Discriminative Effects Research Articles

The role of cultural isolation in the relationship between racial discrimination and substance use

Immigrant young adults from predominantly people of color countries (IYPOC) encounter structural stressors that potentially exacerbate health outcomes such as substance use amidst ongoing societal challenges. The association may be further compounded by cultural isolation and the dual task of identity negotiation. The current study explored cultural isolation as a mediator of the association between racial discrimination and substance use among IYPOC. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to collect data from IYPOC residing in the United States. The analytic sample was composed of 262 individuals aged 18 to 29, and the largest racial group was Black or African American. The current study performed regressions and PROCESS Macro Model 4 with bootstrapping. Racial discrimination and cultural isolation were statistically significantly associated with substance use. The indirect effect of racial discrimination on substance use through cultural isolation was statistically significant. The results underscore the need for tailored support and interventions that address the complex interplay of racial discrimination, cultural isolation, and health outcomes among IYPOC.

Differential associations between race-based traumatic stress and major, everyday, and vicarious racial discrimination among young adults of color.

Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) is a psychological response to racial discrimination among individuals with marginalized racial/ethnic identities, but the literature about how different forms of racial discrimination contribute to RBTS is lacking. We compared the effects of major, everyday, and vicarious racial discrimination on RBTS and evaluated the associations between ethnic-racial identity (ERI) and RBTS. Analyses used cross-sectional survey data from Black, Asian, and Latine young adults (N = 1,342, Mage = 25.9 years) collected in 2022. Demographic variables; major, everyday, and vicarious racial discrimination; ERI commitment and exploration; and RBTS were assessed. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify correlates of RBTS. Everyday, β =.37, p <.001; vicarious, β =.16, p <.001; and major racial discrimination, β =.16, p =.004, predicted RBTS. Neither ERI commitment nor ERI exploration was significantly associated with RBTS. Race did not moderate the associations between major, everyday, or vicarious discrimination and RBTS, highlighting that Black, Asian, and Latine young adults appear to be equally at risk. As most vicarious racial discrimination and RBTS research has focused on Black samples, we expand the literature by including Latine and Asian young adults. Our observation that vicarious racial discrimination was a similarly strong predictor of RBTS compared to everyday and major racial discrimination underscores the importance of its inclusion in research focused on discrimination and mental health. Taken together, clinical assessment should focus on questions related to diverse experiences of racial discrimination for individuals with marginalized racial identities.

The effect of age discrimination on employee silence: The role of age similarity with familiar individuals.

The effect of age discrimination on employee silence: The role of age similarity with familiar individuals.

Role of Politics, Discrimination and Favouritism in Stress and Job Performance in Pakistani Public Sector

This study examines the effects of organizational politics, workplace discrimination, and favoritism on workplace stress and employee performance within public sector organizations in Pakistan. Data collection involved 390 employees using structured questionnaires, and the analysis utilized Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to explore the relationships. The findings indicate that elevated perceptions of organizational politics, discrimination, and favoritism significantly heighten workplace stress, leading to a detrimental impact on employee performance. The study highlights the importance of equitable, transparent, and meritocratic approaches to reduce stress and improve employee performance.

Longitudinal Changes in Fecal Microbiota During Hospitalization in Horses With Different Types of Colic.

Research on fecal microbiota changes during hospitalization of horses with colic is emerging. Describe changes of the fecal microbiota during hospitalization of horses with colic caused by inflammatory (INFL), simple (SIMPLE), and strangulated (STR) obstructions, and investigate associations with survival. Twenty-three horses with colic: 9 in INFL, 5 in STR, and 9 in SIMPLE groups. Seventeen horses survived, and 6 were euthanized. Prospective observational study. Fecal samples were collected on admission (D1), on days 3 (D3) and 5 (D5). Bacterial taxonomy profiling was obtained by V1V3 16S amplicon sequencing. Data were compared using a 2-way permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSE) analysis identified significant bacterial population differences, with significance set at p < 0.05 and a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) cut-off > 3.0. Alpha diversity indices remained stable during hospitalization within each colic group. However, at D5, the INFL group had significantly higher richness (p < 0.01) and diversity (Shannon, p < 0.001 and Simpson, p < 0.05) than other colic types. Beta diversity (Jaccard membership and Bray-Curtis indices) was significantly different in the INFL compared to SIMPLE and STR groups (both p < 0.001) but not between SIMPLE and STR. Beta diversity membership analysis by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors within the INFL group (p < 0.01). Increased relative abundances of Bacilliculturomica and Saccharofermentans were associated with survival. Microbiota showed no significant variation over 5 days of hospitalization. Colic type influenced fecal microbiota more than hospitalization duration. Specific bacterial populations may differ between survival and non-survival groups.

