23 research outputs found
ASU West Construction Jackrabbit Relocation
No full textabstract: These items document the relocation of approximately 200+ jackrabbits from the ASU West construction site beginning with the letter of a concerned citizen to the governor of Arizona, to the project manager, to the pest control company, to the resolution, and back to the complainant.tableOfContents: - Letter from Arlene Binkowski (original complainant) to Governor Bruce E. Babbitt
- Letter from Robert D. Zarecky (construction manager for Ellis-Murphy, Inc.) to Bill Sample of Truly Nolen Pest Control
- Letter from Bill Sample to Robert D. Zarecky
- Truly Nolen Special Service Agreement (cost and plan for removing rabbits)
- Fact Sheet--Jackrabbit Relocation ASU West Campus Site
- "Jackrabbits are Being Relocated" (news release)
- Letter form Steve Venker (Design Project Manager, ASU West) to Arlene Binkowsk
Investigation of virulent and avirulent Brachyspira hyodysenteriae isolates
No full textBrachyspira hyodysenteriae is an anaerobic intestinal spirochaete and the aetiological agent of swine dysentery (SD). Throughout the UK and Europe, pathogenic and potential non-pathogenic isolates of B. hyodysenteriae have been recovered from pig herds, creating major obstacles for the detection and control of this economically important pathogen. Therefore, the main aim of this research was to compare one representative of virulent (P8544) and one representative of avirulent (P7455) strains of B. hyodysenteriae using genomic and proteomics approaches with a view to identify distinctive genes or proteins.
The B. hyodysenteriae draft genomes of P8544 and P7455 consisted of a circular 3.0 Mb chromosome and a 31,469-34,822 bp circular plasmid that is also present in the only published B. hyodysenteriae genome, WA1. A considerable number of genes (~27-35) were identified in both the virulent and avirulent strains that shared high sequence homology with genes found in other spirochaetes, such as B. murdochii and B. intermedia, as well as in other species of bacteria; these may have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer. Comparative genomics of the two pathogenic genomes P8544 and WA1 versus the non-pathogenic genome P7455 revealed that the gene encoding for the methyltransferase type 11 (Bhyoa7455_20) was identified as being unique to the P7455 plasmid sequence and was successfully PCR amplified in a greater number of avirulent than virulent strains. However, as this was only just statistically significant (P=0.049), screening of a much larger strain set would clearly be required to support this gene as a suitable genetic marker to distinguish virulent and avirulent B. hyodysenteriae strains.
Bacterial acquisition of iron in-vivo is crucial for successful colonisation and persistence in the host. A further aim of this study was to compare the growth phenotype of B. hyodysenteriae isolates P8544 and P7455 grown under iron-limiting conditions; such as would be found in-vivo in the large intestine of the host. Analysis of P8544 and P7455 growth rate in iron-sequestered media (containing 0.1 mM of the iron-chelator dipyridyl) demonstrated that both these isolates could replicate in this media although with an extended lag-phase of approximately 32-34 hrs; growth rate was on par with the iron-replete conditions. qRT-PCR analysis of eight putative iron-acquisition genes under iron-sequestered and iron-replete conditions revealed a difference in transcription for a number of ABC-transporter genes in P8544 and P7455, however, none of these were classified as statistically significant.
Non-quantitative shotgun proteomic based approach was used to analyse outer-membrane protein (OMPs) expression of P8544 and P7455 under low-iron and iron-replete growth conditions and revealed alteration in the OM expression profiles between the isolates and conditions using KEGG analysis. The majority of expressed proteins under iron-replete conditions were categorized in membrane transport (11%) and carbohydrate metabolism (7%). Under iron-restriction the OM profile changed most obviously in a decreased percentage of proteins particularly assigned in the categories energy metabolism and membrane transport. The percentage of proteins assigned no predicted function increased by 19% under iron-limited conditions highlighting the fact that biological functions of the majority of these expressed proteins in such an environment remains to be determined.
Two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis (2-DGE) of whole cell fraction indicated that the alkyl-hydrogen peroxide reductase protein (AhpC) in P7455 and the non-haem iron-containing ferritin (Bhyov8544_1528) in P8544 were significantly (P<0.05; 1.5-fold) more expressed under iron-restricted conditions than under iron-replete conditions. These data confirmed the importance of iron to virulent and avirulent B. hyodysenteriae. The so far identified significantly expressed proteins may serve as a potential biomarker for global diagnostic purposes for B. hyodysenteriae infections rather than a tool for differentiation for virulent and avirulent isolates. However, further work is required to prove if these candidates are expressed in-vivo and conserved in a wider panel of field isolates.
