Apilimod dimesylate in C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized phase 2a clinical trial.

Apilimod dimesylate is a first-in-class phosphoinositide kinase, FYVE-type zinc finger containing (PIKfyve) inhibitor with favourable clinical safety profile and has demonstrated activity in preclinical C9orf72 and TDP-43 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis models. In this amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trial, the safety, tolerability, CNS penetrance, and modulation of pharmacodynamic target engagement biomarkers were evaluated. This Phase 2a, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, biomarker-endpoint clinical trial was conducted in four USA centres (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05163886). Participants with C9orf72 repeat expansion were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive twice-daily oral treatment of 125 mg apilimod dimesylate capsules or matching placebo for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week open-label extension. Safety was measured as the occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse or serious adverse events attributable to study drug, and tolerability as trial completion on treatment over 12 weeks. Changes from baseline in plasma and CSF and concentrations of apilimod and its active metabolites and of pharmacodynamic biomarkers of PIKfyve inhibition (soluble glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B [sGPNMB] upregulation) and disease-specific CNS target engagement (poly[GP]). Between Dec 16, 2021, and Jul 7, 2022, 15 eligible participants were enrolled. There were no drug-related serious adverse events reported in the trial. Fourteen (93%) participants completed the double-blind period with 99% dose compliance (N=9 [90%] apilimod dimesylate; N=5 [100%] placebo). At Week 12, apilimod dimesylate was measurable in CSF at 1.63 ng/mL (SD: 0.937). At Week 12, apilimod dimesylate increased plasma sGPNMB by > 2.5-fold (p < 0.001) indicating PIKfyve inhibition and lowered CSF poly(GP) protein levels by 73% (p < 0.001) indicating CNS tissue-level proof of mechanism. Apilimod dimesylate met prespecified key safety and biomarker endpoints in this Phase 2a trial and demonstrated CNS penetrance and pharmacodynamic target engagement. Apilimod dimesylate was observed to have the greatest reduction in CSF poly(GP) levels observed to date in C9orf72 clinical trials.

Ruminant Salivary Microbes: Passenger or Player in the Rumen?

Sampling of ruminant saliva has gained interest as a non-invasive proxy for exploring the structure of the rumen microbiome. However, the subsequent data analysis assumes that bacteria originating from the oral cavity are merely passengers in the rumen and play no active role. In this study, it was hypothesised that metabolically active oral bacteria present in the salivary microbiome play a role in the ruminal degradation of plant material. In vitro cultivation-based enumeration confirmed that the ruminant oral cavity harbours a significant number of anaerobic and cellulolytic bacteria that are metabolically active under ruminal conditions. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiling of in vitro enrichments also confirmed that oral-derived bacteria were capable of colonising plant material. Preliminary analysis of the colonising bacteria indicated that bacteria belonging to the genus Streptococcus were of particular interest. In conclusion, the findings of the current study clearly indicate that bolus-associated bacteria have the potential to play a metabolically active role in terms of ruminal colonisation and the degradation of plant material. This evidence confirms the merit of the hypothesis that the metabolically active oral bacteria present in the salivary microbiome may play a role in the ruminal degradation of plant material.

Nursing and midwifery research priorities for Kenya: Results from a national Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: The International Council of Nurses and the World Health Organization have prioritized evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice derived from nurse-led research. However, in a low-resource country like Kenya, there is a need to identify research priorities to optimize utilization of limited existing research infrastructure and funding. Kenya lacks a nursing and midwifery research strategy to guide research prioritization. INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to identify and describe nursing and midwifery research priorities for Kenya. METHODS: A cross-sectional Delphi survey using two iterative rounds of electronic data collection was used to reach a consensus about priorities for nursing and midwifery research in Kenya. NVivo-12 was used to analyze the qualitative data to identify categories, sub-themes, and themes; descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. RESULTS: Participants included 159 nurse managers, administrators, and educators representing regional, county, and national referral, private, and faith-based hospitals, nurse training schools, research institutions, and nursing organizations in Kenya. Staffing challenges, motivation, remuneration, and funding for higher education were ranked as the top critically important issues using a cutoff point of ≥ 70% agreement. CONCLUSION: There is a need for the development of a National Framework for Nursing and Midwifery Research Priorities in Kenya to guide research that builds excellence in meeting nursing and midwifery human resource concerns and ultimately improves patient care practices and outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND NURSING POLICY: The objective of Kenya's health goals delineated within three key national health documents cannot be attained without adequate numbers of nursing and midwifery professionals and policies that address nursing and midwifery staffing challenges, remuneration for employment, and improved funding for higher education.