Multi-Omics analysis reveals the sensory quality and fungal communities of Tibetan teas produced by wet- and dry-piling fermentation.

Multi-Omics analysis reveals the sensory quality and fungal communities of Tibetan teas produced by wet- and dry-piling fermentation.

Gut microbial characteristics of the damp-heat constitution: a population-based multicenter cross-sectional study.

Gut microbial characteristics of the damp-heat constitution: a population-based multicenter cross-sectional study.

Gut microbial profiles of patients with optic neuritis or myasthenia gravis.

To characterize the gut microbial composition of patients with optic neuritis (ON) or myasthenia gravis (MG). Stool samples were collected from 45 patients with ON, 13 patients with MG, and 20 healthy controls. Microbial genomic DNA was extracted, and the V3-V4 regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced. Bioinformatic analyses was performed to compare the alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, taxonomic assignments, and bacterial richness of the groups. Differences in the abundances of microbial taxa were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and analysis of variance. Beta-diversity analysis showed distinct clustering of patient samples from the healthy controls. At the phylum and genus levels, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria predominated, but their proportions varied between groups. LEfSe analysis identified microbial taxa that were associated with each group. The patients showed lower abundances of certain intestinal probiotics, including Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Roseburia, than the controls. No significant differences were found between the disease subgroups. The Carnobacteriaceae family was significantly less abundant in the ON than in the MG group. We have identified significant alterations in the gut microbiota of patients with ON or MG, and importantly, a notable reduction in intestinal probiotics.

Pediatric kidney transplant recipients are at an increased risk for dysbiosis.

This study aimed to compare the gut microbiota composition in pediatric kidney transplant (KTx) recipient with that of healthy children. This cross-sectional observational study included 30 pediatric KTx recipients aged between 7 and 21 years and 25 healthy children. The gut microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, with alpha and beta diversity, as well as all statistical analyses, conducted using the Phyloseq library in the R programming language. Taxonomic profiles were evaluated with QIIME2, and differences in gut microbiota profiles were compared using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEFSe) with an LDA threshold of >2 and p < 0.05. No significant differences were found in alpha and beta diversity between the KTx recipients and healthy controls. However, KTx recipients exhibited significant alterations in microbiota composition, including higher relative abundances of Verrucomicrobiota at the phylum level, and Akkermansia and Neisseria at the genus level (p < 0.05 for all). Conversely, there was a decrease in bacterial genera belonging to the phylum Firmicutes. In addition, KTx recipients with a history of frequent urinary tract infections, diarrhea and reduced GFR showed significant increases in bacterial abundance (p < 0.05 for all). Pediatric KTx recipients demonstrated significant alterarions in gut microbiota composition, indicating dysbiosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the cause-and-effect relationships of these changes and their impact on clinical consequencies and long-term prognosis.

P-895. Perceptions of Bias and Discrimination Among Antimicrobial Stewardship Providers

