Measuring Performance of a Weedy Species (Nicotania glauca) vs. a Native Species (Venegasia Carpesioides) on the Pepperdine Campus

This study investigated four different mechanisms of growth performance of a native chaparral species, Venegasia carpesioides, and a weedy species, Nicotiana glauca. The research group hypothesized that one or more of the following variables would be higher for the weedy species than the native species: photosynthetic rate, conductance, fluorescence, and electron transport rate (ETR). This hypothesis was formulated in order to provide a plausible explanation for why weedy species often outcompete native species when grown in proximity to each other, especially in a chaparral environment experiencing drought conditions. This hypothesis was tested by obtaining two groups of each species and testing these variables using a LI-6400XT gas exchange system. The results obtained showed that the photosynthetic rate, fluorescence, and ETR were higher for the native plant species than for the weedy plant species; a Student t-Test showing statistically significant differences between those values, while there was no statistically significant difference for conductance between the two species. Using Nicotiana glauca and Venegasia carpesioides as model specimens, the results did not support our hypothesis that weedy plant species outcompete native plant species by one of the four mechanistic variables measured

Carbon Black Exposure Induces Alterations in Mitochondrial Morphology in Human Lung Cells: A Software-Based Quantitative Analysis

Nanoparticulates of pure carbon, carbon black (CB), are a common atmospheric pollutant in industrialized and heavily populated areas. They are produced primarily via combustion of fossil fuels, and represent a significant health hazard. They are known to worsen asthma and bronchitis when inhaled and to cause inflammation, heart dysfunction, and oxidative stress when incorporated into other organs. The key focal point of this work was to examine markers of stress signaling and cellular dysfunction when human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE14o-) were exposed to CB particles ranging in size from 70 nm and averaging 130 nm in diameter. BrdU incorporation and DAPI staining studies revealed a 24-hour CB exposure (25 ug/ml and higher) to reduce rates of cell division and to significantly elevate percentages of cells exhibiting apoptotic nuclear morphology. Chronic exposure (24 days) of cells to low doses of CB (5 ug/ml) revealed a significant impact upon both cell division and survival. A central marker for stress signaling in these lung cells was elevation of reactive oxygen species, which rose within 12 hours of CB exposure, consistent with stress signals that induce mitochondrial apoptosis. Sirtuin 1, a stress regulated protein deacetylase in the cytosol, whose levels are known to be destabilized by ROS elevation in stressed cells, displayed no significant change following CB exposure at varied doses. Analysis of mitochondrial dynamics via fluorescence microscopy revealed clear changes in organization and morphology. HBE cells were treated with varying doses of CB, fixed, and analyzed via immunocytochemistry. Mitochondria were labelled using a Tom20 antibody conjugate (Alexa488), while microtubules were assessed with phalloidin (Alexa594). Using software developed in MatLab, mitochondria were analyzed for changes in mitochondrial size and localization. Significant changes were identified with regard to an increase in mitochondrial size, and strong trends were observed in an increased localization preference for the perinuclear region. A discussion of the link between elevated ROS levels and mitochondrial behavior will be discussed

Trash - Couture – Can textile recycling of pre - consumer waste be made circular?

Background: The textile and garment industry has exponentially grown, with the production of clothing alone having doubled between 2000 and 2015 (WRAP, 2020), yet, the actual use of these garments and more specifically the wear-time has dramatically declined by approximately 36% (EMF, 2017). The United Kingdom (UK) has seen the highest amount of clothing consumption, compared with its European counterparts, thereby consuming an average of 26.7kg per capita (EAC, 2019). This has various consequences, as not only approximately 57% of garments end up in landfill (Common Objective, 2018), but also “hundreds of thousands of tones of fabric are wasted at the design and production stage before clothing reaches the customer” (ibid). To reiterate this further, it is estimated that as much as 15% of fabric is wasted during the pattern cutting stage, with scraps falling onto the shop floor (ibid). These 15% are only part of one stage of the creation process and does not include fabric swatches used to showcase colour or prototypes, not only of garments that may go into production, but also those that never see the shopfloor (Pre-Loved Podcast, 2021). Although the UK imports a lot of its clothing, we have seen an increase of re-locating factories back to the UK – in 2015 this estimated an increase of 7.6% of companies producing textiles in the UK (Bearne, 2018). This increase is partially driven by superfast fashion companies, such as Boohoo or Misguided, who are headquartered in the UK and seek to produce fashion close by to be able to react quickly to market demands (Bearne, 2018; Hammer, 2020). Here is, where some of the challenges emerge – not only are there supply chain issues and a lack of transparency (Duncan, 2020), but also an increase in production implies an increase in waste, which has environmental consequences. The latter aspect is the focus of this paper. Research Gap: Increased pre-consumer textile waste, which is waste that occurs within the supply chain and thus, prior to consumers being involved, is an issue that is further enhanced with more garments being produced. Seeing as the UK has seen an increase in textile and garment manufacturing in the UK and is also one of the countries with highest per capita consumption, there is a need to explore whether there are opportunities to reduce pre-consumer waste and re-distribute in a more circular manner. A key aspect that emerges is that circular solutions cannot be addressed in isolation, but should perhaps be addressed as a stakeholder approach, as such, it is vital to understand how stakeholders, some of which may be competitors, can work together to develop a more circular economy (e.g. Henninger et al., 2016; Koszewska, 2018; Kazancoglu et al., 2020). This research seeks to address this gap, by exploring how pre-consumer waste could be reduced, thereby focusing on stakeholder engagement to develope a more circular approach to textile recycling. In the USA we have seen the emergence of FABSCRAP, a New York based company that is specialized in re-distributing pre-consumer textile waste, thereby diverting waste materials from landfilling. This research explores whether the idea of FABSCRAP would work in a more localized area and how key stakeholders can address the issue of textile recycling and more generally textile waste. In doing this, we address the following research questions: RQ1: What are the biggest sources of pre-consumer textile waste? RQ2: What are the biggest concerns when it comes to discarding pre-consumer waste? RQ3: What are potential opportunities and drawbacks to developing a more circular approach to ‘waste’ distribution? Methodology: This research uses a qualitative approach to explore the major sources of textile waste and what potential solutions could look like that address a more circular approach to textile recycling. A database of key stakeholder was created to identify key players in the textile (recycling) industry, these include fashion retailers and manufacturers, charities, recyclers, local authorities, co-operatives. This is an on-going research project, which seeks to conduct 25 semi-structured interviews with these key stakeholders, which will be analyzed using a grounded approach as suggested by Easterby-Smith et al. (2015). The approach allows for patterns and themes to emerge organically, whilst at the same time can also be guided by theory. Conclusion: As alluded to, this research project is currently on-going, yet there are various key contributions that are expected. In terms of theoretical contributions, this research seeks to foster the debate surrounding stakeholder engagement. Practically, we will explore the potential to facilitate a more circular approach to pre-consumer waste distribution

