INFORMATION SOURCES PREFERRED BY LIMITED RESOURCE FARMERS IN USING AGRICULTURAL RISK TOOLS

The paper examines limited resource farmers' perceptions of the usefulness of selected sources of risk management information. The rationale is to understand the information needs of this group of farmers and to customize outreach programs to address their needs.Risk and Uncertainty,

The C-terminal extension unique to the long isoform of the shelterin component TIN2 enhances its interaction with TRF2 in a phosphorylation- and dyskeratosis congenita-cluster-dependent fashion

TIN2 is central to the shelterin complex, linking the telomeric proteins TRF1 and TRF2 with TPP1/POT1. Mutations in TINF2, which encodes TIN2, that are found in dyskeratosis congenita (DC) result in very short telomeres and cluster in a region shared by the two TIN2 isoforms, TIN2S (short) and TIN2L (long). Here we show that TIN2L, but not TIN2S, is phosphorylated. TRF2 interacts more with TIN2L than TIN2S, and both the DC-cluster and phosphorylation promote this enhanced interaction. The binding of TIN2L, but not TIN2S, is affected by TRF2-F120, which is also required for TRF2's interaction with end processing factors such as Apollo. Conversely, TRF1 interacts more with TIN2S than with TIN2L. A DC-associated mutation further reduces TIN2L-TRF1, but not TIN2S-TRF1, interaction. Cells overexpressing TIN2L or phosphomimetic-TIN2L are permissive to telomere elongation, whereas cells overexpressing TIN2S or phosphodead-TIN2L are not. Telomere lengths are unchanged in cell lines in which TIN2L expression has been eliminated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation. These results indicate that TIN2 isoforms are biochemically and functionally distinguishable, and that shelterin composition could be fundamentally altered in patients with TINF2 mutations

Sharing culture in a tech world: Grandparent–grandchild cultural exchanges over video chat.

Grandparents who were separated from their infant grandchildren during COVID-19 sought other ways to connect, including video chat. Video chat supports learning, and its features (e.g., contingent responsiveness) may allow for cultural exchange. However, technological problems may disrupt these exchanges. In a semi-naturalistic, longitudinal study, 47 families submitted up to three video chats and surveys. Families were predominantly White/Caucasian, highly-educated, and lived between 1 and 2700 miles apart. Multilevel models were used to predict the proportion of the sessions devoted to exchanging culture (e.g., holidays, parenting advice) and managing tech problems. Culture exchange did not change as a function of infant age, video chat experience, or when encountering tech problems. Although only marginally statistically significant, culture exchange increased as distance increased. Tech problems changed as a function of tech talk. A qualitative analysis revealed that cultural transmission occurred via a culture of care and sharing of information across video chat, that families adapted their behaviors to the new technology, and that technology disruptions rarely interfered with the flow of information. These findings demonstrate the ability to share culture when physically separated and in the presence of tech disruptions. Further, this study supports previous work on the emerging culture of video chat. Families adapted to being separated, and grandparents and infants successfully communicated through a new modality. Because video chat supports family relationships, equitable access to high-speed internet should be a priority to enable more families to use it

Thrombus flottant de l’oreillette gauche révélé par des embolies multiples

Introduction: Le thrombus flottant de l’oreillette gauche  est rare. Il se produit habituellement au niveau d’une oreillette gauche très dilatée  avec une stagnation du flux sanguin, résultat d’une sténose mitrale rhumatismale sévère  avec fibrillation atriale.Observation clinique : Nous rapportant l’observation clinique d’une patiente de 58 ans, qui s’est présentée aux urgences pour un œdème pulmonaire associé à un syndrome oedémato-ascétique et une oligurie. L’exploration initiale a retrouvé une insuffisance rénale pré-terminale . La patiente a bénéficié en urgence d’une séance d’hémodialyse, au terme de cette séance, elle a présentée une obnubilation sans trouble de focalisation et une ischémie aigue du membre inférieur droit.L’ECG a révélé une arythmie complète par fibrillation auriculaire. L’échocardiographie transthoracique a retrouvé un rétrécissement  mitral rhumatismal, associé à un énorme thrombus flottant de l’OG L’échographie doppler rénale et l’angioscanner abdominal ont mis en évidence un infarctus rénal gauche secondaire à une embolie de l’artère rénale gauche. Le scanner cérébral était normal.La patiente a été opérée  en urgence.Les suites opératoires étaient marquées par la récupération d’une fonction rénale et une revascularisation du membre inferieur droit. Cependant la patiente a présenté à J+2 une hémiplégie gauche suite à un infarcissement hémorragique cérébral conduisant au décès de la patiente à J+8.Conclusion : Le thrombus de l’OG est une complication classique du rétrécissement mitral. Il est associé à des complications graves. Le traitement médical seul par anticoagulants ou thrombolytiques est réservé aux cas très graves contre-indiquant une chirurgie ou chez les patients refusant l’intervention.