Abstract Background Bias and discrimination influence the experience of many in healthcare, and antimicrobial stewardship providers are no exception as demonstrated by work documenting differential uptake of recommendations made by men and women stewards. In this mixed method study, we explored the perceptions and experiences of bias and discrimination among antimicrobial stewards. Methods We conducted a nationwide survey of stewardship providers including physicians, pharmacists, advanced practice providers and trainees. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling using X and professional listservs during May and June 2023. We solicited steward and program demographics and responses to statements exploring bias and discrimination in the execution of stewardship duties through a 67-item electronic survey (Qualtrics). Statistical analysis using chi-squared were performed in STATA. We further explored these experiences through semi-structured interviews. Results Stewards identifying as females and those with &amp;lt; =5 years were more likely to report their identities negatively influenced interactions with primary teams than male and more experienced stewards, respectively (table 1). Similarly, female stewards and those with the least experience reported these identities negatively influenced their interactions with health system representatives compared to male and more experienced stewards, respectively (table 2). Although there was no difference in the reported negative influence of race/ethnicity on interactions with primary teams, more non-white stewards reported their race/ethnicity negatively influenced interactions with health system representatives (tables 1 &amp; 2). Themes from our 16 interviews illuminated sources of perceived bias, the impact they had, and strategies to mitigate the influence of these biases. Conclusion Bias and discrimination are felt disproportionately by women and junior antimicrobial stewardship providers and can lead to poor job satisfaction and lack of perceived effectiveness. Acknowledging these experiences and equipping stewards with strategies to mitigate the harmful personal, professional and programmatic effects of bias and discrimination should be a priority of institutions and professional societies. Disclosures Jessica S. Tischendorf, MD, MS, Merck: Grant/Research Support

Short-Term Phosphorus Fertilization Alters Soil Fungal Community in Long-Term Phosphorus-Deprived Yellow Soil Paddy Fields

Phosphorus (P) in soil is important in the process by which soil microbial communities regulate soil enzyme activity. We aim to explore how short-term P fertilization affects the composition and functionality of the soil fungal community, offering insights into the complex responses of soil fungi to fertilization. Soil samples from a long-term experiment with no P fertilization were collected for pot experiments. The pot experiment included four treatments: non-P fertilizer (NK), chemical P fertilizer (NPK), 1/2 organic fertilizer + 1/2 chemical fertilizer (MNP), and organic fertilizer (M). High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the composition, diversity, and functionality of soil fungal communities. Results showed that short-term P addition significantly increased the soil fungal Shannon and Pielou e indices, with increases of 34.48%~59.00% and 29.79%~53.19%, respectively. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most abundant fungal phyla, whereas Cladosporium and Emericellopsis were the most abundant genera. The main factors affecting soil fungal community composition were total nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM). A linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis indicated that Mortierellomycota were significantly enriched under the NPK treatment. A FUNGuild analysis revealed that, compared to the NK treatment, the relative abundance of Animal Pathogen–Endophyte–Lichen Parasite–Plant Pathogen–Wood Saprotroph was reduced by 67.54%, 46.93%, and 44.10% under NPK, MNP, and M treatments, respectively. The relative abundance of Plant Pathogen was less than 1% in the NPK and the MNP treatments. These results indicate that short-term P addition increased soil nutrient levels and soil fungal community diversity. Chemical P fertilizer significantly improved the fungal community structure in yellow paddy soils, enhancing beneficial fungi and suppressing pathogens.

Distinct Ocular Surface Microbiome in Keratoconus Patients Correlate With Local Immune Dysregulation.

Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by irregular astigmatism along with corneal stromal weakness and is associated with altered immune status. Tissue resident microbiomes are known to influence the immune status in other organs, but such a nexus has not been described in ocular conditions. Therefore, we examined the ocular surface microbiome of patients with KC and correlated it to the immune cell and tear molecular factor profiles. Sixty-two patients with KC and 21 healthy controls underwent corneal topography analysis and eye examination followed by a collection of Schirmer's strip, ocular surface wash, and ocular surface swabs. Microbiomes were analyzed by extracting DNA from the swabs followed by 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 amplicon sequencing and analyzed using QIIME. Fifty-two molecular factors from Schirmer's strip tear extracts and 11 immune cells from ocular wash were measured using multiplex ELISA and flow cytometry. Alpha diversity, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), relative abundance and receiver operating characteristic - area under the curve (ROC-AUC) analysis were performed. Unsupervised clustering at the genus level with clinical parameters, soluble factors, and immune cells was performed. Fifty-two phyla/class, 132 order, 283 family, and 718 genera were identified in our cohort. Alpha diversity indices were comparable between patients with KC and the healthy controls. Dominant phyla across groups were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. Alphaproteobacteria increased in KC eyes whereas Actinobacteria, Firmicutes_Bacilli reduced compared with the healthy controls. We found a significant positive correlation of Microbacterium, Cutibacterium, and Brevundimonas genera abundance with keratometry and corneal thickness. Levels of IL-21, IL-9, Fractalkine, and VEGF positively correlated with Tetrasphaera (P < 0.05). β2-microglobulin and CD66bhigh cells correlated with Bacteroides (P < 0.05). CD45+ cells correlated with Escherichia_Shigella (P < 0.02). We discovered a unique microbiome signature of KC which correlated to disease grades and secreted molecular factors and immune cells. Therefore, the altered microbiome on the ocular surface may drive immune dysregulation in KC and provide scope for potential interventions in the future.

