The diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) relies on patient-reported outcomes evaluated as criteria based on the clustering of symptoms. Although the ROME IV criteria for FC diagnosis is relevant for a multicultural population(1), how an individual’s lifestyle, environment and culture may influence the pathophysiology of FC remains a gap in our knowledge. Building on insights into mechanisms underpinning disorders of gut-brain interactions (formerly functional gastrointestinal disorders) in the COMFORT Cohort(2), this study aimed to investigate the differences in gastrointestinal (GI) symptom scores among participants with FC in comparison to healthy controls between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal cohort study, which aimed to determine a comprehensive profile of characteristics and biological markers of FC between Chinese and non-Chinese New Zealanders. Chinese (classified according to maternal and paternal ethnicity) or non-Chinese (mixed ethnicities) adults living in Auckland classified as with or without FC based on ROME IV were enrolled. Monthly assessment (for 3 months) of GI symptoms, anthropometry, quality of life, diet, and biological samples were assessed monthly over March to June 2023. Demographics were obtained through a self-reported questionnaires and GI symptoms were assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS). This analysis is a cross-sectional assessment of patient-reported outcomes of GI symptoms. Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study (male, n = 10; female, n = 56) and were distributed across: Chinese with FC (Ch-FC; n = 11), Chinese control (Ch-CON; n = 19), non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC; n = 16), non-Chinese control (NCh-CON; n = 20). Mean (SD) age, body mass index, and waist circumference were 40 ± 9 years, 22.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2, and 78.0 ± 7.6 cm, respectively. Ethnicity did not impact SAGIS domain scores for GI symptoms (Ethnicity x FC severity interaction p>0.05). Yet, the constipation symptoms domain of the GSRS was scored differently depending on ethnicity and FC status (Ethnicity x FC interaction p<0.05). In post hoc comparison, NCh-FC tended to have higher GSRS constipation severity scores than Ch-FC (3.4 ± 1.0 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 /8, p<0.1) Although constipation symptom severity tended to be higher in NCh-FC, on the whole, ethnicity did not explain variation in this cohort. FC status was a more important predictor of GI symptoms scores. Future research will assess differences in symptom burden to explore ethnicity-specific characteristics of FC.

Distinct pathophysiology has been identified with disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI), including functional constipation (FC)(1,2), yet the causes remain unclear. Identifying how modifiable factors (i.e., diet) differ depending on gastrointestinal health status is important to understand relationships between dietary intake, pathophysiology, and disease burden of FC. Given that dietary choices are culturally influenced, understanding ethnicity-specific diets of individuals with FC is key to informing appropriate symptom management and prevention strategies. Despite distinct genetic and cultural features of Chinese populations with increasing FC incidence(3), DGBI characteristics are primarily described in Caucasian populations(2). We therefore aimed to identify how dietary intake of Chinese individuals with FC differs to non-Chinese individuals with FC, relative to healthy controls. The Gastrointestinal Understanding of Functional Constipation In an Urban Chinese and Urban non-Chinese New Zealander Cohort (GUTFIT) study was a longitudinal case-control study using systems biology to investigate the multi-factorial aetiology of FC. Here we conducted a cross-sectional dietary intake assessment, comparing Chinese individuals with FC (Ch-FC) against three control groups: a) non-Chinese with FC (NCh-FC) b) Chinese without FC (Ch-CON) and c) non-Chinese without FC (NCh-CON). Recruitment from Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) identified Chinese individuals based on self-identification alongside both parents self-identifying as Chinese, and FC using the ROME IV criteria. Dietary intake was captured using 3-day food diaries recorded on consecutive days, including one weekend day. Nutrient analysis was performed by Foodworks 10 and statistical analysis with SPSS using a generalised linear model (ethnicity and FC status as fixed factors). Of 78 enrolled participants, 66 completed the study and 64 (39.4 ± 9.2 years) completed a 3-day food diary at the baseline assessment. More participants were female (84%) than male (16%). FC and ethnicity status allocated participants into 1 of 4 groups: Ch-FC (n = 11), Ch-CON (n = 18), NCh-FC (n = 16), NCh-CON (n = 19). Within NCh, ethnicities included NZ European (30%), non-Chinese Asian (11%), Other European (11%), and Latin American (2%). Fibre intake did not differ between Ch-FC and NCh-FC (ethnicity × FC status interaction p>0.05) but was independently lower overall for FC than CON individuals (21.8 ± 8.7 versus 27.0 ± 9.7 g, p<0.05) and overall for Ch than NCh (22.1 ± 8.0 versus 27.0 ± 10.4 g, p<0.05). Carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes were not different across groups (p>0.05 each, respectively). In the context of fibre and macronutrient intake, there is no difference between Ch-FC and NCh-FC. Therefore, fibre and macronutrients are unlikely to contribute to potential pathophysiological differences in FC between ethnic groups. A more detailed assessment of dietary intake concerning micronutrients, types of fibre, or food choices may be indicated to ascertain whether other dietary differences exist.

