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‘What’s in a name? fit-for-purpose bacterial nomenclature’: meeting report
Full text linkRapid and economical DNA sequencing has resulted in a revolution in phylogenomics. The impact of changes in nomenclature can be perceived as an absolute necessity of scientific rigour, coupled with the slight inconvenience of needing to re-learn names. In relation to practical aspects of microbiology, for example, infectious disease diagnosis, there may, however, be potential dangers. Historically, prokaryote classification has been based on multiple metabolic, physiological, biochemical and descriptive characteristics combined with the environmental source. Whole-genome sequence data have transformed our ability to determine evolutionary relationships. In addition, metagenomic and metataxonomic sequencing have resulted in the discovery of novel microbes, many of which are yet to be cultured. As a result, occasional name changes and additional prokaryote discoveries have accelerated at an unprecedented pace. Herein is a report of a Microbiology Society supported meeting of representatives of the communities of specialist taxonomists, phylogeneticists and applied microbiologists. Discussion included: recent advances in phylogenomics and the potential impact of nomenclature change on practical microbiology, e.g. plant pathology, food security, industrial microbiology, clinical microbiology and infectious diseases; the need, or lack thereof, for wider consideration and consultation prior to nomenclature change proposals which impact on practical microbiology; the application of the intricate and highly necessary rules of prokaryote nomenclature, which sometimes appear unfathomable to the non-specialist; and genome-based phylogenomics and the relationship with the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes. The meeting resulted in the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee for Mitigating Changes in Prokaryotic Nomenclature under the auspices of the International Committee on Systematics for Prokaryotes
Stable isotope analysis successfully identifies wild-caught individuals of threatened Asian freshwater turtles in illegal trade
Full text linkLaundering of wild-caught animals as captive-bred is a frequent practice in the illegal wildlife trade. Stable isotope analysis is a promising tool for distinguishing wild and captive-bred animals. We use Hong Kong freshwater turtles to test the effectiveness of using stable isotopes to differentiate wild and captive-bred individuals. In this study, we compared five stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, δ2H, and δ18O) in claw samples across four highly threatened species: Cuora trifasciata, Mauremys reevesii, Platysternon megacephalum, and Sacalia bealei. We found non-overlapping δ13C and δ15N values for all species; combined δ13C and δ15N isotopic profiles resulted in a 100 % accuracy in identifying the sources of turtles. Through repeated sampling of seized P. megacephalum, we estimate 95 % turnover rates of 46.3 months for δ13C and 32.8 months for δ15N, suggesting that wild-caught individuals can be identified up to two years after capture. Lastly, we apply the stable isotope method in true wildlife seizures. These seizures are unique because some individuals possessed microchips from our long-term population study, so were unambiguously from the wild. The isotopic profiles of seized turtles clustered with those of wild populations, providing forensic evidence that supported the prosecution of suspects for illegal trade and/or possession. Overall, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of δ13C and δ15N in differentiating wild and captive freshwater turtles. We advocate for using isotopic profiling in future seizures and expanding its application to more taxa and geographic locations to support wildlife trade management and prevent illegal exploitation of wild organisms globally
Decarbonization or Demise – Sustainable Solutions for Resilient Communities: Selected Papers from the International Conference of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) 2023
No full textThe International Conference for Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) brings together experts from around the world to focus on changes required to minimize the impact of human activity on the environment. The research presented at the conference directly addresses the imperatives faced in addressing the climate crisis, whether through technological transformation, community collaboration, or resource management – all vital issues when changing and challenging practices within our built environment. The SEEDS Conference is designed to share the knowledge and experience needed to implement research and evidence-based societal change to respond to and address ecological and climate impacts
A diagnostic radiographer's experiences of using ethnography and observation within radiography research
Full text linkObjectives
This article outlines the use of ethnography as a qualitative research methodology and one of the key data collection methods that is used in ethnographic studies, observation. This is explored in the context of the researcher's doctoral study.
Ethnography and observation will be discussed in relation to research within radiography and their application within qualitative research studies.
Key findings
The author uses examples from their own work to illustrate the strengths and challenges of undertaking an ethnographic study using observation within a diagnostic imaging department.
Conclusion
Ethnography and observation can be utilised to highlight the professional culture of a group of people and uncover some of the unknown behaviours that may be exhibited.
Implications for practice
Ethnography is a useful methodology within radiography research which can be utilised when behaviours and norms are of interest
Word of important events
No full textThe narrative for this video was built upon a horoscope for the world found in an an old newspaper. It builds a speculative future that nearly exists today. This absurdist fiction is assembled from generating and obliterating images gathered from multiple colliding sources in a process inspired by the creation of the monster in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein – The Modern Prometheus
Survivin as a promising biomarker for patients under IL17 RA inhibitor therapy: a single-center, pilot study
Full text linkBackground
Tissue and blood survivin overexpression has been associated with psoriasis.