Patterns and determinants of the global herbivorous mycobiome.

Despite their role in host nutrition, the anaerobic gut fungal (AGF) component of the herbivorous gut microbiome remains poorly characterized. Here, to examine global patterns and determinants of AGF diversity, we generate and analyze an amplicon dataset from 661 fecal samples from 34 mammalian species, 9 families, and 6 continents. We identify 56 novel genera, greatly expanding AGF diversity beyond current estimates (31 genera and candidate genera). Community structure analysis indicates that host phylogenetic affiliation, not domestication status and biogeography, shapes the community rather than. Fungal-host associations are stronger and more specific in hindgut fermenters than in foregut fermenters. Transcriptomics-enabled phylogenomic and molecular clock analyses of 52 strains from 14 genera indicate that most genera with preferences for hindgut hosts evolved earlier (44-58 Mya) than those with preferences for foregut hosts (22-32 Mya). Our results greatly expand the documented scope of AGF diversity and provide an ecologically and evolutionary-grounded model to explain the observed patterns of AGF diversity in extant animal hosts.

Nurses' and midwives' participation and utilization of health-related research in Kenya: Implications for evidence-based practice.

Objective: To assess the level of participation of nurses and midwives in health-related research, determine the status of utilization of research to inform nursing and midwifery practice in Kenya, and explore perspectives of nurses and midwives about strategies to empower nurses/midwives to engage in health research in Kenya. Methods: Data were extracted from online survey responses of 156 nurse and midwife educators, practitioners, and managers/administrators. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data; qualitative data were analyzed using Excel to organize data into categories. Results: Over one-third of participants reported ever publishing research (37.2%, 58/156). Participants reported using knowledge gained in nursing school to guide practice most frequently (n = 148). Utilization of research findings to guide practice was reported by 80.3% (110/137) of participants. Strategies to enhance participation in the research included research training, research forums, policy reforms, and emphasis on research in curricula. Conclusions: There is need to intensify and prioritize proposed strategies to empower nurses/midwives to engage in health research.

Prepartum Magnesium Butyrate Supplementation of Dairy Cows Improves Colostrum Yield, Calving Ease, Fertility, Early Lactation Performance and Neonatal Vitality.

Butyrate promotes rumen epithelium growth and function; however, the effect of prepartum butyrate supplementation on dairy cow productivity, health and their offspring has not been extensively studied. Furthermore, no studies have investigated the effect of magnesium butyrate (MgB), which is also a source of magnesium. A trial was performed to test the hypothesis that prepartum MgB supplementation (105 g/cow/day) would increase colostrum quality and improve calving, newborn calf vitality and cow health. Multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to MgB supplemented (n = 107) and Control groups (n = 112). Colostrum yield and the total yield of IgG, protein and lactose were higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the supplemented group. The calving assistance rate was lower (p ≤ 0.012), and the neonatal vitality score was higher (p ≤ 0.001) in the MgB group. Improved parameters related to cow health and fertility were observed in the supplemented group. The MgB group also had higher milk yield during the first week of lactation (p ≤ 0.001), and a higher (p ≤ 0.05) body condition score from 3 to 9 weeks after calving. In conclusion, prepartum MgB supplementation provides a wide range of benefits for dairy cows, as well as their newborn calves.

