2,460 research outputs found

    Homology of E_n Ring Spectra and Iterated THH

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    We describe an iterable construction of THH for an E_n ring spectrum. The reduced version is an iterable bar construction and its n-th iterate gives a model for the shifted cotangent complex at the augmentation, representing reduced topological Quillen homology of an augmented E_n algebra.Comment: Some additional exposition added. Minor correction

    Homology and Cohomology of E-infinity Ring Spectra

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    Every homology or cohomology theory on a category of E-infinity ring spectra is Topological Andre-Quillen homology or cohomology with appropriate coefficients. Analogous results hold for the category of A-infinity ring spectra and for categories of algebras over many other operads

    Embedding effective depression care: using theory for primary care organisational and systems change

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    Background: depression and related disorders represent a significant part of general practitioners (GPs) daily work. Implementing the evidence about what works for depression care into routine practice presents a challenge for researchers and service designers. The emerging consensus is that the transfer of efficacious interventions into routine practice is strongly linked to how well the interventions are based upon theory and take into account the contextual factors of the setting into which they are to be transferred. We set out to develop a conceptual framework to guide change and the implementation of best practice depression care in the primary care setting.Methods: we used a mixed method, observational approach to gather data about routine depression care in a range of primary care settings via: audit of electronic health records; observation of routine clinical care; and structured, facilitated whole of organisation meetings. Audit data were summarised using simple descriptive statistics. Observational data were collected using field notes. Organisational meetings were audio taped and transcribed. All the data sets were grouped, by organisation, and considered as a whole case. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was identified as an analytical theory to guide the conceptual framework development.Results: five privately owned primary care organisations (general practices) and one community health centre took part over the course of 18 months. We successfully developed a conceptual framework for implementing an effective model of depression care based on the four constructs of NPT: coherence, which proposes that depression work requires the conceptualisation of boundaries of who is depressed and who is not depressed and techniques for dealing with diffuseness; cognitive participation, which proposes that depression work requires engagement with a shared set of techniques that deal with depression as a health problem; collective action, which proposes that agreement is reached about how care is organised; and reflexive monitoring, which proposes that depression work requires agreement about how depression work will be monitored at the patient and practice level. We describe how these constructs can be used to guide the design and implementation of effective depression care in a way that can take account of contextual differences.Conclusions: ideas about what is required for an effective model and system of depression care in primary care need to be accompanied by theoretically informed frameworks that consider how these can be implemented. The conceptual framework we have presented can be used to guide organisational and system change to develop common language around each construct between policy makers, service users, professionals, and researchers. This shared understanding across groups is fundamental to the effective implementation of change in primary care for depressio

    Conjugative DNA Transfer From E. coli to Transformation-Resistant Lactobacilli

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    Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) belonging to the genus classically known as Lactobacillus, recently split into 25 different genera, include many relevant species for the food industry. The well-known properties of lactobacilli as probiotics make them an attractive model also for vaccines and therapeutic proteins delivery in humans. However, scarce tools are available to accomplish genetic modification of these organisms, and most are only suitable for laboratory strains. Here, we test bacterial conjugation as a new tool to introduce genetic modifications into many biotechnologically relevant laboratory and wild type lactobacilli. Using mobilizable shuttle plasmids from a donor Escherichia coli carrying either RP4 or R388 conjugative systems, we were able to get transconjugants to all tested Lactocaseibacillus casei strains, including many natural isolates, and to several other genera, including Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri, for which no transformation protocol has been reported. Transconjugants were confirmed by the presence of the oriT and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Serendipitously, we also found transconjugants into researcher-contaminant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conjugative DNA transfer from E. coli to S. aureus was previously described, but at very low frequencies. We have purified this recipient strain and used it in standard conjugation assays, confirming that both R388 and RP4 conjugative systems mediate mobilization of plasmids into S. epidermidis. This protocol could be assayed to introduce DNA into other Gram-positive microorganisms which are resistant to transformation.FUNDING: Work in ML lab was supported by the grant BIO2017-87190-R from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. Work in MÁ lab was funded by the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (AGL2016-78708-R, AEI/FEDER, EU). DG-H was a recipient of a predoctoral appointment from the University of Cantabria. RM-C received an ErasmusC traineeship grant

