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Monitoring the air for airborne plant pathogens is an increasingly common method for the management of economically important plant diseases. In Alberta, Canada, several commodity clusters, including dry bean, canola, potato, and wheat, currently support air monitoring research programs for airborne pathogens of interest. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of monitoring for these, and more, plant fungal pathogens simultaneously using two different sampler types (cyclone versus rotation impaction) and by metabarcoding the ITS1 region using the Illumina sequencing platform. We collected air samples from four geographically distant sites across Alberta and monitored four crop types in southern Alberta. Overall, we found weak, but statistically significant, effects of geographic location and crop type on the aeromycobiota community composition. A few common taxa, such as Ramularia, Alternaria, and Epicoccum, constituted the vast majority of reads across all samples. Nevertheless, in each sample, we identified many plant pathogens of interest and organisms that previous research has found antagonistic to those pathogens, highlighting the utility of these approaches in understanding the pathobiome. In assessing the real-world implications of read counts, we discovered that they were only weakly correlated with spore counts quantified by qPCR. The two types of samplers collected different community profiles, reinforcing the importance of carefully considering which sampler type to use in monitoring programs. Taken together, our results show promise for the future of monitoring the air pathobiome, although much more work is required to understand the relationship of airborne communities to their in-field impact on disease development. [Figure: see text] Copyright © 2023 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Abstract Invasive plant pathogenic fungi have a global impact, with devastating economic and environmental effects on crops and forests. Biosurveillance, a critical component of threat mitigation, requires risk prediction based on fungal lifestyles and traits. Recent studies have revealed distinct genomic patterns associated with specific groups of plant pathogenic fungi. We sought to establish whether these phytopathogenic genomic patterns hold across diverse taxonomic and ecological groups from the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, and furthermore, if those patterns can be used in a predictive capacity for biosurveillance. Using a supervised machine learning approach that integrates phylogenetic and genomic data, we analyzed 387 fungal genomes to test a proof-of-concept for the use of genomic signatures in predicting fungal phytopathogenic lifestyles and traits during biosurveillance activities. Our machine learning feature sets were derived from genome annotation data of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), peptidases, secondary metabolite clusters (SMCs), transporters, and transcription factors. We found that machine learning could successfully predict fungal lifestyles and traits across taxonomic groups, with the best predictive performance coming from feature sets comprising CAZyme, peptidase, and SMC data. While phylogeny was an important component in most predictions, the inclusion of genomic data improved prediction performance for every lifestyle and trait tested. Plant pathogenicity was one of the best-predicted traits, showing the promise of predictive genomics for biosurveillance applications. Furthermore, our machine learning approach revealed expansions in the number of genes from specific CAZyme and peptidase families in the genomes of plant pathogens compared to non-phytopathogenic genomes (saprotrophs, endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi). Such genomic feature profiles give insight into the evolution of fungal phytopathogenicity and could be useful to predict the risks of unknown fungi in future biosurveillance activities.

Although secondary metabolites are typically associated with competitive or pathogenic interactions, the high bioactivity of endophytic fungi in the Xylariales, coupled with their abundance and broad host ranges spanning all lineages of land plants and lichens, suggests that enhanced secondary metabolism might facilitate symbioses with phylogenetically diverse hosts. Here, we examined secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs) across 96 Xylariales genomes in two clades (Xylariaceae s.l. and Hypoxylaceae), including 88 newly sequenced genomes of endophytes and closely related saprotrophs and pathogens. We paired genomic data with extensive metadata on endophyte hosts and substrates, enabling us to examine genomic factors related to the breadth of symbiotic interactions and ecological roles. All genomes contain hyperabundant SMGCs; however, Xylariaceae have increased numbers of gene duplications, horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) and SMGCs. Enhanced metabolic diversity of endophytes is associated with a greater diversity of hosts and increased capacity for lignocellulose decomposition. Our results suggest that, as host and substrate generalists, Xylariaceae endophytes experience greater selection to diversify SMGCs compared with more ecologically specialised Hypoxylaceae species. Overall, our results provide new evidence that SMGCs may facilitate symbiosis with phylogenetically diverse hosts, highlighting the importance of microbial symbioses to drive fungal metabolic diversity.

