Fostering Healthy Masculinity at the University of San Diego

The purpose of my study was to enhance supportive relationships for male undergraduates at the University of San Diego (USD) who may struggle with their masculinity, sense of belonging, and gender identity. My research question is how I can collaborate with others to create a culture that supports male undergraduates with their identity development and fosters positive connections for these men in the campus community? My findings indicate that while there are successful group spaces on campus that support USDs male students, there is a clear need to reframe and improve the approach of doing this work

A group-theoretic analysis of symmetric target scattering with application to landmine detection

Landmines are generally constructed such that they posses a high level of geometric symmetry and are then buried in a manner that p reserves this symmetry. The scattered response of such a symmetric target will likewise exhibit the symmetry of the target, as well as the electromagnetic reciprocity exhibited by all scatterers. Group theory provides a mathematic tool for describing geometric symmetry, and it can likewise be used to describe the symmetries inherent in the bistatic scattering from mines. Specifically, group theory can be used to determine specific forms of the dyadic Green's function of symmetric scatterers, such that multiple scattering solutions can be determined from a knowledge of a single bistatic geometry. Likewise, group theory can be used both to determine and analyze degenerate cases, wherein specific bistatic responses can be identified as zero regardless of target size, shape, or material. These results suggest a method for classifying subsurface targets as either symmetric or asymmetric. From the group-theoretic analysis, scattering features can be constructed that are indicative of target symmetry, but invariant with respect to other target parameters such as size, shape, or material. These features provide a physically based, target-independent value to aid in mine detection and/or clutter rejection. To test the efficacy of this idea, an extensive collection of bistatic ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements was taken for both a symmetric and an asymmetric target. The two targets were easily discernable using symmetry features only, a result that suggests symmetry features can be effective in identifying subsurface targets

Structure of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus: a new genus within the Nodaviridae?

Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) is a pathogen of freshwater prawns that poses a threat to food security and causes significant economic losses in the aquaculture industries of many developing nations. A detailed understanding of the MrNV virion structure will inform the development of strategies to control outbreaks. The MrNV capsid has also been engineered to display heterologous antigens, and thus knowledge of its atomic resolution structure will benefit efforts to develop tools based on this platform. Here, we present an atomic-resolution model of the MrNV capsid protein (CP), calculated by cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) of MrNV virus-like particles (VLPs) produced in insect cells, and three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction at 3.3 Å resolution. CryoEM of MrNV virions purified from infected freshwater prawn post-larvae yielded a 6.6 Å resolution structure, confirming the biological relevance of the VLP structure. Our data revealed that unlike other known nodavirus structures, which have been shown to assemble capsids having trimeric spikes, MrNV assembles a T = 3 capsid with dimeric spikes. We also found a number of surprising similarities between the MrNV capsid structure and that of the Tombusviridae: 1) an extensive network of N-terminal arms (NTAs) lines the capsid interior, forming long-range interactions to lace together asymmetric units; 2) the capsid shell is stabilised by 3 pairs of Ca2+ ions in each asymmetric unit; 3) the protruding spike domain exhibits a very similar fold to that seen in the spikes of the tombusviruses. These structural similarities raise questions concerning the taxonomic classification of MrNV

Microbial CO₂ fixation and sulfur cycling associated with low-temperature emissions at the Lilliput hydrothermal field, southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (9°S)

Lilliput was discovered in 2005 as the southernmost known hydrothermal field along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is exceptional in that it lacks high-temperature venting probably because of a thickened crust. The absence of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic prokaryotes in emissions supports the argument against the presence of a hot subsurface at Lilliput, as is typically suggested for diffuse emissions from areas of high-temperature venting. The high phylogenetic diversity and novelty of bacteria observed could be because of the low-temperature influence, the distinct location of the hydrothermal field or the Bathymodiolus assemblages covering the sites of discharge. The low-temperature fluids at the Lilliput are characterized by lowered pH and slightly elevated hydrogen (16 nM) and methane (∼2.6 μM) contents compared with ambient seawater. No typical hydrogen and methane oxidizing prokaryotes were detected. The higher diversity of reverse tricarboxylic acid genes and the form II RubisCO genes of the Calvin Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle compared with the form I RubisCO genes of the CBB cycle suggests that the chemoautotrophic community is better adapted to low oxygen concentrations. Thiomicrospira spp. and Epsilonproteobacteria dominated the autotrophic community. Sulfide is the most abundant inorganic energy source (0.5 mM). Diverse bacteria were associated with sulfur cycling, including Gamma-, Delta- and Epsilonproteobacteria, with the latter being the most abundant bacteria according to fluorescence in situ hybridization. With members of various Candidate Divisions constituting for 25% of clone library sequences we suggest that their role in vent ecosystems might be more important than previously assumed and propose potential mechanisms they might be involved in at the Lilliput hydrothermal field