    Pawikan on FB: Facebook as a Source of Information on the Current State of Sea Turtles in the Philippines with an Emphasis on Mortality

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    Five of the seven species of pawikan (sea turtles) are found in the Philippine seas. These are Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Green sea (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), and Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). All of these are threatened species due to predation (animals and humans), climate change, harvesting of eggs, juveniles and adults, bycatch, and habitat degradation. Thus, to protect the species, several laws, policies, and programs have been passed and implemented by the Philippines government since 1979 (Marine Wild Fauna Watch of the Philippines (MWFWP), 2014). However, despite the efforts to protect the pawikan, reports about dead sea turtles due to various causes are becoming frequent than ever. Furthermore, public posts on Facebook about dead pawikan by private individuals are increasing. On the other hand, data on the mortality causes of sea turtles remain scarce as of the moment. Hence, to provide additional data, this study was conducted

    From scaling up to sustainability in HIV: potential lessons for moving forward

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    Background: In 30 years of experience in responding to the HIV epidemic, critical decisions and program characteristics for successful scale-up have been studied. Now leaders face a new challenge: sustaining large-scale HIV prevention programs. Implementers, funders, and the communities served need to assess what strategies and practices of scaling up are also relevant for sustaining delivery at scale. Methods: We reviewed white and gray literature to identify domains central to scaling-up programs and reviewed HIV case studies to identify how these domains might relate to sustaining delivery at scale. Results: We found 10 domains identified as important for successfully scaling up programs that have potential relevance for sustaining delivery at scale: fiscal support; political support; community involvement, integration, buy-in, and depth; partnerships; balancing flexibility/adaptability and standardization; supportive policy, regulatory, and legal environment; building and sustaining strong organizational capacity; transferring ownership; decentralization; and ongoing focus on sustainability. We identified one additional potential domain important for programs sustaining delivery at scale: emphasizing equity. Conclusions: Today, the public and private sector are examining their ability to generate value for populations. All stakeholders are aiming to stem the tide of the HIV epidemic. Implementers need a framework to guide the evolution of their strategies and management practices. Greater research is needed to refine the domains for policy and program implementers working to sustain HIV program delivery at scale

    Diabetes Screening and Prevention in a High-Risk, Medically Isolated Border Community

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    Introduction: A project in a Texas border community setting, Prevention Organized against Diabetes and Dialysis with Education and Resources (POD2ER), offered diabetes prevention information, screening, and medical referrals. The setting was a large, longstanding flea market that functions as a shopping mall for low-income people. The priority population included medically underserved urban and rural Mexican Americans. Components of the program addressed those with diabetes, prediabetes, and accompanying relatives and friends. Background: People living in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) face challenges of high rates of type 2 diabetes, lack of knowledge about prevention, and inadequate access to medical care. Recent statistics from actual community-wide screenings indicate a high diabetes prevalence, 30.7% among adults in the LRGV compared with 12.3% nationwide. Methods: A diverse team composed of public health faculty, students, a physician, a community health worker, and community volunteers conceived and developed the project with a focus on cultural and economic congruence and a user-friendly atmosphere. The program provided screening for prediabetes and diabetes with a hemoglobin A1c test. Screening was offered to those who were at least 25 years of age and not pregnant. When results indicated diabetes, a test for kidney damage was offered (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio). A medical appointment at a community clinic within a week was provided to those who tested positive for diabetes and lacked a medical home. Health education modules addressed all family members. Discussion: The project was successful in recruiting 2,332 high-risk people in 26 months in a community setting, providing clinic referrals to those without a doctor, introducing them to treatment, and providing diabetes prevention information to all project participants. Implications for research and practice are highlighted. Conclusion: This study shows that a regular access point in a place frequented by large numbers of medically marginalized people in a program designed to eliminate cultural and economic barriers can succeed in providing a hard-to-reach community with diabetes prevention services. Aspects of this program can serve as a model for other service provision for similar populations and settings

    Mouse lung contains endothelial progenitors with high capacity to form blood and lymphatic vessels