Effect of Prepartum Magnesium Butyrate Supplementation on Rumination Time, Milk Yield and Composition, and Blood Parameters in Dairy Cows.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium butyrate (MgB) supplementation of dairy cows during the three-week close-up period was tested for its effects on blood energy analytes, rumination time, inflammation, and lactation performance. METHODS: Daily milk yield was recorded and weekly milk samples collected for the first 70 days of lactation from MgB supplemented (MgB, n = 34), and unsupplemented (Control, n = 31) multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows. During a period from week 3 to week 10 postpartum, blood samples were taken and analyzed for various parameters, and ruminant activity was measured. RESULTS: The MgB group yielded 25.2% more milk than the Control during week 1, and had increased milk fat and protein concentrations over a longer duration. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were decreased in the MgB group independent of days in milk. No differences were observed between groups in terms of plasma non-esterified fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, or blood iCa levels. The MgB group had lower haptoglobin (Hp) levels during lactation relative to the Control group. Time spent ruminating increased after calving with MgB due to a shorter post calving rumination delay relative to the Control group. CONCLUSIONS: Prepartum MgB supplementation improved lactation performance without affecting blood energy analytes. The basis by which MgB also improved rumination activity remains to be determined, as DMI could not be assessed. As MgB lowered SCC and Hp concentrations, it is speculated that MgB may help minimize postpartum inflammatory processes.

Dietary Protected Butyrate Supplementation of Broilers Modulates Intestinal Tight Junction Proteins and Stimulates Endogenous Production of Short Chain Fatty Acids in the Caecum.

Short chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate has various beneficial effects on the gut microbiota as well as on the overall health status and metabolism of the host organism. The modulatory role of butyrate on gut barrier integrity reflected by tight junction protein expression has been already described in mammalian species. However, there is limited information available regarding chickens. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to monitor the effects of protected butyrate on claudin barrier protein and monocarboxylate transporter 1 abundance in different gastrointestinal segments of chickens as well as the growth performance of broiler chickens. The effect of protected butyrate on the caecal microbiota was monitored by quantifying the concentrations of total eubacteria and key enzymes of butyrate production. Furthermore, intestinal SCFA concentrations were also measured. Based on the data obtained, protected butyrate increased the overall performance as well as the barrier integrity of various gut segments. Protected butyrate also positively affected the SCFA concentration and composition. These findings provide valuable insight into the complex effects of protected butyrate on broiler gut health, highlighting the beneficial effects in improving intestinal barrier integrity and performance parameters.

Characterization and rank assignment criteria for the anaerobic fungi (Neocallimastigomycota).

Establishing a solid taxonomic framework is crucial for enabling discovery and documentation efforts. This ensures effective communication between scientists as well as reproducibility of results between laboratories, and facilitates the exchange and preservation of biological material. Such framework can only be achieved by establishing clear criteria for taxa characterization and rank assignment. Within the anaerobic fungi (phylum Neocallimastigomycota), the need for such criteria is especially vital. Difficulties associated with their isolation, maintenance and long-term storage often result in limited availability and loss of previously described taxa. To this end, we provide here a list of morphological, microscopic, phylogenetic and phenotypic criteria for assessment and documentation when characterizing newly obtained Neocallimastigomycota isolates. We also recommend a polyphasic rank-assignment scheme for novel genus-, species- and strain-level designations for newly obtained Neocallimastigomycota isolates.

High-speed video and plant ultrastructure define mechanisms of gametophyte dispersal.

Dispersal of gametophytes is critical for land plant survivorship and reproduction. It defines potential colonization and geographical distribution as well as genetic mixing and evolution. C. T. Ingold's classic works on Spore Discharge in Land Plants and Spore Liberation review mechanisms for spore release and dispersal based on real-time observations, basic histology, and light microscopy. Many mechanisms underlying spore liberation are explosive and have evolved independently multiple times. These mechanisms involve physiological processes such as water gain and loss, coupled with structural features using different plant tissues. Here we review how high-speed video and analyses of ultrastructure have defined new biomechanical mechanisms for the dispersal of gametophytes through the dissemination of haploid diaspores, including spores, pollen, and asexual reproductive propagules. This comparative review highlights the diversity and importance of rapid movements in plants for dispersing gametophytes and considerations for using combinations of high-speed video methods and microscopic techniques to understand these dispersal movements. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is crucial not only for understanding gametophyte ecology but also for applied engineering and biomimetic applications used in human technologies.

