Mycorrhization in trees: ecology, physiology, emerging technologies and beyond

Mycorrhization has been an integral part of plants since colonization by the early land plants. Over decades, substantial research has highlighted its potential role in improving nutritional efficiency and growth, development and survival of crop plants. However, the focus of this review is trees. Evidence have been provided to explain ecological and physiological significance of mycorrhization in trees. Advances in recent technologies (e.g., metagenomics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, agricultural drones) may open new windows to apply this knowledge in promoting tree growth in forest ecosystems. Dual mycorrhization relationships in trees and even triple relationships among trees, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria offer an interesting physiological system to understand how plants interact with other organisms for better survival. Besides, studies indicate additional roles of mycorrhization in learning, memorizing and communication between host trees through a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Recent observations in trees suggest that mycorrhization may even promote tolerance to multiple abiotic (e.g., drought, salt, heavy metal stress) and biotic (e.g. fungi) stresses. Due to the extent of physiological reliance, local adaptation of trees is heavily impacted by the mycorrhizal community. This knowledge opens the possibility of a non-GMO avenue to promote tree growth and development. Indeed, mycorrhization could impact growth of trees in nurserys and subsequent survival of the inoculated trees in field conditions. Future studies might integrate hyperspectral imaging and drone technologies to identify tree communities that are deficient in nitrogen and spray mycorrhizal spore formulations on them.

158 AN AUDIT ON DISCHARGE SUMMARIES IN A MEDICAL GERONTOLOGICAL WARD

Background

Discharge summaries are an integral part of communication within healthcare to ensure safe care across settings. Alterations are documented and relayed between relevant healthcare professionals. This audit evaluates quality of discharge summaries from a medical gerontology ward against the National Standard for Patient Discharge Summary Information (HIQA)

Methods

A retrospective audit was carried out with data collected from a ward discharge registry over 3-months (February-April 2022) and associated discharge summaries.

Results

A total of 31 discharges (including death) were identified during the set period, 97% (n=30) of which had completed discharge summaries. Upon assessment against the standard, 100% (n=30) included details vital to patient identification including name, date of birth, gender and address. In addition,100% (n=30) included information on date of admission-discharge, clinical course, relevant investigations, treatments, procedures, discharge medications and details of the doctor completing the discharge summary. The audit identified that 20% (n=6) of summaries stated referral source, which is mandatory according to the standard. 13% (n=4) included dietary interventions and 0% included immunization information (whether as an inpatient or prior). Regarding information on further management, 77% (n=23) had guidance on follow-up hospital care, 27% (n=8) had information about social care actions, 20% had advice, recommendations and future plans documented and in 10% information was documented to be given to patient and carer.

Conclusion

Compliance with mandatory information including patient details, admission/discharge date, diagnoses, hospital course, and author fully met the standard. However, there was poor compliance with information relevant to continuation of patient care in the community. This is particularly relevant for older patients with multiple co-morbidities and complex care needs. Doctors working on this ward are receiving education regarding the importance of documentation of functional status, social care needs and diet at discharge. In future, mandatory documentation as part of electronic discharge summaries may improve compliance and continuity of care across settings.

81 IMPROVING THE ASSESSMENT AND PREVENTION OF FALLS AND FRACTURES ON A REHABILITATION WARD

Background

The National Steering Group and The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence provide guidelines on medical assessment and prevention of falls and fractures. This audit assesses and compares quality of practice on an Age-Related rehabilitation ward against these guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective audit, including all patients (n=31) on an off-site, Age-Related rehabilitation ward was completed. Data on falls and fractures at emergency department presentation and during admission was obtained through chart review. Following education and implementation of a falls pro-forma, a re-audit was completed at four months including all patients (n=40).

Results

In cycle 1, mean age of patients was 80 years (range 56-94), 39 Percent (%) (n=12) were admitted with a fall of whom 66.7% (n=8) had a resulting fracture. In cycle 2, mean age was 82 years (range 63–95), 48% (n=19) were admitted due to a fall, of whom 53% (n=10) had a fracture.

A falls assessment and bone health review was completed in 39% (n=12) of all patients in cycle 1, and in 37% (n=3) admitted with a fall. This increased to 83% (n=33) of all patients in cycle 2 and 100% (n=40) of those admitted with a fall. Pre-intervention, 23% (n=7) had an inpatient fall compared to 18% (n=7) post-intervention; of these, 43% (n=3) and 14% (n=1) resulted in fractures respectively.

Conclusion

Compliance with national guidelines for prevention of falls and fractures improved with education and implementation of a falls pro-forma. This resulted in a reduction in falls, particularly injurious falls, on a rehabilitation ward. In future, this pro-forma may be implemented in other hospital wards.

The main olfactory system mediates pheromone-induced fos expression in the extended amygdala and preoptic area of the male Syrian hamster

Copulation in male hamsters is stimulated by exposure to vaginal secretions of conspecifics. These pheromones also stimulate fos expression in neural areas that regulate copulation including: the medial nucleus of the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the preoptic area. The pheromones in vaginal secretions are detected by both the main and accessory olfactory systems. However, the accessory system plays the greater role in the regulation of mating behavior and has direct connections with the medial nucleus of the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. The goal of the present study was to determine which system mediates the effect of pheromones on the stimulation of more central areas by deafferenting these systems in experienced male hamsters before exposure to vaginal secretions. Destruction of the receptors in the main olfactory system with zinc sulfate eliminated the increase in fos immunoreactivity in the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and preoptic area following exposure to sexually stimulating pheromones. Deafferentation of the accessory olfactory system by removing the vomeronasal organ had no effect on pheromone-induced fos expression in these areas. We conclude that neurons expressing fos following exposure to vaginal secretions are stimulated via the main olfactory system and are not associated with the expression of copulatory behavior.