Relations Between Optimism-Pessimism and Loneliness in Sexually Minoritized Men: The Moderating Role of Chronicity-Based Discrimination

ABSTRACT Loneliness has reached epidemic proportions, affecting nearly one-in-two adults in the United States and is particularly potent in sexually minoritized men (SMM). Individual differences in optimism and pessimism may exert protective or maladaptive effects for the impact of discrimination on loneliness. This study investigated interrelationships between optimism/pessimism, discrimination, and loneliness within a sample of sexual minoritized men (SMM). Self-report data from 103 SMM were used from a six-month study from August 2020 to February 2022 in South Florida. A novel chronicity-based coding approach was used to determine whether associations of optimism/pessimism and loneliness vary based on different frequencies of exposure to discrimination. Hierarchical multivariable regression models were conducted to examine associations of optimism-pessimism and the moderating effect of chronicity-based discrimination on loneliness. SMM reporting higher pessimism and lower optimism reported greater levels of loneliness and exposure to discrimination, and chronicity-based discrimination was negatively associated with optimism, and positively associated with pessimism. Associations of optimism, but not pessimism, with loneliness were moderated by discrimination. Among the sample, optimism had a protective effect on loneliness for those experiencing moderate exposure to discrimination. Future research should consider the longitudinal impact of optimism/pessimism and discrimination on loneliness among SMM.

Impact of Polystyrene Microplastics on Soil Properties, Microbial Diversity and Solanum lycopersicum L. Growth in Meadow Soils.

The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in agroecosystems poses a significant threat to soil health and plant growth. This study investigates the effects of varying concentrations and sizes of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on the Solanum lycopersicum L.'s height, dry weight, antioxidant enzyme activities, soil physicochemical properties, and rhizosphere microbial communities. The results showed that the PS0510 treatment significantly increased plant height (93.70 cm, +40.83%) and dry weight (2.98 g, +100%). Additionally, antioxidant enzyme activities improved across treatments for S. lycopersicum L. roots. Physicochemical analyses revealed enhanced soil organic matter and nutrient levels, including ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, and effective potassium. Using 16S rRNA sequencing and molecular ecological network techniques, we found that PS-MPs altered the structure and function of the rhizosphere microbial community associated with S. lycopersicum L. The PS1005 treatment notably increased microbial diversity and displayed the most complex ecological network, while PS1010 led to reduced network complexity and more negative interactions. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified biomarkers at various taxonomic levels, reflecting the impact of PS-MPs on microbial community structure. Mantel tests indicated positive correlations between microbial diversity and soil antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as relationships between soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity. Predictions of gene function revealed that PS-MP treatments modified carbon and nitrogen cycling pathways, with PS1005 enhancing methanogenesis genes (mcrABG) and PS1010 negatively affecting denitrification genes (nirK, nirS). This study provides evidence of the complex effects of PS-MPs on soil health and agroecosystem functioning, highlighting their potential to alter soil properties and microbial communities, thereby affecting plant growth.

Examining Differences in Sexual Violence Perpetration Likelihood by Perceived Intoxication Among Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

ABSTRACT Experiences of sexual violence (SV) victimization are pervasive among sexual and gender minority college students, yet few studies have documented rates of SV perpetration within this community. While numerous risk factors, including acute alcohol intoxication, have been posited to increase risk for SV perpetration among cisgender heterosexual men, their relevancy to SGM SV perpetration remains unexamined. Therefore, using Minority Stress Theory as a guiding theoretical framework, the current study examined differences in heterosexist discrimination and impelling risk factors for sexual violence (SV) perpetration likelihood intentions based on perceived intoxication among sexual and gender minority (SGM) college students. SGM college students (N = 234) completed measures assessing their experiences of heterosexist discrimination, attitudes and beliefs supportive of sexism and SV, and perceived likelihood to perpetrate SV. When intoxicated and sober, main effects for impelling risk factors on sexual violence perpetration likelihood intentions were detected, and effect of heterosexist discrimination on SV perpetration likelihood was only observed at high levels of impellance. Results underscore the importance of alcohol use, experiences of heterosexist discrimination, and impelling risk factors as salient markers of risk for SV perpetration among SGM college students.