Objectives
To evaluate the effect of brodalumab therapy on survivin expression in blood samples and tissue biopsies.
Methods
Peripheral blood samples and skin biopsies were obtained from 16 psoriatic patients and 16 healthy controls. Clinical scores (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI] and Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]) were recorded at 0, 3, and 12 months. Serum and tissue survivin expression were examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.
Results
Brodalumab produced a remarkable clinical response at 3 and 12 months compared to baseline (median PASI score change: −10.6 [ Q 1– Q 3: −11.4, −8.1], p < 0.001 and −12.3 [ Q 1– Q 3: −14.8, −11.0], p < 0.001, respectively, and mean DLQI score reduction: 13.1 ± 3.1, p < 0.001 and 15.1 ± 2.5, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant reduction in tissue survivin was found in psoriatic skin at 12 months ( p = 0.046). The median difference in tissue survivin between the two groups at baseline was also statistically significant ( p < 0.001), showing higher levels in the psoriasis group. Similarly, the mean difference between tissue survivin levels at baseline and 12 months was statistically significant ( p < 0.001, 95% CI of 0.034 [0.022, 0.047]). At 12 months, serum survivin decreased significantly compared to baseline, in the psoriasis group ( p = 0.004, 95% CI 11.2 [4.2, 18.1]). A moderate to strong negative correlation was found between the change in serum survivin levels and the change in DLQI at 3 months ( p = 0.020).
Conclusions
Our study provides the first evidence that serum and tissue survivin may serve as a potential biomarker in patients treated with brodalumab treatment
The power of practice
No full textThis chapter explores the central role of practice in nursing and midwifery education, examining its impact on students, professional identity and higher education staff. It builds on an article first published in 2024, which focused on the midwifery education workforce, to include nursing in an analysis of the impact of the transition from the pre-2019 mentorship model to the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment (SSSA). The discussion highlights both the benefits and challenges of the new framework such as improved objectivity on the one hand, but reduced continuity and increased academic workloads on the other.
Using Acker’s Theory of Gendered Organisation, the chapter examines the transition from clinical practice to academia, where nursing and midwifery lecturers reform their professional identity, whilst providing much of the same emotional labour with students as they may have done with patients and women in clinical roles. It questions whether nursing and midwifery education are distinct from other academic fields due to the regulatory and pastoral demands arising from practice exposure. By addressing these tensions, the chapter calls for systemic changes, improved student and educator support and better resource allocation to bridge the divide between academia and clinical practice.
This chapter situates the importance of this book within a broader political and economic context, addressing the impact of neoliberal marketisation on higher education and healthcare, the casualisation of the (largely female) workforce, and the growing rollback of women’s rights globally. We explore the intersections of gender, race, and class in shaping professional experiences before acknowledging our own positionalities and the challenges of curating diverse perspectives while striving for authenticity and cohesion
Why we need to celebrate women in nursing and midwifery HE
No full textOur last chapter will bring together elements of the previous discussions to show why we need to celebrate women in higher education (HE). One way we do this is by moving away from referencing conventions and using authors first and last names if they are women. There are good reasons for this, as you will read in the chapter. Our book has used personal experiences, linked to the wider body of evidence and theory to highlight the unique perspectives and challenges that nursing and midwifery academics inhabit. In doing so we hope to reach a deeper understanding of who and what material we are drawing on to educate our nursing and midwifery students. We examine the type of curriculum and content needed not only to celebrate women’s experiences but also to make a positive impact on the learners and ensure social justice is at the heart of what we teach. Overall, we aim to summarise how in raising women’s voices, making the issues we experience, personal and professional, more visible and celebrating other women in our professional groups and HE we contribute to the future development and progress of all
Healthcare professionals and physical activity, working together for exercise referral: a scoping review
Full text linkAbstract Aim
To explore how healthcare professionals collaborate in the context of exercise referral, the supporting mechanisms for this and how specialised physical activity (PA) programmes are designed and delivered, to promote PA in patients and the wider community.
Subject and methods
This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, and SCOPUS databases were searched to identify literature, within the scope of the research questions, published from 1st January 2013 to 23rd October 2023. Data was extracted using a standardised data charting form, all authors were involved in thematically and visually representing the data, and a narrative synthesis summarised the evidence.
Results
Thirty-nine studies were included in this review. Three themes were identified in relation to the research questions: 1) confidence of health care professionals (HCPs); 2) person-centred approaches; 3) joined-up systems. Sub-themes were identified within these three broader themes.
Conclusion
The findings of this review highlight the need to move beyond viewing exercise referral schemes (ERS) as a linear referral pathway and instead conceptualise it as a dynamic, interconnected network embedded within the wider system (i.e., healthcare, leisure, community). Ongoing collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and feedback mechanisms are essential to building and maintaining trust, increasing awareness, and ensuring referral pathways remain both active and effective. A more connected and adaptive approach to ERS can better support diverse needs, reduce inequalities, and facilitate sustained long-term PA behaviour change