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Expanding methanogenic consortia resilience: The role of trace element interactions, electroactive taxa, and molecular stress responses
No full textIn current times, anaerobic digestion is a relevant technology to push the bio economy into its phase of high productivity, and to support a just transition. The sustainable production of biogas is centrally a microbial process. These processes are amenable to instability caused by disturbances and perturbations. For example, trace element imbalance and organic rate overload. In attempts to improve the methane yields while encountering complex process challenges, stability boosting strategies have been extensively studied. While, trace element dosing is essential for anaerobic digestion, the synergistic and antagonistic effects are not well understood. Additionally, the involvement of electroactive taxa in methanogen resilience and molecular markers underpinning microbial adaptation to stressed conditions remain mostly unexplored. This thesis aims to uncover the functional role of trace element mixtures, electroactive microbes and molecular markers in raising methanogen resilience when exposed to stress.
Major microbial community members have been identified, yet the main microbes arising to the occasion of process disruptions are syntrophic propionate oxidising bacteria (SPOB). The bipartite syntrophic breakdown of propionate to hydrogen, CO2 and, methane, takes place at the brink of thermodynamic equilibrium, consequently leading to low energy gains. Since, the resilience of this process relies heavily on enhanced interspecies electron transfer (IET) between the partners. The key to strengthening methanogen resilience identified were improving routes of IET, bio-augmentation of microbes, addition of conductive materials and process adjustments (low organic loading rates, metal supplementation). Three main effectors of methanogenic resilience were selected and individually scrutinised in this thesis.
The first experimental chapter examined the exposure of methanogenic granules to a trace element (TE) mixture alongside molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) or selenium (Se) would impact (i) extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) protein and carbohydrate content, (ii) microbial composition, and (iii) putative metabolic function. The results showed that, Mo and W increased the concentration of soluble Fe in abiotic controls, enhancing Fe retention. The presence of W, Mo, W+Se, and Se had a positive effect on methane production, with W+Se and W enhancing acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Additionally, Se increased EPS protein and carbohydrate contents in the biomass. Shifts in the microbiome composition were mainly driven by Mo and Se, which typically enriched Capriciproducens, Macelibacteroides and Clostridium sensu stricto 5 taxa. Functional analysis suggested an enrichment of nucleotide metabolism and, importantly, Vitamin (B12, B6 and B9) metabolic potential. The main takeaway was that
Fe dynamics dictates the retained concentration of Mo, W, and W+Se, this is essential to optimize methane production through tailored metal supplementation combinations.
The second experimental chapter assessed the stress mitigation capacity electroactive taxa provides to propionate oxidation and methanogenesis processes after trace element overdoses. Duplicate reactors from propionate enrichment (PE) and electroactive enrichment (EE) group after 62-day trail time, showed that EE reactors improved faster from TE-induced performance decline, achieving higher propionate elimination (75% vs 57%) and superior specific methanogenic activity after 33 days. Notably, EE biomass retained significantly more tungsten (290 vs 45.7 mg W kg-1) than PE. The basis for this was linked to the (i) differential enrichment of Uncultured Geobacteracea, (ii) enhanced mcrA expression (iii) putative cytochrome-based respiration, and (iv) putative heme and co-factor biosynthesis. This demonstrated that ethanol-fed Geobacteracae can significantly enhance W and Co retention and stabilise propionate oxidation and methanogenesis under severe TE stress. Given longer recovery time, complete rescue of reactor would be possible. The indication that electroactive taxa aided methanogen robustness was critical. However, since the reactor biomass deteriorated, it would prove difficult to identify the responsible modules.
