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Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancers and many cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx. The HPV vaccine provides protection to all adolescents from a broad spectrum of cancers, yet HPV vaccination rates remain lower than those of other routine vaccines. Developing effective HPV vaccine interventions is particularly important in rural areas, whose residents have lower rates of HPV vaccination and higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality; however, interventional research in these populations is relatively limited. Furthermore, though rural areas are heterogeneous in many regards, few interventions engage stakeholders to develop community-specific solutions to overcome obstacles associated with HPV vaccination. Based on a review of existing literature, we recommend a multicomponent peer-based approach that includes school-based vaccination and awareness, parental involvement, and stakeholder engagement to increase HPV vaccination in rural areas, and we provide an example of such an intervention in rural Vermont.

During the pandemic, many older adults felt out of place in their home, work, and community spaces with potentially long-term consequences for health and wellbeing. Using national data from the COVID-19 Coping Study, thematic analysis of online long-answer responses (n = 1171; mean age 68 years; 71% female; 93% non-Hispanic White; 86% with at least a 4-year college degree; data collected April-June 2022) identified four themes regarding why particular places are challenging since the pandemic onset: (1) viral exposure fears, (2) frustrating regulations, (3) uncomfortable and hostile social dynamics, and (4) out of place negative emotions. Participants also shared how they continuously address or adapt to place-based challenges through lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies. Novel findings may inform multi-scalar policymaking and interventions to support wellbeing in later life in times of stress and instability.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a web-based platform for parents to support preschoolers' development of physical literacy. Specifically, this intervention focused on children's motor and social-emotional skill development. Twenty parents (M[subscript age] = 35.7, SD = 4.2) of preschool-aged children (M[subscript age] = 4.1, SD = 0.6) were assigned three intervention modules and completed weekly usage and feedback questionnaires (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Parents (n = 15) also completed a follow-up interview. Parents indicated the modules were useable (4.5/5), useful (4.5/5), feasible (4.4/5), enjoyable (4.5/5), and acceptable (4.5/5). Five themes underlying parental engagement were generated: (a) "activity organization and planning," (b) "(de)motivators," (c) "parent knowledge and skills," (d) "experience with the platform," and (e) "application to everyday routines." The online modules under investigation were deemed both acceptable and feasible by parents. However, factors such as time and knowledge may impact parental engagement at home. Future research is needed to better understand the antecedents to parent physical literacy support behaviors in the early years.

An external focus of attention and autonomy support are identified as key factors to optimize motor learning; however, research in children is limited. Moreover, research has failed to examine these factors in ecologically valid motor learning settings, like physical education. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of external focus of attention when delivered using autonomy-supportive or controlling instructional language on children's motor learning. Thirty-three novice participants (10.30 ± 0.52 years) practiced a land-based curling task under supportive (external-focus instructions delivered with supportive language), controlling (external-focus instructions delivered with controlling language), or neutral (external instructions embedded in the task aim) conditions before completing a retention and transfer test. The supportive group produced higher positive affect after practice and greater accuracy in the retention test compared with the other groups. The findings provide support for the OPTIMAL (optimizing performance through intrinsic motivation and attention for learning) theory of motor learning that combining an external focus and autonomy support conditions improves motor learning.

Choroid plexus carcinomas (CPC) are early childhood cancers characterized by loss of TP53 function and poor survival. We are analyzing data on TP53 status, survival, and second cancers from the largest cohort of CPC receiving chemotherapy followed by consolidation with marrow-ablative chemotherapy (HDCx). Additionally, we discuss the rationale for targeted therapies for CPC patients. Currently, 8 of the 13 with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome-associated CPC were treated and continued CPC-free, indicating that HDCx improves CPC-free survival in young children with TP53-mutated CPC. These data justify the inclusion of HDCx in the planned prospective international trial for children with TP53-mutated CPC.

Soil fungi belonging to different functional guilds, such as saprotrophs, pathogens, and mycorrhizal symbionts, play key roles in forest ecosystems. To date, no study has compared the actual gene expression of these guilds in different forest soils. We used metatranscriptomics to study the competition for organic resources by these fungal groups in boreal, temperate, and Mediterranean forest soils. Using a dedicated mRNA annotation pipeline combined with the JGI MycoCosm database, we compared the transcripts of these three fungal guilds, targeting enzymes involved in C- and N mobilization from plant and microbial cell walls. Genes encoding enzymes involved in the degradation of plant cell walls were expressed at a higher level in saprotrophic fungi than in ectomycorrhizal and pathogenic fungi. However, ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi showed similarly high expression levels of genes encoding enzymes involved in fungal cell wall degradation. Transcripts for N-related transporters were more highly expressed in ectomycorrhizal fungi than in other groups. We showed that ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi compete for N in soil organic matter, suggesting that their interactions could decelerate C cycling. Metatranscriptomics provides a unique tool to test controversial ecological hypotheses and to better understand the underlying ecological processes involved in soil functioning and carbon stabilization.

