Knowledge Gaps Research Articles

Cultural theory and political philosophy: Why cognitive biases toward ambiguous risk explain both beliefs about nature's resilience and political preferences regarding the organization of society.

Many studies have observed a correlation between beliefs regarding nature's resilience and (political) preferences regarding the organization of society. Liberal-egalitarians, for example, generally believe nature to be much more fragile than libertarians, who believe nature to be much more resilient. Cultural theory explains this correlation by the idea that people are only able to see those risks that fit their preferred organization of society. This article offers an alternative, second explanation for the observed correlation: Both beliefs regarding nature's resilience and political preferences can be explained by the same cognitive biases toward ambiguous risk, that is, dispositions determining our expectations regarding the possible state of affairs resulting from our acts and their probabilities. This has consequences for political philosophy and the psychology of risk. In particular, there is a knowledge gap in psychology regarding the cognitive biases underlying the belief that despite ambiguity, experts can determine safe limits for human impacts on the environment.

Will They Continue to Endure: How Conflict and “Climate-Induced” Migration is Affecting the Lake Chad Region

The effects of climate change are undoubtedly global. Reports show that West Africa is in a precarious position, regarding some of the worst consequences of climate change, occasioning extreme events, such as violent conflict, insecurity, and loss of livelihoods in the Lake Chad region. The impact on human lives is full-blown as ‘climate-induced’ migration results in drought, desertification, and the intensifying water stress has on human migration in the region. Notably, the deterioration of individual and local living conditions has compelled inhabitants of the region in Nigeria to migrate to neighboring states as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) or ‘environmental refugees” in neighboring countries. However, existing studies focused on the impact and patterns of migration in West Africa thereby creating a “knowledge gap” on how ‘climate-induced’ migration is affecting the Lake Chad region. This paper employs secondary data collection, analyzing dynamic trends and patterns of climate change and challenges management. Findings revealed that while the activities of terrorists and insurgent groups have strongly impacted migration within the Lake Chad region, the continuous “dryness” and the ever-changing climate conditions, such as rising temperature, desertification, flooding, and drought have dramatically worsened and contributed to the mass decision to leave the region.

The impact of increasing turbidity on the predator–prey interactions of freshwater fishes

Abstract Human activities are exacerbating environmental change globally. Turbidity in freshwater systems is increasing due to extreme weather events and intensification of activities such as deforestation, urbanisation, agriculture and altering water flow with dams and other structures. Prey species may benefit from turbid habitats as turbidity creates a visual barrier to predators; such predators thus face reduced foraging success as water clarity decreases. However, the literature on the effects of water turbidity on predator–prey interactions in fish is often contrasting. Environmentally driven changes in predator and prey behaviour, foraging and survival ultimately have the potential to affect community structure and ecosystem functioning, thus understanding the impact of changes in turbidity on predator–prey interactions should be a priority. Given the contrasting results in the primary literature, the aim of this review is to provide a broad overview of the current knowledge on the impacts of increased turbidity on predator–prey interactions in freshwater fishes, summarise the published literature and identify knowledge gaps on this topic. We collated 281 studies from the peer‐reviewed literature that tested the impact of water turbidity on the foraging behaviour of predatory fish and anti‐predator behaviour of prey fish. We recorded changes in predator and prey behaviours in response to changes in turbidity levels. Furthermore, we reported whether these behavioural changes were considered to have a positive (e.g. enhanced foraging success) or negative (e.g. higher mortality) impact on the focal species, or whether the impact was unspecified (e.g. changes in anti‐predator behaviour without quantifying actual predation risk). The literature has some strong taxonomic, geographical and environmental biases, where most research focused on commercially important, temperate species. A large proportion of studies (47%) reported a negative (versus a positive or unspecified) impact of turbidity on the focal species (either predator or prey freshwater fish). Negative impacts were reported more often for predators (58%) compared to prey (19%) and while changes in behaviour were frequently reported in prey species, if these changes are adaptive or not is unclear, as actual predation risk was not assessed in the majority of relevant studies (55%). Increases in turbidity have complex effects on predator–prey interactions, with negative impacts more often reported for adult piscivore predators, while prey species may gain a relative advantage compared to visual predators. However, whether prey behavioural responses to increased turbidity are adaptive is generally unclear. We suggest that a more holistic and ecologically relevant experimental approach is needed to disentangle the underlying mechanisms and determine the adaptive nature of prey behavioural responses to increased turbidity. Our review serves as a broad and comprehensive summary of the empirical research conducted on impacts of increasing water turbidity on predator–prey interactions in freshwater fishes. It highlights knowledge gaps and provides a reference point to guide future experimentation and research synthesis in this crucial and growing area of research.

