Evolutionary relationships among bifidobacteria and their hosts and environments.

BACKGROUND:The assembly of animal microbiomes is influenced by multiple environmental factors and host genetics, although the relative importance of these factors remains unclear. Bifidobacteria (genus Bifidobacterium, phylum Actinobacteria) are common first colonizers of gut microbiomes in humans and inhabit other mammals, social insects, food, and sewages. In humans, the presence of bifidobacteria in the gut has been correlated with health-promoting benefits. Here, we compared the genome sequences of a subset of the over 400 Bifidobacterium strains publicly available to investigate the adaptation of bifidobacteria diversity. We tested 1) whether bifidobacteria show a phylogenetic signal with their isolation sources (hosts and environments) and 2) whether key traits encoded by the bifidobacteria genomes depend on the host or environment from which they were isolated. We analyzed Bifidobacterium genomes available in the PATRIC and NCBI repositories and identified the hosts and/or environment from which they were isolated. A multilocus phylogenetic analysis was conducted to compare the genetic relatedness the strains harbored by different hosts and environments. Furthermore, we examined differences in genomic traits and genes related to amino acid biosynthesis and degradation of carbohydrates. RESULTS:We found that bifidobacteria diversity appears to have evolved with their hosts as strains isolated from the same host were non-randomly associated with their phylogenetic relatedness. Moreover, bifidobacteria isolated from different sources displayed differences in genomic traits such as genome size and accessory gene composition and on particular traits related to amino acid production and degradation of carbohydrates. In contrast, when analyzing diversity within human-derived bifidobacteria, we observed no phylogenetic signal or differences on specific traits (amino acid biosynthesis genes and CAZymes). CONCLUSIONS:Overall, our study shows that bifidobacteria diversity is strongly adapted to specific hosts and environments and that several genomic traits were associated with their isolation sources. However, this signal is not observed in human-derived strains alone. Looking into the genomic signatures of bifidobacteria strains in different environments can give insights into how this bacterial group adapts to their environment and what types of traits are important for these adaptations

Scaling the response of nanocrescent antennas into the ultraviolet

pre-printWe investigate the scaling of nanocrescent antennas for applications at UV wavelengths. These antennas have been extensively studied at infrared wavelengths due to their relative ease of fabrication [1] and tunability [2] via nanosphere template lithography. Their response at UV wavelengths, however, has not been characterized. There are numerous motivating factors for investigation of UV plasmonics. One example is improving the intrinsic fluorescence of biomolecules. Biomolecules such as peptides and proteins contain amino acids, three of which are intrinsic fluorophores: phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. These aromatics absorb at wavelengths between 220- nm and 280-nm and emit at wavelengths between 320-nm and 370-nm. Their fluorescence quantum efficiency is however very low. Nanoantennas could prove useful in more efficiently coupling energy between the far field and the molecule, thus improving absorption cross-section and quantum yield. Increasing intrinsic fluorescence is advantageous in label-free detection to study molecular binding without affecting their kinetic rates

Manufacturing considerations for implantable antennas

pre-printDesign of implantable antennas poses a unique set of challenges since antennas need to be small, biocompatible, and operate in the highly lossy environment of the human body. A recent review identified miniaturization challenges and how they have been managed in a variety of designs. [1] It also noted the sensitivity of these miniaturized antennas to fabrication tolerances. Our paper addresses another type of challenge - effective methods to manufacture these antennas using biocompatible materials (many of which are difficult to adhere with glue or solder), tight manufacturing tolerances (and practical ways to manage them), and a design that is practical both for manufacturing of individual test antennas by hand or for larger scale manufacturing. We will build on the spiral microstrip designs originally presented in [2] and expanded in [3][4]

Minority Voice in Community Design Building Processes

AbstractAn old lady's words during the building process of a participatory design with a community: “But this is what we thought might be ideal?” Versus her husband, a construction worker: “But this is the way it should be done!” When dealing with participatory design processes sometimes the opinion of the experts are the ones always honoured and the minorities, not in quantity but in voice, are underestimated. This paper is based on a case study of three different design processes taken place on the rural community of San Jose de Olaes- Ecuador, dealing with the importance of the voice of the minority, in this case represented by the women of a community, and the men's voice, usually the working force. We will illustrate this process and how it has both positive and negative consequences on the project and community relationships

Evaluation of Travis County Investments in Workforce Development: 2020 Update

For more than fifteen years, Travis County has invested between $1-2.5 million in workforce development programs for disadvantaged residents. The purpose of the evaluation is to examine outcomes and impacts for participants in Travis County-funded community-based workforce programs over time and to provide recommendations and support for County and provider staff based on data analysis and best practice research. Seven providers with long standing County contracts have been the focus of an ongoing evaluation of the outcomes and impacts of local workforce services investments.Travis CountyRay Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resource

