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Leaf dark respiration (Rdark), an important yet rarely quantified component of carbon cycling in forest ecosystems, is often simulated from leaf traits such as the maximum carboxylation capacity (Vcmax), leaf mass per area (LMA), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, in terrestrial biosphere models. However, the validity of these relationships across forest types remains to be thoroughly assessed. Here, we analyzed Rdark variability and its associations with Vcmax and other leaf traits across three temperate, subtropical and tropical forests in China, evaluating the effectiveness of leaf spectroscopy as a superior monitoring alternative. We found that leaf magnesium and calcium concentrations were more significant in explaining cross-site Rdark than commonly used traits like LMA, N and P concentrations, but univariate trait-Rdark relationships were always weak (r2 ≤ 0.15) and forest-specific. Although multivariate relationships of leaf traits improved the model performance, leaf spectroscopy outperformed trait-Rdark relationships, accurately predicted cross-site Rdark (r2 = 0.65) and pinpointed the factors contributing to Rdark variability. Our findings reveal a few novel traits with greater cross-site scalability regarding Rdark, challenging the use of empirical trait-Rdark relationships in process models and emphasize the potential of leaf spectroscopy as a promising alternative for estimating Rdark, which could ultimately improve process modeling of terrestrial plant respiration.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant shifts to teleworking, raising questions about potential impacts on employee wellbeing. This study examined the association between self-reported changes to teleworking frequency (relative to before the pandemic) and two indicators of occupational burnout: emotional exhaustion and professionally diagnosed burnout. Methods Data were derived from two samples from a digital cohort study based in Geneva, Switzerland: one population-based, and one from a sample of workers who were likely mobilized in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotional exhaustion was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (EE-MBI), while self-reported diagnosed burnout was assessed by asking participants if they had received a professional diagnosis of occupational burnout within the previous 12 months. Participants were categorized based on self-reported telework frequency changes: “no change,” “increase,” “decrease,” “never telework,” and “not possible to telework.” Adjusted regression models for each of the study samples were used to estimate associations between telework changes and burnout outcomes, accounting for sociodemographic, household, and work-related factors. Results In the population-based sample of salaried employees (n = 1,332), the median EE-MBI score was 14 (interquartile range: 6–24), and 7.3% reported diagnosed burnout. Compared to those reporting no change in telework frequency (19% of the sample), those reporting a decrease (4%) and those reporting that teleworking was not possible (28.7%) had significantly higher emotional exhaustion scores (adjusted beta (aβ) 5.26 [95% confidence interval: 1.47, 9.04] and aβ 3.51 [0.44, 6.59], respectively) and additionally reported higher odds of diagnosed burnout (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 10.59 [3.24, 34.57] and aOR 3.42 [1.22, 9.65], respectively). “Increased” (28.9%) and “never” (19.4%) telework statuses were not significantly associated with burnout outcomes. These trends were mirrored in the “mobilized-workers” sample, with the exception that those reporting that teleworking was not possible did not report significantly higher odds of diagnosed burnout compared to those reporting no change in telework frequency. Conclusions Decreased teleworking frequency and not having the possibility of telework were associated with higher emotional exhaustion and diagnosed burnout. As organizations reconsider their telework policies in a post-pandemic era, they should consider the impact of such organizational changes on employee wellbeing.