Temperature-dependent catabolic traits of cold-adapted soil yeasts Goffeauzyma gilvescens and Naganishia albidosimilis from Hornsund, Svalbard

Studies on the diversity and catabolic functionality of fungi in Arctic soils are still scarce. This knowledge gap needs to be urgently addressed, as global warming may have unpredictable effects on cold-adapted fungal species. We isolated two yeast species of the family Filobasidiaceae: Goffeauzyma gilvescens and Naganishia albidosimilis, from soil in central Spitsbergen (Svalbard) and characterised their metabolic properties at two temperatures, 4°C and 20°C, in a laboratory test using Biolog® FF plates. The results of the Biolog® test, which followed the molecular identification of the strains, confirmed that the two species differed in their functional (catabolic) characteristics. The effect of temperature was also highly significant and the metabolic characteristics of two species varied between the two temperatures tested. As expected, among other chemical guilds of substrates on Biolog® plates, carbohydrates were the most used and also the most segregating of the strains studied, especially at 20°C. However, the relative use of almost all substrate groups changed between the two temperatures for both species tested, indicating that temperature can also affect soil microorganisms indirectly by altering their metabolic pathways. As soil microorganisms form a complex trophic and non-trophic network, such changes in metabolism under increasing temperature may also alter relationships between species and between species and the environment. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the microbial ecology of the unique ecosystem of polar soils.

One-stage surgery by a halo-vest to treat simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: case report and review of literature

Study DesignA case report.BackgroundIn this study, we report the outcome of one-stage surgery using a halo-vest to treat simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Case presentationWe report a case of a 57-year-old male patient with AS who sustained simultaneous double spine fractures due to a traffic accident. We performed an open approach after successful closed reduction using a halo-vest. At the 1-year follow-up, we finally achieved bone union after postoperative. At the 3-year follow-up visit, he reported a significant resolution of both cervical and back pain and had returned to his routine daily activities.ConclusionThis is the first report of using a halo-vest to treat simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in a patient with AS. The authors included five research studies that situate this case study in the existing literature and highlight a gap in current knowledge. Based on our experience with this case and a review of the literature, one-stage surgery by a halo-vest is an effective option for the treatment of simultaneous double spine fractures–dislocation in patients with AS.

Emergency Physicians’ and Nurses’ Perspectives on Transgender, Intersexual, and Non-Binary Patients

Introduction: Providing appropriate healthcare for transgender, intersexual and non-binary (TIN) individuals remains a significant challenge, as this group experiences higher rates of health inequalities, discrimination, and barriers to accessing care. Emergency physicians (EP) often lack formal training and knowledge about caring for TIN patients, while comparatively less evidence is available for other healthcare professionals, including emergency nurses (EN). Therefore, our goal in this study was to explore the experiences, knowledge, and attitudes as well as education/training needs of both ENs and EPs in Germany regarding the care of TIN patients. Methods: In February 2023, we electronically surveyed EPs and ENs from emergency departments (ED) across Germany. The survey, developed through literature review and collaboration with experts and members of the TIN community, consisted of 15 closed-ended items divided into three sections: experiences and knowledge; attitudes; and education/training needs. We used standard descriptive statistics and tested for group differences using the chi-square test. Results: Of the approximately 1,665 EPs and ENs contacted, 502 completed the survey and were eligible for further analysis (30% response rate). Of the respondents, 233 (46%) were EPs and 269 (54%) were ENs, with ENs being significantly younger and with fewer years in practice. More than half reported experience caring for TIN patients (71% of ENs vs 61% of EPs; P = 0.002), but there were significant gaps in medical and non-medical knowledge. Attitudes toward TIN patients were generally positive, but differences in communication approaches were noted, with ENs significantly more likely than EPs to limit their communication with TIN patients to what was necessary (25% of ENs vs 17% of EPs; P = 0.006). Most respondents (55% of ENs and 58% of EPs) had no training in the management of TIN patients, with only 8% of EPs and 17% of ENs having received such training during their medical/nursing school education (P = 0.01). Both groups agreed that there is an urgent need to increase awareness of emergency medical care for TIN patients among ED staff. Conclusion: Both emergency physicians and nurses in Germany demonstrated deficits in knowledge of and clinical preparedness to care for patients in the ED who identify as transgender, intersexual and non-binary, indicating a clear need for enhanced education, training, and institutional support to improve emergency care for this vulnerable patient population. [West J Emerg Med. 2024;25(6)1–9.]

