Implication of Sialidases in Salmonella Infection: Genome Release of Sialidase Knockout Strains from Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium LT2.

Sialidases, which are widely distributed in nature, cleave the α-ketosidic bond of terminal sialic acid residue. These emerging virulence factors degrade the host glycan. We report here the release of seven sialidase and one sialic acid transporter deletion in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strain LT2, which are important in cellular invasion during infection

Psychiatric Medications: Does Education Affect Medication Prescriptions?

Background: There is a lack of research on racial challenges among underrepresented adolescents regarding prescription drug use for mental illnesses. Purpose: This study addressed the following question: In adolescent minorities, how does education about racial disparity and culture affect the stigma and number of prescriptions written for psychiatric medications? This evidence-based practice project aimed to identify if racial awareness directly impacts the amount of psychiatric medication prescribed for adolescent minorities. Methods: Literature reviews analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to provide correlating information on racial disparities and psychotropic medications. This study examined the following possible factors for decreased prescribed drugs within minority adolescents: population size, percentage of people who receive psychiatric prescriptions, cultural perspective, stigma, and social status. Results: Evidence has found that prescription psychiatric medications are highest amongst Caucasian adults; while Black, Hispanic, and Asian men were reported less likely to receive psychotropic drugs. Numerous studies highlighted the need to address factors affecting antipsychotic prescribing behaviors, interactions between the providers, and how financial sustainability affects such efforts Racial disparities regarding psychotropic prescriptions have been found to decrease through proper education. Conclusion: More research is still needed to investigate exactly how race and culture affect prescriptions and provider interactions

Evaluating the Organizational Advancement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Extension Education

In response to global trends and calls for greater inclusivity, the field of extension education has made significant strides towards embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. This study explores the progress of DEI initiatives in the Cooperative Extension System (CES), which has aligned with industry groups, non-profit organizations, academia, and scientific societies worldwide. Through a multifaceted approach, CES has pursued strategies such as intercultural competence (ICC) training for professionals, diversity action plans, and culturally responsive teaching techniques. This study assessed the advancement of DEI in extension education using a survey of DEI specialists across extension organizations in the U.S. Two assessment frameworks guided the study: the Diversity and Inclusion Self-Assessment and the Meyer\u27s DEI Spectrum tool. The results revealed significant variation in the implementation of specific DEI progress indicators, highlighting areas of advancement and opportunities for improvement. Notably, extension organizations demonstrated strong progress in the dimensions of Data and Infrastructure, indicating a commitment to collecting comprehensive demographic data and establishing supportive structures. However, challenges persist, including insufficient administrative support and incomplete organizational commitment. While many organizations have launched initial DEI efforts, sustained progress is essential to ensure the authenticity and effectiveness of these initiatives. The study underscores the importance of continuous assessment and accountability to drive meaningful DEI change within extension organizations. By addressing challenges and building on successes, extension organizations can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape that mirrors global aspirations for social justice and diversity

Audience Segmentation in Extension Horticultural Programs

Cluster analysis was used to segment horticulture clientele using data from a needs assessment. Gardeners were segmented into two groups based on their horticulture practices. These groups were described using several factors including age and time spent maintaining different garden areas. Results from this study indicate the importance of considering the target audience prior to design and implementation of a gardening certificate program

A Descriptive Analysis of Remote Work Adoption in the United States

Advances in information and communications technology have enabled organizations to shift traditional work functions away from place or where work is accomplished to how work is accomplished (i.e., task facilitation). With the rise in remote work, there was a need to describe the adoption process by organizations in the United States. Given that the practice of remote work is considered an innovation, this quantitative study was guided by the theory of Diffusion of Innovations and followed a nonexperimental design with a correlational analysis, collecting cross-sectional data from a sample of organizational leaders in the United States (N = 1,259). Results describe where organizations range in the innovation-decision process of remote work adoption and categorize organizations based on innovativeness. This research demonstrates the role of COVID-19 in precipitating organizations’ rapid implementation of remote work during a pandemic. Findings hold implications for leaders deciding whether to adopt remote work as a formal workplace practice and can assist them in making informed operational decisions. Findings also provide Extension professionals with insights into responding to the social and economic consequences of the widespread adoption of remote work with relevant, research-based educational programming in their local communities

Salmonella Degrades the Host Glycocalyx Leading to Altered Infection and Glycan Remodeling.

Complex glycans cover the gut epithelial surface to protect the cell from the environment. Invasive pathogens must breach the glycan layer before initiating infection. While glycan degradation is crucial for infection, this process is inadequately understood. Salmonella contains 47 glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) that may degrade the glycan. We hypothesized that keystone genes from the entire GH complement of Salmonella are required to degrade glycans to change infection. This study determined that GHs recognize the terminal monosaccharides (N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), galactose, mannose, and fucose) and significantly (p < 0.05) alter infection. During infection, Salmonella used its two GHs sialidase nanH and amylase malS for internalization by targeting different glycan structures. The host glycans were altered during Salmonella association via the induction of N-glycan biosynthesis pathways leading to modification of host glycans by increasing fucosylation and mannose content, while decreasing sialylation. Gene expression analysis indicated that the host cell responded by regulating more than 50 genes resulting in remodeled glycans in response to Salmonella treatment. This study established the glycan structures on colonic epithelial cells, determined that Salmonella required two keystone GHs for internalization, and left remodeled host glycans as a result of infection. These data indicate that microbial GHs are undiscovered virulence factors

Intercultural Competency Development Model for Extension Professionals: Expert Consensus Using the Delphi Technique

To address concerns about the applicability of existing intercultural competence models to the Extension context, we aimed to develop a systematic intercultural competence framework tailored for Extension professionals through a collaborative and consensual process. A three-phased Delphi approach was utilized with a panel of 36 intercultural competence experts in Extension across academic disciplines to identify and finalize competencies thought to be necessary across career phases. The panel agreed upon 54 competencies in total with 13 competencies to develop in the first year, 37 competencies to develop in the first three years and four competencies in years two through seven

Large-Scale Release of Campylobacter Draft Genomes: Resources for Food Safety and Public Health from the 100K Pathogen Genome Project.

Campylobacter is a food-associated bacterium and a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide, being associated with poultry in the food supply. This is the initial public release of 202 Campylobacter genome sequences as part of the 100K Pathogen Genome Project. These isolates represent global genomic diversity in the Campylobacter genus

Evaluating Utah\u27s Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work

Compared to urban counties, Utah\u27s rural counties experienced high levels of unemployment. Informed by a statewide needs assessment, Utah State University Extension developed a remote work leadership course to equip business leaders with knowledge and skills to create remote jobs as a solution to rural unemployment. This descriptive evaluation study collected data from course participants (N = 62). Findings showed short-term outcomes were achieved; participants experienced increases in knowledge and skills and had more positive intentions toward creating remote jobs and hiring employees from rural counties. Extension professionals can design and evaluate their programs using the framework in this study