The rapid rise of antibiotic resistance has renewed interest in phage therapy – the use of bacteria‐specific viruses (phages) to treat bacterial infections. Even though phages are often pathogen‐specific, little is known about the efficiency and eco‐evolutionary outcomes of phage therapy in polymicrobial infections. We studied this experimentally by exposing both quorum‐sensing (QS) signalling PAO1 and QS‐deficient lasR Pseudomonas aeruginosa genotypes (differing in their ability to signal intraspecifically) to lytic PT7 phage in the presence and absence of two bacterial competitors: Staphylococcus aureus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia–two bacteria commonly associated with P. aeruginosa in polymicrobial cystic fibrosis lung infections. Both the P. aeruginosa genotype and the presence of competitors had profound effects on bacteria and phage densities and bacterial resistance evolution. In general, competition reduced the P. aeruginosa frequencies leading to a lower rate of resistance evolution. This effect was clearer with QS signalling PAO1 strain due to lower bacteria and phage densities and relatively larger pleiotropic growth cost imposed by both phages and competitors. Unexpectedly, phage selection decreased the total bacterial densities in the QS‐deficient lasR pathogen communities, while an increase was observed in the QS signalling PAO1 pathogen communities. Together these results suggest that bacterial competition can shape the eco‐evolutionary outcomes of phage therapy.
Summary• Studies of embryo dormancy in relation to preharvest sprouting (PHS) in cereals have focused on ABA and other hormones. The relationship between these phenomena and the rate of grain filling has not been investigated.• A collection of barley mutants impaired in starch synthesis was assessed for preharvest sprouting in the field. In subsequent glasshouse experiments, developing grains were assayed for germination index, sugars, abscisic acid (ABA) and the effects of temperature and exogenous ABA on germination.• Mutant lines displayed greater preharvest sprouting in the field than parental lines. In the glasshouse, nondeep physiological dormancy was reduced in developing grains of five lines with mutations affecting proteins involved in endosperm starch synthesis. Inhibition of germination by exogenous ABA and elevated temperature was decreased in developing mutant grains. Sugar concentrations were high but embryo and endosperm ABA contents were unaltered.• We reveal a direct connection between grain filling and the extent of grain dormancy. Impaired endosperm starch synthesis directly influences the acquisition of embryo dormancy, perhaps because endosperm sugar concentrations modulate the ABA responsiveness of the embryo. Thus environmental or genetic factors that reduce grain filling are likely to reduce dormancy and enhance susceptibility to PHS.
As highlighted earlier in this edition, the accreditation standards for clinical psychology doctorate programmes are currently being reviewed. The Pre-Qualification Group felt that it was imperative to give a voice to trainee clinical psychologists to comment on their experiences of training, with the hope of influencing the revised standards. This article discusses how the PQG managed this process and aims to encourage trainees to continue to provide feedback on the new standards, which are open to consultation.
Introduction Research highlights the complex psychological needs that patients and their families can face following a burn injury, regardless of the objective severity of the injury and often beyond the timeframe of physical healing. Identification of psychological needs at different stages post-burn recovery is therefore a key role of clinical psychologists working in burn care services. Method This paper presents audit data collected across a two-year period in routine paediatric and adult multidisciplinary team follow-up clinics in a UK burns service. 808 clinical contacts (331 adults, 477 paediatrics) were recorded. Data gathered related to the identification of patient and/or family psychological need and the level of psychology input within clinic. Results For 43% of adult patients and 46% of paediatric patients seen in clinic, some degree of psychological need for the patient and/or family was identified during the consultation. A large majority of concerns related directly to the burn injury. This is consistent with previous research into the psychological impact of burns. Even for patients with no identified psychological needs, psychology presence enabled the opportunity for brief screening, preventative advice or signposting to take place during clinic. Discussion A substantial number of individuals and families presented with some level of psychological concern in relation to a burn injury when attending burns multidisciplinary team follow-up clinics. Conclusion A substantial number of patients and families presented with psychological needs in relation to a burn injury when attending burns MDT follow-up clinics. The presence of Clinical Psychologists at burns MDT follow-up clinics is beneficial for the identification of burns and non-burns related psychological concerns and is a valuable use of psychological resources within a burns service. Lay Summary The Regional Burns Centre holds regular outpatient scar clinics to monitor recovery and healing. As well as the medical professionals, the clinics are joined by Clinical Psychologists who can assess, refer, and support individuals struggling with their burn or scarring on a mental level. Over 15 months, data was collected about patients attending the clinics and the involvement of the psychologists. 43% of adult patients and 46% of paediatric patients were identified as having some psychological need, either related to their burn or to other aspects of their life. This demonstrates the benefits of having psychology presence within scar clinics, as nearly half of the patients seen in clinic received an assessment and further support (such as signposting and referrals to psychological support). Burns staff also felt that psychology presence enhanced conversations and increased collaboration with decision making around treatment.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.