Abstract The seismic hazard posed by submarine faults and the capacity of submarine earthquakes to trigger mass wasting are poorly understood because we lack detailed characterizations of coseismic ruptures at the seafloor. Here, we present comprehensive mapping of a seafloor rupture caused by the 2004 M w 6.3 Les Saintes earthquake on the Roseau normal fault in the Lesser Antilles. We report the visual characteristics, displacement profile, and note pronounced asymmetry of the rupture that bears similarities with well-studied subaerial normal fault ruptures. We also identify footwall-derived mass wasted debris that locally cover the coseismic rupture, and show that ground accelerations of 0.1–0.2 g can trigger submarine mass wasting events in well consolidated bedrock along unstable, over-steepened, scarps. Our study demonstrates the potential of underwater vehicles for detailed mapping of seafloor ruptures and hints at a key role for earthquakes in shaping submarine bedrock landscapes by triggering mass wasting events.

Since its emergence in the 1990s, the invasive pathogen Phytophthora ramorum has spread in Europe and the west coast of North America, causing sudden oak death in the United States and sudden larch death in the United Kingdom, resulting in the mortality or destruction of millions of trees. Due to its invasive nature, its damage potential, its wide host range, and its ability to disseminate via the plant trade, P. ramorum has been placed on quarantine lists worldwide. Rapid and reliable detection of the pathogen and identification of its lineages are crucial to limit spread and inform mitigation and eradication efforts. SODplex, a suite of new multiplex real-time PCR tools, was developed to streamline the detection and identification of P. ramorum. It offers four multiplexed assays covering different use cases. SODplex-base combines primers and probes for the sensitive and accurate detection of Phytophthora spp. and P. ramorum. SODplex-ITS and SODplex-mito offer a single-step identification of P. ramorum and the EU1, NA1, and NA2 lineages present in the United States and Canada. SODplex-lin targets each of the four P. ramorum lineages present in Europe and North America in a single reaction. The assays have high levels of accuracy and are robust to the use of different instruments, different operators, and different temperatures. The redundancy within the assays reduces the likelihood of false negatives and false positives. The SODplex assays presented here improve the toolbox available for the detection of P. ramorum and its lineages. [Figure: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To use serological testing to assess the pre-Omicron seroprevalence, seroconversion, and seroreversion of infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children and adolescents in Montréal, Canada. Design: This analysis is from a prospective cohort study of children aged 2-17 years (at baseline) that included blood spots for antibody detection. The serostatus of participants was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using the receptor-binding domain from the spike protein and the nucleocapsid protein as antigens. We estimated seroprevalence, seroconversion rates, and the likelihood of seroreversion at 6 months and 1 year. Results: The baseline (October 2020 to April 2021) seroprevalence was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8-7.1), which increased to 10.5% (May to September 2021) and 11.0% (November 2021 to March 2022) for the respective follow-ups (95% CI 8.6-12.7; 95% CI 8.8-13.5). The crude rate of seroconversion over the study period was 12.8 per 100 person-years (95% CI 11.0-14.7). The adjusted hazard rates of seroconversion by child characteristics showed higher rates in children who were female, whose parent identified as a racial or ethnic minority, and in households with incomes in the lowest tercile of our study population. The likelihood of remaining seropositive at 6 months was 68% (95% CI 60-77%) and dropped to 42% (95% CI 32-56%) at 1 year. Conclusion: Serological studies continue to provide valuable contributions for infection prevalence estimates and help us better understand the dynamics of antibody levels after infection.

Within-host spread of pathogens is an important process for the study of plant-pathogen interactions. However, the development of plant-pathogen lesions remains practically difficult to characterize beyond the common traits such as lesion area. Here, we address this question by combining image-based phenotyping with mathematical modelling. We consider the spread of Peyronellaea pinodes on pea stipules that were monitored daily with visible imaging. We assume that pathogen propagation on host-tissues can be described by the Fisher-KPP model where lesion spread depends on both a logistic growth and an homogeneous diffusion. Model parameters are estimated using a variational data assimilation approach on sets of registered images. This modelling framework is used to compare the spread of an aggressive isolate on two pea cultivars with contrasted levels of partial resistance. We show that the expected slower spread on the most resistant cultivar is actually due to a significantly lower diffusion coefficient. This study shows that combining imaging with spatial mechanistic models can offer a mean to disentangle some processes involved in host-pathogen interactions and further development may allow a better identification of quantitative traits thereafter used in genetics and ecological studies.

