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From beginning to end : the synecology of tree-killing bark beetles, fungi, and trees
Six, Diana L.; Hammerbacher, Almuth; Trowbridge, Amy; Bullington, Lorinda (Wiley, 2026-02)
Over a century of research has revealed an amazing complexity of behaviours and physiological adaptations that allow tiny bark beetles to overcome large trees, sometimes resulting in outbreaks that kill millions of trees. Turning a tree into a home and successfully raising offspring involves constant interactions among the beetles, the tree, its microbiome, and the beetles' associated microbes, all influenced by abiotic factors that can determine success or failure. While we have learned much about these systems, substantial knowledge gaps remain. This synthesis aims to clarify and integrate current understanding, identify gaps, challenge long-held assumptions, and address interpretative issues that impede progress toward a holistic understanding of these systems. We advocate for expanding perspectives using synecological approaches to understand these complex systems better. We encourage expanding research into how colonization by the bark beetle–fungi complex influences subsequent tree decay and forest carbon dynamics. An explicit goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for new researchers while encouraging them to question established hypotheses and to explore new avenues of enquiry.
Innate resistance to African swine fever virus : current knowledge and future directions
Auer, Agathe; Blome, Sandra; Rozstalnyy, Andriy; Penrith, Mary-Louise (BioMed Central, 2026-01)
This review explores the biological basis and epidemiological implications of natural resistance to ASFV. It dispels the misconception that African wild suids are persistent virus reservoirs and clarifies the role of Ornithodoros ticks in virus maintenance and transmission. Resistance mechanisms appear multifactorial, potentially involving host genetics and immune responses. Genomic studies have begun identifying genes potentially linked to ASFV resistance, including in pigs from areas with more recent ASF incursions. Understanding and harnessing natural resistance is a promising avenue to develop ASFV-resilient pig populations, especially for smallholder farmers in resource-limited settings. While vaccines remain limited, promoting and protecting naturally resistant pigs offers an immediate, practical tool to mitigate the impact of ASF in endemic regions.
Modifiable risk factors for anemia in pregnancy : an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Dagne, Woldeteklehaymanot Kassahun; Shiferaw, Mulu; Gedfie, Solomon; Jemal, Abdu; Gashaw, Muluken; Kumie, Getinet; Bazezew, Alembante; Sisay, Assefa Legesse; Abebe, Wagaw; Nigatie, Marye; Misganaw, Tadesse; Asmare, Zelalem; Getachew, Ermias; Gashaw, Yalewayker; Ashagre, Agenagnew; Tefera, Zewdu; Alemu, Bewuketu Belete; Tamrat, Ephrem; Kassanew, Brhanu; Dejazmach, Zelalem; Reta, Melese Abate (BioMed Central, 2026-01)
BACKGROUND : Anemia during pregnancy affects more than one-third of women globally, with the heaviest burden in low- and middle-income countries. It contributes substantially to maternal morbidity, adverse birth outcomes, and increased neonatal mortality. Despite extensive research, there remains a lack of comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis on modifiable determinants to guide effective, targeted interventions. This umbrella review aimed to consolidate evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on modifiable risk factors associated with anemia in pregnancy. METHODS : A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Epistemonikos, Hinari, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Search terms combined controlled vocabulary and free-text keywords including anemia, hemoglobin, iron deficiency, determinants, pregnant women, systematic review, and meta-analysis. Boolean operators (OR/AND) were applied, and the search was limited to English-language publications from 2014 to 2024. Eligible studies included systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining risk factors for anemia among pregnant women. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool, and synthesis followed JBI guidance to ensure rigor and transparency. Certainty of evidence assessed using GRADE. RESULTS : Of 13,348 records identified, 10 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included. The synthesis highlighted several modifiable risk factors. Nutritional determinants included low dietary diversity (RR = 2.38–3.59), poor dietary practices (AOR = 1.63–2.97), and inadequate iron/folic acid supplementation (AOR = 1.38–1.82). Maternal health conditions, particularly intestinal parasite infections (AOR = 2.18–4.34) and malaria (AOR = 1.94–11.19), showed strong associations. Sociodemographic risks included low maternal education (AOR = 1.34–2.04), short birth intervals (< 24 months; AOR = 1.27–2.84), adolescent pregnancy (AOR = 2.60), large family size (AOR = 1.58–1.95), and rural residence (RR = 1.56). Limited healthcare access, especially lack of antenatal care (AOR = 1.36–2.02), further increased risk. Considerable heterogeneity (I²=0–94.5%) and low-to-moderate certainty ratings (GRADE) suggest variability across settings and highlight context dependence. CONCLUSIONS : Anemia during pregnancy arises from multiple modifiable factors, including poor nutrition, low dietary diversity, adolescent pregnancy, and infections like malaria and intestinal parasites. This umbrella review highlights the importance of developing context-specific interventions and implementing multisectoral policies that integrate nutrition and infection-control strategies to reduce the global burden of maternal anemia.
