Cholinergic receptors on intestine cells of Ascaris suum and activation of nAChRs by levamisole

Cholinergic agonists, like levamisole, are a major class of anthelmintic drug that are known to act selectively on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on the somatic muscle and nerves of nematode parasites to produce their contraction and spastic paralysis. Previous studies have suggested that in addition to the nAChRs found on muscle and nerves, there are nAChRs on non-excitable tissues of nematode parasites. We looked for evidence of nAChRs expression in the cells of the intestine of the large pig nematode, Ascaris suum, using RT-PCR and RNAscope in situ hybridization and detected mRNA of nAChR subunits in the cells. These subunits include components of the putative levamisole receptor in A. suum muscle: Asu-unc-38, Asu-unc-29, Asu-unc-63 and Asu-acr-8. Relative expression of these mRNAs in A. suum intestine was quantified by qPCR. We also looked for and found expression of G protein-linked acetylcholine receptors (Asu-gar-1). We used Fluo-3 AM to detect intracellular calcium changes in response to receptor activation by acetylcholine (as a non-selective agonist) and levamisole (as an L-type nAChR agonist) to look for evidence of functioning nAChRs in the intestine. We found that both acetylcholine and levamisole elicited increases in intracellular calcium but their signal profiles in isolated intestinal tissues were different, suggesting activation of different receptor sets. The levamisole responses were blocked by mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist in A. suum, indicating the activation of intestinal nAChRs rather than G protein-linked acetylcholine receptors (GARs) by levamisole. The detection of nAChRs in cells of the intestine, in addition to those on muscles and nerves, reveals another site of action of the cholinergic anthelmintics and a site that may contribute to the synergistic interactions of cholinergic anthelmintics with other anthelmintics that affect the intestine (Cry5B)

Conceptualizing the ‘whole university’ approach: an international qualitative study

Focusing on the conceptualisation of a whole university approach, this paper reports on an international qualitative study that explored vice-chancellors’ and network members’ understanding of and commitment to Health Promoting Universities, examined perspectives on leadership and investigated the Okanagan Charter’s potential to catalyse whole university leadership and change. A multi-method qualitative approach was used: semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted face-to-face with vice-chancellors (n=12) and Health Promoting University co-ordinators who were members of the UK Healthy Universities Network (n=8); telephone interviews were conducted with a mix of UK and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n=5); and two online questionnaires were distributed to non-UK network co-ordinators (n=6) and non-UK Health Promoting University co-ordinators (n=10). Through thematic analysis, a number of key themes emerged that build a new conceptualisation of the whole university approach (see Fig. 1): building a broad understanding and framing of health; developing a supportive ethos and culture; embedding health into the university and joining up areas of work; focusing on the whole population; and facing challenges and seizing opportunities. The study elicited rich and wide-ranging views from multiple stakeholders from universities and networks across four continents, confirming Health Promoting Universities as a truly global movement. Looking ahead, there are clear opportunities and challenges. First, the media narrative of a student mental health ‘crisis’ has focused universities’ attention on ‘health’, but from a single issue ‘illness’ perspective. This risks detracting from the whole system Health Promoting Universities approach. Second, even with the Okanagan Charter inspiring individuals and universities, there are still major challenges in translating the rhetoric of whole system approaches into meaningful action within large, complex and culturally diverse organisations

Cryogenic silicification of microorganisms in hydrothermal fluids

Silica-rich hydrothermal fluids that experience freezing temperatures precipitate cryogenic opal-A (COA) within ice-bound brine channels. We investigated cryogenic silicification as a novel preservation pathway for chemo- and photo-lithotrophic Bacteria and Archaea. We find that the co-partitioning of microbial cells and silica into brine channels causes microorganisms to become fossilised in COA. Rod- and coccoidal-form Bacteria and Archaea produce numerous cell casts on COA particle surfaces, while Chloroflexus filaments are preserved inside particle interiors. COA particles precipitated from natural Icelandic hot spring fluids possess similar biomorphic casts, including those containing intact microbial cells. Biomolecules and inorganic metabolic products are also captured by COA precipitation, and are detectable with a combination of visible - shortwave infrared reflectance, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy. We identify cryogenic silicification as a newly described mechanism by which microbial biosignatures can be preserved within silica-rich hydrothermal environments. This work has implications for the interpretation of biosignatures in relic hydrothermal settings, and for life-detection on Mars and Enceladus, where opaline silica indicative of hydrothermal activity has been detected, and freezing surface conditions predominate