Do gender quotas increase political knowledge?

AbstractDo gender quotas increase political knowledge? While some studies suggest that quotas can positively impact women's political engagement and participation, others find null or negative effects. This paper focuses on Western Europe and argues that the implementation of quotas serves as an attention and consciousness‐raising event, potentially enhancing awareness of the political sphere. To investigate this, I propose a novel research design that capitalizes on the (quasi) exogenous shock resulting from the introduction of gender quotas. By influencing symbolic representation, quotas may enhance women's sense of empowerment, equality and willingness to engage in politics. Furthermore, the impact is expected to be more pronounced among younger women due to the heightened political socialization experienced during adolescence. Thus, the institutional change brought about by quotas is anticipated to particularly boost political knowledge among (younger) women and subsequently narrow the gender gap. To examine this hypothesis, I analyse data from 1992 to 2018 from 12 countries, of which six implemented gender quotas. Using a hierarchical Bayesian model, I assess respondents' answers to knowledge questions. The findings indicate that the introduction of gender quotas in parliamentary systems has a positive effect on reducing the gender gap in political knowledge among younger individuals, while the effects are statistically insignificant for older citizens.

Evaluation of the Interdisciplinary Care Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-CHARP) for People Living With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Care Homes.

Major knowledge and practice gaps exist in aged care home services to support independence of older people with dementia. This research evaluates an adaptation of a community-based rehabilitation model for care homes, namely Interdisciplinary Care Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-CHARP), by examining whether (and, if so, how) I-CHARP produces its intended effects and how this programme can be practicably implemented, sustained and scaled up across care homes in Australia. I-CHARP is a 4-month bio-behavioural-environmental rehabilitation model of care, integrated in care home services, supported through the deployment of an implementation strategy, the Research Enabled Aged Care Homes (REACH) network. It consists of (1) 8-12 full individual sessions and additional eight brief follow-ups per resident, tailored to the resident's needs, delivered primarily by a team of an occupational therapist, registered nurse and other allied health staff; (2) environmental modifications/assistive devices up to the value of $400 per resident; and (3) engagement of intervention care home staff, managers and regular visitors. An overarching evaluation approach is participatory action research using a cluster quasi-experimental design and mixed methods. It involves testing of the implementation strategy (REACH network and other approaches) while observing/gathering information on the intervention (I-CHARP) and related outcomes in three cycles. Participants include residents (aged ≥ 60 years with early stages of dementia) and care staff from 16 care homes. Care quality indicators, health care costs, field notes and semi-structured interviews/focus groups with intervention site staff, regular visitors and managers will provide further insights into I-CHARP processes and implementation issues. In the final phase of the project, an Agile Implementation Playbook will be developed for the delivery of reablement care that can be used in routine practice across care homes in Australia. The study findings will also inform future policy development and strategic directions for dementia care in care homes. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12623000885695 Registered 16 August 2023, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386088. 1.0 dated 20 July 2023.

Genome-wide association study uncovers pea candidate genes and metabolic pathways involved in rust resistance.

