Exploring the Embodied Experience of Walking Meetings through Bodystorming – Implications for Design

Walking meetings are a promising way to reduce unhealthy sedentary behavior at the office. Some aspects of walking meetings are however hard to assess using traditional research approaches that do not account well for the embodied experience of walking meetings. We conducted a series of 16 bodystorming sessions, featuring unusual walking meeting situations to engage participants (N=45) in a reflective experience. After each bodystorming, participants completed three tasks: a body map, an empathy map, and a rating of workload using the NASA-TLX scale. These embodied explorations provide insights on key themes related to walking meetings: material and tools, physical and mental demand, connection with the environment, social dynamics, and privacy. We discuss the role of technology and opportunities for technology-mediated walking meetings. We draw implications for the design of walking meeting technologies or services to account for embodied experiences, and the individual, social, and environmental factors at play

Pathogenic variants in THSD4, encoding the ADAMTS-like 6 protein, predispose to inherited thoracic aortic aneurysm

Purpose Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening disease with often unrecognized inherited forms. We sought to identify novel pathogenic variants associated with autosomal dominant inheritance of TAAD. Methods We analyzed exome sequencing data from 35 French TAAD families and performed next-generation sequencing capture panel of genes in 1114 unrelated TAAD patients. Functional effects of pathogenic variants identified were validated in cell, tissue, and mouse models. Results We identified five functional variants inTHSD4of which two heterozygous variants lead to a premature termination codon.THSD4encodes ADAMTSL6 (member of the ADAMTS/L superfamily), a microfibril-associated protein that promotes fibrillin-1 matrix assembly. TheTHSD4variants studied lead to haploinsufficiency or impaired assembly of fibrillin-1 microfibrils.Thsd4(+/-)mice showed progressive dilation of the thoracic aorta. Histologic examination of aortic samples from a patient carrying aTHSD4variant and fromThsd4(+/-)mice, revealed typical medial degeneration and diffuse disruption of extracellular matrix. Conclusion These findings highlight the role of ADAMTSL6 in aortic physiology and TAAD pathogenesis. They will improve TAAD management and help develop new targeted therapies

Use of High-temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry to Investigate the ß-α Transition in Calcium Pyrophosphate

High-temperature differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate the thermodynamic parameters of the γ-β and β-α transitions in calcium pyrophosphate (Ca2P2O7). The measured enthalpy of transition compared well with previous results when higher heating rates (≥20 K min-1) were used. Recommendations for optimal use of HTDSC in high-temperature phase transition measurements are presented

Risk factors, temporal dependence, and seasonality of human ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae colonisation in Malawi: a longitudinal model-based approach

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest estimated death rate attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially due to Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). However, the dynamics of human colonisation in the community with ESBL-E are not well described. Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and associated behaviours are thought to play an important role in transmission of ESBL-E, and an improved understanding of the temporal dynamics of within-household transmission could help inform the design of future policies. Methods: In this 18-month study, using microbiological data and household surveys, we built a multivariable hierarchical harmonic logistic regression model to identify risk factors for colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, reflecting household structure and temporal correlation of colonisation status. Results: Being male was associated with a lower risk of colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli (OR 0.786 CrI[0.678-0.910]) whilst the use of a tube well or a borehole was associated with an increased risk (OR 1.550 CrI[1.003-2.394]). For ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, recent antibiotic exposure increased risk of colonisation (OR 1.281 CrI[1.049-1.565]) while sharing plates decreased that risk (OR 0.672 CrI[0.460-0.980]). Finally, the temporal correlation range of eight to eleven weeks provided evidence that within-household transmission occurs within this time frame. Conclusions: We describe different risks for colonisation with different enteric bacterial species. Our findings suggest interventions to reduce transmission targeted at the household-level need to focus on improving WASH infrastructure and associated behaviours, whilst at the community level they should focus on both environmental hygiene and antibiotic stewardship

Risk factors, temporal dependence, and seasonality of human ESBL-producing <i>E. coli</i> and <i>K. pneumoniae</i> colonisation in Malawi: a longitudinal model-based approach

Background Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest estimated death rate attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially due to Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). However, the dynamics of human colonisation in the community with ESBL-E are not well described. Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and associated behaviours are thought to play an important role in transmission of ESBL-E, and an improved understanding of the temporal dynamics of within-household transmission could help inform the design of future policies. Methods In this 18-month study, using microbiological data and household surveys, we built a multivariable hierarchical harmonic logistic regression model to identify risk factors for colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, reflecting household structure and temporal correlation of colonisation status. Results Being male was associated with a lower risk of colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli (OR 0.786 CrI[0.678-0.910]) whilst the use of a tube well or a borehole was associated with an increased risk (OR 1.550 CrI[1.003-2.394]). For ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, recent antibiotic exposure increased risk of colonisation (OR 1.281 CrI[1.049-1.565]) while sharing plates decreased that risk (OR 0.672 CrI[0.460-0.980]). Finally, the temporal correlation range of eight to eleven weeks provided evidence that within-household transmission occurs within this time frame. Conclusions We describe different risks for colonisation with different enteric bacterial species. Our findings suggest interventions to reduce transmission targeted at the household-level need to focus on improving WASH infrastructure and associated behaviours, whilst at the community level they should focus on both environmental hygiene and antibiotic stewardship