Mechanosensors are emerging players responding to hemodynamic and physical inputs. Their significance in the central nervous system remains relatively uncharted. Using human-derived brain specimens or cells and a pre-clinical model of mesio-temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), we examined how the mRNA levels of the mechanosensitive channel PIEZO1 adjust to disease-associated pro-inflammatory trajectories.In brain tissue micro-punches obtained from 18 drug-resistant MTLE patients, PIEZO1 expression positively correlated with pro-inflammatory biomarkers TNFα, IL-1β, and NF-kB in the epileptogenic hippocampus compared to the adjacent amygdala and temporal cortex tissues. In an experimental MTLE model, hippocampal Piezo1 and cytokine expression levels were increased post-status epilepticus (SE) and during epileptogenesis. Piezo1 expression positively correlated with Tnfα, Il1β, and Nf-kb in the hippocampal foci. Next, by combining RNAscope with immunohistochemistry, we identified Piezo1 in glio-vascular cells. Post-SE and during epileptogenesis, ameboid IBA1 microglia, hypertrophic GFAP astrocytes, and damaged NG2DsRed pericytes exhibited time-dependent patterns of increased Piezo1 expression. Digital droplet PCR analysis confirmed the Piezo1 trajectory in isolated hippocampal microvessels in the ipsi and contralateral hippocampi. The combined examinations performed in this model showed Piezo1 expression returning towards basal levels after the epileptogenesis-associated peak inflammation. From these associations, we next asked whether pro-inflammatory players directly regulate PIEZO1 expression. We used human-derived brain cells and confirmed that endothelium, astrocytes, and pericytes expressed PIEZO1. Exposure to human recombinant TNFα or IL1β upregulated NF-kB in all cells. Furthermore, TNFα induced PIEZO1 expression in a dose and time-dependent manner, primarily in astrocytes.This exploratory study describes a spatiotemporal dialogue between PIEZO1 brain cell-mechanobiology and neuro-inflammatory cell remodeling. The precise functional mechanisms regulating this interplay in disease conditions warrant further investigation.

Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior is a matter of concern for structural materials, namely, stainless steels and nickel alloys, in nuclear power plants. High levels of cold work (CW) have shown to both reduce crack initiation times and increase crack growth rates. Cold working has numerous effects on a material, including changes in microstructure, mechanical properties, and residual stress state, yet it is typically reported as a simple percent change in geometry. There is need to develop a strategy for quantitative assessment of cold-work level in order to better understand stress corrosion cracking test data. Five assessment techniques, commonly performed alongside stress corrosion cracking testing (optical microscopy (OM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile testing, and hardness testing) are evaluated with respect to their ability to quantify the level of CW in a component. The test material is stainless steel 316L that has been cold-rolled to three conditions: 0%, 20%, and 30% CW. Measurement results for each assessment method include correlation with CW condition and repeatability data. Measured values showed significant spatial variation, illustrating that CW level is not uniform throughout a component. Mechanical properties (tensile testing, hardness) were found to correlate most linearly with the amount of imparted CW.

Globally, mushroom poisonings cause about 100 human deaths each year, with thousands of people requiring medical assistance. Dogs are also susceptible to mushroom poisonings and require medical assistance. Cyclopeptides, and more specifically amanitins (or amatoxins, here), are the mushroom poison that causes the majority of these deaths. Current methods (predominantly chromatographic, as well as antibody-based) of detecting amatoxins are time-consuming and require expensive equipment. In this work, we demonstrate the utility of the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the rapid detection of amatoxins in urine samples. The LFIA detects as little as 10 ng/mL of α-amanitin (α-AMA) or γ-AMA, and 100 ng/mL of β-AMA in urine matrices. To demonstrate application of this LFIA for urine analysis, this study examined fortified human urine samples and urine collected from exposed dogs. Urine is sampled directly without the need for any pretreatment, detection from urine is completed in 10 min, and the results are read by eye, without the need for specialized equipment. Analysis of both fortified human urine samples and urine samples collected from intoxicated dogs using the LFIA correlated well with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods.