Fecal propionate is a signature of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

To investigate the roles of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The levels of SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) in 83 patients with PCOS and 63 controls were measured, and their relationships with various metabolic parameters were analyzed. Intestinal microbiome analysis was conducted to identify relevant bacteria. The study took place at the Center for Reproductive Medicine at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang, from 5 February to 23 May 2023. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between SCFAs, PCOS, and PCOS-related insulin resistance (IR). Differences in bacterial populations between women with PCOS-IR and those with PCOS-non-insulin resistance (NIR) were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect Size (LEfSe). The relationships between bacteria and fecal propionate levels were explored through linear regression analyses. The potential of fecal propionate and microbial profiles as biomarkers for insulin resistance in PCOS patients was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Higher fecal propionate levels were observed in patients with PCOS compared to controls (p = 0.042) and in PCOS-IR compared to PCOS-NIR (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in fecal propionate levels between the IR and NIR subgroups of women in the control group (p > 0.05). Additionally, higher fecal propionate levels were associated with IR in PCOS (p = 0.039; OR, 1.115; 95% CI, 1.006-1.237). The abundance of Prevotella copri and Megamonas funiformis was higher in PCOS-IR women compared to PCOS-NIR women (LDA score > 3) and correlated with fecal propionate levels (adjusted R² = 0.145, p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for propionate and the combined presence of P. copri and M. funiformis in predicting PCOS was 78.0%, with a sensitivity of 78.5% and a specificity of 72.4%. Pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism were significantly enriched in the microbiota of the PCOS-IR population but not in the control IR group. Higher fecal propionate levels correlate with PCOS-related insulin resistance. P. copri and M. funiformis might be key functional bacteria. Therefore, the combination of propionate levels and the abundance of these two bacteria may serve as a potential biomarker for insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Regulation of the intestinal microbiome might be beneficial for the metabolic health of women with PCOS.

Gut colonization of Bacteroides plebeius suppresses colitis-associated colon cancer development.

Colon cancer development may be initiated by multiple factors, including chronic inflammation, genetic disposition, and gut dysbiosis. The loss of beneficial bacteria and increased abundance of detrimental microbes exacerbates disease progression. Bacteroides plebeius (B. plebeius) is a human gut microbe, and its colon colonization is enhanced by a seaweed-supplemented diet. We found that mice orally administered with B. plebeius and fed a diet containing 1% seaweed developed a unique gut microbial composition. By linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis, we found that B. plebeius colonization increased the abundance of Blautia coccoides and reduced the abundance of Akkermansia sp. and Dubosiella sp. We also showed that colonization of B. plebeius suppressed the colon tumor development induced by azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium in specific-pathogen-free mice, coinciding with a reduced abundance of Muribaculaceae sp., Closteridale sp., and Bilophila sp. Moreover, B. plebeius colonization in gnotobiotic mice resulted in enhanced production of selected metabolites, including propionic, taurocholic, cholic, alpha-, and beta-muricholic, as well as ursodeoxycholic acids. Importantly, some of these metabolites show anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive effects. We conclude that B. plebeius is able to restructure the gut microbial community and produce beneficial metabolites, leading to inhibition of colitis-associated colon cancer development.IMPORTANCEThis work delves into the pivotal role of gut microbiota in suppressing the progression of colitis-associated colon cancer. By investigating the impact of Bacteroides plebeius that can be colonized in mouse gut by feeding the animal with seaweed diet, we unveil a novel mechanism through which this beneficial bacterium reshapes the gut microbial community and produces metabolites with anti-inflammatory and tumor-suppressive properties. Such findings underscore the potential of harnessing specific microbes, like B. plebeius shown in this study, to modulate the gut ecosystem and mitigate the risk of colitis-associated colon cancer.