In conclusion, this research has contributed to the scientific knowledge regarding B. hyodysenteriae stress responses induced by iron-starvation and has provided further insight into the genetic and proteomic make up of this spirochaete. This work should also aid future investigations concerning the biology and pathogenicity of this important and grossly understudied swine pathogen
Effects of dietary fat and protein on glucoregulatory hormones in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes
No full textContext: Dietary fat and protein impact postprandial hyperglycemia in people with type 1 diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Glucoregulatory hormones are also known to modulate gastric emptying and may contribute to this effect. Objective: Investigate the effects of fat and protein on glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), glucagon-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon secretion. Methods: 2 crossover euglycemic insulin clamp clinical trials at 2 Australian pediatric diabetes centers. Participants were 12-21 years (n = 21) with type 1 diabetes for ≥1 year. Participants consumed a low-protein (LP) or high-protein (HP) meal in Study 1, and lowprotein/low-fat (LPLF) or high-protein/high-fat (HPHF) meal in Study 2, all containing 30 g of carbohydrate. An insulin clamp was used to maintain postprandial euglycemia and plasma glucoregulatory hormones were measured every 30 minutes for 5 hours. Data from both cohorts (n = 11, 10) were analyzed separately. The main outcome measure was area under the curve of GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon. Results: Meals low in fat and protein had minimal effect on GLP-1, while there was sustained elevation after HP (80.3 ± 16.8 pmol/L) vs LP (56.9 ± 18.6), P = .016, and HPHF (103.0 ± 26.9) vs LPLF (69.5 ± 31.9) meals, P = .002. The prompt rise in GIP after all meals was greater after HP (190.2 ± 35.7 pmol/L) vs LP (152.3 ± 23.3), P = .003, and HPHF (258.6 ± 31.0) vs LPLF (151.7 ± 29.4), P < .001. A rise in glucagon was also seen in response to protein, and HP (292.5 ± 88.1 pg/mL) vs LP (182.8 ± 48.5), P = .010. Conclusion: The impact of fat and protein on postprandial glucose excursions may be mediated by the differential secretion of glucoregulatory hormones. Further studies to better understand these mechanisms may lead to improved personalized postprandial glucose management.Amelia J. Harray, Sabrina Binkowski, Barbara L. Keating, Michael Horowitz, Scott Standfield, Grant Smith, Nirubasini Paramalingam, Timothy Jones, Bruce R. King, Carmel E. M. Smart, and Elizabeth A. Davi
"Words and music" of Beckett and Feldman
No full textThe article analyses the radio play by Samuel Beckett with musical arrangement provided by Morton Feldman, focussing on a particular relationship developing between the characters described in stage directions as Words and Music. The part of Words develops over the course of the play, which stands in opposition to the process which, according to Giambattista Vico, occurs in the historic development of language. However, the pre-linguist stage remains unattained. Feldman’s music proves capable of reaching this phase as it is preserved by the author in a condition which has been linked, in Julia Kristeva’s theory, with semiotic modality
Optimization of blood handling and peripheral blood mononuclear cell cryopreservation of low cell number samples
No full textBackground: Rural/remote blood collection can cause delays in processing, reducing PBMC number, viability, cell composition and function. To mitigate these impacts, blood was stored at 4 °C prior to processing. Viable cell number, viability, immune phenotype, and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release were measured. Furthermore, the lowest protective volume of cryopreservation media and cell concentration was investigated. Methods: Blood from 10 individuals was stored for up to 10 days. Flow cytometry and IFN-γ ELISPOT were used to measure immune phenotype and function on thawed PBMC. Additionally, PBMC were cryopreserved in volumes ranging from 500 µL to 25 µL and concentration from 10 × 10⁶ cells/mL to 1.67 × 10⁶ cells/mL. Results: PBMC viability and viable cell number significantly reduced over time compared with samples processed immediately, except when stored for 24 h at RT. Monocytes and NK cells significantly reduced over time regardless of storage temperature. Samples with >24 h of RT storage had an increased proportion in Low-Density Neutrophils and T cells compared with samples stored at 4 °C. IFN-γ release was reduced after 24 h of storage, however not in samples stored at 4 °C for >24 h. The lowest protective volume identified was 150 µL with the lowest density of 6.67 × 10⁶ cells/mL. Conclusion: A sample delay of 24 h at RT does not impact the viability and total viable cell numbers. When long-term delays exist (>4 d) total viable cell number and cell viability losses are reduced in samples stored at 4 °C. Immune phenotype and function are slightly altered after 24 h of storage, further impacts of storage are reduced in samples stored at 4 °C.Christopher M. Hope, Dao Huynh, Ying Ying Wong, Helena Oakey, Griffith Boord Perkins, Trung Nguyen, Sabrina Binkowski, Minh Bui, Ace Y.L. Choo, Emily Gibson, Dexing Huang, Ki Wook Kim, Katrina Ngui, William D. Rawlinson, Timothy Sadlon, Jennifer J. Couper, Megan A.S. Penno, Simon C. Barry, and on behalf of the ENDIA Study Grou
Percepção do acompanhante do paciente pediátrico durante a indução e o despertar da anestesia