There is concern that the time taken to publish academic papers in microbiological science has significantly increased in recent years. While the data do not specifically support this, evidence suggests that editors are having to invite more and more reviewers to identify those willing to perform peer review.

Abstract The oxalate-carbonate pathway (OCP) involves degradation of soil oxalate to carbonate. To exploit and manage this natural mineralization of assimilated atmospheric CO2 into stable carbonates, improved understanding of this complex biotransformation process is needed. A strain of oxalate-degrading bacteria, Azospirillum sp. OX-1, was isolated from soil, and its secondary products of calcium oxalate degradation were analyzed and characterized using SEM, XRD, TG/DTG-DTA and FTIR-spectroscopy. The molecular mechanism of calcium oxalate degradation was also analyzed using proteomics. The results showed, for the first time, that OX-1 could not only degrade calcium oxalate to calcium carbonate, but also that the process was accompanied by synthesis of methane. Proteomic analysis demonstrated that OX-1 has a dual enzyme system for calcium oxalate degradation, using formyl-CoA transferase (FRC) and thiamine pyrophosphate (ThDP)-dependent oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (OXC) to form calcium carbonate. Up-regulated expression of enzymes related to methane synthesis was also detected during calcium oxalate degradation. Since methane is also a potent greenhouse gas, these new results suggest that the utility of exploiting the OCP to reduce atmospheric CO2 must be re-evaluated and that further studies should be conducted to reveal how widespread the methane producing capacity of strain OX-1 is in other bacteria and soil environments.

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) interact with their surroundings via integrins, which link to the actin cytoskeleton and translate physical cues into biochemical signals through mechanotransduction. N-cadherins enable cell-cell communication and are also linked to the cytoskeleton. This crosstalk between integrins and cadherins modulates MSC mechanotransduction and fate. Here we show the role of this crosstalk in the mechanosensing of viscosity using supported lipid bilayers as substrates of varying viscosity. We functionalize these lipid bilayers with adhesion peptides for integrins (RGD) and N-cadherins (HAVDI), to demonstrate that integrins and cadherins compete for the actin cytoskeleton, leading to an altered MSC mechanosensing response. This response is characterised by a weaker integrin adhesion to the environment when cadherin ligation occurs. We model this competition via a modified molecular clutch model, which drives the integrin/cadherin crosstalk in response to surface viscosity, ultimately controlling MSC lineage commitment.

Abstract Type-H capillary endothelial cells control bone formation during embryogenesis and postnatal growth but few signalling mechanisms underpinning this influence have been characterised. Here, we identify a highly expressed type-H endothelial cell protein, Clec14a, and explore its role in coordinating osteoblast activity. Expression of Clec14a and its ligand, Mmrn2 are high in murine type-H endothelial cells but absent from osteoblasts. Clec14a −/− mice have premature condensation of the type-H vasculature and expanded distribution of osteoblasts and bone matrix, increased long-bone length and bone density indicative of accelerated skeletal development, and enhanced osteoblast maturation. Antibody-mediated blockade of the Clec14a-Mmrn2 interaction recapitulates the Clec14a −/− phenotype. Endothelial cell expression of Clec14a regulates osteoblast maturation and mineralisation activity during postnatal bone development in mice. This finding underscores the importance of type-H capillary control of osteoblast activity in bone formation and identifies a novel mechanism that mediates this vital cellular crosstalk.

Abstract Background Legal-involved veterans with opioid use disorder (OUD) have lower receipt of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) than other veterans served at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). This qualitative study examined the influence of the criminal justice system on access to MOUD for legal-involved veterans in the U.S. Methods VHA facilities (n = 14) that varied in their provision of MOUD to legal-involved veterans were selected for qualitative interviews. Interviewees included legal-involved veterans (n = 18), VHA Veterans Justice Programs Specialists (n = 15), substance use disorder treatment providers (n = 5), and criminal justice staff (n = 12). Team members applied codes to meaningful units of analysis (quotations) in the transcribed interviews. Using a matrix approach, team members created a spreadsheet matrix with codes, facility rate of MOUD, and relevant quotations summarized for each participant. Themes and connections between individual participants and cross-interview concepts were explored. Participants were not asked to provide feedback on the findings. Results Themes identified were as follows: (1) Veterans Treatment Court policies both enhanced and limited MOUD treatment access and utilization among participants; (2) cross-system collaboration strengths and challenges existed; and (3) criminal justice system treatment preferences and policies both enhanced and limited MOUD in jails and prisons. Conclusions The influence of the criminal justice system on MOUD has led to variable access to MOUD for legal-involved veterans. Our findings can help inform recommendations to enhance access to MOUD for veterans within the criminal justice system, including the development of a national database of MOUD education materials for Veterans Treatment Courts, strengthening community-court relationships, allowing individuals to use their own healthcare coverage within jails and prisons and extend Medicaid coverage into criminal justice settings, and applying national quality measures for MOUD to criminal justice settings and develop a national system for tracking these quality measures.