The implementation of reliable methods for the simultaneous detection of multiple viruses is challenging in plant viral diagnosis. In the present study, we report the development and effectiveness of an optimized version of a robust multiplexed PCR (HiPlex) followed by simultaneous targeted amplicon sequencing to detect 14 viruses and 5 viroids of pome fruit trees. We used amplicon sequencing data from 1,400 pome fruit tree samples previously diagnosed with the HiPlex v.1.0, which included 290 primer pairs for pome viruses. The analysis enabled the identification of highly efficient and specific primer pairs to be assembled in a new HiPlex (dubbed HiPlex v.2.0). Additionally, newly designed primers were implemented for 30% of targeted viruses and viroids. Overall, 116 primer pairs were assembled into the HiPlex v.2.0, resulting in a reduction of the number of primers and multiplex PCR reactions needed by 60 and 50%, respectively. The new HiPlex also includes two nepoviruses, tomato ringspot virus and tobacco ringspot virus, showing flexibility at augmenting and expanding the number of targeted diagnosed viruses using this approach. This optimized set of primers increased the cost-effectiveness and sensitivity while reducing background amplification. Comparable results for virus and viroid detection were obtained using the HiPlex v.2.0 and individual RT-qPCRs, even at a 10,000-fold dilution, demonstrating similar sensitivity to standard PCR-based diagnostics. This new HiPlex-based amplicon sequencing represents a powerful, sensitive, and low-cost tool for large-scale screening of pome fruit trees for all reported viruses and viroids infecting these crops. [Figure: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Introduction: Traumatic vertebral artery dissections resulting in stroke are relatively rare occurrences, especially in the absence of classic physical examination findings.Case Report: We present the case of a 30-year-old male with chest pain following a car axle falling onto his chest while trying to change a tire. He was discharged from the emergency department after having a negative workup for thoracic injury. Six hours later, the patient returned with headache and was found to have a cerebellar stroke secondary to vertebral artery dissection. After hospitalization, the patient was discharged home without any neurological deficits.Conclusion: As they are usually asymptomatic, up to 80% of patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury will have delayed or missed diagnoses. Given the increased awareness of vascular injuries and their high morbidity, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: A feature of HIV cure trials is the need to interrupt treatment to test the efficacy of experimental interventions-a process known as analytical treatment interruptions (ATIs). OBJECTIVES: We report the experiences of participants after they completed an extended ATI. METHODS: From April to November 2022, we conducted post-ATI in-depth interviews with BEAT2 clinical trial (NCT03588715) participants who stopped ART while receiving an immunotherapy regimen. We used conventional content analysis to code the data. RESULTS: We conducted interviews with 11 Black/African American and three White/Caucasian participants (11 males, two females, and one transgender woman). The mean ATI was 38 weeks. Participants noted several significant experiences surrounding the interventions side effects, ATI, and returning to medication. Some participants had positive experiences with their ATI. Other participants were nervous during the ATI. Rising viral loads led some to feel a sense of failure. Although trial experiences were heterogeneous, participants unanimously had positive interactions with the clinical trial staff which facilitated their retention in the trial. Participants shared their experiences with the trial, including changes in expectations, experiences with experimental interventions and procedures, compensation as a measure of respect, effort, transportation, and effects of COVID-19 during the trial. Based on these results, we provide considerations for the conduct of future HIV cure-directed clinical trials involving ATIs. CONCLUSIONS: Managing expectations, focusing on participants contributions, and providing support to reduce feelings of having failed the research team and/or the HIV community following viral rebound should be part of HIV cure trial design. Discussing the mental health impact of rebound during consent, distinct from risk, is needed. Continued efforts to understand how people with HIV experience ATIs will improve future designs of HIV cure clinical trials.

Background: Primary graft failure (PGF) is a leading cause of early morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation (HTx). PGF is secondary to graft ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injuries to the cardiomyocytes and vasculature of the donor heart after transplantation. Longer-term outcomes after PGF are not well studied. Methods: Patients with an HTx (January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2022) were identified using the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society registry. PGF was defined as death, retransplantation, or need for mechanical circulatory support within 72 hours of HTx. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard modeling were utilized. Results: Of the 4,982 patients with a primary HTx, 5.4% (n = 269) met criteria for PGF. Patients with PGF were younger, with higher proportion of congenital heart disease, longer cardiopulmonary bypass and ischemic times (IT), and more likely to be on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or ventilator at HTx (all p