Manipulating the alpha level cannot cure significance testing

We argue that making accept/reject decisions on scientific hypotheses, including a recent call for changing the canonical alpha level from p = 0.05 to p = 0.005, is deleterious for the finding of new discoveries and the progress of science. Given that blanket and variable alpha levels both are problematic, it is sensible to dispense with significance testing altogether. There are alternatives that address study design and sample size much more directly than significance testing does; but none of the statistical tools should be taken as the new magic method giving clear-cut mechanical answers. Inference should not be based on single studies at all, but on cumulative evidence from multiple independent studies. When evaluating the strength of the evidence, we should consider, for example, auxiliary assumptions, the strength of the experimental design, and implications for applications. To boil all this down to a binary decision based on a p-value threshold of 0.05, 0.01, 0.005, or anything else, is not acceptable

Care Gaps and Recommendations in Vestibular Migraine: An Expert Panel Summit

Vestibular migraine (VM) is an increasingly recognized pathology yet remains as an underdiagnosed cause of vestibular disorders. While current diagnostic criteria are codified in the 2012 Barany Society document and included in the third edition of the international classification of headache disorders, the pathophysiology of this disorder is still elusive. The Association for Migraine Disorders hosted a multidisciplinary, international expert workshop in October 2020 and identified seven current care gaps that the scientific community needs to resolve, including a better understanding of the range of symptoms and phenotypes of VM, the lack of a diagnostic marker, a better understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms, as well as the lack of clear recommendations for interventions (nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic) and finally, the need for specific outcome measures that will guide clinicians as well as research into the efficacy of interventions. The expert group issued several recommendations to address those areas including establishing a global VM registry, creating an improved diagnostic algorithm using available vestibular tests as well as others that are in development, conducting appropriate trials of high quality to validate current clinically available treatment and fostering collaborative efforts to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying VM, specifically the role of the trigemino-vascular pathways

Long-term outcomes of the global tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection cohort

Background: Longitudinal cohort data of patients with tuberculosis (TB) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lacking. In our global study, we describe long-term outcomes of patients affected by TB and COVID-19. Methods: We collected data from 174 centres in 31 countries on all patients affected by COVID-19 and TB between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2022. Patients were followed-up until cure, death or end of cohort time. All patients had TB and COVID-19; for analysis purposes, deaths were attributed to TB, COVID-19 or both. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional risk-regression models, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival and mortality attributed to TB, COVID-19 or both. Results: Overall, 788 patients with COVID-19 and TB (active or sequelae) were recruited from 31 countries, and 10.8% (n=85) died during the observation period. Survival was significantly lower among patients whose death was attributed to TB and COVID-19 versus those dying because of either TB or COVID-19 alone (p<0.001). Significant adjusted risk factors for TB mortality were higher age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07), HIV infection (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.02-5.16) and invasive ventilation (HR 4.28, 95% CI 2.34-7.83). For COVID-19 mortality, the adjusted risks were higher age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04), male sex (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.24-3.91), oxygen requirement (HR 7.93, 95% CI 3.44-18.26) and invasive ventilation (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.36-3.53). Conclusions: In our global cohort, death was the outcome in >10% of patients with TB and COVID-19. A range of demographic and clinical predictors are associated with adverse outcomes

The use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: Pharmacological and toxicological considerations