Reproductive decision-making of Black women living with HIV: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Black women living with HIV account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses than other groups. These women experience restricted access to reproductive services and inadequate support from healthcare providers because their position in society is based on their sexual health and social identity in the context of this stigmatizing chronic disease. By recognizing the analytical relevance of intersectionality, the reproductive decision-making of Black women can be explored as a social phenomenon of society with varied positionality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to synthesize the evidence about the reproductive decision-making of Black women living with HIV in high-income countries from the beginning of the HIV epidemic to the present. METHODS: This systematic review was guided by the JBI evidence synthesis recommendations. Searches were completed in seven databases from 1985 to 2021, and the review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420180919). RESULTS: Of 3503 records, 22 studies were chosen for synthesis, including 19 observational and three qualitative designs. Nearly, all studies originated from the United States; the earliest was reported in 1995. Few studies provided detailed sociodemographic data or subgroup analysis focused on race or ethnicity. Influencing factors for reproductive decision-making were organized into the following seven categories: ethnicity, race, and pregnancy; religion and spirituality; attitudes and beliefs about antiretroviral therapy; supportive people; motherhood and fulfillment; reproductive planning; and health and wellness. CONCLUSION: No major differences were identified in the reproductive decision-making of Black women living with HIV. Even though Black women were the largest group of women living with HIV, no studies reported a subgroup analysis, and few studies detailed sociodemographic information specific to Black women. In the future, institutional review boards should require a subgroup analysis for Black women when they are included as participants in larger studies of women living with HIV.

Free Faecal Water: Analysis of Horse Faecal Microbiota and the Impact of Faecal Microbial Transplantation on Symptom Severity.

Free faecal water (FFW) in equines results in pollution of the hindquarters and tail and can also involve clinical signs. Though the cause of FFW is unknown, it was hypothesized that it may involve the gut microbiota. This hypothesis was addressed as follows. First, the faecal prokaryotic community composition of horses suffering from FFW relative to healthy controls (n = 10) was compared. Second, FFW horses were treated with a standardised faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) protocol (n = 10), followed by assessment of FFW symptom severity and faecal prokaryotic community composition over a follow-up period of 168 days. No significant differences were found in the faecal microbiota composition of FFW horses compared to healthy controls (p > 0.05). Relative to before FMT, FFW symptom severity decreased in affected horses 14 days after FMT (p = 0.02) and remained decreased for the remainder of the study (p < 0.02). However, individual animal responses to FMT varied. FMT had no effect on FFW horse faecal prokaryotic community composition in terms of alpha or beta diversity. Alpha diversity of the donor inocula used in the FMT was always lower than that of the faecal microbiota of the FFW treated horses (p < 0.001). In conclusion, whilst findings indicate FFW horses do not have an altered hindgut microbiota, some horses that received FMT had a temporary alleviation of FFW symptom severity without causing changes in the faecal microbiota. Future studies using controls are now needed to confirm the effectiveness of FMT to treat FFW.

"Moms and babies first"-A historical overview of the Association of Women's Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

Professional nursing bodies have had a well-established, collective history of advancing the nursing profession through career development, advocacy, and continuing education. The purpose of this review paper is to provide a historical overview of these entities, leading up to the formation of specialty nursing associations and the emergence of the Association of Women's Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). The Association of Women's Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is a leader in research, education, and advocacy in the field of women's health, obstetric, and neonatal nursing that has focused on promoting the health and well-being of women, newborns, and their families for the past fifty years.