The third experimental chapter attempted to identify how electroactive taxa & direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) specific genes propel propionate oxidisers & methanogens under pulsed metal dosing conditions. Duplicate reactor set up in groups named; propionate enrichment (PE) and electroactive enrichment (EE). The results showed that after 49 days, 8 metal pulses (2 mg L-1/week), and test reactors maintained optimal sCOD removal and methane production with increased methyl-dependent methanogenesis. W, Mn, Se dosing increased W retention (52 vs 30 mg W kg-1, p>0.01). EE reactor biomass produced methane even when exposed to 80X metal dosing concentration, while PE failed to do so. Key metagenome-assemebled genomes identified were Smithellaceae, Syntrophobacter (propionate oxidizer), Methanothrix, Methanospirillum (methanogen), and Geobacteraceae (electroactive). Metagenomes revealed the presence of type 4 secretion system, type 4 pili (two-component system) TCS, CO2 reduction genes and EPS/ Lipopolysacchride (LPS) modification modules. Geobacteraceae facilitated, W-based promotion of methanogenesis, IC50 elevation, through probable mechanisms that retrofit existing methanogens as DIET capable were observed in chapter 3 and 4.
Finally, in the fourth experimental chapter, the utility of selected DIET-related genes (pilA and hgtR) was tested against established markers (16S rRNA and mcrA), to determine their responses. To our knowledge, this chapter investigates for the first time the response of a metabolic gene panel to organic loading rate (OLR) stress in propionate-
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degrading methanogenic consortia in lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors. The experimental phases included stabilisation (1.4–2.8 g COD/L/day), electroactive enrichment, OLR shock (6 g COD/L/day), and early recovery. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the abundance of key functional genes (16S rRNA, mcrA, pilA, and hgtR). During stabilisation, ~200 mL CH4/h was produced, the mcrA/16S rRNA ratio was 0.78–2.64, and pilA and hgtR abundances were 1.29–2.27 × 105 and 2.12–4.37 × 104 copies/gVS. Following the OLR shock, methane production ceased entirely, accompanied by a sharp decline in the mcrA/16S ratio (0.08–0.24) and significant reductions in pilA (1.43-log) and hgtR (1.34-log) abundance. Partial recovery of pilA and hgtR abundance (1.19 × 105 and 8.57 × 104) was observed in the control reactor after the early recovery phase. The results highlight the utility of mcrA, 16S rRNA, pilA, and associated ratios, as reliable indicators of OLR stress in lab-scale UASB reactors. This chapter advanced the understanding of molecular stress responses in propionate-degrading methanogenic consortia and mainly focused on DIET in recognising process stability and recovery.
In summary, this PhD thesis provided theoretical and practical insights to the potential routes of augmenting methanogenicHorizon 2020 Marie Sklowdowska Curie Innovative Training Network m2Ex EJD Grant Agreement No 861088.
This research was conducted within European Union’s Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant (No 861088): M2ex “Exploiting metal-microbe applications to expand the circular economy
Role of frailty in assessing eligibility for CAR T-cell therapy in haematology
No full textBackground and Objectives
Frailty is a key consideration in determining whether a patient is robust enough for CAR T-cell therapy; however, it should not represent a barrier to treatment. Our study aimed to describe the extent of research concerning frailty in haematology adult and paediatric patients being considered for CAR T-cell therapy and its potential impact on their eligibility.
Methods
Following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we adopted a scoping review methodology. Our search was conducted across the databases CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, clinicaltrials.gov, clinical trials register.eu, and euclinicaltrials.eu for studies published from 2017 to March 2nd 2024. Studies were screened by independent teams of reviewers using the web application Rayyan.
Results
Our review included 12 studies, with varied study designs. No study in a pediatric CAR T-cell setting was found. A wide variation in assessing frailty before CAR T-cell therapy was evident, with ECOG being the most frequently used assessment tool.
Conclusions
An appropriate frailty assessment before CAR T-cell therapy promotes the productive use of resources and proper patient selection. Using a geriatric assessment and incorporating an assessment tool such as the CAR HEMATOTOX has the potential for assessing frail CAR T-cell therapy patients
Twenty years of nurse-led research in hemato-oncology: A mapping review
No full textObjectives
Nurse-led research in hemato-oncology is diverse, but its nature and extent are unknown. This review aimed to identify and map nurse-led research in hemato-oncology over 20 years (2004-2024) to highlight under-researched gaps, describe methodological and topic trends, and allow comparison between geographical regions.
