Genomic epidemiology of community-associated Staphylococcus aureus in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea

Eike Steinig investigated the transmission dynamics of community-associated MRSA in Far North Queensland and Papua New Guinea. He developed bioinformatics methods based on portable nanopore sequencing technology to infer epidemiological outbreak parameters and clinical genotypes of bacterial pathogens, with applications in rural and remote hospitals that lack sequencing infrastructure

Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic : A review of the nature of the virus, impacts and implications for preparedness

Background: COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in different countries across the world, claiming thousands of lives, increasing morbidity and disrupting lifestyles. The global scientific community is in urgent need of relevant evidence, to understand the challenges and knowledge gaps, as well as the opportunities to contain the spread of the virus. Considering the unique socio-economic, demographic, political, ecological and climatic contexts in Africa, the responses which may prove to be successful in other regions may not be appropriate on the continent. This paper aims to provide insight for scientists, policy makers and international agencies to contain the virus and to mitigate its impact at all levels. Methods: The Affiliates of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), came together to synthesize the current evidence, identify the challenges and opportunities to enhance the understanding of the disease. We assess the potential impact of this pandemic and the unique challenges of the disease on African nations. We examine the state of Africa’s preparedness and make recommendations for steps needed to win the war against this pandemic and combat potential resurgence. Results: We identified gaps and opportunities among cross-cutting issueswhich must be addressed or harnessed in this pandemic. Factors such as the nature of the virus and the opportunities for drug targeting, point of care diagnostics, health surveillance systems, food security, mental health, xenophobia and gender-based violence, shelter for the homeless, water and sanitation, telecommunications challenges, domestic regional coordination and financing. Conclusion: Based on our synthesis of the current evidence, while there are plans for preparedness in several African countries, there are significant limitations. A multi-sectoral efforts from the science, education, medical, technology, communication, business, and industry sectors, as well as local communities, must work collaboratively to assist countries in order to win this fight

Studies of Single-Molecule Dynamics in Microorganisms

Fluorescence microscopy is one of the most extensively used techniques in the life sciences. Considering the non-invasive sample preparation, enabling live-cell compliant imaging, and the specific fluorescence labeling, allowing for a specific visualization of virtually any cellular compound, it is possible to localize even a single molecule in living cells. This makes modern fluorescence microscopy a powerful toolbox. In the recent decades, the development of new, "super-resolution" fluorescence microscopy techniques, which surpass the diffraction limit, revolutionized the field. Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) is a class of super-resolution microscopy methods and it enables resolution of down to tens of nanometers. SMLM methods like Photoactivated Localization Microscopy (PALM), (direct) Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy ((d)STORM), Ground-State Depletion followed by Individual Molecule Return (GSDIM) and Point Accumulation for Imaging in Nanoscale Topography (PAINT) have allowed to investigate both, the intracellular spatial organization of proteins and to observe their real-time dynamics at the single-molecule level in live cells. The focus of this thesis was the development of novel tools and strategies for live-cell SingleParticle Tracking PALM (sptPALM) imaging and implementing them for biological research. In the first part of this thesis, I describe the development of new Photoconvertible Fluorescent Proteins (pcFPs) which are optimized for sptPALM lowering the phototoxic damage caused by the imaging procedure. Furthermore, we show that we can utilize them together with Photoactivatable Fluorescent Proteins (paFPs) to enable multi-target labeling and read-out in a single color channel, which significantly simplifies the sample preparation and imaging routines as well as data analysis of multi-color PALM imaging of live cells. In parallel to developing new fluorescent proteins, I developed a high throughput data analysis pipeline. I have implemented this pipeline in my second project, described in the second part of this thesis, where I have investigated the protein organization and dynamics of the CRISPR-Cas antiviral defense mechanism of bacteria in vivo at a high spatiotemporal level with the sptPALM approach. I was successful to show the differences in the target search dynamics of the CRISPR effector complexes as well as of single Cas proteins for different target complementarities. I have also first data describing longer-lasting bound-times between effector complex and their potential targets in vivo, for which only in vitro data has been available till today. In summary, this thesis is a significant contribution for both, the advances of current sptPALM imaging methods, as well as for the understanding of the native behavior of CRISPR-Cas systems in vivo