Abstract We study the dynamics of interactions between a traditional medium, the New York Times journal, and its followers in Twitter, using a massive dataset. It consists of the metadata of the articles published by the journal during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the posts published in Twitter by a large set of followers of the @nytimes account along with those published by a set of followers of several other media of different kind. The dynamics of discussions held in Twitter by exclusive followers of a medium show a strong dependence on the medium they follow: the followers of @FoxNews show the highest similarity to each other and a strong differentiation of interests with the general group. Our results also reveal the difference in the attention payed to U.S. presidential elections by the journal and by its followers, and show that the topic related to the “Black Lives Matter” movement started in Twitter, and was addressed later by the journal.

Abstract The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar, is an irruptive forest pest native to Eurasia where its range extends from coast to coast and overspills into northern Africa. Accidentally introduced from Europe in Massachusetts in 1868–1869, it is now established in North America where it is considered a highly destructive invasive pest. A fine‐scale characterization of its population genetic structure would facilitate identification of source populations for specimens intercepted during ship inspections in North America and would enable mapping of introduction pathways to help prevent future incursions into novel environments. In addition, detailed knowledge of L. dispar's global population structure would provide new insight into the adequacy of its current subspecies classification system and its phylogeographic history. To address these issues, we generated >2000 genotyping‐by‐sequencing‐derived SNPs from 1445 contemporary specimens sampled at 65 locations in 25 countries/3 continents. Using multiple analytical approaches, we identified eight subpopulations that could be further partitioned into 28 groups, achieving unprecedented resolution for this species' population structure. Although reconciliation between these groupings and the three currently recognized subspecies proved to be challenging, our genetic data confirmed circumscription of the japonica subspecies to Japan. However, the genetic cline observed across continental Eurasia, from L. dispar asiatica in East Asia to L. d. dispar in Western Europe, points to the absence of a sharp geographical boundary (e.g., the Ural Mountains) between these two subspecies, as suggested earlier. Importantly, moths from North America and the Caucasus/Middle East displayed high enough genetic distances from other populations to warrant their consideration as separate subspecies of L. dispar. Finally, in contrast with earlier mtDNA‐based investigations that identified the Caucasus as L. dispar's place of origin, our analyses suggest continental East Asia as its evolutionary cradle, from where it spread to Central Asia and Europe, and to Japan through Korea.

Abstract The Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor with BCOR internal tandem duplication (ITD) has recently been added as a novel embryonal histomolecular tumor type to the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of CNS Tumors. In addition, other CNS tumors harboring a BCOR/BCORL1 fusion, which are defined by a distinct DNA-methylation profile, have been recently identified in the literature but clinical, radiological and histopathological data remain scarce. Herein, we present two adult cases of CNS tumors with EP300::BCOR fusion. These two cases presented radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical homologies with CNS tumors having BCOR ITD in children. To compare these tumors with different BCOR alterations, we performed a literature review with a meta-analysis. CNS tumors with EP300::BCOR fusion seem to be distinct from their BCOR ITD counterparts in terms of age, location, progression-free survival, tumor growth pattern, and immunopositivity for the BCOR protein. CNS tumors from the EP300::BCOR fusion methylation class in adults may be added to the future WHO classification.

Phytophthora species are oomycete plant pathogens that cause great economic and ecological impacts. The Phytophthora genus includes over 180 known species, infecting a wide range of plant hosts, including crops, trees, and ornamentals. We sequenced the genomes of 31 individual Phytophthora species and 24 individual transcriptomes to study genetic relationships across the genus. De novo genome assemblies revealed variation in genome sizes, numbers of predicted genes, and in repetitive element content across the Phytophthora genus. A genus-wide comparison evaluated orthologous groups of genes. Predicted effector gene counts varied across Phytophthora species by effector family, genome size, and plant host range. Predicted numbers of apoplastic effectors increased as the host range of Phytophthora species increased. Predicted numbers of cytoplasmic effectors also increased with host range but leveled off or decreased in Phytophthora species that have enormous host ranges. With extensive sequencing across the Phytophthora genus, we now have the genomic resources to evaluate horizontal gene transfer events across the oomycetes. Using a machine-learning approach to identify horizontally transferred genes with bacterial or fungal origin, we identified 44 candidates over 36 Phytophthora species genomes. Phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that the transfers of most of these 44 candidates happened in parallel to major advances in the evolution of the oomycetes and Phytophthora spp. We conclude that the 31 genomes presented here are essential for investigating genus-wide genomic associations in genus Phytophthora. [Graphic: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