Methods
A mapping review was undertaken following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Five databases were systematically searched: Medline (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase (Elsevier), ProQuest, and Scopus (Elsevier). Independent screening and data extraction were undertaken on the web-based platform Covidence.
Results
A total of 1,916 sources were included (n = 1,618 journal publications; n = 262 published conference abstracts; n = 36 doctoral dissertations). The most common methodology was non-experimental (60.5%), followed by qualitative (19.2%), experimental (12.5%), evidence syntheses (6.3%), and mixed methods (1.5%). Most of the studies were undertaken by nurses working in the USA, followed by nurses in China, Türkiye, Canada, Australia and Iran. Studies in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult settings represented 42.4% of the included studies. A high number of studies undertaken in hematopoietic stem cell transplant settings were found.
Conclusions
The number of research studies led by nurses in hemato-oncology settings, particularly in the USA, is upward. Most of the research undertaken has adopted a descriptive quantitative methodology. More interventional research is needed to contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge that enhances the quality of care for individuals affected by blood cancer across the disease trajectory.
Implications for Nursing Practice
To support more nurse-led interventional research, strategic investment in mentorship, protected research time, interdisciplinary collaboration, structured clinical-academic posts, and funding pathways is neede
Association of lipid-lowering therapy with dementia and cognitive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground and objectives
Lipid-lowering agents are effective in reducing cardiovascular risk, but their effect on cognitive impairment and dementia is uncertain. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether lipid-lowering therapy, compared to control, was associated with a reduction in risk of dementia or cognitive impairment.
Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing lipid-lowering therapy to control that reported dementia or change in cognitive scores, adhering to the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. A random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate a pooled treatment-effect. The primary outcome measure was incident cognitive impairment or dementia.
Results
Twenty randomised controlled trials were eligible for inclusion, 15 trials (n = 139 169 participants) reported dementia or cognitive impairment on follow-up (primary outcome) and nine trials (n = 32 370) reported on change in cognitive score. The mean (SD) age of trial participants was 65.4 (5.06) years in the intervention arm and 65.4 (5.03) in the control arm. Lipid-lowering therapy compared with control was not associated with a significant reduction in dementia or cognitive impairment (1.33% vs 1.36% over a mean trial follow-up of 34.5 months; Odds Ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.74–1.26). Heterogeneity was moderate (I2 = 37.6%). There was no significant association amongst drug classes (Statin; OR 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67–1.21, PCSK9 inhibitor: OR 1.77; 95% CI, 0.46–6.83, Other: OR 0.85; 0.61–1.17).
Discussion
In this meta-analysis of over 100 000 participants, lipid-lowering therapy was not significantly associated with a lower risk of incident cognitive impairment or dementia. This meta-analysis provides evidence to support the safety of lipid-lowering therapy on cognitive health, however, does not provide evidence of risk reduction of incident cognitive impairment or dementia.C.R. was supported by the Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Programme, the Wellcome Trust and the Health Research Board (grant number 203930/B/16/Z), the Health Service Executive, National Doctors Training and Planning, and the Health and Social Care, Research and Development Division, Northern Ireland. The funding source had no role in the design and conduct of the study or the publication decision.peer-reviewe
Digital mental health interventions for university students with mental health difficulties: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
No full textBackground
While third-level educational institutions have long provided counselling, a sharp rise in demand has led to limited access to mental health supports for many students, including those with ongoing difficulties. Digital mental health interventions represent one response to this unmet need, given the potential low cost and scalability associated with no-to-low human resources involved.
Objective
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature examining effectiveness of digital mental health interventions for university students with ongoing mental health difficulties.
Methods
The following databases were searched: PubMed, EBSCOhost (CINHAHL/PsycINFO/PsycArticles) and Web of Science. Two-armed randomised-control trials were included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted and standardised mean differences were calculated. Effect sizes were then compared in terms of therapeutic approach, and whether interventions were fully automated or guided interventions. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42024504265.