The Eastern Gangetic Plains are a densely populated region of South Asia with comparatively low productivity yet a strong potential to intensify production to meet growing food demands. Conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification (CASI) has gained academic and policy traction in the region, yet despite considerable promotional activities, uptake remains limited. Based on emerging evidence delving beyond a binary classification of adoption, this qualitative study seeks to explore the experiences and perspectives of smallholder farmers who express positive sentiments about CASI, yet have not progressed to (autonomous) adoption. After thematic coding of semi-structured interviews with 44 experimenting farmers and 38 interested non-users, ten common themes emerged that explain why farmers stagnate in their adoption process. Seven of the ten themes were non-specific to CASI and would constraint promotion and uptake of any agri-system change, highlighting the need for contextual clarity when promoting practice changes in smallholder systems. We summaries this to propose the ‘four T's’ that are required to be addressed to enable agricultural change in smallholder systems: Targeting; Training; Targeted incentives; and Time. Through this more nuanced evaluation approach, we argue the need for a stronger focus on enabling environments rather than technological performance evaluations generically, if promotional efforts are to be successful and emerging sustainable intensification technologies are to be adopted by smallholder farmers.

In the present paper, filamentous structure formation, associated turbulent spectrum, and density cavity formation phenomena have been investigated for low-β plasma $\left(\beta \ll m_e/m_i\right)$ applicable to the auroral region. A set of dimensionless equations governing the dynamics of three dimensionally propagating inertial Alfvén wave (3D-IAW) and perpendicularly propagating magnetosonic wave (PMSW) has been developed. Ponderomotive force due to 3D-IAW has been included in the dynamics of the PMSW. Numerical simulation has been performed to study the nonlinear coupling of these two waves. From the obtained results, we found that the field intensity localization takes place which may further lead to the additional dissipation/turbulence process for particle heating and acceleration in space plasma. The associated turbulent spectrum is obtained with scaling nearly k−4.28 at smaller scales (in the dissipation range). Relevance of the obtained results with the observations reported by various spacecrafts such as Hawkeye and Heos 2 has been discussed. Also, density fluctuations (depletion) of ∼0.10 n0 are calculated, which are consistent with the FAST spacecraft observation reported.

Conservation agriculture-based sustainable intensification (CASI) is gaining prominence as an agricultural pathway to poverty reduction and enhancement of sustainable food systems among government and development actors in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) of South Asia. Despite substantial investment in research and extension programs and a growing understanding of the agronomic, economic and labor-saving benefits of CASI, uptake remains limited. This study explores farmer experiences and perspectives to establish why farmers choose not to implement CASI systems despite a strong body of recent scientific evidence establishing the benefits of them doing so. Through thematic coding of semi-structured interviews, key constraints are identified, which establishes a narrative that current households' resources are insufficient to enable practice change, alongside limited supporting structures for resource supplementation. Such issues create a dependency on subsidies and outside support, a situation that is likely to impact any farming system change given the low-risk profiles of farmers and their limited resource base. This paper hence sets out broad implications for creating change in smallholder farming systems in order to promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies in resource-poor smallholder contexts, especially with regard to breaking the profound poverty cycles that smallholder farmers find themselves in and which are unlikely to be broken by the current set of technologies promoted to them.

The pea leafminer, Chromatomyia horticola (Goureau) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) is a polyphagous and serious pest of peas. In India, this pest is attacked by many parasitoids and among them Diglyphus horticola Khan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is an important one, however, demographics and pest-kill potential of this parasitoid has not been studied so far. This study presents the first report on its demographics and pest-kill potential on C. horticola. The parasitoid showed three modes of host-killing behaviour viz. host-feeding, parasitism and host-stinging. The parasitoid females killed more number of hosts by parasitism than host-feeding or host-stinging. The pre-adult survival, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and finite rate of increase (λ) were higher on the 5-days old host larvae than those reared on the 3-days old larvae. Demographics and pest-kill parameters of D. horticola were also better on 5-days old host larvae than on 3-days old host larvae. Based on the study, D. horticola appeared to be a promising biocontrol agent for the suppression of C. horticola in peas and could be promoted through conservation biological control. Further studies are required to standardize the mass production protocol and release rates to use the parasitoid by augmentation.