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic, starting in 2020, raised concerns about potential long-term health impacts, including its effects on cardiovascular health and related biomarkers. This study part of the Bus Santé in Geneva, Switzerland, compared cardiovascular and metabolic profiles pre- (2016–2019) and post-pandemic (2023–2024) among individuals aged 30–75.MethodsParticipants completed questionnaires and underwent a clinical visit, including a physical examination and fasting blood test to assess lipid and glycemic profiles. Linear regression was used to estimate results including mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycemic profiles, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and socioeconomic status. Quantile regression models were used to estimate median values.ResultsA total of 4,558 participants were included. The study observed modest declines in mean glucose, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels post-pandemic, with stable blood pressure. The prevalence and treatment rates of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia remained consistent. Unawareness of these conditions was stable.ConclusionDespite initial fears of a pandemic-induced health debt, results indicate healthy cardiovascular profiles post-pandemic, likely driven by improved lifestyle behaviors. This study highlights the importance of monitoring of cardiovascular health and suggests that lifestyle improvements may offset potential adverse pandemic effects in developed nations like Switzerland.

Objectives This study aims (1) to assess the prevalence of severe fatigue among the general population of Geneva, 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic and (2) to identify pandemic and non-pandemic factors associated with severe fatigue.Design Cross-sectional population-based survey conducted in Spring 2022.Setting General adult population of Geneva, Switzerland.Participants 6870 adult participants, randomly selected from the general population, included in the Specchio-COVID-19 cohort study, were invited to answer an online health survey.Outcome and cofactor measure Prevalence of severe fatigue was measured by the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire with a cut-off score≥4 out of 11. We assessed prevalence ratios of severe fatigue considering sociodemographic factors, health and behavioural characteristics (body mass index, depression, recent diagnosis of chronic disease or allergy, acute health event, smoking status, physical activity and sleep quality) and recent self-reported COVID-19 infections.Results A total of 4040 individuals participated (participation rate 59%, 58% were women, mean age 53.2 (SD=14.1 years)). Overall prevalence of severe fatigue was 30.7% (95% CI=29.2%–32.1%). After adjusting for age, sex, educational level and pre-existing comorbidities, the following characteristics were associated with severe fatigue: individuals aged 18–24 years (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)=1.39 (1.10–1.76)) and 25–34 years (aPR=1.23 (1.05–1.45)), female sex (aPR=1.28 (1.16–1.41)), depression (aPR=2.78 (2.56–3.01)), occurrence of health events unrelated to COVID-19 (aPR=1.51 (1.38–1.65)) and self-reported COVID-19 infection in the past 12 months (aPR=1.41 (1.28–1.56)). After further adjustment for depression, previous associations were maintained except for young age.Conclusions About one-third of the adult general population of Geneva experienced severe fatigue, 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Heightened fatigue among young adults is partly explained by depressive symptoms. Recent COVID-19 infection is substantially associated with severe fatigue, regardless of infection severity or co-occurrence of depressive disorder.Trial registration number CCER project ID 2020-00881.

Future time perspectives (FTP) and future-related concerns in adolescence remain underexplored. We aimed to identify factors associated with limited FTP and describe future-related concerns. Data were drawn from a population-based sample of adolescents aged 14–17 participating in the SEROCoV-KIDS cohort study, in Geneva, Switzerland (October 2022). Of 329 adolescents, 56/329 (17%) reported limited FTP; determinants included prior low mental well-being, limited social support, sexual minority identity, academic difficulties and excessive screen time. Adolescents’ main future-oriented concerns encompassed failure, education and climate change. These results underscore the need to address future perspectives/concerns among young people and implement interventions that strengthen adolescent resilience.