Worldwide prevalence, genotype distribution and management of hepatitis C

epatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in major global public health concerns. The HCV infection is unevenly distributed worldwide, with variations in prevalence across and within countries. The studies on molecular epidemiology conducted in several countries provide an essential supplement for a comprehensive knowledge of HCV epidemiology, genotypes, and subtypes, along with providing information on the impact of current and earlier migratory flows. HCV is phylogenetically classified into 8 major genotypes and 57 subtypes. HCV genotype and subtype distribution differ according to geographic origin and transmission risk category. Unless people with HCV infection are detected and treated appropriately, the number of deaths due to the disease will continue to increase. In 2015, 1.75 million new viral infections were mostly due to unsafe healthcare procedures and drug use injections. In the same year, access to direct-acting antivirals was challenging and varied in developing and developed countries, affecting HCV cure rates based on their availability. The World Health Assembly, in 2016, approved a global strategy to achieve the elimination of the HCV public health threat by 2030 (by reducing new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%). Globally, countries are implementing policies and measures to eliminate HCV risk based on their distribution of genotypes and prevalence

Commentary:Transcranial stimulation of the frontal lobes increases propensity of mind-wandering without changing meta-awareness

A Commentary on Transcranial stimulation of the frontal lobes increases propensity of mind-wandering without changing meta-awareness by Axelrod, V., Zhu, X., & Qui, J. (2018). Scientific Reports, 8:15975. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-34098-

Understanding and Predicting Human made and Distributed Environmental Toxins on a Molecular Level

There are a wide range of chemicals and chemical mixtures that humans use to control plants, animals and insects. Many of these are poisons and can attack a number of physiological systems. Algaecides, Antifouling agents, Antimicrobials, Attractants, Biopesticides, Biocides Disinfectants and sanitizers, Fungicides, Fumigants, Herbicides, Insecticides, Miticides, Microbial pesticides, Molluscicides, Nematicides; Ovicides, Pheromones, Repellents, Rodenticides as well as some chemical defenses used by plants. Six biological parameters are calculated for dozens of these molecules. (GPCR ligand, Ion channel modulator, Kinase inhibitor, Nuclear receptor ligand, Protease inhibitor, Enzyme inhibitor) to help understand what impact they might have on humans and other mammals. For example, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), have several names including G protein linked receptors (GPLR). They are a family of protein receptors located on the cell membrane that detect molecular species that can initiate or impact cellular responses. G protein-coupled receptors have been correlated with a large number of diseases including cancer, antibiotics, HIV and Alzheimer’s, are a target of one third of all medicinal drugs currently being utilized. This presentation will identify the best and the worst of chemicals used and make a suggestion for each to lower their negative impact

Plant expression, lyophilisation and storage of HBV medium and large surface antigens for a prototype oral vaccine formulation

Current immunisation programmes against hepatitis B virus (HBV) increasingly often involve novel tri-component vaccines containing—together with the small (S-HBsAg)—also medium and large surface antigens of HBV (M- and L-HBsAg). Plants producing all HBsAg proteins can be a source of components for a potential oral ‘triple’ anti-HBV vaccine. The objective of the presented research was to study the potential of M/L-HBsAg expression in leaf tissue and conditions of its processing for a prototype oral vaccine. Tobacco and lettuce carrying M- or L-HBsAg genes and resistant to the herbicide glufosinate were engineered and integration of the transgenes was verified by PCR and Southern hybridizations. M- and L-HBsAg expression was confirmed by Western blot and assayed by ELISA at the level of micrograms per g of fresh weight. The antigens displayed a common S domain and characteristic domains preS2 and preS1 and were assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs). Leaf tissues containing M- and L-HBsAg were lyophilised to produce a starting material of an orally administered vaccine formula. The antigens were distinctly sensitive to freeze-drying conditions and storage temperature, in the aspect of stability of S and preS domains and formation of multimeric particles. Efficiency of lyophilisation and storage depended also on the initial antigen content in plant tissue, yet M-HBsAg appeared to be approximately 1.5–2 times more stable than L-HBsAg. The results of the study provide indications concerning the preparation of two other constituents, next to S-HBsAg, for a plant-derived prototype oral tri-component vaccine against hepatitis B

Low-dose oral immunization with lyophilized tissue of herbicide-resistant lettuce expressing hepatitis B surface antigen for prototype plant-derived vaccine tablet formulation

Efficient immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and other pathogens with plant-based oral vaccines requires appropriate plant expressors and the optimization of vaccine compositions and administration protocols. Previous immunization studies were mainly based on a combination of the injection of a small surface antigen of HBV (S-HBsAg) and the feeding with raw tissue containing the antigen, supplemented with an adjuvant, and coming from plants conferring resistance to kanamycin. The objective of this study was to develop a prototype oral vaccine formula suitable for human immunization. Herbicide-resistant lettuce was engineered, stably expressing through progeny generation micrograms of S-HBsAg per g of fresh weight and formed into virus-like particles (VLPs). Lyophilized tissue containing a relatively low, 100-ng VLP-assembled antigen dose, administered only orally to mice with a long, 60-day interval between prime and boost immunizations and without exogenous adjuvant, elicited mucosal and systemic humoral anti-HBs responses at the nominally protective level. Lyophilized tissue was converted into tablets, which preserved S-HBsAg content for at least one year of room temperature storage. The results of the study provide indications on immunization methodology using a durable, efficacious, and convenient plant-derived prototype oral vaccine against hepatitis B