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Postnatal endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been successfully isolated from whole bone marrow, blood and the walls of conduit vessels. They can, therefore, be classified into circulating and resident progenitor cells. The differentiation capacity of resident lung endothelial progenitor cells from mouse has not been evaluated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In an attempt to isolate differentiated mature endothelial cells from mouse lung we found that the lung contains EPCs with a high vasculogenic capacity and capability of <it>de novo </it>vasculogenesis for blood and lymph vessels.</p> <p>Mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells (MLMVECs) were isolated by selection of CD31<sup>+ </sup>cells. Whereas the majority of the CD31<sup>+ </sup>cells did not divide, some scattered cells started to proliferate giving rise to large colonies (> 3000 cells/colony). These highly dividing cells possess the capacity to integrate into various types of vessels including blood and lymph vessels unveiling the existence of local microvascular endothelial progenitor cells (LMEPCs) in adult mouse lung. EPCs could be amplified > passage 30 and still expressed panendothelial markers as well as the progenitor cell antigens, but not antigens for immune cells and hematopoietic stem cells. A high percentage of these cells are also positive for Lyve1, Prox1, podoplanin and VEGFR-3 indicating that a considerabe fraction of the cells are committed to develop lymphatic endothelium. Clonogenic highly proliferating cells from limiting dilution assays were also bipotent. Combined <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo </it>spheroid and matrigel assays revealed that these EPCs exhibit vasculogenic capacity by forming functional blood and lymph vessels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The lung contains large numbers of EPCs that display commitment for both types of vessels, suggesting that lung blood and lymphatic endothelial cells are derived from a single progenitor cell.</p

    Lessons learned - resolving the enigma of genetic factors in IBS

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    IBS is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder and phenotypically characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort, pain and altered defecation patterns. The pathophysiology of IBS is multifactorial, albeit with a substantial genetic component. To date, studies using various methodologies, ranging from family and twin studies to candidate gene approaches and genome-wide association studies, have identified several genetic variants in the context of IBS. Yet, despite enlarged sample sizes, increased statistical power and meta-analyses in the past 7 years, positive associations are still scarce and/or have not been reproduced. In addition, epigenetic and pharmacogenetic approaches remain in their infancy. A major hurdle is the lack of large homogenized case-control cohorts recruited according to standardized and harmonized criteria. The COST Action BM1106 GENIEUR (GENes in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Research Network EURope) has been established to address these obstacles. In this Review, the (epi)genetic working group of GENIEUR reports on the current state-of-the-art in the field, highlights fundamental flaws and pitfalls in current IBS (epi) genetic research and provides a vision on how to address and improve (epi) genetic approaches in this complex disorder in the future.This is the peer reviewed version of the paper: Gazouli, M., Wouters, M. M., Kapur-Pojskić, L., Bengtson, M.-B., Friedman, E., Nikčević, G., Demetriou, C. A., Mulak, A., Santos, J., & Niesler, B. (2016). Lessons learned—Resolving the enigma of genetic factors in IBS. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 13(2), 77–87. [https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2015.206]Published version: [https://imagine.imgge.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/977

    Morphological and molecular characterization of Trichuris muris (Nematoda: Trichuridae): studies from two commensal rodent species

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    In this paper we re-describe Trichuris muris based on morphological data following isolation from two commensal rodent species, Mus musculus from Mexico and Rattus rattus from Argentina. Furthermore, we provide a molecular characterization based on mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene) and nuclear (internal transcribed spacer 2 region) markers in order to support the taxonomic identification of the studied specimens of T. muris from M. musculus. We distinguished T. muris from 29 species of Trichuris found in American rodents based on morphological and biometrical features, such as the presence of a spicular tube, length of spicule, size of proximal and distal cloacal tube and non-protrusive vulva. We suggest that spicular tube patterns can be used to classify Trichuris species in three groups. Considering that the diagnosis among the species of this genus is mainly based on morphometry, this proposal represents a relevant contribution. We provide molecular studies on two markers, making this the first contribution for T. muris in the Americas. This study makes an important contribution to the integrative taxonomy of cosmopolitan nematode species, and its correct determination from the parasitological study of commensal rodents.Fil: Panti May, Jesús Alonso. Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan (uady);Fil: Gómez Muñoz, María de Los Ángeles. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Yeh Gorocica, A. B.. Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan (uady);Fil: Hernández Betancourt, S.. Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan (uady);Fil: Milano, F.. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Galliari, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; ArgentinaFil: Robles, Maria del Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores; Argentin
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