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important temperate legume crop providing plant-based proteins for food and feed worldwide. Pea yield can be limited by several biotic stresses, among which rust represents a major limiting factor in many temperate and subtropical regions. Some efforts have been made to assess the natural variation in pea resistance to rust, but its efficient exploitation in breeding is limited since the resistance loci identified so far are scarce and their responsible gene(s) unknown. To overcome this knowledge gap, a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) has been performed on pea rust, caused by Uromyces pisi, to uncover genetic loci associated with resistance. Utilizing a diverse collection of 320 pea accessions, we evaluated phenotypic responses to two rust isolates using both traditional methods and advanced image-based phenotyping. We detected 95 significant trait-marker associations using a set of 26,045 Diversity Arrays Technology-sequencing polymorphic markers. Our in silico analysis identified 62 candidate genes putatively involved in rust resistance, grouped into different functional categories such as gene expression regulation, vesicle trafficking, cell wall biosynthesis, and hormonal signaling. This research highlights the potential of GWAS to identify molecular markers associated with resistance and candidate genes against pea rust, offering new targets for precision breeding. By integrating our findings into current breeding programs, we can facilitate the development of pea varieties with improved resistance to rust, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and food security. This study sets the stage for future functional genomic analyses and the application of genomic selection approaches to enhance disease resistance in peas.

Nursing care to patients who have the home as the preferred place of death: a scoping review

BackgroundThe existing literature on nursing care for patients who choose home as their preferred place of death is scattered and lacks a coherent overview. This scoping review aimed to explore and categorize the available evidence on how nurses provide care for patients preferring to die at home.MethodsStudies that included nurses and were focused on nursing care for patients who choose the home as their preferred place of death were included in the review. The scoping review considered studies with quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method designs; systematic reviews; and meta-analyses. No time restrictions were added. Key information sources were Medline, CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus (Elsevier) and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews were searched for in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Unpublished studies and grey literature were searched for in ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. The reference list of the studies included was searched.ResultsA total of 13 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in the review, of which (n = 11) were qualitative and (n = 2) were both qualitative and quantitative. The studies were published between 2008 and 2023 and were conducted in the United Kingdom (n = 5), Norway (n = 4), Australia, Sweden, Canada and Japan. The studies included in this review highlighted issues of competence, resource limitations, flexibility as a coping mechanism, as well as collaboration and family caregivers.ConclusionsThis review identified significant challenges in delivering nursing care for patients who prefer to die at home, including staff shortages, resource limitations, and educational deficiencies. Despite these barriers, nurses showed a strong commitment to patient care, highlighting the need for increased support and collaboration with family caregivers to improve home-based end-of-life care.Implications for researchTo improve care for patients who wish to die at home, it is crucial to address staff shortages and enhance nurse training to close knowledge gaps and ensure consistent, high-quality care. Healthcare systems must also allocate adequate resources to ensure that nurses have the necessary tools to deliver safe and effective care in home settings. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration will further enhance patient outcomes by supporting both nurses and family caregivers in end-of-life care.

Closing the Gaps in Fish Welfare: The Case for More Fundamental Work Into Physical Enrichment

ABSTRACTBillions of fishes are kept in captivity for research and food production world‐wide, with a strong impetus for maintaining high welfare standards. Accordingly, the importance of empirical research into the welfare and husbandry of captive fishes is increasingly acknowledged in both science and aquaculture, alongside growing public and governmental interest. Physical enrichment can have an important influence on welfare in of captive fishes, but many questions remain. Here, we summarise the current state of research and outline knowledge gaps in the area of physical enrichment, which is a fundamental aspect to improving welfare of captive fishes. To explore the level of research interest this area across time we conducted a series of surveys, using the number of papers published per year as a metric. These surveys highlight that work on fish welfare, while representing a relatively low proportion of fish research overall, is increasing rapidly. For species that are of aquaculture importance or used commonly as laboratory subjects, we show a positive relationship between general research interest and number of welfare‐related papers. However, for many, particularly relatively less studied, species the proportion of papers on enrichment remains low, with a slower increase compared to welfare‐related papers in general. In terms of common metrics used to quantify fish welfare, there is a reliance on growth and behaviour, with scope for inclusion and combination of a more comprehensive range of reproducible measures. We finish by highlighting recent progress, promising areas for future research and suggestions for advances in this area.

