic Properties at Second-Order Perturbation Cost by Merging Self-Consistency and Spin-Opposite Scaling.

Quantum chemical methods dealing with challenging systems while retaining low computational costs have attracted attention. In particular, many efforts have been devoted to developing new methods based on second-order perturbation that may be the simplest correlated method beyond Hartree-Fock. We have recently developed a self-consistent perturbation theory named one-body Møller-Plesset second-order perturbation theory (OBMP2) and shown that it can resolve issues caused by the noniterative nature of standard perturbation theory. In this work, we extend the method by introducing spin-opposite scaling to the double-excitation amplitudes, resulting in the O2BMP2 method. We assess the O2BMP2 performance on the triple-bond N2 dissociation, singlet-triplet gaps, and ionization potentials. O2BMP2 performs much better than standard MP2 and reaches the accuracy of coupled-cluster methods in all cases considered in this work.

Platelet rich fibrin and MTA in the treatment of teeth with open apices.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as the apical matrix for the placement of MTA in nonsurgical endodontic therapy for teeth with periapical lesions and open apices. METHODS: Twelve teeth from eleven patients with periapical periodontitis and open apices were enrolled in the study. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy was performed with the PRF used as an apical barrier and the MTA manipulated as an apical plug for further thermoplasticized gutta percha in the remaining part of the root canal. Clinical signs and periapical digital radiographs were recorded and analyzed to evaluate the curing progress after periodical follow-ups of 1, 3, and 6 months. The horizontal dimension of the periapical lesion was determined, and the changes in the dimensions were recorded each time. The Friedman test was used for statistical analysis, with P < .05 serving as the threshold for determining statistical significance. RESULTS: All patients had no clinical symptoms after the first month of treatment, with a significant reduction in the periapical lesion after periodical appointments. CONCLUSIONS: PRF is an effective barrier when combined with MTA for the treatment of teeth with periapical periodontitis and open apices.

Fine-Root Distribution and Soil Physicochemical Property Variations in Four Contrasting Urban Land-Use Types in South Korea.

Urbanization and associated forest conversions have given rise to a continuum of native (forest fragments) and modified (artificial grasslands and perennial ecosystems) land-use types. However, little is known about how these shifts affect soil and fine-root compartments that are critical to a functioning carbon and nutrient circulation system. In this study, soil physicochemical properties, fine-root mass, and vertical distribution patterns were investigated in four representative urban land-use types: grassland (ZJ), perennial agroecosystem (MP), broadleaf deciduous forest patch (QA), and coniferous evergreen forest patch (PD). We quantified the fine-root mass in the upper 30 cm vertical profile (0-30 cm) and at every 5 cm depth across three diameter classes (<2 mm, 2-5 mm, and <5 mm). Soil physicochemical properties, except for phosphorus, nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and sodium cations, varied significantly across land-use types. The total root biomass (<5 mm) decreased in the order of QA (700.3 g m-2) > PD (487.2 g m-2) > ZJ (440.1 g m-2) > MP (98.3 g m-2). The fine-root mass of ZJ and MP was correlated with soil nutrients, which was attributed to intensive management operations, while the fine-root mass of QA and PD had a significant relationship with soil organic matter due to the high inputs from forest litter. Very fine roots (<2 mm) presented a distinct decremental pattern with depth for all land-use types, except for MP. Very fine roots populated the topmost 5 cm layer in ZJ, QA, and PD at 52.1%, 49.4%, and 39.4%, respectively. Maintaining a woody fine-root system benefits urban landscapes by promoting soil stabilization, improving ground infiltration rates, and increasing carbon sequestration capacity. Our findings underscore the importance of profiling fine-root mass when assessing urban expansion effects on terrestrial ecosystems.

Defining a Dichotomous Indicator for Population-Level Assessment of Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant Adolescent Girls and Women: A Secondary Analysis of Quantitative 24-h Recalls from Rural Settings in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal.

Background: The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) indicator was validated as a proxy of micronutrient adequacy among nonpregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At that time, indeed, there was insufficient data to validate the indicator among pregnant women, who face higher micronutrient requirements. Objective: This study aimed to validate a minimum food group consumption threshold, out of the 10 food groups used to construct MDD-W, to be used as a population-level indicator of higher micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women aged 15-49 y in LMICs. Methods: We used secondary quantitative 24-h recall data from 6 surveys in 4 LMICs (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal, total n = 4909). We computed the 10-food group Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS-10) and calculated the mean probability of adequacy (MPA) of 11 micronutrients. Linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations between WDDS-10 and MPA. Sensitivity, specificity, and proportion of individuals correctly classified were used to assess the performance of MDD-W in predicting an MPA of >0.60. Results: In the pooled sample, median values (interquartile range) of WDDS-10 and MPA were 3 (1) and 0.20 (0.34), respectively, whereas the proportion of pregnant women with an MPA of >0.60 was 9.6%. The WDDS-10 was significantly positively associated with MPA in each survey. Although the acceptable food group consumption threshold varied between 4 and 6 food groups across surveys, the threshold of 5 showed the highest performance in the pooled sample with good sensitivity (62%), very good specificity (81%), and percentage of correctly classified individuals (79%). Conclusions: The WDDS-10 is a good predictor of dietary micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women aged 15-49 y in LMICs. Moreover, the threshold of 5 or more food groups for the MDD-W indicator may be extended to all women of reproductive age, regardless of their physiologic status.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Its Role in Psychiatry.

This paper reviews the current literature to examine what elements of osteopathic medicine can be used in psychiatry. The aim of this study was to use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct a systematic review of studies describing the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) in treating psychiatric problems directly and indirectly. The authors searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), reviewing peer-reviewed articles from 1980 to April 2023. The literature demonstrates that OMM has a positive effect on psychiatric symptoms indirectly when treating certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome; however, there are many limitations on these studies, and further research is required prior to making firm recommendations. The evidence is lacking for osteopathic manual medicine being used directly to treat psychiatric conditions. This review demonstrates that in some populations, such as individuals with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome, OMM could be considered by an osteopathic psychiatrist as an adjunct treatment. More research should be conducted in this area due to the many limitations in the available studies but current research suggests that the use of OMM by osteopathic psychiatrists could be beneficial for some patient populations.

Characterization of Nerve Damage After an Injury to the Adjacent Soft Tissue: A Pilot Animal Study.

Traumatic injuries may result in the formation of soft tissue adhesions between peripheral nerves and surrounding soft tissue. These soft tissue adhesions lead to compression and ischemic stress within fascicles due to nonpliability of adhered scar tissue, and nerve tension due to loss of nerve gliding from scar tethering. These changes in the soft tissue bed surrounding the nerve may result in axon degeneration and neuroma-in-continuity. Preclinical models that simulate clinically relevant levels of scar in the nerve environment may be impactful to the development of surgical techniques and treatments to prevent adhesions. This study presents the results of a rodent model with an induced indirect nerve injury by (1) thermal insult to the soft tissue bed surrounding the nerve and (2) air-drying the surrounding soft tissue bed of the nerve. Our findings suggest that inducing an injury of the soft tissue bed results in increased intraneural scar and extraneural adhesions to the nerve compared to a sham procedure. Thermal induced injuries showed more macrophages and changes in nerve health compared to air-dried induced injuries. The changes in the nerves of the induced injury groups, specifically the thermal injury group, may be meaningful for evaluating treatments for nontransected nerve injuries.