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PremiseX-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) can be used to measure 3D leaf internal anatomy, providing a holistic view of tissue organization. Previously, the substantial time needed for segmenting multiple tissues limited this technique to small data sets, restricting its utility for phenotyping experiments and limiting our confidence in the inferences of these studies due to low replication numbers.Methods and resultsWe present a Python codebase for random forest machine learning segmentation and 3D leaf anatomical trait quantification that dramatically reduces the time required to process single-leaf microCT scans into detailed segmentations. By training the model on each scan using six hand-segmented image slices out of >1500 in the full leaf scan, it achieves >90% accuracy in background and tissue segmentation.ConclusionsOverall, this 3D segmentation and quantification pipeline can reduce one of the major barriers to using microCT imaging in high-throughput plant phenotyping.

Aboriginal Australians experience a high prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with high rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations. However, little is known about Aboriginal peoples' experiences of living with COPD and how they navigate health care systems. This study used thematic analysis and Aboriginal methodology to explore Aboriginal peoples' lived experiences of COPD, their health care journey from receiving a diagnosis of COPD to the clinical management, and the impact of COPD on their daily lives. We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews over a 6-month period with 18 Aboriginal adults diagnosed with COPD from four Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in New South Wales, Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to ensure rigour. The findings revealed deeply personal and reflective stories shaped by historical, social, and cultural realities of Aboriginal peoples living with COPD. Four themes were identified characterising their experiences. Based on the findings, the following guidance is provided on future COPD care for Aboriginal peoples: Better alignment of existing COPD management with Aboriginal peoples' cultural contexts and perspectives to improve access to culturally safe care; Increased funding for ACCHS to enhance COPD management, such as early detection through case finding and access to ACCHS-led pulmonary rehabilitation; Engaging family members in COPD management and providing culturally centred COPD education that facilitates discussions and builds health literacy and self-management skills; Implementing health promotion initiatives to increase awareness and counteract fear and shame to improve early COPD detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In clinical chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, one of the strongest correlates of favorable patient responses is lower levels of differentiation in T cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) starting material or the CAR T cell product. T cells from older patients are inherently more differentiated, but we hypothesised that specific activation protocols could be used to limit CAR T cell differentiation during manufacturing, particularly in older patients. Methods: We used PBMCs from young (20–30 years old) and older (60+ years old) healthy donors to generate CAR T cells using two activation protocols: soluble anti‐(α) CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) vs immune complexes of αCD3 and αCD28 mAbs. Products were assessed for yield, function and differentiation, which was used as a measure of CAR T cell quality. T cells in PBMCs were assessed for CD28 expression and correlative analyses were performed. Results: Older samples generated fewer, more differentiated CAR T cells than young samples, and the αCD3/CD28 mAb protocol exacerbated this, further reducing yield and quality. CD28 expression by T cells correlated with CAR T cell differentiation, but T cell differentiation in PBMC starting material was a stronger correlate of CAR T cell differentiation. Conclusions: Choice of activation protocol can substantially impact on the yield and quality of CAR T cells during manufacturing. This is a key consideration for older patients whose samples already generate a poorer yield and lower quality of CAR T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adults (EAs) are at high risk for mental health challenges and frequently reach out to their parents for support. Yet little is known about how parents help emerging adults manage and cope with daily stressors and which strategies help and which hinder EA mental health. In this cross‐sectional pilot study of students at a 2‐ and 4‐year college (ages 18–25, N = 680, mean age = 19.0), we extend models of dyadic coping from intimate relationships to the parent‐emerging adult relationship and test whether six specific parent strategies to help emerging adults manage stress are associated with EA mental health. Emerging adults with parents who provided problem and emotion‐focused supportive dyadic coping, delegated dyadic coping, and common/joint dyadic coping reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as higher levels of psychological well‐being. In contrast, college‐attending emerging adults who reported higher levels of parent‐provided negative dyadic coping reported higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower psychological well‐being. Parent‐emerging adult dyadic coping is a fruitful area for future research and intervention development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social work educators teach cultural competency and guide students to understand and address racism. Using mixed methods, we explored the influence of a one-semester course on racial attitudes, skills, and knowledge among 10 diverse undergraduate students. The "Seeing White" podcast delivered content about historic and systemic race-based oppression and discrimination in American society. Students participated in seminars, maintained reflective journals, and wrote a self-analysis paper to integrate learning. Findings indicate increased knowledge and understanding of key concepts and a commitment to respond to institutional racism. Implications for social work education suggest the need for humility and a willingness for educators and institutions to share power. Ideas for course work on racism are provided.