Motherhood and decision-making among women living with HIV in developed countries: a systematic review with qualitative research synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Women living with HIV (WLH) lack evidence-based information about reproductive options while managing pressures from family, clinicians, and communities to give up the idea of having children. As the reproduction intentions of WLH are not well understood, stigmatizing behaviors force them to hide their disease to avoid rejection by their family, partner, and social networks. Compliance with social norms, fear of stigma, and discrimination influence their experience. Current research is individual qualitative studies lacking the synthesis perspective necessary to guide intervention development. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the evidence to explain the reproductive decision-making process for WLH in developed countries. METHODS: A systematic review with qualitative research synthesis was conducted through searches in 10 electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Social Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cuidatge, Cuiden Enfispo, and SciELO). Studies published in journals from 1995 to 2019 with qualitative data about reproductive decision-making among WLH in developed countries were eligible for inclusion. Developed country was operationalized by membership in the OECD for comparative conditions of social wellbeing and economic stability. The CASP and JBI checklists for qualitative research were used to assess study quality and methodological integrity. Thematic analysis and qualitative meta-summary techniques were used for the synthesis. RESULTS: Twenty studies from 12 developed countries were included in the synthesis. Findings were organized into 3 meta-themes from 15 themes and 45 subthemes, including: (1) Shattered identity, (2) Barriers, inequities, and misinformation, (3) Coping, resiliency, and support. Reproductive decision-making was perceived as a complex process influenced by facilitators and barriers. The facilitators helped WLH cope with their new situation to become more resilient, while the barriers made their situation more difficult to manage. CONCLUSION: WLH encounter reproductive decision-making with knowledge deficits and limited social support. An integrated approach to holistic care with comprehensive multidisciplinary counseling is needed to support WLH. Clinicians could benefit from professional development to learn how to be authentically present for WLH, including engaging in conversations, demonstrating compassion, and understanding situations. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines need to be tailored for the family planning and sexual health needs of WLH.

RESUMEN: ANTECEDENTES: Las mujeres que viven con el VIH (MVV) carecen de información basada en evidencias sobre las opciones reproductivas mientras son presionadas por la familia, los profesionales de la salud y los miembros de la comunidad para renunciar a la idea de tener hijos. Como las intenciones reproductivas de las MVV no son comprendidas, las conductas estigmatizantes las obligan a ocultar su enfermedad para evitar el rechazo de su familia, pareja y grupos sociales. El cumplimiento de las normas sociales, el miedo al estigma y la discriminación influyen en su experiencia. La presente investigación está compuesta por estudios cualitativos que de forma individual carecen de la perspectiva de síntesis necesaria para guiar el desarrollo de las intervenciones. El propósito de este estudio fue sintetizar la evidencia para explicar el proceso de toma de decisiones reproductivas para las MVV en los países desarrollados. MéTODOS: Se realizó una revisión sistemática con síntesis de investigación cualitativa mediante búsquedas en 10 bases de datos electrónicas (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, Social Science Citation Index, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cuidatge, Cuiden Enfispo y SciELO). Los estudios publicados en revistas de entre 1995 y 2019 que contuvieran datos cualitativos sobre la toma de decisiones reproductivas entre las MVV en países desarrollados fueron elegibles para su inclusión. Se consideraron países desarrollados aquellos que pertenecieran a la OCDE con el objetivo de comparar condiciones de bienestar social y estabilidad económica. Las listas de verificación CASP y JBI para la investigación cualitativa se utilizaron para evaluar la calidad del estudio y la integridad metodológica. Para la síntesis se utilizaron técnicas de análisis temático y metanálisis cualitativo. RESULTADOS: En la síntesis se incluyeron veinte estudios de 12 países desarrollados. Los hallazgos se organizaron en 3 metatemas de 15 temas y 45 subtemas, incluyendo: (1) Identidad fragmentada, (2) Barreras, inequidades y desinformación, (3) Afrontamiento, resiliencia y apoyo. La toma de decisiones reproductivas se percibió como un proceso complejo influenciado por factores facilitadores y barrera. Los facilitadores ayudaron a las MVV a afrontar su nueva realidad para volverse más resilientes, mientras que las barreras hicieron que su situación fuera más difícil de manejar. CONCLUSIóN: Las MVV enfrentan la toma de decisiones reproductivas con déficits de conocimiento y apoyo social limitado. Es necesario adoptar un enfoque holístico de atención integral con asesoramiento multidisciplinario para acompañar a las MVV. Los clínicos podrían beneficiarse del desarrollo profesional para aprender a estar verdaderamente presentes para las MVV, participando en reflexiones, demostrando compasión y comprendiendo sus situaciones. Las guías de práctica clínica basadas en la evidencia deben adaptarse a las necesidades de planificación familiar y salud sexual y reproductiva de las MVV. Plain Language Summary Women living with HIV can become pregnant and deliver a healthy baby due to advances in medicine. Being a mother is an important role that gives meaning to life for most women. For women living with HIV thinking about having a baby is difficult because HIV complicates many areas of daily living. When women living with HIV try to speak with physicians and nurses about having a baby, they often do not feel supported and report feeling stigmatized. This review of the scientific literature summarizes the experiences of women living with HIV in developed countries as they considered having a baby. Ten electronic databases were searched for studies published between 1995 and 2019 reporting interviews with women living with HIV about becoming pregnant and having a baby. From the 4519 articles identified, 20 were included for review with 1395 participants from 12 developed countries. After abstracting and analyzing the interviews, three themes were developed to summarize the process described by women living with HIV as they considered pregnancy and the possibility of having a baby, including: (1) Shattered identity, (2) Barriers, inequities, and misinformation, and (3) Coping, resiliency, and support. When women living with HIV consider having a baby, they need to feel comfortable and safe speaking with physicians and nurses about family planning. They also need more support from their partner, as well as family and friends. Strategies need to be implemented to improve the family planning process for women living with HIV, including education health care providers about speaking to women about pregnancy and having a healthy baby.