Independent risk factors associated with a history of exercise associated muscle cramps (EAMC) among 21460 cycling race entrants (SAFER XXXVI) : a descriptive cross-sectional study
Pohl, Carey; Schwellnus, Martin Peter; Sewry, Nicola Ann; Boer, Pieter; Jordaan, Esme; Viljoen, Carel Thomas (Elsevier, 2026-03)
BACKGROUND : There is limited research on cyclists with a history of exercise associated muscle cramps (hEAMC) defined as muscle cramping (painful, spontaneous, sustained spasm of a muscle) during or after cycling. OBJECTIVE : To determine the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and risk factors associated with hEAMC in cyclists taking part in a mass participation cycling event. METHODS : 21,460 race entrants from the 2016 Cape Town Cycle Tour completed an online questionnaire, which is based on the guidelines for recreational exercise participation from the European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation [EACPR]. The main outcome measures were: the lifetime prevalence hEAMC (%; 95% confidence intervals), independent risk factors (adjusted for age and sex) associated with hEAMC (history of chronic disease, history of allergies, history of chronic medication use, history of medication use before and during race, history of cycling injuries, and cycling training/racing variables). Poisson regression was used to calculate the prevalence (%) of the variables of interest, with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS : The retrospective lifetime prevalence of hEAMC was 30.51%. EAMC in cyclists affects mainly the quadriceps muscles and occurs in the 4th quarter during a race. Novel independent risk factors associated with an increased risk of hEAMC in cyclists were: increased number of years participating as a recreational cyclist (PR=1.03 per 5 years increase; p<0.0001), a higher chronic disease composite score (PR=1.36 times increased risk for every 2 additional chronic diseases; p<0.0001), a history of any allergies (PR=1.18; p<0.0001), medication use before or during event (PR=1.41; p<0.0001) a history of an acute (PR=1.30; p<0.0001) and gradual onset injury (PR=1.29; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION : Our study identified novel independent risk factors associated with a hEAMC. These results, in combination with other known risk factors, could assist future targeted prevention programmes and the management of EAMC in recreational cyclists. HIGHLIGHTS • Older cyclists and males have a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of hEAMC. • EAMC in cyclists affects mainly the quadriceps muscles. • EAMC in cyclists occurs mainly in the 4th quarter during a race. • Risk factors for hEAMC: experience, chronic disease, allergies, medications, past injury.
The role of sustainability awards in institutionalising sustainability : case study evidence
De Villiers, Charl Johannes; Dimes, Ruth; Molinari, Matteo (Elsevier, 2026-01)
We examine whether sustainability awards and rankings can help to institutionalise sustainable practices within universities, analysing the case of the University of Auckland, the inaugural recipient of the number oneTHE Impact award. First, using deductive computer-aided text processing, we analyse management narratives in annual reports and strategic plans. Whereas annual report disclosures show a growing recognition of sustainability over time, strategic planning documents show dramatic changes in narratives following receipt of theTHE award. Next, we compare these findings to comments made by senior managers and faculty, including the Vice Chancellor, in response to an open-ended questionnaire designed specifically for this research project. Three key themes emerge. Firstly, awards raise awareness of sustainability and are seen as beneficial in attracting and retaining staff and students. Secondly, they require considerable resources in terms of funds, time and senior management attention. Thirdly, there was growing complacency and cynicism about such awards, given the risk of greenwashing and their consumption of valuable resources. We use the lens of institutional theory to interpret the rich findings from our study. Our discussion shows that external awards represent an important and under-researched influence on sustainability institutionalisation, and we suggest multiple avenues for future research.