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The prevalence of diabetes is on a steady increase worldwide and it is now identified as one of the main threats to human health in the 21st century. In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicine alone or alongside prescription drugs for its management is quite common. We hereby carry out a review of medicinal plants traditionally used for diabetes management in Nigeria. Based on the available evidence on the species׳ pharmacology and safety, we highlight ways in which their therapeutic potential can be properly harnessed for possible integration into the country׳s healthcare system. Materials and methods: Ethnobotanical information was obtained from a literature search of electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus up to 2013 for publications on medicinal plants used in diabetes management, in which the place of use and/or sample collection was identified as Nigeria. ‘Diabetes’ and ‘Nigeria’ were used as keywords for the primary searches; and then ‘Plant name – accepted or synonyms’, ‘Constituents’, ‘Drug interaction’ and/or ‘Toxicity’ for the secondary searches. Results: The hypoglycemic effect of over a hundred out of the 115 plants reviewed in this paper is backed by preclinical experimental evidence, either in vivo or in vitro. One-third of the plants have been studied for their mechanism of action, while isolation of the bioactive constituent(s) has been accomplished for twenty three plants. Some plants showed specific organ toxicity, mostly nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic, with direct effects on the levels of some liver function enzymes. Twenty eight plants have been identified as in vitro modulators of P-glycoprotein and/or one or more of the cytochrome P450 enzymes, while eleven plants altered the levels of phase 2 metabolic enzymes, chiefly glutathione, with the potential to alter the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs. Conclusion: This review, therefore, provides a useful resource to enable a thorough assessment of the profile of plants used in diabetes management so as to ensure a more rational use. By anticipating potential toxicities or possible herb–drug interactions, significant risks which would otherwise represent a burden on the country׳s healthcare system can be avoided

Kicking against the PRCs - a domesticated transposase antagonises silencing mediated by polycomb group proteins and is an accessory component of polycomb repressive complex 2

The Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) genes play crucial roles in development by regulating expression of homeotic and other genes controlling cell fate. Both groups catalyse modifications of chromatin, particularly histone methylation, leading to epigenetic changes that affect gene activity. The trxG antagonizes the function of PcG genes by activating PcG target genes, and consequently trxG mutants suppress PcG mutant phenotypes. We previously identified the ANTAGONIST OF LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (ALP1) gene as a genetic suppressor of mutants in the Arabidopsis PcG gene LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (LHP1). Here, we show that ALP1 interacts genetically with several other PcG and trxG components and that it antagonizes PcG silencing. Transcriptional profiling reveals that when PcG activity is compromised numerous target genes are hyper-activated in seedlings and that in most cases this requires ALP1. Furthermore, when PcG activity is present ALP1 is needed for full activation of several floral homeotic genes that are repressed by the PcG. Strikingly, ALP1 does not encode a known chromatin protein but rather a protein related to PIF/Harbinger class transposases. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that ALP1 is broadly conserved in land plants and likely lost transposase activity and acquired a novel function during angiosperm evolution. Consistent with this, immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry (IP-MS) show that ALP1 associates, in vivo, with core components of POLYCOMB REPRESSIVE COMPLEX 2 (PRC2), a widely conserved PcG protein complex which functions as a H3K27me3 histone methyltransferase. Furthermore, in reciprocal pulldowns using the histone methyltransferase CURLY LEAF (CLF), we identify not only ALP1 and the core PRC2 components but also plant-specific accessory components including EMBRYONIC FLOWER 1 (EMF1), a transcriptional repressor previously associated with PRC1-like complexes. Taken together our data suggest that ALP1 inhibits PcG silencing by blocking the interaction of the core PRC2 with accessory components that promote its HMTase activity or its role in inhibiting transcription. ALP1 is the first example of a domesticated transposase acquiring a novel function as a PcG component. The antagonistic interaction of a modified transposase with the PcG machinery is novel and may have arisen as a means for the cognate transposon to evade host surveillance or for the host to exploit features of the transposition machinery beneficial for epigenetic regulation of gene activity.Fil: Liang, Shih Chieh. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Hartwig, Ben. Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research; AlemaniaFil: Perera, Pumi. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Mora Garcia, Santiago. Fundación Instituto Leloir; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquimicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: de Leau, Erica. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Thornton, Harry. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Lima de Alves, Flavia. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Rapsilber, Juri. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Yang, Suxin. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: James, Geo Velikkakam. Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research; AlemaniaFil: Schneeberger, Korbinian. Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research; AlemaniaFil: Finnegan, E. Jean. University of Edinburgh; Reino UnidoFil: Turck, Franziska. Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research; AlemaniaFil: Goodrich, Justin. Mc Gill University; Canad