Microbiomes attached to fresh perennial ryegrass are temporally resilient and adapt to changing ecological niches.

BACKGROUND: Gut microbiomes, such as the rumen, greatly influence host nutrition due to their feed energy-harvesting capacity. We investigated temporal ecological interactions facilitating energy harvesting at the fresh perennial ryegrass (PRG)-biofilm interface in the rumen using an in sacco approach and prokaryotic metatranscriptomic profiling. RESULTS: Network analysis identified two distinct sub-microbiomes primarily representing primary (≤ 4 h) and secondary (≥ 4 h) colonisation phases and the most transcriptionally active bacterial families (i.e Fibrobacteriaceae, Selemondaceae and Methanobacteriaceae) did not interact with either sub-microbiome, indicating non-cooperative behaviour. Conversely, Prevotellaceae had most transcriptional activity within the primary sub-microbiome (focussed on protein metabolism) and Lachnospiraceae within the secondary sub-microbiome (focussed on carbohydrate degradation). Putative keystone taxa, with low transcriptional activity, were identified within both sub-microbiomes, highlighting the important synergistic role of minor bacterial families; however, we hypothesise that they may be 'cheating' in order to capitalise on the energy-harvesting capacity of other microbes. In terms of chemical cues underlying transition from primary to secondary colonisation phases, we suggest that AI-2-based quorum sensing plays a role, based on LuxS gene expression data, coupled with changes in PRG chemistry. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we show that fresh PRG-attached prokaryotes are resilient and adapt quickly to changing niches. This study provides the first major insight into the complex temporal ecological interactions occurring at the plant-biofilm interface within the rumen. The study also provides valuable insights into potential plant breeding strategies for development of the utopian plant, allowing optimal sustainable production of ruminants. Video Abstract.