Nutritional and Microbiome Effects of a Partial Substitution of Poultry Meat with Hydrolyzed Feather Meal in Dog Diets.

Two extruded diets isoenergetic, isonitrogenous, and isolipidic were formulated with poultry meal (control diet) as the source of animal-origin proteins (160 g/kg of feed) or with 90 g/kg of poultry meal and 70 g/kg of hydrolyzed feather meal (treated diet) and were fed to eight dogs (four adult female and four adult male English Setters). Body condition, muscle condition, and fecal consistency scores and body weight were monitored at the beginning of the trial and after 3, 7, 15, and 45 days, and no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed between diets and between sex. Fecal samples, collected at the same time points, were analyzed for microbiota composition. No significant difference was calculated for the alpha diversity index between control diet and treated diet, nor for the diets × times of sampling interaction and for sex. Beta diversity was different (p-value 0.001) between the control and treated groups. The beta diversity between sexes was significantly different (p-value = 0.047). Linear Discriminant analysis effect size analysis revealed significant differences between dietary groups, identifying Clostridiales, Coprococcus, Bacteroides plebeius, Eubacterium biforme, Catenibacterium, and Prevotella copri as more abundant in the CTR diet, while Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Fusobacteriaceae, Paraprevotellaceae, Enterococcus, Faecalibacterium, Enterobacteriaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, and Clostridium spiroforme were more abundant in the treated diet. Sex differences were also significant, with 25 taxa differing between male and female dogs. Overall, the study underscores the impact of HFM and sex on gut microbiota composition in dogs, with potential implications for dietary interventions and microbiome research.

Dispositional coping profiles moderate the links between racial discrimination and mental health in Black Americans.

Racial discrimination is consistently linked to negative mental health outcomes. However, less is known about how unique patterns of coping in Black Americans experiencing high discrimination stress may moderate the association between discrimination and mental health. The present study uses person-centered methods to identify and describe latent profiles of coping in Black Americans, to understand how these coping profiles are linked to mental health, and to examine whether latent coping profiles moderate the links between discrimination and mental health. Participants were Black Americans (N = 289; Mage = 44.87; 63% women) from the Midlife Development in the United States Milwaukee Refresher study. Latent profile analysis was used to uncover subgroups characterized by distinct patterns of coping strategies. Direct associations between latent profile membership and mental health were examined. Finally, latent profiles were tested as moderators of associations between discrimination and mental health. Four profiles of coping responses were identified: passive responders (29% of the sample), evasive responders (15%), diverse responders (17%), and engaged responders (39%). Engaged responders had the lowest prevalence of mental health problems. Further, membership in the engaged responders profile moderated associations between discrimination and mental health, such that the associations between racial discrimination and mental health outcomes were generally stronger in other profiles. Person-centered methods uncovered meaningful subgroups characterized by unique coping patterns and pointed to engaged responders as being most resilient to the effects of discrimination. Future research should test these associations longitudinally and examine whether more adaptive coping profiles can be fostered through intervention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of Grazing Intensity on Microbial Diversity at Different Soil Depths in Desert Steppe Soils

This study examines the influence of grazing intensity on soil microbial communities in a desert steppe ecosystem. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm) under varying grazing intensities: control (CK), light (LG), moderate (MG), and heavy grazing (HG). Key soil physicochemical properties and plant characteristics were analyzed alongside microbial diversity and community composition, which were assessed by identifying amplicon sequence variants and by conducting linear discriminant analysis effect size. The results showed that grazing intensity significantly impacted soil moisture, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, with a notable decrease in plant cover and microbial diversity under heavy grazing. CK and LG treatments supported higher microbial diversity, especially in surface layers, while heavy grazing was associated with a shift in community composition toward stress-tolerant taxa like Acidobacteriota and Blastocatella. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis revealed differences in microbial community structure between soil depths, with the effects of grazing diminishing with depth. These findings highlight the critical role of sustainable grazing practices in maintaining soil health and microbial diversity, with implications for the long-term resilience of desert steppe ecosystems.