The UK Healthy Universities Self Review Tool: Whole System Impact

Over recent years, there has been growing interest in Healthy Universities, evidenced by an increased number of national networks and the participation of 375 participants from over 30 countries in the 2015 International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, which also saw the launch of the Okanagan Charter. This paper reports on research exploring the use and impact of the UK Healthy Universities Network’s self review tool, specifically examining whether this has supported universities to understand and embed a whole system approach. The research study comprised two stages, the first using an online questionnaire and the second using focus groups. The findings revealed a wide range of perspectives under five overarching themes: motivations; process; outcomes/benefits; challenges/suggested improvements; and future use. In summary, the self review tool was extremely valuable and, when engaged with fully, offered significant benefits to universities seeking to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities. These benefits were felt by institutions at different stages in the journey and spanned outcome and process dimensions: not only did the tool offer an engaging and user-friendly means of undertaking internal benchmarking, generating an easy-to-understand report summarizing strengths and weaknesses; it also proved useful in building understanding of the whole system Healthy Universities approach and served as a catalyst to effective cross-university and cross-sectoral partnership working. Additionally, areas for potential enhancement were identified, offering opportunities to increase the tool’s utility further whilst engaging actively in the development of a global movement for Healthy Universitie

Whole system approaches to health in higher education

Purpose - This paper reports on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network, which: explored engagement of Network members; identified what members value about the Network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the Network’s future development. Design/methodology/approach - The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process. Findings – A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the Network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the Network; Interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support. Research limitations/implications – Only six Universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded. Originality/value – The UK Healthy Universities Network is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the Network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a ‘refresh’ of the Network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence

Health promoting universities: effective leadership for health, well-being and sustainability

Purpose This paper reports on a research study examining opportunities for and characteristics of effective leadership for whole university approaches to health, well-being and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method qualitative approach was used: semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with vice chancellors (n = 12) and UK Healthy Universities Network members (n = 10) and online questionnaires were completed by non-UK network coordinators (n = 6) and non-UK health promoting university coordinators (n = 10), supplemented with two interviews. Findings A total of two overarching themes emerged: opportunities to secure and sustain effective senior-level leadership and characteristics of effective senior-level leadership. Sub-themes under “Opportunities” included aligning work with core business so that health and well-being becomes a strategic priority, harnessing the personal qualities and values of senior-level advocates and using charters and policy drivers as levers to engage and catalyse action. Sub-themes under “Characteristics” included commitment to whole university/whole system working; an understanding that health underpins core business and is a strategic priority; enabling effective coordination through appropriate resourcing; balancing top-down and distributed leadership models and complementing strategic leadership with cultural change. Originality/value This study is one of the first to explore leadership in relation to health promoting universities. Drawing on the findings, it presents a guide to developing and securing effective leadership for health promoting universities – of value to researchers, practitioners and policymakers worldwide

Whole system approaches to health in higher education: an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network

Purpose - This paper reports on an evaluation of the UK Healthy Universities Network, which: explored engagement of Network members; identified what members value about the Network; examined facilitators and barriers to engagement; and informed the Network’s future development. Design/methodology/approach - The study was a two phase mixed-method study, with participants being staff from Higher Education institutions. Phase 1 involved a documentary review and an online 14-question survey (n=32). Phase 2 comprised follow-up semi-structured interviews and focus groups, conducted using Skype (n=11). These were audio recorded and transcripts were thematically analysed in a two-stage process. Findings – A number of key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: value of network meetings and events; popularity of the Network website; increased communication and collaboration; sense of leadership offered by the Network; Interest and inclusion of an international perspective; importance of institutional support. Research limitations/implications – Only six Universities who are involved in the network took part in Phase 2. Although a range of organisations were chosen purposively, it is possible that additional key issues at other universities were excluded. Originality/value – The UK Healthy Universities Network is valued by its membership, particularly its biannual meetings, online presence, leadership, ethos and communication methods. Key barriers include capacity of staff to attend meetings and contribute to the Network, influenced by a lack of institutional commitment and prioritisation. Findings from the evaluation have informed a ‘refresh’ of the Network’s website and a revision of its membership structure, as well as guiding its positioning to achieve greater strategic influence

