Comparative analysis of magnetosome gene clusters in magnetotactic bacteria provides further evidence for horizontal gene transfer

The organization of magnetosome genes was analysed in all available complete or partial genomic sequences of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), including the magnetosome island (MAI) of the magnetotactic marine vibrio strain MV-1 determined in this study. The MAI was found to differ in gene content and organization between Magnetospirillum species and strains MV-1 or MC-1. Although a similar organization of magnetosome genes was found in all MTB, distinct variations in gene order and sequence similarity were uncovered that may account for the observed diversity of biomineralization, cell biology and magnetotaxis found in various MTB. While several magnetosome genes were present in all MTB, others were confined to Magnetospirillum species, indicating that the minimal set of genes required for magnetosome biomineralization might be smaller than previously suggested. A number of novel candidate genes were implicated in magnetosome formation by gene cluster comparison. Based on phylogenetic and compositional evidence we present a model for the evolution of magnetotaxis within the Alphaproteobacteria, which suggests the independent horizontal transfer of magnetosome genes from an unknown ancestor of magnetospirilla into strains MC-1 and MV-1

Does pictorial health information improve health behaviors and other outcomes? A systematic review protocol

Contains fulltext : 200055.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

1 LAMB WAVE STIFFNESS CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITES UNDERGOING THERMAL-MECHANICAL AGING

INTRODUCTION The introduction of new, advanced composite materials into aviation systems requires a thorough understanding of the long term effects of combined thermal and mechanical loading upon those materials. Analytical methods investigating the effects of intense thermal heating combined with mechanical loading have been investigated by Griffis, et al. [1] and Chen, et al. [2]. Schubbe and Mall [3] and Castelli, et al. [4] have experimentally investigated both in-phase (maximum temperature at maximum load) and out-of-phase (maximum temperature at minimum load) thermal-mechanical cycling on composites. Both authors found that the damage mechanisms and fatigue lives were dependent on test parameters as well as stress levels. Castelli, et al. [4] identified matrix dominated failure modes for out-of-phase cycling and fiber dominated damage modes for in-phase cycling. In recent years, ultrasonic methods have been developed that can measure the mechanical stiffness of composites. To he

Using pictures to convey health information: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects on patient and consumer health behaviors and outcomes

Item does not contain fulltextOBJECTIVE: Assess the effect of pictorial health information on patients' and consumers' health behaviors and outcomes, evaluate these effects in lower health literacy populations, and examine the attributes of the interventions. METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the effect of pictorial health information on patient and consumer health behaviors and outcomes. We conducted a meta-analysis of RCTs that assessed knowledge/understanding, recall, or adherence, and a subgroup analysis of those outcomes on lower health literacy populations. We narratively reviewed characteristics of pictorial health interventions that significantly improved outcomes for lower health literacy populations. RESULTS: From 4160 records, we included 54 RCTs (42 in meta-analysis). Pictorial health information moderately improved knowledge/understanding and recall overall, but largely increased knowledge/understanding for lower health literacy populations (n = 13), all with substantial heterogeneity. Icons with few words may be most helpful in conveying health information. CONCLUSION: Our results support including pictures in health communication to improve patient knowledge. Our results should be interpreted with caution considering the significant heterogeneity of the meta-analysis outcomes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Future research should assess which types and characteristics of pictures that best convey health information and are most useful and the implementation and sustainability in healthcare contexts. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018084743