Scale Matters

Scale matters. When conducting research and writing, scholars upscale and downscale. So do the subjects of their work - we scale, they scale. Although scaling is an integrant part of research, we rarely reflect on scaling as a practice and what happens when we engage with it in scholarly work. The contributors aim to change this: they explore the pitfalls and potentials of scaling in an interdisciplinary dialogue. The volume brings together scholars from diverse fields, working on different geographical areas and time periods, to engage with scale-conscious questions regarding human sociality, culture, and evolution. With contributions by Nurit Bird-David, Robert L. Kelly, Charlotte Damm, Andreas Maier, Brian Codding, Elspeth Ready, Bram Tucker, Graeme Warren and others

Scale Matters: The Quality of Quantity in Human Culture and Sociality

Scale matters. When conducting research and writing, scholars upscale and downscale. So do the subjects of their work - we scale, they scale. Although scaling is an integrant part of research, we rarely reflect on scaling as a practice and what happens when we engage with it in scholarly work. The contributors aim to change this: they explore the pitfalls and potentials of scaling in an interdisciplinary dialogue. The volume brings together scholars from diverse fields, working on different geographical areas and time periods, to engage with scale-conscious questions regarding human sociality, culture, and evolution. With contributions by Nurit Bird-David, Robert L. Kelly, Charlotte Damm, Andreas Maier, Brian Codding, Elspeth Ready, Bram Tucker, Graeme Warren and others

Program and Proceedings: The Nebraska Academy of Sciences 1880-2012

PROGRAM FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012 REGISTRATION FOR ACADEMY, Lobby of Lecture wing, Olin Hall Aeronautics and Space Science, Session A, Olin 249 Aeronautics and Space Science, Session B, Olin 224 Collegiate Academy, Biology Session A, Olin B Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Applied Science and Technology, Olin 325 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session A, Olin 112 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session B, Smith Callen Conference Center Junior Academy, Judges Check-In, Olin 219 Junior Academy, Senior High REGISTRATION, Olin Hall Lobby Chemistry and Physics, Section B, Physics, Planetarium Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session A, Olin 324 Junior Academy, Senior High Competition, Olin 124, Olin 131 Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 NWU Health and Sciences Graduate School Fair, Olin and Smith Curtiss Halls Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 MAIBEN MEMORIAL LECTURE, OLIN B Buffalo Bruce McIntosh, Research Ecologist with Western Nebraska Resources Council, The Status of Nebraska\u27s Native Aspen LUNCH, PATIO ROOM, STORY STUDENT CENTER (pay and carry tray through cafeteria line, or pay at NAS registration desk) Aeronautics Group, Conestoga Room Anthropology, Olin 111 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session C, Olin 112 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session D, Smith Callen Conference Center Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Chemistry and Physics, Section B, Physics, Planetarium Collegiate Academy, Biology Session A, Olin B Collegiate Academy, Biology Session B, Olin 249 Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session B, Olin 324 Earth Science, Olin 224 History/Philosophy of Science, Olin 325 Junior Academy, Judges Check-In, Olin 219 Junior Academy, Junior High REGISTRATION, Olin Hall Lobby Junior Academy, Senior High Competition, (Final), Olin 110 Teaching of Science and Math, Olin 325 Junior Academy, Junior High Competition, Olin 124, Olin 131 NJAS Board/Teacher Meeting, Olin 219 BUSINESS MEETING, OLIN B AWARDS RECEPTION for NJAS, Scholarships, Members, Spouses, and Guests First United Methodist Church, 2723 N 50th Street, Lincoln, N

Socio-Life Science and the COVID-19 Outbreak

This open access book presents the first step towards building socio-life science, a field of science investigating humans in such a way that both social and life-scientific factors are integrated. Because humans are both living and social creatures, a human action can never be understood fully without knowing both the biological traits of a person and the social scientific environments in which he exists. With this consideration, the editors of this book have initiated a research project promoting a deeper and more integrated understanding of human behavior and human health. This book aims to show what can, and could be, achieved through our interdisciplinary project. One important product is the newly formed three-party collaboration between Pasteur Institut, Kyoto University, and the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry. Covering many different fields, including medicine, epidemiology, anthropology, economics, sociology, demography, geography, and policy, researchers in these institutes, and many others, present their studies on the COVID-19 pandemic. Although based on different methodologies, the studies show the importance of behavioral change and governmental policy in the fight against a huge pandemic. The book explains the unique genome cohort–panel data that the project builds to study social and life scientific aspects of humans