Evaluation of Travis County Investments in Workforce Development 2018 Update

This evaluation examines outcomes and impacts for participants in the Travis County-funded community-based workforce programs exiting services in FY 2016 – FY 2017. To understand the impact of these services, the county has contracted with the Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources (RMC) at the University of Texas at Austin to conduct a longitudinal evaluation of its investments. This Workforce Development (WFD) evaluation will present the analysis of outcomes and estimated net impacts of these investments in the programs funded the first two years of a five year on-going evaluation (FY 2016 – FY 2020).Travis County Health and Human ServicesRay Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resource

Paridad como factor de riesgo para hiperémesis gravídica en gestantes durante el primer trimestre en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo

Objetivo: Determinar si la nuliparidad es factor de riesgo para hiperémesis gravídica en gestantes durante el primer trimestre en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo. Material y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo analítico, observacional, retrospectivo, de casos y controles. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 255 gestantes durante el primer trimestre según criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos distribuidos en dos grupos: con y sin hiperémesis gravídica. Resultados: La frecuencia de nuliparidad en gestantes con hiperémesis gravídica durante el primer trimestre fue 66%. La frecuencia de nuliparidad en gestantes sin hiperémesis gravídica durante el primer trimestre fue 47%. La nuliparidad es factor de riesgo para hiperémesis gravídica, con un odss ratio de 2.10 el cual fue significativo (p<0.05). El grupo con hiperémesis gravídica tiene un promedio de paridad significativamente menor que el grupo sin hiperémesis gravídica. Conclusiones: La nuliparidad es factor de riesgo para hiperémesis gravídica en gestantes durante el primer trimestre en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo.Objetive: To determine if nulliparity is a risk factor for Hyperemesis Gravidarum in pregnant during the first trimester in the Belen Hospital of Trujillo. Methods: A analytical, observational, retrospective, case-control tudye. The study population consisted of 255 pregnant women during the first trimester. A according to inclusion and exclusion criteria this study population was divided into two groups: with and without hyperemesis gravidarum. Results: The frequency of nulliparity in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum during the first trimester was 66 % to. The frequency of nulliparity in pregnant women without hyperemesis gravidarum during the first trimester was 47 %. Nulliparity is a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum, with odds ratio of 2.10 which was significant (p < 0.05) The group with hyperemesis gravidarum is significantly lower than the group without hyperemesis gravidarum parity. Conclusions: Nulliparity is a risk factor for Hyperemesis Gravidarum in pregnat during the first trimester in the Belen Hospital of Trujillo.Tesi

Factores de riesgo en el desarrollo de Ambliopía en pacientes pediátricos del Instituto Regional de Oftalmología entre Enero 2019 a Diciembre 2020

Determinar los principales factores de riesgo en el desarrollo de ambliopía en pacientes pediátricos del IRO entre enero 2019 a diciembre 2020 MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se realizó un estudio analítico, longitudinal de casos y controles según su orientación y observaciones, evaluando 248 pacientes atendidos en el IRO- Trujillo – La Libertad entre el enero del 2019 a diciembre del 2020. La muestra cotejo 62 casos y 186 controles, cumpliendo con los criterios de integración y exclusión. Recolectando los datos fue en el departamento de Estadística, Archivo y Epidemiologia del IRO, Sistema de Focalización de Hogares (SISFOH) y el Padrón General de Hogares (PGH), Se usó el programa estadístico SPSS, obteniendo porcentajes y frecuencias, y un análisis bivariado y multivariado, odds ratio, IC 95% y X2 de Pearson. RESULTADOS: El Estrabismo era antecedente en un 40.3% de pacientes con ambliopía con un valor de p = 0.004, Chi2 = 8.513 y OR de 2,466. La Miopía aislada presente en 1.6%, p=0.507, La Hipermetropía aislada presente en un 8.1%, con un p= 0.031, un análisis de Chi2= 4.650 y OR= 3.99. Astigmatismo aislado con 11.3% (p=0.014) Chi2=6.088 y OR=3.818. La Hipermetropía con Astigmatismo en 56.5% de los casos del estudio, un p= 0.00 y un análisis de Chi2= 22.147 y OR= 4.062. Miopía con astigmatismo con 22.6% de los casos y un p= 0.0027 un Chi2= 4.890 y un OR=2.292, Prematuridad con 14.5% de los pacientes con ambliopía, con p=0.690, La Condición Socio Económica, la cual tiene tres categorías, en la “NO POBRE” 67.7%, un 24.2% para “POBRE” y un 8.1% en “EXTREMA POBREZA”, Chi2 de 1.066, un p= 0.587 y un Phi de 0.066. CONCLUSIONES: Estrabismo, hipermetropía, astigmatismo, miopía con astigmatismo y la hipermetropía con astigmatismo aumentan la probabilidad del desarrollo de la enfermedad en estudio. La prematuridad y la condición socio económica, por el contrario no se asocia con el desarrollo de la ambliopía.To determine the main risk factors in the development of amblyopia in pediatric patients of the IRO between January 2019 and December 2020. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analytical, longitudinal study of cases and controls was carried out according to their orientation and observations, evaluating 248 patients treated at the IRO- Trujillo - La Libertad between January 2019 and December 2020. The sample compared 62 cases and 186 controls, complying with the integration and exclusion criteria. The data was collected in the Department of Statistics, Archives and Epidemiology of the IRO, the Household Targeting System (SISFOH) and the General Household Register (PGH). The statistical program SPSS was used, obtaining percentages and frequencies, and a bivariate analysis. and multivariate, odds ratio, 95% CI and Pearson's X2. RESULTS: Strabismus was a history in 40.3% of patients with amblyopia with a value of p = 0.004, Chi2=8.513 and OR of 2.466. Isolated myopia present in 1.6%, p=0.507, isolated hyperopia present in 8.1%, with p=0.031, an analysis of Chi2= 4.650 and OR=3.99. Isolated astigmatism with 11.3% (p=0.014) Chi2=6.088 and OR=3.818. Hyperopia with Astigmatism in 56.5% of the study cases, p=0.00 and an analysis of Chi2= 22.147 and OR= 4.062. Myopia with astigmatism with 22.6% of the cases and a p= 0.0027 a Chi2= 4.890 and an OR=2.292, Prematurity with 14.5% of the patients with amblyopia, with p=0.690, The Socio Economic Condition, which has three categories, in ""NOT POOR"" 67.7%, 24.2% for ""POOR"" and 8.1% in ""EXTREME POVERTY"", Chi2 of 1.066, p= 0.587 and Phi of 0.066. CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus, hyperopia, astigmatism, myopia with astigmatism and hyperopia with astigmatism increase the probability of developing the disease under study. Prematurity and socioeconomic status, on the other hand, are not associated with the development of amblyopia.Tesi