The meaning of postpartum sexual health for women living in Spain: a phenomenological inquiry.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health is a multidimensional phenomenon constructed by personal, social, and cultural factors but continues to be studied with a biomedical approach. During the postpartum period, a woman transitions to mother, as well as partner-to-parent and couple-to-family. There are new realities in life in the postpartum period, including household changes and new responsibilities that can impact the quality of sexual health. This phenomenon is understudied especially in the context of Spain. The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of postpartum sexual health among primiparous women giving birth in Catalonia (Spain). METHODS: This was a phenomenological study with a purposive sample of primiparous women. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews until saturation. Analysis followed Colaizzi's seven-step process with an eighth translation step added to limit cross-cultural threats to validity. Also, the four dimensions of trustworthiness were established through strategies and techniques during data collection and analysis. RESULTS: Ten women were interviewed from which five themes emerged, including: Not feeling ready, inhibiting factors, new reality at home, socio-cultural factors, and the clinician within the health system. Returning to sexual health led women to engage in experiential learning through trial and error. Most participants reported reduced libido, experienced altered body image, and recounted resumption of sexual activity before feeling ready. A common finding was fatigue and feeling overloaded by the demands of the newborn. Partner support was described as essential to returning to a meaningful relationship. Discussions about postpartum sexual health with clinicians were described as taboo, and largely absent from the care model. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based practices should incorporate the best evidence from research, consider the postpartum sexual health experiences and preferences of the woman, and use clinician expertise in discussions that include the topic of postpartum sexual health to make decisions. As such, human caring practices should be incorporated into clinical guidelines to recognize the preferences of women. Clinicians need to be authentically present, engage in active communication, and individualize their care. More qualitative studies are needed to understand postpartum sexual health in different contexts, cultures, and countries and to identify similarities and differences through meta-synthesis.

Anaerobic Fungi: Past, Present, and Future.

Anaerobic fungi (AF) play an essential role in feed conversion due to their potent fiber degrading enzymes and invasive growth. Much has been learned about this unusual fungal phylum since the paradigm shifting work of Colin Orpin in the 1970s, when he characterized the first AF. Molecular approaches targeting specific phylogenetic marker genes have facilitated taxonomic classification of AF, which had been previously been complicated by the complex life cycles and associated morphologies. Although we now have a much better understanding of their diversity, it is believed that there are still numerous genera of AF that remain to be described in gut ecosystems. Recent marker-gene based studies have shown that fungal diversity in the herbivore gut is much like the bacterial population, driven by host phylogeny, host genetics and diet. Since AF are major contributors to the degradation of plant material ingested by the host animal, it is understandable that there has been great interest in exploring the enzymatic repertoire of these microorganisms in order to establish a better understanding of how AF, and their enzymes, can be used to improve host health and performance, while simultaneously reducing the ecological footprint of the livestock industry. A detailed understanding of AF and their interaction with other gut microbes as well as the host animal is essential, especially when production of affordable high-quality protein and other animal-based products needs to meet the demands of an increasing human population. Such a mechanistic understanding, leading to more sustainable livestock practices, will be possible with recently developed -omics technologies that have already provided first insights into the different contributions of the fungal and bacterial population in the rumen during plant cell wall hydrolysis.

Increasing the Sustainability of Maize Grain Production by Using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Does Not Affect the Rumen of Dairy Cattle (Bos taurus) and Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

New approaches are needed to improve the sustainability of feed production and utilization by ruminants. Promising approaches include increased use of buffaloes for more sustainable milk production, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to reduce crop production input needs. However, studies assessing the effect of crops grown in the presence of AMF on rumen microbial utilization are limited. Based on current knowledge, we hypothesized that maize grain grown on AMF-inoculated soil affected ruminal fermentation and microbiota, and that this effect differed between buffalo and cattle. A dietary cross-over study (four weeks per diet) was conducted using rumen-cannulated cattle (n = 5) and buffalo (n = 6) to assess the effect of maize grain (3.9% (w/v) of diet) grown on soil with or without AMF (15 kg/ha) on ruminal fermentation and microbiota. Production of maize on AMF-treated soil did not affect any of the assessed ruminal fermentation parameters, microbial concentrations, or prokaryotic community composition (using prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis). In contrast, host type had numerous effects. Protozoal counts, lactate, total VFA and isobutyrate, were significantly higher in buffaloes compared to cattle. Conversely, butyrate was significantly lower in buffaloes than in cattle. Host type explained 9.3% of the total variation in prokaryotic community composition, and relative abundance of nine amplicon sequence variants significantly differed between host types. These findings indicate that AMF treatment of maize crops has no detrimental impact on the value of the resulting maize grains as a ruminant feed, and provides additional insight into rumen-based differences between cattle and buffalo.