Risk factors, temporal dependence, and seasonality of human ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae colonisation in Malawi : a longitudinal model-based approach

Background Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest estimated death rate attributable to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially due to Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). However, the dynamics of human colonisation in the community with ESBL-E are not well described. Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and associated behaviours are thought to play an important role in transmission of ESBL-E, and an improved understanding of the temporal dynamics of within-household transmission could help inform the design of future policies. Methods In this 18-month study, using microbiological data and household surveys, we built a multivariable hierarchical harmonic logistic regression model to identify risk factors for colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, reflecting household structure and temporal correlation of colonisation status. Results Being male was associated with a lower risk of colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli (OR 0.786 CrI[0.678-0.910]) whilst the use of a tube well or a borehole was associated with an increased risk (OR 1.550 CrI[1.003-2.394]). For ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, recent antibiotic exposure increased risk of colonisation (OR 1.281 CrI[1.049-1.565]) while sharing plates decreased that risk (OR 0.672 CrI[0.460-0.980]). Finally, the temporal correlation range of eight to eleven weeks provided evidence that within-household transmission occurs within this time frame. Conclusions We describe different risks for colonisation with different enteric bacterial species. Our findings suggest interventions to reduce transmission targeted at the household-level need to focus on improving WASH infrastructure and associated behaviours, whilst at the community level they should focus on both environmental hygiene and antibiotic stewardship

Risk factors, temporal dependence, and seasonality of human ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae colonisation in Malawi : a longitudinal model-based approach

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents an important threat to achieving the sustainable development goals in Sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). sSA is reported to have the highest estimated death rate attributable to AMR, with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-producing Enterobacterales, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, representing the greatest challenge. However, the dynamics of human colonisation with such bacteria in the sSA community setting are not well known. Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure and associated behaviours are thought to play an important role in transmission of AMR-bacteria, and an improved understanding of the temporal dynamics of within-household transmission could help inform the design of public health policies that interrupt transmission of AMR-bacteria. Methods and Findings In this 18-month study, individuals from households in diverse areas of Southern Malawi were recruited and human stool samples were longitudinally collected. Using microbiological data and household surveys, we built a multivariable hierarchical harmonic logistic regression model to identify risk factors for colonisation with ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae, reflecting household structure and temporal correlation of colonisation status between timepoints. Important risk factors were identified, with men having a lower risk of becoming colonised with ESBL-producing E. coli (OR 0.786 CrI[0.678-0.910]) and the use of a tube well or a borehole as a water drinking source highly increasing the risk of becoming colonised (OR 1.550 CrI[1.003-2.394]). Coming into contact with standing water also appeared to be negatively associated with colonisation status (OR 0.749 CrI[0.574-0.978]). For ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, having recently taken a course of antibiotics increased the risk of being colonised (OR 1.281 CrI[1.049-1.565]). We also found a negative association between eating from shared plates and colonisation with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae (OR 0.672 CrI[0.460- 0.980]). Finally, we detected a temporal correlation range of eight to eleven weeks, providing evidence that within-household transmission occurs within this time frame. Conclusions We suggest that interventions aimed at preventing transmission might have the best impact when targeted at the household-level and focused on a combination of improving WASH infrastructure and modifying associated behaviours. Additionally, we showed that antibiotic use is important when looking at colonisation with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and therefore infection prevention and control measures and antibiotic use and stewardship training could help in reducing transmission

Association of modifiers and other genetic factors explain Marfan syndrome clinical variability

International audienc

Drivers of Resistance in Uganda and Malawi (DRUM):a protocol for the evaluation of One-Health drivers of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) resistance in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs)

In sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), there is high morbidity and mortality from severe bacterial infection and this is compounded by antimicrobial resistance, in particular, resistance to 3rd-generation cephalosporins. This resistance is typically mediated by extended-spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs). To interrupt ESBL transmission it will be important to investigate how human behaviour, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, environmental contamination, and antibiotic usage in both urban and rural settings interact to contribute to transmission of ESBL E. coli and ESBL K. pneumoniae between humans, animals, and the environment. Here we present the protocol for the Drivers of Resistance in Uganda and Malawi (DRUM) Consortium, in which we will collect demographic, geospatial, clinical, animal husbandry and WASH data from a total of 400 households in Uganda and Malawi. Longitudinal human, animal and environmental sampling at each household will be used to isolate ESBL E. coli and ESBL K. pneumoniae. This will be complimented by a Risks, Attitudes, Norms, Abilities and Self-Regulation (RANAS) survey and structured observations to understand the contextual and psychosocial drivers of regional WASH practices. Bacterial isolates and plate sweeps will be further characterised using a mixture of short-,long-read and metagenomic whole-genome sequencing. These datasets will be integrated into agent-based models to describe the transmission of EBSL resistance in Uganda and Malawi and allow us to inform the design of interventions for interrupting transmission of ESBL-bacteria