Coral skeletal proxy records database for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Abstract. The Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, has a long history of palaeoenvironmental coral research. However, it can be logistically difficult to find the relevant research and records, which are often unpublished or exist as “grey literature”. This hinders researchers' abilities to efficiently assess the current state of coral core studies on the GBR and thus identify any key knowledge gaps. This study presents the Great Barrier Reef Coral Skeletal Records Database (GBRCD), which compiles 208 records from coral skeletal research conducted since the early 1990s. The database includes records from the Holocene, from ∼8000 years ago, to the present day; records are from the northern, central, and southern GBR from inshore and offshore locations. Massive Porites spp. coral records comprise the majority (92.5 %) of the database, and the remaining records are from Acropora, Isopora, or Cyphastrea spp. The database includes 78 variables, with Sr/Ca, U/Ca, and Ba/Ca being the most frequently measured. Most records measure data over 10 or more years and are at monthly or lower resolution. The GBRCD is machine readable and easily searchable so that users can find records relevant to their research, e.g. by filtering for site name, time period, or coral type. It is publicly available as comma-separated values (CSV) data and metadata files with entries linked by the unique record ID and as Linked Paleo Data (LiPD) files. The GBRCD is publicly available from the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information World Data Service for Paleoclimatology at https://doi.org/10.25921/hqxk-8h74 (Arzey et al., 2024). The intention is to update the GBRCD annually, depending on the availability of relevant new GBR records or submission of legacy records to the GBRCD for archiving. The collection and curation of existing GBR coral research data provide researchers with the ability to analyse common proxies such as Sr/Ca across multiple locations and/or examine regional to reef-scale trends. The database is also suitable for multi-proxy comparisons and combination or composite analyses to determine overarching changes recorded by the proxies. This database represents the first comprehensive compilation of coral records from the GBR. It enables the investigation of multiple environmental factors via various proxy systems for the GBR, northeastern Australia, and potentially the broader Indo-Pacific region.

A Survey of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) rely on critical, complex systems that require continuous monitoring to ensure safe operation under both normal and abnormal conditions. Despite the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance predictive capabilities in these systems, limited research has been conducted on the application of AI algorithms within NPPs. This presents a knowledge gap in the integration of AI for improving safety, reliability, and decision making in NPP. In this study, we explore the use of AI methods, including machine learning and real-time data analytics, applied to NPP components to address the nonlinearity and dynamic behavior inherent in reactor operations. Through the implementation of AI and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, we propose a system that enables early warning and real-time data transmission to regulatory authorities and decision-makers, ensuring better coordination during incidents. Lessons from past nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl, emphasize the importance of timely information dissemination to mitigate risks. However, this integration also presents challenges, including cybersecurity risks and the need for updated regulations to address AI use in safety-critical environments. The results of this study highlight the urgent need for further research on the application of AI in NPPs, with a particular focus on addressing these challenges to ensure safe implementation.

Flood Incidence and Sustainable Development Planning Implications in Santchou, Cameroon

While studies on the incidence of flooding exist in several parts of Cameroon, very little empirical evidence has been reported for highly dynamic and urbanizing landscapes in Cameroon. Yet, micro level evidence on flooding and their development planning implications are required to advance theory building in the frame of development planning and hazard mitigation in rapidly urbanizing contexts. This paper bridges the knowledge gap by using the case of Santchou, a highly dynamic landscape, to: (a) analyse the spatio-temporal variations in flood incidence, (b) determine the drivers of flood occurrence, and (c) examine their sustainable development planning implications. To achieve these objectives, a representative sample of 141 households was conducted in five communities within the study area. This was complemented by key informant interviews (n=8) and field observations. Data was collected using the Kobo Collect tool. The collected data was analysed descriptively and presented as tables and bar charts, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Cartographic data was analysed spatially and presented using maps. Based on the findings, the following conclusions were derived: Firstly, flood occurrence vary spatially in terms of severity, with very high intensity in the south east; this decreases towards the north west and western sections of the study area. Flood occurrence also vary over time with the peak of occurrence observed in the month of July and August which corresponds to the peak of the rainy season. Secondly, the most significant effects of floods include; the destruction of physical installations such as houses, household items. Floods equally affect human activities through the destruction of crops, livestock and the disruption of transport circulation. Furthermore, flood effects are less severe in Santchou Ville and Albatross neighborhoods compared to neighborhoods such as; Madagascar, Bessouck and Kassala Farm. Thirdly, while planning approaches exist at household, neighborhood and municipality levels, the most effective involves the use of sandbags and the cleaning of water channels. This study recommends that, sustainable development planning measures currently implemented at the household, neighborhood and municipal levels should be encouraged by the state and civil society organizations such as NGOs. Additionally, sustainable development planning measures should be implemented alongside proactive measures such as; flood alert signals, and the resettlement of inhabitants to safer areas. Future studies should assess the effectiveness of flood management approaches in the study area.