This study assesses the detailed water budget of the Saq–Ram Aquifer System (520 000 km2) over the 2002–2019 period using satellite gravity data from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE). The three existing GRACE solutions were tested for their local compatibility to compute groundwater storage (GWS) variations in combination with the three soil moisture datasets available from the land surface models (LSMs) of the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). Accounting for groundwater pumping, artificial recharge, and natural discharge uniformly distributed over the Saq–Ram domain, the GRACE-derived mass balance calculation for water yields a long-term estimate of the domain-averaged natural recharge of (2.4±1.4) mm yr−1, corresponding to (4.4±2.6) % of the annual average rainfall (AAR). Beyond the regional-scale approach proposed here, spatial heterogeneities regarding the groundwater recharge were identified. The first source of heterogeneity is of anthropogenic origin: chiefly induced by irrigation excess over irrigated surfaces (about 1 % of the domain), artificial recharge corresponds to half of the total recharge of the aquifer. The second source of recharge heterogeneity identified here is natural: volcanic lava deposits (called harrats on the Arabian Peninsula) which cover 8 % of the Saq–Ram aquifer domain but contribute to more than 50 % of the natural recharge. Hence, in addition to this application on the Arabian Peninsula, this study strongly indicates a major control of geological context on arid aquifer recharge, which has been poorly discussed hitherto. Due to large lag times of the diffuse recharge mechanism, the annual analysis using this GRACE–GLDAS approach in arid domains should be limited to areas where focused recharge is the main mechanism, while long-term analysis is valid regardless of the recharge mechanism. Moreover, it appears that about 15 years of GRACE records are required to obtain a relevant long-term recharge estimate.

Introduction: In 2015, a centralized Multi-Specialist Telemedicine (TM) Consultation Program was established to improve access to specialist care and enhance continuity of care for homebound older adults in Toronto, Canada. Community-dwelling patients were referred to the program by their primary care providers (PCP), treating specialists, and inpatient physicians for specialist-led post-hospital discharge follow-up care. A clinical nurse specialist (CNS) thereafter collaborated with hospital-based consulting specialists, utilizing videoconferencing technology to facilitate consultations and follow-up visits for homebound patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of the overall intervention including patient characteristics and the number/type of consultations provided by analyzing the clinical charts of each enrolled patient. Satisfaction surveys were conducted after five years of program implementation with patients, family caregivers and healthcare providers utilizing paper-based questionnaires administered by members of our research team. Data were analyzed using summary statistics. Results: From April 2015 to March 2020, this program supported a total of 216 homebound patients, with an average age of 84 years, and an average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 3.36. Patients received a total of 1,003 consultation and follow-up visits from 42 specialist care providers representing 22 unique clinical specialties. 59 (27%) patients and family caregivers and 22 specialist and primary care providers voluntarily completed satisfaction surveys. 100% of surveyed patients and caregivers reported being very satisfied with the program and 86% of physicians reported that the program enhanced their delivery of patient care. Conclusion: Our TM program had a high participation rate and showed promising results in improving the delivery of patient care by centrally facilitating multi-specialist consultations and maintaining continuity of care for homebound older adults in an urban setting, which may have potentially reduced future ED visits. The program also received high satisfaction rates among providers, patients, and caregivers, indicating a positive response to its implementation.

The imperative to include stakeholders and rightsholders in fisheries management over the past 30 years has led to many changes in management regimes around the world, a key one being a move toward collaboration and co-management. This is reflected, for example, in Canada, where the newly revised Fisheries Act (2019, c.14, s.3) incorporates this imperative in part by citing “community knowledge” as a component in decision making for fisheries management. However, the lack of a formal definition makes it unclear what exactly is meant by “community” and when and how community knowledge can play a role in management. To investigate what community contributions to fisheries management can entail, and who these communities might include, we conducted a scoping literature review using the Scopus database to synthesize common outcomes from research on community involvement in fisheries management toward the goals of ecological, social, economic, and institutional sustainability. Enablers and barriers for successful collaborative initiatives were identified, covering conceptual, logistical, and communication-related factors. Key recommendations were compiled from a range of case studies to map a path toward full-spectrum sustainability for fisheries. From these principles and practices, we ultimately identified major considerations for the Canadian context, including the need to (1) clarify the distinction between fishing communities and the fishing industry; (2) strengthen social networks and communication channels to facilitate collective action; (3) track and transparently share successes and failures in collaborative efforts and outcomes; and (4) more explicitly consider community well-being as a fisheries management objective. From our synthesis, there are lessons to be learned for fisheries (social) scientists and managers working to enhance evidence-based fisheries management, whether within Canada or in other collaborative management settings globally.