FINIS: New Methane Detector Technology for Point-Source Detection and Leak Rate Measurements

Utah State University has been developing the Filter Incidence Narrow-band Infrared Spectrometer (FINIS) as a compact instrument for observing atmospheric methane from CubeSats. This instrument will be tested on the upcoming ACMES mission for use as a methane detector. The ACMES mission was selected in 2021 as part of the NASA In-space Validation of Earth Science Technologies (InVEST) program with an expected launch in 2024. Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas and one for which a reduction in emissions could have a significant impact on the near-term rate of global warming. As part of the effort to measure tropospheric methane concentration from space, point source leaks have shown to be challenging to be detected and measured using historic satellite sensors due to their low spatial resolution. In this context, Utah State University has been developing FINIS to be suitable for CH4 leak detection using the differential absorption technique in the 1.6 um band of methane. This paper presents the FINIS design for ACMES, including the instrument review, the concept of operation along with lessons learned from previous air-based testing of the FINIS prototype

Action 3:30: Protocol for a randomized feasibility trial of a teaching assistant led extracurricular physical activity intervention

Background: Many children do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Extracurricular programmes could provide a mechanism to increase the PA levels of primary-school aged children. Teaching assistants (TAs) are a valuable resource in all UK primary schools and could be trained to delivery after-school PA programmes. The aim of this feasibility study is to examine whether the Action 3:30 PA intervention, which is delivered by TAs, could be effective in increasing the PA of Year 5 and 6 children.Methods/Design: A feasibility trial will be conducted in 20 primary schools. Schools will be randomly assigned to intervention or control arms. Intervention schools will receive a 25-hour TA training programme for two TAs, a first-aid certificate course for two TAs; ongoing TA support; 40 one-hour session plans that can be delivered by TAs; Action 3:30 clubs that run twice a week for 20 weeks; and ten sets of parent information sheets that are distributed biweekly. All measures will be assessed at baseline (Time 0), at the end of the intervention period (Time 1) and four months after the intervention has ended (Time 2). As this is a feasibility study, our primary interest is in estimating the recruitment of schools and children, adherence to the intervention, and completeness of data collection for outcomes and costs. As the most likely primary outcome measure in a future definitive trial will be accelerometer-determined minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per day, participants will wear accelerometers for five days (including two weekend days). Several psychosocial variables that could act as mediators in a future trial will be assessed via a questionnaire. Process evaluations of the session attendance, perceived enjoyment and perceived exertion will be assessed during the intervention. At the end of the intervention period, qualitative assessments will be conducted to identify how the programme could be improved before proceeding to a larger trial.Discussion: The goal of the feasibility trial is to assess the potential of this innovative intervention approach and provide all the information necessary to design a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN5850273

Mobility of Transgenic Nucleic Acids and Proteins within Grafted Rootstocks for Agricultural Improvement

Grafting has been used in agriculture for over 2000 years. Disease resistance and environmental tolerance are highly beneficial traits that can be provided through use of grafting, although the mechanisms, in particular for resistance, have frequently been unknown. As information emerges that describes plant disease resistance mechanisms, the proteins, and nucleic acids that play a critical role in disease management can be expressed in genetically engineered (GE) plant lines. Utilizing transgrafting, the combination of a GE rootstock with a wild-type (WT) scion, or the reverse, has the potential to provide pest and pathogen resistance, impart biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, or increase plant vigor and productivity. Of central importance to these potential benefits is the question of to what extent nucleic acids and proteins are transmitted across a graft junction and whether the movement of these molecules will affect the efficacy of the transgrafting approach. Using a variety of specific examples, this review will report on the movement of organellar DNA, RNAs, and proteins across graft unions. Attention will be specifically drawn to the use of small RNAs and gene silencing within transgrafted plants, with a particular focus on pathogen resistance. The use of GE rootstocks or scions has the potential to extend the horticultural utility of grafting by combining this ancient technique with the molecular strategies of the modern era