Impact Assessment of Ports and Effluent Discharge on Macrobenthic Communities in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACTThe burgeoning industrialization and urbanization along the Indian coastline have led to an increased prevalence of port infrastructure and effluent discharge, raising concerns about their potential impact on the delicate macrobenthic communities in coastal ecosystems. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate and synthesize existing literature on the ecological repercussions of port activities and effluent discharge on macrobenthic organisms in Indian coastal regions. The study encompasses a thorough analysis of relevant research articles, government reports, and scientific databases, focusing on diverse ecosystems such as estuaries, mangroves, and open coastlines. The review discusses the various stressors associated with port operations, including dredging, habitat alteration, and chemical contamination from effluent discharge. Furthermore, it explores the response mechanisms of macrobenthic communities, encompassing changes in species composition, abundance, and diversity. Special attention is given to the potential long‐term impacts on ecosystem functioning and services. The synthesis of available data enables the identification of knowledge gaps and the formulation of recommendations for future research and management strategies. Understanding the cumulative effects of port activities on macrobenthic communities is crucial for developing sustainable practices and policies to mitigate adverse impacts while fostering the resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic pressures. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the ecological consequences of human activities in Indian coastal areas, providing valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and environmental managers alike.

Sea Level Rise in Europe: Summary for Policymakers

Abstract. Sea level rise (SLR) is a global concern for low-lying coastal areas, including many European coasts. The European Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise (KH-SLR), a collaborative effort by the Joint Programming Initiatives for “Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe” (JPI Climate) and for “Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans” (JPI Oceans), has developed the 1st Assessment Report (SLRE1) to address the challenges posed by SLR in Europe. The report's target audience includes national and subnational bodies focused on research and policy advice for coastal management and climate adaptation, as well as European experts who contribute to shaping policy frameworks and collecting information at a pan-European scale. This report, preceded by a series of targeted surveys and workshops with researchers and stakeholders (e.g. coastal decision-makers), has synthesized the current scientific knowledge on SLR drivers, impacts, and policies at local, national, and European basin scales. It provides in-depth and basin-specific analyses on local sea level changes, compared with relevant global assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In addition, it identified critical knowledge gaps needed to support the development of actionable information. The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) distils the key findings of the SLRE1, presenting information specific to the six European basins: Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, North Sea, Baltic Sea, Atlantic, and Arctic. The SPM highlights basin-specific trends, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts, while also orienting future requirements.​​​​​​​

Histone Deacetylases in Metabolism: The Known and the Unexplored.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from key lysine residues on histone and non-histone proteins and thereby regulate gene transcription. They have been implicated in several biological processes in both healthy and pathologic settings. This review discusses the role of HDACs in multiple metabolically active tissues and highlights their contribution to the pathogenesis of tissue-specific maladaptation and diseases. We also summarize the current knowledge gaps and potential ways to address them in future studies.

Periodontal health in a large cohort of Ugandans living with HIV: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe impact of periodontitis on large populations of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-constrained settings remains largely un-investigated. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by providing a comprehensive description of the periodontal health status among a sizable cohort of Ugandans living with HIV.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with 4,449 participants who were over 18-years old with data captured on their reported age, gender, tobacco use, length of time on HAART and alcohol use. Periodontal health was assessed using the WHO periodontal probe and the modified CPI data entry form. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies for the affected number of sextants in the surveyed participants. This was followed by additional regression analysis using the R statistical computing environment, with the periodontal health outcomes (bleeding on probing, pocket depth and clinical attachment loss) individually as the dependent, recorded as binary outcomes. A multilevel model was run with clinical attachment loss as the dependant variable controlling for all the other factors. The 95% confidence intervals were used to report the level of significance for each test.ResultsThere were 3,103/4,449 (69.7%) female participants. The mean age was 44.3 years (SD 10.1 years) with a range of 18 to 89 years. About 66% of the participants had bleeding on probing at one or more of the examined sites/tooth surfaces. The odds for bleeding on probing were significantly higher for female participants (adjusted Odds ratio: 1.49, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.86), and higher in individuals who reported tobacco use (adjusted odds ratio 1.62, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.41). Slightly under half of our participants (48.2%) had moderate to severe clinical attachment loss.ConclusionsThis study found that among Ugandans living with HIV, periodontal disease is a significant public health concern. The majority of study participants had bleeding on probing and almost half of them recording moderate to severe clinical attachment loss, worsened by age and time on HAART. This highlights the need for comprehensive oral health care and targeted interventions for this population.