No full textObjetivo: Conhecer as percepções de acompanhantes das crianças na indução anestésica e no despertar da anestesia. Método: Estudo exploratório,descritivo, qualitativo, realizado em um centro cirúrgico (CC) de um hospital pediátrico de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com sete mães presentes naindução anestésica e no despertar da criança da anestesia. A coleta de dados foi realizada em duas fases: 1. observação não participativa na pré-indução e na induçãoanestésica; 2. entrevista semiestruturada na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA). Resultados: Da análise de conteúdo dos diários de campo emergiramduas categorias: estratégias utilizadas pelos acompanhantes e tranquilidade. As estratégias usadas foram: choro, amor e carinho. Das entrevistas emergiramduas categorias: experiência positiva e experiência negativa, sendo a primeira a mais destacada. Conclusão: Acompanhar o filho no processo anestésico-cirúrgicodesencadeou mais percepções positivas do que negativas nas mães. Além de dar suporte e tranquilidade à criança, as acompanhantes se sentiram mais seguras.</jats:p
Inferring Functional Relationships of Proteins from Local Sequence and Spatial Surface Patterns
No full textes, and for further inquiries on evolutionary origins of structural elements important for protein function. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: protein surface; surface pattern; protein function; pocket sequence; pocket shape *Corresponding author Introduction With rapid progress in the determination of protein structures, 1,2 protein structural analysis has become an important source of information for understanding functional roles of proteins. Conservation of protein structures often reveals very distant evolutionary relationships, which are otherwise difficult to detect by sequence analysis alone. Analysis of protein structure can provide insightful ideas about the biochemical functions and mechanisms of proteins (e.g. active sites, catalytic residues, and substrate interactions). 9--11 An important approach of studying protein structures is fold analysis. Identifying the correct tertiary fold of protein is often helpful for inferring protein func
Author Correction:A 41,500 year-old decorated ivory pendant from Stajnia Cave (Poland)
No full textCorrection to: Scientific Reports https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01221-6, published online 25 November 2021The original version of this Article contained errors in the author list where Marjolein D. Bosch was omitted from the author list, and Mikołaj Urbanowski was incorrectly listed as an author of the original Article, and has subsequently been removed.The Author contributions section now reads:“S.T. W.N. and A.N. conceived the project; S.T., W.N., A.P., M.B., S.C., M.D., H.F., A.M., M.D. B., D.P., M.P.R., C.M.R., V.S-M., G.M.S., P.S., M.S., K.S., A.V., F.W., H.W., A.W., M.Z., S.B., A.N., J-J. H., performed research; S.T., A.P., W.N., M.B., M.D.B., S.C., M.D., H.F., A.M., D.P., M.P.R., C.M.R., V.S-M., G.M.S., P.S., M.S., K.S., A.V., F.W., H.W., A.W., M.Z., S.B., A.N., J-J. H. analysed all archaeological data; S.T. and A.P. wrote the paper with the collaboration of all the co-authors.”The original Article and its accompanying Supplementary Information file have been corrected
Substantial Intra-Individual Variability in Post-Prandial Time to Peak in Controlled and Free-Living Conditions in Children with Type 1 Diabetes
No full textThe optimal time to bolus insulin for meals is challenging for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Current guidelines to control glucose excursions do not account for individual differences in glycaemic responses to meals. This study aimed to examine the within- and between-person variability in time to peak (TTP) glycaemic responses after consuming meals under controlled and free-living conditions. Participants aged 8–15 years with T1D ≥ 1 year and using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) were recruited. Participants consumed a standardised breakfast for six controlled days and maintained their usual daily routine for 14 free-living days. CGM traces were collected after eating. Linear mixed models were used to identify within- and between-person variability in the TTP after each of the controlled breakfasts, free-living breakfasts (FLB), and free-living dinners (FLD) conditions. Thirty participants completed the study (16 females; mean age and standard deviation (SD) 10.5 (1.9)). The TTP variability was greater within a person than the variability between people for all three meal types (between-person vs. within-person SD; controlled breakfast 18.5 vs. 38.9 min; FLB 14.1 vs. 49.6 min; FLD 5.7 vs. 64.5 min). For the first time, the study showed that within-person variability in TTP glycaemic responses is even greater than between-person variability
Proposal for the implementation and monitoring of a health care nursing protocol for patients with external ventricular drains
No full textABSTRACT Objective: To structure a proposal for implementing and monitoring the nursing care protocol for the safety of adult patients with external ventricular drains. Method: Descriptive exploratory research based on Implementation Science, with intentional sampling. Carried out in a hospital complex in southern Brazil, between May and December 2022, in four stages: online questionnaire on knowledge of care for patients with external ventricular shunt for nurses; matrix of proposed indicators with key actors; self-instructional online course for nurses; synthesis of the existing protocol. Contextualized instructional design was used to develop the course. Results: Six nurses from the operating room and intensive care unit participated, identifying knowledge gaps, pointing out the need for specific training; four key actors in the neurosurgery service defined six indicators. An online course was created and made available on the platform of the institution with two modules, including eight videos. Protocol synthesis was adapted to the standards of the institution’s quality sector. Conclusion: A report regarding the implementation of the nursing care protocol for patients with external ventricular drains was delivered for the nurse who was the technical responsible. Future studies should evaluate the implementation and impacts it will generate. This model can be adapted by other institutions