En la carrera de Estomatología, el examen bucofacial resulta un tema complejo para los estudiantes, debido a la gran cantidad de conocimientos que para su realización debe tenerse en cuenta. Ello demanda la utilización de medios de enseñanza que contribuyan a su estudio y comprensión; principalmente los elaborados a partir de las Tecnologías de la Informática y las Comunicaciones. La gran disponibilidad y variedad de dispositivos digitales que existe en la comunidad estudiantil justificó la elaboración de un software educativo para dispositivos móviles inteligentes como recurso para el aprendizaje del examen bucofacial, en la carrera de Estomatología. El software educativo fue diseñado mediante el programa Mobincube para sistemas operativos Android e iOS, teniendo en cuenta criterios pedagógicos, técnicos y económicos. El software educativo elaborado constituye una herramienta que facilita la adquisición, integración y sistematización de conocimientos importantes en la práctica clínica estomatológica, contribuyendo a una mejor preparación académica del futuro estomatólogo.

Abstract The human sulfatase HSulf-2 is one of only two known endosulfatases that play a decisive role in modulating the binding properties of heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. Recently, HSulf-2 was shown to exhibit an unusual post-translational modification consisting of a sulfated glycosaminoglycan chain. This study describes the structural characterization of this glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and provides new data on its impact on the catalytic properties of HSulf-2. The unrevealed nature of this GAG chain is identified as a chondroitin/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) mixed chain, as shown by mass spectrometry combined with NMR analysis. It consists primarily of 6-O and 4-O monosulfated disaccharide units, with a slight predominance of the 4-O-sulfation. Using atomic force microscopy, we show that this unique post-translational modification dramatically impacts the enzyme hydrodynamic volume. We identified human hyaluronidase-4 as a secreted hydrolase that can digest HSulf-2 GAG chain. We also showed that HSulf-2 is able to efficiently 6-O-desulfate antithrombin III binding pentasaccharide motif, and that this activity was enhanced upon removal of the GAG chain. Finally, we identified five N-glycosylation sites on the protein and showed that, although required, reduced N-glycosylation profiles were sufficient to sustain HSulf-2 integrity.

Abstract Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are powerful tools for investigating population structures, linkage analysis, and genome-wide association studies, as well as for breeding and population management. The availability of SNP markers has been limited to the most commercially important timber species, primarily due to the cost of genome sequencing required for SNP discovery. In this study, a combination of reference-based and reference-free approaches were used to identify SNPs in Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana), a species previously lacking genomic sequence information. Using a combination of a genome assembly of the closely related Silver fir (Abies alba) species and a de novo assembly of low-copy regions of the Nordmann fir genome, we identified a high density of reliable SNPs. Reference-based approaches identified two million SNPs in common between the Silver fir genome and low-copy regions of Nordmann fir. A combination of one reference-free and two reference-based approaches identified 250 shared SNPs. A subset of 200 SNPs were used to genotype 342 individuals and thereby tested and validated in the context of identity analysis and/or clone identification. The tested SNPs successfully identified all ramets per clone and five mislabeled individuals via identity and genomic relatedness analysis. The identified SNPs will be used in ad hoc breeding of Nordmann fir in Denmark.

A sudden, unexplained decline and collapse of young apple trees on dwarfing and semi-dwarfing rootstocks has been reported across North America over the past decade. Although viruses have been detected in declining trees, no information is available on their potential causal role in the decline phenomenon. To this end, virus-inoculated apple trees were established in a high-density experimental orchard and monitored over five years. Tree decline was observed in year 4 (2022), resulting in 17% mortality, with declining trees exhibiting marked vascular tissue necrosis. However, none of the eight viruses and one viroid detected in the experimental orchard was significantly more prevalent in declining trees. Extreme temperature fluctuations in January 2022, followed by a severe water deficit in summer 2022, were recorded at the experimental orchard. Similar but distinct observations were made in a nearby commercial orchard with foliar nutrient imbalances documented in trees exhibiting symptoms of rapid decline. Together, our findings suggest that viruses are not primarily responsible for the rapid decline phenomenon and highlight the need for future work to investigate the roles of tree physiology and water stress in tree decline, as well as the potential efficacy of horticultural mitigation practices.