Scapolite occurrences are widely observed in the metasedimentary rocks exposed around the Khetri Copper Belt and adjoining Nim ka Thana copper mineralized area in western India. Amoeboidal to well-developed and rounded/elliptical-shaped marialitic scapolite (Na-rich end-member) rich zones with variable Cl contents ranging from 1.0 wt % to 2.9 wt % have been identified in proximity to the ore-bearing hydrothermal fluid activity zones. Although scapolite is formed as a product of regional metamorphism in many places, in this study, we propose a strong possibility that scapolite was formed by hydrothermal ore-bearing fluid interaction with metasediments. The evidence of hydrothermal activity and Cl sourcing is attributed to (i) the absence of evaporite beds in the area and no Na-rich plagioclase as inclusions within the scapolite suggesting the formation of marialitic scapolite from sodic plagioclase in the metasediments with the interacting hydrothermal fluid; (ii) an epithermal to mesothermal hydrothermal fluid with moderate salinity responsible for the Cu mineralization that is ascribed to be the source of Cl for the formation of marialitic scapolite; (iii) diffusion of SO2 in the scapolite in close association with the sulfide mineral phase (chalcopyrite) supporting the involvement of ore-bearing fluid in the development of scapolite; (iv) the absence of zoned scapolite, the spatial distribution of scapolite in a particular lithology, the occasional incorporation of sulfur into marialitic scapolite and the texture/geometry in the scapolite suggesting a broad hydrothermal linkage instead of a pure metamorphic origin.

This study was performed to investigate the occurrence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in batches of pigs at slaughter and at different stages along the slaughter line. Nasal and ear skin swabs were collected from 105 batches of 10 pigs at six abattoirs. Cultures (pooled or individual) were performed for MRSA using selective media; presumptive MRSA were confirmed by mecA and nuc gene detection and a selection was spa-typed. MRSA was detected in 46 batches. All spa-types detected were those associated with LA-MRSA clonal complex 398. The proportion of positive batches varied among abattoirs (0–100%). Two abattoirs were subsequently further investigated, with samples taken at post-stunning, chiller and either at lairage or post-singe. Results suggested cross-contamination occurred between the lairage and point of post-stunning, but the slaughter processes appeared effective at reducing contamination before carcases entered the chiller. One abattoir provided only negative samples in the initial study and in the subsequent study along the slaughter line (26 batches in total), suggesting differences possibly in the MRSA status of pigs on arrival from supply farms or in its abattoir practices affecting the MRSA status of pigs at the sampling points. This study highlights that in the investigated abattoirs, MRSA was detected in 43.8% of batches of pigs at slaughter using sensitive selective culture methods.

The current study was undertaken to identify the sources of tolerance to bruchid in cowpea, by screening a set of germplasm accessions as a source for natural resistance. A total of 103 diverse accessions of cowpea were evaluated for resistance to Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. under no-choice artificial infestation conditions. Significant differences among the cowpea accessions were observed for oviposition, adult emergence, exit holes and per cent seed weight loss (PSWL) caused by the bruchid infestation. The accessions showed variation in physical seed parameters viz., colour, shape, testa texture, length, width and seed hardness. Among the seed biochemical parameters studied, per cent sugar content ranged from 0.322 (IC330950) to 1.493 (IC249137), and per cent phenol content ranged from 0.0326 (EC390261) to 1.081 (EC528423). Correlation studies indicated that PSWL had significant positive correlation (r = 0.335) with exit holes, oviposition (r = 0.219), adult emergence (r = 0.534) and seed roundness (r = 0.219). Adult emergence had a significant negative correlation with seed hardness (r = −0.332). Correlation with biochemical parameters indicated that PSWL had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.231) with sugar content and a significant negative correlation with phenol content (r = −0.219). None of the accessions were found to be immune to bruchid infestation. However, out of studied accessions, EC528425 and EC528387 were identified as resistant based on PSWL and moderately resistant based on adult emergence. These resistance sources of cowpea germplasm can be used as potential donors for development of bruchid tolerant/resistant cultivars.

Diet has a major influence on the composition and metabolic output of the gut microbiome. Higher-protein diets are often recommended for older consumers; however, the effect of high-protein diets on the gut microbiota and faecal volatile organic compounds (VOC) of elderly participants is unknown. The purpose of the study was to establish if the faecal microbiota composition and VOC in older men are different after a diet containing the recommended dietary intake (RDA) of protein compared with a diet containing twice the RDA (2RDA). Healthy males (74⋅2 (sd 3⋅6) years; n 28) were randomised to consume the RDA of protein (0⋅8 g protein/kg body weight per d) or 2RDA, for 10 weeks. Dietary protein was provided via whole foods rather than supplementation or fortification. The diets were matched for dietary fibre from fruit and vegetables. Faecal samples were collected pre- and post-intervention for microbiota profiling by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing and VOC analysis by head space/solid-phase microextraction/GC-MS. After correcting for multiple comparisons, no significant differences in the abundance of faecal microbiota or VOC associated with protein fermentation were evident between the RDA and 2RDA diets. Therefore, in the present study, a twofold difference in dietary protein intake did not alter gut microbiota or VOC indicative of altered protein fermentation.