Abstract Mantle plumes are responsible for the Earth’s largest volcanic provinces. In the prevailing paradigm, the deep mantle is less degassed than convecting shallow mantle, implying that plume-derived lavas have higher concentrations of primordial volatiles such as helium (He). Demonstrating this has led to explanations that question the established Earth model. Here, we show that the 3He/4He of basalts from the Red Sea display coherent relationships with trace elements, allowing the helium concentration of the Afar plume to be calculated. Contrary to the prevailing model it appears the helium concentration of the Afar plume is 10-25% of the upper mantle. This contradiction is resolved if the plume material itself is a mixture of helium-rich high-3He/4He deep mantle with helium-depleted low-3He/4He recently subducted oceanic crust. This implies that helium-depleted domains may exist in convecting mantle and that moderately high 3He/4He plumes likely do not contain a notable contribution of the deep mantle.

Abstract Background The recent crises of bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the southeast coast of Australia were unprecedented in their extent and intensity. Few studies have investigated responses to cumulative disasters in First Nations communities, despite acknowledgement that these crises disproportionately impact First Nations people. This study was conducted by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers in partnership with Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). It investigated the collective experiences of people affected by cumulative disasters to identify the practices that support healing, and recovery for Aboriginal communities. The study addresses a knowledge gap of how Waminda, designs, manages and delivers responses to address complex health and social issues in the context of cumulative disasters. Methods Underpinned by practice theory this study employed Indigenous-informed, narrative inquiry. Culturally-appropriate, multiple interpretive methods were used to collect data including: observations; yarns with Aboriginal community members, yarns with Waminda practitioners, management and board members; interviews-to-the-double, visual images and documentation. The data were collated and analysed using the phases of reflexive thematic analysis. Results The paper articulates a suite of culturally safe and place-based practices that enhance social, emotional and spiritual well-being following cumulative disasters. These practice bundles include: adopting a Country-centred conception of local communities; being community-led; viewing care as a collective, relational, sociomaterial accomplishment and having fluid boundaries. These practice bundles ‘hang together’ through organising practices including the Waminda Model of Care, staff wellbeing framework and emergency management plan which orient action and manage risks. The paper demonstrates the need for disaster responses to be community-led and culturally situated. ACCHOs are shown to play a crucial role, and their local responses to immediate community needs are grounded in contextual knowledge and use existing resources rather than relying on mainstream system-wide interventions. Conclusions The paper suggests crafting responses that focus on assisting communities (re)gain their sense of belonging, hope for the future, control over their lives and their capacities to care for and to be cared for by Country, are key to both enhancing healing, health and well-being and harnessing the strengths of communities.

Abstract Background Adrenal tumours are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In the literature, most studies use the clinical definition of FAP (more than 100 adenomatous polyps found in endoscopic studies). However, not all patients that meet clinical criteria for FAP carry pathogenic mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, as there is genetic heterogeneity responsible for FAP with the polyposis sometimes explained by genetic and environmental factors other than pathogenic APC mutations. Reciprocally, not all the patients with pathogenic APC variants will fulfil the classic criteria of FAP. Objective This study aims to investigate the characteristics of adrenal tumours in patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants and explore the hormonal function of these patients. Method This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants were recruited and their radiological assessments were reviewed. Patient demographic data, APC variants, adrenal mass characteristics and hormonal testing results were collected. Result The prevalence of adrenal mass was 26.7% (24/90) among patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic APC variants. Using the classic definition, the prevalence was 32.4% (22/68). Four patients had adrenal hormone testing, two of which had Conn’s syndrome and two had nonspecific subclinical results. Conclusion In our cohort, the prevalence of adrenal tumours among patients with pathogenic and likely pathogenic APC mutations is at least twice to three times higher than the general population prevalence reported from international population-based studies. The hormonal functions of patients with pathogenic APC variants and adrenal tumours can be investigated with routine testing in further research.