Introduction: Lack of physical activity (PA) is associated with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Parenting practices influence PA in young children. However, there is little evidence available for adolescents. We examined whether parenting practices were associated with out-of-school PA (OSPA) in US adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional 2019 study analyzed data from the 2014 FLASHE study, a web-based, quota-sampled survey of parent–adolescent dyads. Inclusion required survey completion and parents to live with their teen (ages 12–17 y old). Physically limited adolescents were excluded. Dyads were stratified by teen age. Exposures included parental modeling, monitoring, facilitation, restriction, guided choice, and pressure. The outcomes of interest were OSPA Youth Activity Profile scores. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using adjusted logistic regressions. Results: A total of 1109 dyads were included. Guided choice increased odds of OSPA for 15- to 17-year-olds (OR = 2.12; 95% CI, 1.17–3.84). Facilitation increased odds of OSPA for 12- to 14-year-olds (OR = 2.21; 95% CI, 1.13–4.33). Monitoring decreased odds of OSPA for 15- to 17-year-olds (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.20–0.57) and 12- to 14-year-olds (OR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27–0.74). Friend support increased odds of OSPA in 15- to 17-year-olds (OR = 4.03; 95% CI, 2.29–7.08) and 12- to 14-year-olds (OR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.69–5.51). Conclusion: Future interventions should prioritize (1) shared decision making for older teens, (2) access to PA opportunities for younger adolescents, and (3) promoting peer PA and friend support for everyone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic vertebral artery dissections resulting in stroke are relatively rare occurrences, especially in the absence of classic physical examination findings. Case Report: We present the case of a 30-year-old male with chest pain following a car axle falling onto his chest while trying to change a tire. He was discharged from the emergency department after having a negative workup for thoracic injury. Six hours later, the patient returned with headache and was found to have a cerebellar stroke secondary to vertebral artery dissection. After hospitalization, the patient was discharged home without any neurological deficits. Conclusion: As they are usually asymptomatic, up to 80% of patients with blunt cerebrovascular injury will have delayed or missed diagnoses. Given the increased awareness of vascular injuries and their high morbidity, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for this diagnosis.

Larva is a cutaneous parasitic infection that occurs when an immature hookworm larva inadvertently penetrates the dermis of a human, typically on the extremities. Traditionally, a clinical diagnosis is made when a tortuous/ eruption is seen superficially in the skin with complaints of intense . Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic tool for soft tissue complaints in the emergency department (ED). We describe a case of an 18-year-old woman who presented to the ED with foot four days after walking on the beach barefoot. POCUS examination revealed several motile structures in the dermis of the patient’s foot, confirming our suspicion of cutaneous larva . The patient was then placed on an oral and her symptoms resolved shortly after.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pandemic-related life changes may have had a deleterious impact on suicidal behaviours. Early detection of suicidal ideation and identification of subgroups at increased risk could help prevent suicide, one of the leading causes of death among adolescents worldwide. Here, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal ideation in adolescents using a population-based sample from Switzerland, two years into the pandemic. METHODS: Between December 2021 and June 2022, adolescents aged 14 to 17 years already enrolled in a population-based cohort study (State of Geneva, Switzerland) were asked about suicidal ideation over the previous year. In addition to a regression model, we conducted a network analysis of exposures which identified direct and indirect risk factors for suicidal ideation (i.e. those connected through intermediate risk factors) using mixed graphical models. RESULTS: Among 492 adolescents, 14.4% (95% CI: 11.5–17.8) declared having experienced suicidal ideation over the previous year. Using network analysis, we found that high psychological distress, low self-esteem, identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual, suffering from bullying, extensive screen time and a severe COVID-19 pandemic impact were major risk factors for suicidal ideation, with parent-adolescent relationship having the highest centrality strength in the network. CONCLUSION: Our results show that a significant proportion of adolescents experience suicidal ideation, yet these rates are comparable with pre-pandemic results. Providing psychological support is fundamental, with a focus on improving parent-adolescent relationships.