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are becoming more common and persistent around the world. When in bloom, various cyanobacterial strains can produce anatoxins in high concentrations, which, unlike other cyanobacterial toxins, may be present in clear water. Potential human and animal exposures to anatoxins occur mainly through unintentional ingestion of contaminated algal mats and water. To address this public health threat, we developed and validated an LC-MS/MS method to detect anatoxins in human urine to confirm exposures. Pooled urine was fortified with anatoxin-a and dihydroanatoxin at concentrations from 10.0 to 500 ng/mL to create calibrators and quality control samples. Samples were diluted with isotopically labeled anatoxin and solvent prior to LC-MS/MS analysis. This method can accurately quantitate anatoxin-a with inter- and intraday accuracies ranging from 98.5 to 103% and relative standard deviations < 15%, which is within analytical guidelines for mass spectrometry methods. Additionally, this method qualitatively detects a common degradation product of anatoxin, dihydroanatoxin, above 10 ng/mL. We also evaluated a commercial anatoxin-a ELISA kit for potential diagnostic use; however, numerous false positives were detected from unexposed individual human urine samples. In conclusion, we have developed a method to detect anatoxins precisely and accurately in urine samples, addressing a public health area of concern, which can be applied to future exposure events.

BACKGROUND:Surgical supplies occupy a large portion of health care expenditures but is often under the surgeon's control. We sought to assess whether an automated, surgeon-directed, cost feedback system can decrease supply expenditures for five common general surgery procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS:An automated "surgical receipt" detailing intraoperative supply costs was generated and emailed to surgeons after each case. We compared the median cost per case for 18 mo before and after implementation of the surgical receipt. We controlled for price fluctuations by applying common per-unit prices in both periods. We also compared the incision time, case length booking accuracy, length of stay, and postoperative occurrences. RESULTS:Median costs decreased significantly for open inguinal hernia ($433.45 to $385.49, P

In English the NP1 V NP2 construction typically involves arguments that are construed as Agent and Patient, or Subject and Object. It is associated with the notion of transitivity and analyzed accordingly, even when it exhibits only the syntactic properties of transitivity but not its semantic characteristics. This phenomenon is well-known and has been accounted for by linguists (Lakoff 1977; Hopper and Thompson 1980, among others) as a result of the absence of some prototypical transitive features in the utterance. This paper aims at demonstrating that the NP1 V NP2 structure has a semantic value and conveys a general abstract sense, of which prototypical transitivity represents only one particular realization whose occurrence is determined by the semantic and aspectual properties of the context. It will be argued that the sense of this construction can be explained through concepts that are not usually used in the description of transitive utterances, namely conjunction and disjunction. In some examples, the subject enters a relation of conjunction or disjunction with the object. In others, it is the other way round.

Abstract Anthropogenic activities contribute to changes in the range and distribution of species. Globalization is resulting in human‐mediated dispersal that is causing a breakdown in normal biogeographic barriers. But the impact of anthropogenic activities on plant pathogen communities is still poorly understood. We conducted an eDNA metabarcoding study to compare communities of oomycetes, a group of eukaryotic microorganisms that comprises important crop and tree pathogens, in urban, natural, and interface environments. Oomycete diversity and abundance were highest in human impacted urban environments and lowest in natural environments, while the interface environments were intermediate. Urban environments had the highest proportion of sites where species of the plant pathogenic genus Phytophthora were found, as well as the largest number of unknown or undescribed Phytophthora species. The taxa overlap between urban and interface environments was one order of magnitude larger than the overlap between urban and natural environments. Our analyses show that urban/natural interface areas likely act as a bridge for invasion into natural environments. This could impact both the natural biota and natural ecosystem processes. Our study serves as a warning that some Phytophthora species introduced from nurseries or spread by human movement could pose a threat to natural ecosystems. Shifting patterns in oomycete communities could interfere with natural ecosystem processes and result in increases in disease and ecosystem declines.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), like all public safety personnel (PSP), are frequently exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events that contribute to posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Addressing PTSI is impeded by the limited available research. In this protocol paper, we describe the RCMP Study, part of the concerted efforts by the RCMP to reduce PTSI by improving access to evidence-based assessments, treatments and training as well as participant recruitment and RCMP Study developments to date. The RCMP Study has been designed to (1) develop, deploy and assess the impact of a system for ongoing annual, monthly and daily evidence-based assessments; (2) evaluate associations between demographic variables and PTSI; (3) longitudinally assess individual differences associated with PTSI; (4) augment the RCMP Cadet Training Program with skills to proactively mitigate PTSI; and (5) assess the impact of the augmented training condition (ATC) versus the standard training condition (STC). Participants in the STC (n = 480) and ATC (n = 480) are assessed before and after training and annually for 5 years on their deployment date; they also complete brief monthly and daily surveys. The RCMP Study results are expected to benefit the mental health of all participants, RCMP and PSP by reducing PTSI among all who serve.