A Captive Care Guide, Teaching Curriculum and Animal Care References for Amphibians and Reptiles in a Secondary Education Classroom

The objective of this project is to create teaching curriculum as w ell as ancillary resources regarding the use of native, captive bred and/or commonly used pet trade amphibian and reptile species in a secondary education classroom. The project will include a detailed list of reptile and amphibian veterinarians from around the state, a discussion regarding disposal of captives and rescues, information on housing, life expectancy, adult size, nutrition, good and bad choices of species to have in classrooms and/or nature center (both wild and captive list), and disclaimers (school policies, state and regional permits and policies, health and safety for your protection and the protection of the animal) all with emphasis on the instructor being the advocate for the animal as well as an emphasis for common or captive bred species being used instead of rare species.Master of ScienceBiologyUniversity of Michigan-Flinthttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/143442/1/HarrisE.pd

Development of Inducible Anti-influenza Therapies

Influenza viruses continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality each year despite the development of vaccines and antiviral therapies targeting these viruses. The inherent ability of influenza viruses to accumulate mutations over time has led to the emergence of strains resistant to antiviral therapies. Furthermore, genetic reassortment creates antigenically diverse viruses, making it difficult to develop vaccines that yield broad protection. The objective of the following research studies is to develop two alternative approaches to current methods of antiviral therapeutics.;Six new siRNAs targeting influenza protein expression by RNA interference (RNAi) were characterized. Three siRNAs (M747, M776, M832) knocked down the expression of matrix protein 2 and attenuated influenza infection to a similar degree as MDCK cells treated with a previously published siRNA, M950. The three siRNAs (NS570, NS595, NS615) that target the nonstructural protein 1 and 2 genes promoted the expression of type I interferons, but were unable to attenuate the production of infectious virus. However NS595- and NS615-siRNAs promoted the production of defective interfering viruses. Another siRNA, M331, was able knock down the expression matrix 1 and matrix 2 and attenuate viral replication. Combination siRNA treatment was found to attenuate 20.9% more infectious virus than M950-siRNA treatment alone. Treatment with a single siRNA (M331, NS570, NS595, or NS615) that targets two protein coding sequences was able to knock down the expression of two proteins, thus enhancing the utilities of the siRNAs.;To further take advantage of RNAi as a mechanism to attenuate influenza infection, we developed an inducible anti-influenza therapy containing the influenza conserved promoter that expresses asRNAs only after influenza infection or in the presence of the influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). asRNA expression was restricted to pM950, pM776, pNS595, or pNA105 treated cells containing the RdRP. The asRNAs expressed from the inducible asRNA expression vectors (pM776 or pNS595) were 84- to 343-fold below the concentration needed to reduce influenza virus infection by RNAi, thus illustrating the need for improved expression kinetics. Limiting expression of asRNAs within influenza infected cells could potentially reduce the adverse effects and limitation of RNAi therapeutics.;In an attempt to reverse antigenic variation and attenuate influenza titer, we developed additional inducible anti-influenza therapies (pUC57 NF-NA and pUC57 F-NA), similar to the inducible asRNA expression vector, which express nonfunctional or functional neuraminidases (NF-NA or F-NA) upon influenza infection. The presence of vector expressed RdRP or influenza infection induced the expression of NF-NA and F-NA. Overexpression of NF-NA was originally hypothesized to attenuate influenza titer; however, NF-NA regained its sialidase activity after RdRP-mediated transcription. pUC57 NF-NA or F-NA transfected cells produced an RNA-intermediate regardless of the presence of the RdRP, whereas the polymerase was required for NF-NA mRNA and protein expression. Interestingly, reinfection of MDCK cells with the supernatant from pUC57 NF-NA or F-NA treated and influenza (N1 subtype) infected cells revealed that the naive MDCK cells generated N2 subtype viruses, indicating the induced N2 viral RNA could be packaged into progeny viruses forcing the N1 virus to become an N2 virus.;These studies demonstrate that RNAi can be an effective means to attenuate influenza infection. Furthermore, incorporation of the influenza conserved promoter into asRNA or neuraminidase expression vectors can be exploited to promote influenza infected cell-specific expression of anti-influenza molecules. This approach may impact the design and advancement of antiviral therapeutics by overcoming the limitations associated with RNAi and allow for current vaccines to protect against influenza infection by forcing influenza viruses to converge into a single subtype