The oomycete Phytophthora capsici is a destructive pathogen of a wide range of vegetable hosts, especially peppers and cucurbits. A 94.17-Mb genome assembly was constructed using PacBio and Illumina data and annotated with support from transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) reads.

Leaf-level gas exchange data support the mechanistic understanding of plant fluxes of carbon and water. These fluxes inform our understanding of ecosystem function, are an important constraint on parameterization of terrestrial biosphere models, are necessary to understand the response of plants to global environmental change, and are integral to efforts to improve crop production. Collection of these data using gas analyzers can be both technically challenging and time consuming, and individual studies generally focus on a small range of species, restricted time periods, or limited geographic regions. The high value of these data is exemplified by the many publications that reuse and synthesize gas exchange data, however the lack of metadata and data reporting conventions make full and efficient use of these data difficult. Here we propose a reporting format for leaf-level gas exchange data and metadata to provide guidance to data contributors on how to store data in repositories to maximize their discoverability, facilitate their efficient reuse, and add value to individual datasets. For data users, the reporting format will better allow data repositories to optimize data search and extraction, and more readily integrate similar data into harmonized synthesis products. The reporting format specifies data table variable naming and unit conventions, as well as metadata characterizing experimental conditions and protocols. For common data types that were the focus of this initial version of the reporting format, i.e., survey measurements, dark respiration, carbon dioxide and light response curves, and parameters derived from those measurements, we took a further step of defining required additional data and metadata that would maximize the potential reuse of those data types. To aid data contributors and the development of data ingest tools by data repositories we provided a translation table comparing the outputs of common gas exchange instruments. Extensive consultation with data collectors, data users, instrument manufacturers, and data scientists was undertaken in order to ensure that the reporting format met community needs. The reporting format presented here is intended to form a foundation for future development that will incorporate additional data types and variables as gas exchange systems and measurement approaches advance in the future. The reporting format is published in the U.S. Department of Energy's ESS-DIVE data repository, with documentation and future development efforts being maintained in a version control system.

Leaf-level gas exchange data support the mechanistic understanding of plant fluxes of carbon and water. These fluxes inform our understanding of ecosystem function, are an important constraint on parameterization of terrestrial biosphere models, are necessary to understand the response of plants to global environmental change, and are integral to efforts to improve crop production. Collection of these data using gas analyzers can be both technically challenging and time consuming, and individual studies generally focus on a small range of species, restricted time periods, or limited geographic regions. The high value of these data is exemplified by the many publications that reuse and synthesize gas exchange data, however the lack of metadata and data reporting conventions make full and efficient use of these data difficult. Here we propose a reporting format for leaf-level gas exchange data and metadata to provide guidance to data contributors on how to store data in repositories to maximize their discoverability, facilitate their efficient reuse, and add value to individual datasets. For data users, the reporting format will better allow data repositories to optimize data search and extraction, and more readily integrate similar data into harmonized synthesis products. The reporting format specifies data table variable naming and unit conventions, as well as metadata characterizing experimental conditions and protocols. For common data types that were the focus of this initial version of the reporting format, i.e., survey measurements, dark respiration, carbon dioxide and light response curves, and parameters derived from those measurements, we took a further step of defining required additional data and metadata that would maximize the potential reuse of those data types. To aid data contributors and the development of data ingest tools by data repositories we provided a translation table comparing the outputs of common gas exchange instruments. Extensive consultation with data collectors, data users, instrument manufacturers, and data scientists was undertaken in order to ensure that the reporting format met community needs. The reporting format presented here is intended to form a foundation for future development that will incorporate additional data types and variables as gas exchange systems and measurement approaches advance in the future. The reporting format is published in the U.S. Department of Energy's ESS-DIVE data repository, with documentation and future development efforts being maintained in a version control system.