Results
Thirty four eligible studies were included in this narrative synthesis, of which 21 randomised-controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis indicated an overall medium effect size in favour of digital interventions for both depression (Cohen's d = 0.55), and anxiety (Cohen's d = 0. 46). Of note, for anxiety outcomes, fully automated interventions appeared more effective (d = 0.55) than guided interventions (d = 0.35).
Conclusions
Digital mental health interventions are associated with beneficial effects for college students when measured in terms of anxiety and depression symptom severity. For anxiety, fully automated interventions may be more effective than guided interventions to reduce symptom severity.This work was supported by Atlantic Futures North South Research Program, 422560.peer-reviewe
Identification and functional characterization of new regulators of sensory neurogenesis in Xenopus laevis
No full textWhether to keep dividing or to differentiate is one of the key decisions cells have to make during animal development and adult life. However, very little is currently known about how this important balancing act is regulated. This study addresses this question focusing on cranial sensory cells and the sensory neurons that innervate them.
In previous studies, a protein complex of the transcription factor Six1 and its cofactor Eya1 has been identified as a key regulator of these sensory cells and neurons and several studies suggested that this protein complex is required for both maintenance of neuronal/sensory progenitors and neuronal or sensory differentiation. This suggests that this protein complex plays an important role in regulating the balance between proliferating progenitors and differentiating cells. While the precise mechanism is obscure, interactions with different cofactors in a context-dependent manner probably play a decisive role.
Based on a yeast two-hybrid protein interaction screen, the present study identified multiple putative protein interaction partners of Eya1. The developmental expression profiles of genes coding for five candidate Eya1 interactants (Garre1, Msh6, Pias4, Smarce1 and Zmym3) in Xenopus laevis are consistent with roles in the development of cranial sensory neurons, possibly in cooperation and/or interaction with Eya1. Even though no direct interaction between Eya1 and these candidates could be confirmed, gain and loss of function experiments performed in this study show that Pias4 and Smarce1 have important functions in sensory neurogenesis, with both proteins being required for the differentiation of sensory neurons and Pias4 potentially playing an additional role in neuronal progenitor formation
A life cycle thinking-based environmental risk framework for screening sustainable feedstocks in early-stage bioeconomy projects
No full textUnderstanding the environmental impacts of bio-based feedstock production is essential for sustainable bioeconomy development. Consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates environmental sustainability, often identifying “hidden” impacts incurred through market displacements. However, it is often impractical to screen multiple bioeconomy feedstocks and value chains using full consequential LCA early in project conceptualisation, owing to high requirements in terms of time, data, and expertise. As a result, critical environmental risks may not be discovered until too late in project development to redirect investment towards more sustainable options. This paper introduces the Bio-based feedstock Environmental Risk Assessment (Bio-ERA) Framework, designed to support early screening of potential upstream environmental risks associated with increased demand for bio-based feedstocks. The Bio-ERA Framework comprises a decision tree that systematically guides stakeholders through consequential life cycle thinking, elucidating sometimes hidden (indirect) pathways of impact among feedstock sourcing decisions. Seven important environmental aspects are addressed: Finite Resource Inputs, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, Air Quality, Water Quality, Ecosystem Diversity, Terrestrial Carbon Storage, and Indirect Land Use Change. Criteria are proposed to structure evaluation of (i) probability and (ii) severity of environmental impact, in relation to four categories of feedstock: primary (determining product), high-value by-product, low-value by-product, and waste. Example applications demonstrate how the framework can generate an environmental risk profile for specific feedstocks sourced in specific contexts. Bio-ERA does not avoid the need for detailed LCA evaluation of full bioeconomy value chains, but promotes deeper interrogation and awareness of potential environmental risks associated with feedstock sourcing, in a manner that is accessible to all stakeholders. This could support earlier screening of strategic investment decisions necessary to develop a sustainable bioeconomy.Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Ireland)peer-reviewe
Identification and comprehensive characterization of moral disapproval and behavioral dysregulation-based pornography-use profiles across 42 countries
No full textBackground and aims
The Moral Incongruence Model of Pornography Use proposes that pornography-use-related problems may be present due to problematic pornography use (PPU) and/or moral disapproval (MD) of pornography use. Despite some supporting empirical evidence, no study has tested the presence of different pornography-use profiles based on individuals' behavioral dysregulation (i.e., PPU) and moral values concerning pornography use. The generalizability of previous findings to diverse populations has also been limited given the scarcity of studies conducted outside of Western countries.