Persistence of antibody after a vi-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine and effect of boosting with a plain polysaccharide vaccine on Vi antibody and antigen-specific B cells

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is estimated to cause 9 to 13 million cases of typhoid fever annually. Typhoid conjugate vaccines represent a promising prophylactic measure to prevent disease, but there are few data assessing persistence of immunity. The effect of a Vi polysaccharide booster vaccine in individuals previously vaccinated with the Vi-tetanus toxoid typhoid conjugate vaccine has not been assessed previously. Methods: Thirty five healthy adult volunteers received a single dose of the Vi conjugate vaccine (Vi-TT) and 37 received a single dose of Vi polysaccharide vaccine (Vi-PS) prior to oral challenge with live S. Typhi bacteria as part of a randomised controlled, phase 2b study. In addition to data previously published showing persistence of Vi IgG and IgA antibodies for 7 months after Vi vaccination, titres were measured at intervals until 13 months post-vaccination. Ten participants who received Vi-TT (both challenged and unchallenged) were re-vaccinated with Vi-PS at an interval of 19-23 months post-prime. Anti-Vi IgG and IgA titres, and Vi-specific antibody secreting cells and memory B cells were measured at seven days and one month post-boost. Findings: Vi IgG and IgA antibody titres remained significantly elevated above baseline levels 13 months after priming with Vi-TT, with a 4-fold rise retained in 90% and 88% of recipients (Vi IgG and IgA, respectively). Anti-Vi IgG and IgA antibody titres were found to persist at higher levels in participants who received a single dose of Vi-TT than in those who received Vi-PS. No significant boost in Vi-antibody titre was observed in response to oral challenge with S. Typhi bacteria, one month after vaccination. Following a Vi-PS booster vaccination in those previously vaccinated with Vi-TT, anti-Vi IgG and IgA titres were significantly elevated, with similar titres observed at one month post-boost compared with one month after primary vaccination. The frequency of Vi-specific IgA antibody secreting cells increased significantly 7 days post-boost compared with pre-boost. No memory B cell response was observed following Vi-PS booster vaccination. Interpretation: Strong persistence of anti-Vi IgG and IgA following Vi-TT vaccination suggests that the conjugate vaccine may offer durable protection, supporting its use in endemic settings

High-strain stress relaxation: probing the main structural components in the cortex of human hair

The relation between the main cortical structures in hair (IFs & matrix) and its mechanical properties has been studied for many years. Beyond fundamentals aspects, this was also done with the objective to gain insight into structure specific effects of environmental damage and cosmetic treatments. In practice, mechanical analyses to determine internal structural changes have largely been limited to studying fibre modulus, breakage, and a limited number of other parameters in the dry and the wet state. High-strain stress relaxation experiments of hair in water provide the opportunity to study the strain-dependent, elastic properties of IFs and matrix via the creation of isochronal stress-strain curves. This approach is combined with the analysis of the non-linear viscoelastic relaxation performance of the matrix. This paper discusses the experimental and theoretical methods used and the implications of its findings with respect to widely held theories about the relationship between the stress-strain properties of hair and its morphological and molecular structures

Verification and operation of adaptive materials in space.