Recurring Episodes of Thermal Stress Shift the Balance from a Dominant Host-Specialist to a Background Host-Generalist Zooxanthella in the Threatened Pillar Coral, Dendrogyra cylindrus

Most scleractinian corals form obligate symbioses with photosynthetic dinoflagellates (family Symbiodiniaceae), which provide differential tolerances to their host. Previously, research has focused on the influence of symbiont composition and the dynamic processes of symbiont repopulation during single episodes of hyperthermal events, followed by years of less-stressful conditions. In contrast, this study characterized for the first time, the role of Symbiodiniaceae species changes in response to annually recurring hyperthermal events, a scenario soon expected to become the norm. Consecutive hyperthermal events during summer 2014 and 2015 along the Florida Reef Tract offered a unique opportunity to study bleaching susceptibility and recovery under recurrent annual hyperthermal scenarios. We utilized Illumina amplicon sequencing of the chloroplast 23S DNA region to assess with fine resolution the Symbiodiniaceae diversity associated with pillar coral, Dendrogyra cylindrus. Our findings show diverse assemblages of Symbiodiniaceae species and that some cryptic members are not transient associates but persistent and ecologically relevant, especially during recurrent annual warming events. This was evidenced by changes in relative abundance from the typically dominant host-specialist endosymbiont, Breviolum dendrogyrum, to B. meandrinium a host-generalist species common to corals in the family Meandrinidae but occurs at background densities in most coral colonies of D. cylindrus. The rise in abundance of B. meandrinium associated strongly with bleaching resistance in the coral host during two consecutive hyperthermal events. In some cases, host-compatible background symbionts can rapidly increase in abundance during episodes of stress and may impart physiological resilience to rapid environmental change; and thus, represents a potentially important ecological process by which symbiotic corals acclimatize to changing ocean conditions

Nurses\u27 Lived Experiences Caring for COVID-19 Patients in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare services and delivery and may leave unprecedented effects on nurses’ physical and mental health. Research is sparse on the pandemic’s effects on nurses, but studies have identified the stressful factors that may contribute to nurses’ health and well-being. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in the United States and discover how their experiences impact them on a personal and professional level. Hans Selye’s general adaptation theory served as the theoretical basis for this study with Edmund Husserl’s life worldview used as the conceptual model to guide the analysis. Nine semistructured interviews were conducted online via Zoom with nine registered nurses recruited purposively through social media and professional organizations. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, with transcripts analyzed using a modified van Kaam’s approach. Results included four themes: (a) secondary trauma, (b) burnout/ compassion fatigue, (c) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and (d) turnover/leave nursing. Recommendations for future research are to develop and test programs that support nurses in maintaining good physical and psychological health along with providing a more supportive working environment. The findings of this study have potential implications for positive social change that may promote a healthier workforce better prepared for future workplace stressors such as Covid-19. Nurses who are supported physically and psychologically may have a more positive experience during high stress workplace events resulting in a stronger, effective nursing workforce