Les membres de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), comme l’ensemble du personnel de la sécurité publique, sont fréquemment exposés à des événements potentiellement traumatiques sur le plan psychologique qui contribuent à la survenue de blessures de stress post­traumatique. Le peu de travaux de recherche disponibles sur le sujet limite l’étude de ces blessures. Le présent article décrit l'étude de la GRC, qui fait partie des efforts concertés que la GRC a déployés pour réduire les blessures de stress posttraumatique en améliorant l'accès aux évaluations, aux traitements et aux formations fondés sur des données probantes, le recrutement des participants, ainsi que les développements de l'étude de la GRC à ce jour. L’étude de la GRC a été conçue pour : 1) élaborer et mettre en place un système d’évaluations annuelles, mensuelles et quotidiennes fondées sur des données probantes et en évaluer l’effet; 2) évaluer les associations entre les variables démographiques et les blessures de stress post­traumatique; 3) évaluer de manière longitudinale les différences individuelles associées aux blessures de stress post­traumatique; 4) intégrer au Programme de formation des cadets de la GRC des compétences permettant d’atténuer de façon proactive les blessures de stress post­traumatique et 5) évaluer l’effet de laformation renforcée (FR) par rapport à la formation standard (FS). Les participants à la FS (n = 480) et à la FR (n = 480) sont évalués avant et après la formation, ainsi que chaque année pendant cinq ans à compter de la date de leur déploiement; ils répondent également à de courts sondages mensuels et quotidiens. Les résultats de l'étude de la GRC devraient être bénéfiques pour la santé mentale de tous les participants, pour la GRC et pour le personnel de la sécurité publique, car ils contribueront à réduire les blessures de stress post­traumatique de tous ceux qui servent la population.

Abstract Land-based CO2 removal demands changes in management or new suitable areas to sustainably grow additional biomass without reducing food supply or damaging natural ecosystems. The soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration pathway is thought to transfer atmospheric CO2 into a land unit, through plants, plant residues and other organic solids stored as part of the soil organic matter. No previous study explored SOC sequestration potentials on global marginal land. Here we integrated, into a generalizable modelling framework, the mapping of a set of biophysical (climatic and edaphic) and land conservation constraints to (i) identify suitable matches (i.e. biophysically possible combinations) of target areas with plant species, and (ii) to quantify contributions of pairing to long-term SOC sequestration (2020–2100). The proposed framework represents a refinement to previous mapping exercises, which seldom consider biophysical constraints, soil erosion, plant species tolerances to pedoclimatic conditions, and world protected areas. The approach was tested on marginal lands featuring SOC-deficient stocks (≤ 50 Mg SOC ha−1 to 30 cm depth) at 30 arc-sec resolution, consolidated into world regions × global ecological zones based on geo-localised products. The framework was shown to enable better-informed decision-making on interventions at large geographical scales, revealing biophysically realistic options, while management should be determined locally.