Piezoelectric polymers based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) are of interest as smart materials for novel space-based telescope applications. Dimensional adjustments of adaptive thin polymer films are achieved via controlled charge deposition. Predicting their long-term performance requires a detailed understanding of the piezoelectric property changes that develop during space environmental exposure. The overall materials performance is governed by a combination of chemical and physical degradation processes occurring in low Earth orbit as established by our past laboratory-based materials performance experiments (see report SAND 2005-6846). Molecular changes are primarily induced via radiative damage, and physical damage from temperature and atomic oxygen exposure is evident as depoling, loss of orientation and surface erosion. The current project extension has allowed us to design and fabricate small experimental units to be exposed to low Earth orbit environments as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiments program. The space exposure of these piezoelectric polymers will verify the observed trends and their degradation pathways, and provide feedback on using piezoelectric polymer films in space. This will be the first time that PVDF-based adaptive polymer films will be operated and exposed to combined atomic oxygen, solar UV and temperature variations in an actual space environment. The experiments are designed to be fully autonomous, involving cyclic application of excitation voltages, sensitive film position sensors and remote data logging. This mission will provide critically needed feedback on the long-term performance and degradation of such materials, and ultimately the feasibility of large adaptive and low weight optical systems utilizing these polymers in space

Microbiología y la enseñanza virtual a través de un práctico sobre antisépticos utilizados en la higiene y el lavado de manos ante el COVID-19

Introducción: Dado el contexto generado por la pandemia, el nuevo desafío ante el que se encuentra la educación superior es reinventar la forma de realizar diferentes actividades que en período pre pandémico se desarrollaban en forma presencial. El desarrollo de las actividades prácticas de laboratorio generó una encrucijada por lo cual tuvimos que utilizar el sentido de creatividad e inventiva con el fin de lograr la interacción y el trabajo colaborativo entre docentes, alumnos y alumnos entre sí. Dentro del marco de la Microbiología y Parasitología es necesario destacar la importancia de la enseñanza del lavado e higiene de manos con diferentes antisépticos en pandemia, como así también sobre la práctica diaria odontológica. Objetivos: Informar sobre la efectividad de los antisépticos en el lavado e higiene de manos. Reflexionar acerca de la introducción de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la educación superior. Realizar una práctica en el entorno virtual de enseñanza y aprendizaje.Facultad de Odontologí

Molecular correlates of vaccine-induced protection against typhoid fever

BACKGROUNDTyphoid fever is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and poses a substantial public health burden worldwide. Vaccines have been developed based on the surface Vi-capsular polysaccharide of S. Typhi; these include a plain-polysaccharide-based vaccine, ViPS, and a glycoconjugate vaccine, ViTT. To understand immune responses to these vaccines and their vaccine-induced immunological protection, molecular signatures were analyzed using bioinformatic approaches.METHODSBulk RNA-Seq data were generated from blood samples obtained from adult human volunteers enrolled in a vaccine trial, who were then challenged with S. Typhi in a controlled human infection model (CHIM). These data were used to conduct differential gene expression analyses, gene set and modular analyses, B cell repertoire analyses, and time-course analyses at various post-vaccination and post-challenge time points between participants receiving ViTT, ViPS, or a control meningococcal vaccine.RESULTSTranscriptomic responses revealed strong differential molecular signatures between the 2 typhoid vaccines, mostly driven by the upregulation in humoral immune signatures, including selective usage of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) genes and more polarized clonal expansions. We describe several molecular correlates of protection against S. Typhi infection, including clusters of B cell receptor (BCR) clonotypes associated with protection, with known binders of Vi-polysaccharide among these.CONCLUSIONThe study reports a series of contemporary analyses that reveal the transcriptomic signatures after vaccination and infectious challenge, while identifying molecular correlates of protection that may inform future vaccine design and assessment.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT02324751

Microcephaly with simplified gyration, epilepsy, and infantile diabetes linked to inappropriate apoptosis of neural progenitors

We describe a syndrome of primary microcephaly with simplified gyral pattern in combination with severe infantile epileptic encephalopathy and early-onset permanent diabetes in two unrelated consanguineous families with at least three affected children. Linkage analysis revealed a region on chromosome 18 with a significant LOD score of 4.3. In this area, two homozygous nonconserved missense mutations in immediate early response 3 interacting protein 1 (IER3IP1) were found in patients from both families. IER3IP1 is highly expressed in the fetal brain cortex and fetal pancreas and is thought to be involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress response. We reported one of these families previously in a paper on Wolcott-Rallison syndrome (WRS). WRS is characterized by increased apoptotic cell death as part of an uncontrolled unfolded protein response. Increased apoptosis has been shown to be a cause of microcephaly in animal models. An autopsy specimen from one patient showed increased apoptosis in the cerebral cortex and pancreas beta cells, implicating premature cell death as the pathogenetic mechanism. Both patient fibroblasts and control fibroblasts treated with siRNA specific for IER3IP1 showed an increased susceptibility to apoptotic cell death under stress conditions in comparison to controls. This directly implicates IER3IP1 in the regulation of cell survival. Identification of IER3IP1 mutations sheds light on the mechanisms of brain development and on the pathogenesis of infantile epilepsy and early-onset permanent diabetes.Facultad de Ciencias Médica