Variable levels of laccase are secreted by four species of Ilyonectria that infect grapevines

Laccases are a family of enzymes (polyphenol oxidases; PP0-1 and PP0-2) implicated in pathogenesis and degradation of lignin by many phytopathogens, including those that infect grapevines. The aim of this study was to (i) confirm that Ilyonectria species pathogenic to grapevines secrete laccase, (ii) to determine whether isolates vary in laccase secretion and (iii) to determine whether the amino acid sequence of laccase (lcc1) differs between species. Laccase activity was measured using ABTS (2, 2 -azino-bis [3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) and DMP (2,6-dimethoxy-phenol). Six isolates of I. liriodendri and five isolates of the I. macrodidyma complex, including, I. macrodidyma (n=3), I. torrensensis and I. novozelandica were inoculated as agar plugs into minimal liquid media and incubated at 20°C for 7 days. The mycelium free extracellular fluid was assayed for PP0-1 and PP0-2 activity by their oxidation of ABTS and DMP, respectively. The results showed that all isolates produced PP0-1 activity but only seven produced detectable PP0-2 activity. There was isolate variation in both PP0-1 and PP0-2 activity for all species for which >1 isolate was tested (P<0.000). Degenerate PCR was used to amplify the lcc1 gene from I. macrodidyma, I. novozelandica, I. torrensensis and I. liriodendri. Six amino acid polymorphisms were identified within isolates of I. liriodendri and the I. macrodidyma complex. Amino acid polymorphism was not found between isolates of the same species. Thus, variable laccase activity is likely to result from variable amount of enzyme secretion rather than isolate differences in enzyme activity

Mindfulness-based interventions for young people with cancer : an integrated literature review

Background Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have demonstrated benefits for adults with chronic illness and are becoming increasingly popular among children and young people. Mindfulness-based interventions could have benefits for young people with cancer throughout the treatment journey, through to survivorship. Objective The aim was to review intervention studies about MBI used with young people with cancer between the ages of 10 and 29 years. Methods Six electronic databases were searched. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results Six contemporary studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies adapted MBI to be age appropriate and some studies modified the intervention based on cancer-specific needs of young people. Formal and informal MBI activities were found to be acceptable by young people; however, recruitment of the participants was identified as a barrier. Variability in psychosocial outcomes was noted in the review by some demonstrating improvement in areas such as mindfulness, anxiety, and social isolation and others not eliciting significant benefits. Conclusions Mindfulness-based intervention shows promise as an acceptable intervention that may improve psychosocial well-being for young people with cancer. Future research studies with adequate sample sizes are warranted to determine the effectiveness of MBI among young people with cancer. Implications for Practice Mindfulness-based intervention seems to be a promising approach to promote psychosocial well-being and reduce disease burden in young people with cancer. As validated MBI may be implemented without expert training, this could be promoted by healthcare providers, including nurses who care for young people with cancer

Feasibility, acceptability, and psychosocial outcomes of a mindfulness-based interactive e-book for young people with cancer

Purpose: Receiving a cancer diagnosis for young people is likely to adversely impact the individual's quality of life. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are an emerging strategy used to improve psychosocial well-being. However, challenges have been reported in relation to adherence and accessibility of face-to-face mindfulness programs among young people. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based interactive e-Book to improve psychosocial well-being of young people with cancer. Methods: Concurrent mixed methods approach with a pre-intervention-post-intervention survey and semistructured interviews evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a MBI delivered over a 6-week period, and its effect on psychosocial well-being of young people with cancer 15 to 24 years of age. Results: Of the 31 young people, both survivors and on active treatment, enrolled in the study, 20 (64.5%) completed the post-intervention survey. Textual data and interviews (n = 3) revealed that young people enjoyed the intervention and found it useful and easy to navigate, but wanted more attention paid to cancer-specific stressors, as well as opportunities for face-to-face or online interactions. Psychosocial well-being measures demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in depressive symptoms (2.35 to 1.25, p = 0.03) and psychological distress (23.63 to 19.79, p = 0.03), along with nonsignificant increases in mindfulness (20.05 to 22.9, p = 0.08) and quality of life (62.0 to 69.1, p = 0.13). Conclusion: Young people found the self-help MBI, delivered in an interactive e-Book platform, useful and acceptable. There were psychosocial benefits, although recruitment and retention were study challenges and can be improved in future research

A mindfulness-based intervention for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer

Background/Purpose: Cancer can have a significant negative impact on a young person's quality of life. While mindfulness‐based interventions can improve psycho‐social well‐being, adherence to and accessibility of face‐to‐face supports can be a barrier to participation. The aim of this study was to design and develop an evidence‐based, user‐centered online intervention in the form of a digitally based mindfulness eBook. Methods: The study adopted a user‐centered design during several phases of intervention development, and this involved discussions with expert research partners, workshops with young people with cancer (n = 6) and focus groups with health professionals (n = 5) and six young people with cancer who did not attend the workshop. Results: A trauma informed, mindfulness‐based interactive eBook with six modules was developed by a mindfulness research team in collaboration with health professionals and AYA. The content, design, activities, and the platforms were subsequently informed and modified based on feedback received from discussions across the design/ development phases. Qualitative data from the workshop and focus group revealed a number of themes: a less is more approach to minimize reader burden; keep content, instructions, and practices simple for potentially traumatized and unwell readers; ensure the eBook is highly experiential, including interactive quizzes, optional note‐taking sections and reflective journaling within each module. Feedback received were used to revise the eBook ensuring ease of access to the book, adopting a simplified and calming approach to the mindfulness explanations and practices, incorporating immersive mindfulness audio recordings, and optional quiz/knowledge check activities to confirm understanding of the main concepts, in all modules. Conclusions and Implications: This study is the first to use a usercentered design to tailor a mindfulness intervention to AYA with cancer. The involvement of experts in cancer care and young people themselves contributed significantly to the development of a potentially appropriate and acceptable mindfulness intervention for AYA with cancer