Comparative analysis between a low pathogenic and a high pathogenic influenza H5 hemagglutinin in cell entry

Avian influenza viruses continue to threaten globally with pandemic potential. The first step in a potential pandemic is the ability of the virus to enter human cells which is mediated by the viral surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA). Viral entry of influenza is dependent upon the processing of the HA0 polypeptide precursor protein into HA1 and HA2 which is mediated by host cellular proteases. The sequence of the cleavage site which is recognized by host proteases has been linked with pathogenesis of various influenza viruses. Here we examined the effects of cleavage site sequences between a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain and a low pathogenic H5N2 strain to determine their effects on viral entry. From this analysis we determined that at the level of viral entry, the only observed difference between the low and high pathogenic strains is their ability to be cleaved by host cellular proteases

Review of 250 Consecutive Cases of Vaginal Mesh Surgery for Genital Organ Prolapse

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the success and complications of vaginal mesh surgery performed in 250 successive cases. Design: This study had a retrospective design. Materials and Methods: An analysis was performed of vaginal mesh surgery for complaints of stage II or greater pelvic organ prolapse (POP) from September 2008 to November 2010. A composite score that included subjective criteria of absence of a bothersome bulge, and objective criteria based upon Pelvic Organ Prolapse?Quantification (POP-Q) stagePeer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/140094/1/gyn.2013.0056.pd

Sex differences during development in cortical temporal processing and event related potentials in wild-type and fragile X syndrome model mice.

BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is currently diagnosed in approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States, based on a wide array of symptoms, including sensory dysfunction and abnormal language development. Boys are diagnosed ~ 3.8 times more frequently than girls. Auditory temporal processing is crucial for speech recognition and language development. Abnormal development of temporal processing may account for ASD language impairments. Sex differences in the development of temporal processing may underlie the differences in language outcomes in male and female children with ASD. To understand mechanisms of potential sex differences in temporal processing requires a preclinical model. However, there are no studies that have addressed sex differences in temporal processing across development in any animal model of ASD. METHODS: To fill this major gap, we compared the development of auditory temporal processing in male and female wildtype (WT) and Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, a model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of ASD-associated behaviors. Using epidural screw electrodes, we recorded auditory event related potentials (ERP) and auditory temporal processing with a gap-in-noise auditory steady state response (ASSR) paradigm at young (postnatal (p)21 and p30) and adult (p60) ages from both auditory and frontal cortices of awake, freely moving mice. RESULTS: The results show that ERP amplitudes were enhanced in both sexes of Fmr1 KO mice across development compared to WT counterparts, with greater enhancement in adult female than adult male KO mice. Gap-ASSR deficits were seen in the frontal, but not auditory, cortex in early development (p21) in female KO mice. Unlike male KO mice, female KO mice show WT-like temporal processing at p30. There were no temporal processing deficits in the adult mice of both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: These results show a sex difference in the developmental trajectories of temporal processing and hypersensitive responses in Fmr1 KO mice. Male KO mice show slower maturation of temporal processing than females. Female KO mice show stronger hypersensitive responses than males later in development. The differences in maturation rates of temporal processing and hypersensitive responses during various critical periods of development may lead to sex differences in language function, arousal and anxiety in FXS

Evaluating the Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Storm Surges on Seychelles' Critical Infrastructure: Summary for Policy Makers

The Republic of Seychelles, like other island nations, is at risk from anthropogenic climate change. Adapting to future climate change requires making difficult decisions under conditions of uncertainty. While the uncertainty cannot be fully resolved, informed adaptation decisions can be made by broadly appraising the various dimensions of risk—climate hazards, exposure, and vulnerability—posed by sea level rise and storm surge to Seychelles’ critical infrastructure. Global climate models, local climate feature projections, and local climate trends were synthesized to create five climate scenarios to guide Seychelles’ adaptation decision-making. Vulnerability maps were created by combining local climate and socioeconomic data into a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) format. This report concludes with a list of recommendations aimed at better protecting Seychelles’ critical infrastructure from sea level rise and storm surge and fostering climate-resilient development. In addition to this report, the project developed online risk maps and a Climate Scenario Planning Toolkit, all of which were designed to meet the needs of local stakeholders. This work is part of a larger effort by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as the Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI), which aims to close knowledge gaps regarding climate adaptation. In this capacity, it will serve not only to guide the Seychelles Government’s approach to climate change adaptation but may also aid other island nations facing similar climate risks.Master of ScienceSchool for Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of Michiganhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155352/1/Seychelles Summary for Policymakers.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/155352/3/Summary for Policymakers_368.pdfDescription of Seychelles Summary for Policymakers.pdf : Summary for Policy Maker

Evaluating the Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Storm Surges on Seychelles' Critical Infrastructure

It is well known that low-lying coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to changes in sea level and storm surges. Nevertheless, speciic impacts on particular geographies, namely the Indian Ocean region, remain unclear. The Seychelles, a small island developing state, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. This project aims to narrow the existing knowledge gap on potential impacts of sea level rise and storm surges on critical infrastructure. To carry this out, a literature review was completed to understand the current state of critical infrastructure and adaptation in the Seychelles. Stakeholder interviews were conducted with government oicials, local and international nongovernmental organizations, and private sector parties to understand the social, economic, and cultural importance and vulnerability of critical infrastructure. In addition, interviews assessed current adaptation strategies to protect this infrastructure and barriers to implementing those measures. Historical sea level data was combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to generate a hazard map illustrating the geographic distribution of sea level rise and storm surge impacts on the main island of Mahé. These maps, along with images and interview indings were compiled in an ESRI-hosted, interactive Story Map. The report concludes with a list of recommendations to better protect the Seychelles’ critical infrastructure from sea level rise and storm surges. The inal report will become part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI) where it will serve to guide not only the Seychelles Government’s approach to climate change adaptation but also other island nations facing similar climate risks.Master of ScienceSchool for Environment and SustainabilityUniversity of Michiganhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/148836/1/Evaluating the Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Storm Surges on Seychelles' Critical Infrastructure_047.pd