Methods
Using data from the International Sex Survey (42 countries, N = 66,994; Mage = 32.16 years, SD = 12.27), we conducted latent profile analysis to identify pornography-use profiles based on individuals' frequency of use, MD, and PPU. The profiles were compared along a wide range of pornography-use-related, sexuality-related, and psychological correlates.
Results
Six pornography-use profiles were identified, including two increased risk groups (i.e., Increased risk of PPU without MD and Increased risk of PPU with some MD). Several factors differentiated between the increased risk vs. no/low risk profiles (e.g., relatedness satisfaction) as well as between the two increased risk profiles (e.g., religiosity). Apart from behavioral dysregulation, moral values concerning pornography use played an important role in distinguishing pornography-use profiles and demonstrated the importance of inquiring about MD when working with individuals with pornography-use-related problems.
Conclusion
Findings also support recent calls for better-integrated sex therapy and sexual medicine perspectives into pornography-use-related problems research and care.peer-reviewe
'In the best interest of the child': Foster care in Ireland 1862-1991
Get PDFThis thesis explores the history of foster care in Ireland, spanning from the Irish Poor Law to the social work landscape of the 1980s. It discusses how the welfare measures of the 19th century shaped legislation and policy for child welfare deep into the twentieth century. It examines how cultural attitudes toward children and poverty allowed for Christian (predominantly Catholic) charities to grow their influence in the welfare sphere and how this reliance on private philanthropy and reluctance to make policy changes allowed for problems to persist in the foster care system without improvement until the 1970s. Foster care was then rapidly embraced in public discourse. Ireland worked to catch up with the developing social work field in the lead up to the 1991 Child Care Act, but adequate attention was not yet given to the root causes for intervention and inherent problems lingered in its welfare systems from over a century prior.Irish Research Council, Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarshi
Identification of personal factors that influence engagement in cardiac rehabilitation and interventions targeting personal factors: A scoping review protocol
No full textCardiac rehabilitation effectively reduces mortality and enhances the quality of life for individuals with cardiovascular disease. Despite that, individuals’ engagement in cardiac rehabilitation remains low. Considering the significant contributions of individuals’ self-management of cardiovascular disease to their progress, it is essential to understand the personal factors that influence engagement in cardiac rehabilitation. This scoping review aims to identify and map personal factors that influence cardiac rehabilitation engagement with a specific focus on the subjective experiential dimensions of personal factors (cognitive, emotional, and behavioural). It also aims to explore interventions targeting personal factors to increase cardiac rehabilitation engagement. This review will be reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. It will include peer-reviewed articles published in English from January 2004, excluding grey literature. Studies reporting adult populations aged 18 and over with cardiovascular disease and addressing personal factors or interventions to increase cardiac rehabilitation engagement, will be included. Databases for the searches will include PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. The data extraction is developed by the reviewers based on JBI guidelines and relevant literature, the form will detail the characteristics of included publications, personal factors influencing cardiac rehabilitation engagement, and intervention characteristics. The data analysis will summarise descriptively the key features of the included studies and interventions, the Patient Health Engagement Model will guide the categorisation of personal factors into cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects, with other personal factors organised as emerging other relevant factors themes. The findings of this review will provide important evidence support for researchers, clinicians and policy makers to promote participation in cardiac rehabilitation. Within the constraints of medical and human resources, attention to personal factors can maximise the individual’s role in cardiac rehabilitation and self-management, contributing to the efficient allocation and use of resources.The author HZ has received the grant which Grant number is No. 202306370010 from China Scholarship Council. The funder's website is: https://www.csc.edu.cn/chuguo. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.peer-reviewe