Native woody species depend on the soil microbiome to establish on burned soils, while non‐native do not

Abstract Wildfires are important natural disturbances with profound ecological impacts. However, our understanding of how to restore plant–soil microbiome interactions following wildfires remains limited, revealing a key knowledge gap in post‐wildfire ecosystem restoration. To assess the restoration of plant‐microbiome interactions in fire‐affected ecosystems, we conducted greenhouse experiments simulating wildfire effects on soil collected from Maulino Coastal Forest of central Chile, a biodiversity hotspot. We measured the plant height and photosynthesis over 90 days, and two‐year survival probability, of three common native (Aristotelia chilensis, Nothofagus glauca and N. alessandrii) and three non‐native species (Eucalyptus globulus, Pinus radiata and Genista monspessulana) planted in three soils (unburned, burned and burned soil inoculated with the native microbiome). Available nutrient concentrations (N, P and K) and activities of microbial enzymes (dehydrogenase, β‐glucosidase and urease) were also measured over 360 days. Available nutrient concentrations were consistently higher in burned and burned‐inoculated soils than in unburned soils. Enzyme activities in unburned and burned‐inoculated soils remained higher than in burned soil, indicating that the native microbiome restored microbial enzyme activities. The increase in height over 90 days was lower in burned soils compared with unburned soils for native species. However, inoculation with the native microbiome mitigated this negative effect, resulting in height increases similar to those in unburned soils. For non‐native species, burning and inoculation had negligible effects on the height increases. Similar patterns were observed for the increase in photosynthetic rate, with native species showing a reduced rate in burned soils, which was offset by microbiome inoculation, while non‐native species were unaffected by both treatments. Survival probability of native species declined in burned soil, but was the same in burned‐inoculated soil as in unburned soil. That of non‐native species was unaffected by burning or by inoculation with the native microbiome. Synthesis and applications. Native microbiomes are evidently promising tools to safeguard ecosystem functionality and mitigate species extinction risks arising from climate change and human‐induced wildfires. We advocate integrating microbiomes into future active restoration strategies for fire‐affected ecosystems.

Impact of propagule type and burial depth on knotroot foxtail (Setaria parviflora) emergence and plant development, and comparison with other Setaria species

Abstract Knotroot foxtail [Setaria parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen], a perennial Setaria species, is becoming more problematic in forage and grazing systems across the southeastern United States. Knotroot foxtail reproduces through the production of rhizomes and seeds, further complicating management strategies. Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the biology and control of this species. This research aimed to understand the influence of burial depth on S. parviflora propagules and the physiological differences between it and other Setaria species. Experiments were conducted between October 2019 and February 2021 in Clarke County, GA, to investigate the influence of burial depth (1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 cm) on the emergence and growth of knotroot foxtail rhizomes and seeds. Zero emergence was estimated at 8.7, 10.8. and 11.2 cm for small rhizomes, large rhizomes, and seeds, respectively. Therefore, producers could implement tillage events to a depth of 11.2 cm or greater to control knotroot foxtail. A separate study compared knotroot foxtail, yellow foxtail [Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult.], green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv.], and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.) plant morphology. Despite similar appearances aboveground, yellow, and knotroot foxtail had different total and belowground biomass two to five months after emergence, which suggest differences in root formation and perennialization of knotroot foxtail. The present research determined that burying propagules using tillage could be included in management recommendations concerning knotroot foxtail; however, it should be complemented with herbicide applications during the growing season to assist in controlling foxtail plants produced by seeds.