In June, 2021, laurel willow (Salix pentandra) near Slave Lake, Alberta, was found to be infected by a Melampsora sp. that produced bright yellow urediniospores in uredia that were present on catkins, leaves, and stems. All Melampsora species previously reported in Canada are recorded as infecting leaves; therefore, further investigation was undertaken to ascertain the identity of this pathogen. To assess the relationship between this specimen and other Melampsora spp. previously collected from Canada, samples of willow leaves infected by Melampsora spp. were sourced from mycological herbariums located at the Laurentian Forestry Centre (QFB) and the Northern Forestry Centre (CFB, WINF(M)). DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA region of the fresh specimen, herbarium specimens, and DNA sequence data deposited within GenBank, were used to conduct a phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing and BLAST analysis of the material from the sample resulted in a 99.3% sequence identity match to Melampsora epitea “Mel J” collected from Larix laricina in New York State. The ITS sequence from the herbarium sample WINF(M)7356 (described as M. abieti-capraearum from Manitoba) had 100.0% identity with the Alberta sample. Additionally, specimens WINF(M)11892 (Melampsora sp. from Manitoba) and CFB8931 (Melampsora sp. from the Yukon) had 99.0% sequence identity with the Alberta sample. From these results we applied the identity of M. epitea to the rust discovered in Slave Lake, AB. With the current emphasis on willows for bioenergy production in Canada, growers must remain vigilant for this pathogen and the damages it could cause to willow plantations.

Current agricultural practices facilitate emergence and spread of plant diseases through the wide use of monocultures. Host mixtures are a promising alternative for sustainable plant disease control. Their effectiveness can be partly explained by priming-induced cross-protection among plants. Priming occurs when plants are challenged with non-infective pathogen genotypes, resulting in increased resistance to subsequent infections by infective pathogen genotypes. We developed an epidemiological model to explore how mixing two distinct resistant varieties can reduce disease prevalence. We considered a pathogen population composed of three genotypes infecting either one or both varieties. We found that host mixtures should not contain an equal proportion of resistant plants, but a biased ratio (e.g. 80 : 20) to minimize disease prevalence. Counter-intuitively, the optimal ratio of resistant varieties should contain a lower proportion of the costliest resistance for the pathogen to break. This benefit is amplified by priming. This strategy also prevents the invasion of pathogens breaking all resistances.

Abstract Human‐assisted movement has allowed the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)) to spread beyond its native range and become a globally regulated invasive pest. Within its native range of China and the Korean peninsula, human‐mediated dispersal has also caused cryptic translocation of insects, resulting in population structure complexity. Previous studies used genetic methods to detangle this complexity but were unable to clearly delimit native populations which is needed to develop downstream biosurveillance tools. We used genome‐wide markers to define historical population structure in native ALB populations and contemporary movement between regions. We used genotyping‐by‐sequencing to generate 6102 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and amplicon sequencing to genotype 53 microsatellites. In total, we genotyped 712 individuals from ALB’s native distribution. We observed six distinct population clusters among native ALB populations, with a clear delineation between northern and southern groups. Most of the individuals from South Korea were distinct from populations in China. Our results also indicate historical divergence among populations and suggest limited large‐scale admixture, but we did identify a restricted number of cases of contemporary movement between regions. We identified SNPs under selection and describe a clinal allele frequency pattern in a missense variant associated with glycerol kinase, an important enzyme in the utilization of an insect cryoprotectant. We further demonstrate that small numbers of SNPs can assign individuals to geographic regions with high probability, paving the way for novel ALB biosurveillance tools.

Abstract Multiline and cultivar mixtures are highly effective methods for agroecological plant disease control. Priming‐induced cross protection, occurring when plants are challenged by avirulent pathogen genotypes and resulting in increased resistance to subsequent infection by virulent ones, is one critical key to their lasting performance against polymorphic pathogen populations. Strikingly, this mechanism was until recently absent from mathematical models aiming at designing optimal host mixtures. We developed an epidemiological model to explore the effect of host mixtures composed of variable numbers of single‐resistance cultivars on the equilibrium prevalence of the disease caused by pathogen populations polymorphic for virulence complexity. This model shows that a relatively large amount of resistance genes must be deployed to achieve low disease prevalence, as pathogen competition in mixtures tends to select for intermediate virulence complexity. By contrast, priming significantly reduces the number of plant genotypes needed to drop disease prevalence below an acceptable threshold. Given the limited availability of resistance genes in cultivars, this mechanism of plant immunity should be assessed when designing host mixtures.

Genome sequencing of isolates of the pathogen responsible for sudden oak death in the United States and sudden larch death in Europe reveal hybridisation between European and American lineages.