Mesoporous matrices for the delivery of the broad spectrum bacteriocin, Nisin A

peer-reviewedMesoporous matrices of different pore size and chemical composition were explored as potential delivery matrices for the broad spectrum bacteriocin, nisin A. The adsorption of nisin A onto two mesoporous silicates (MPS - SBA-15, MCM-41) and two periodic mesoporous organosilanes (PMO - MSE, PMO-PA) was examined. It was found that hydrophobic interactions dominated in the adsorption of this peptide to the matrices, lending the highest adsorption to MCM-41 with a small pore size of 2.8 nm. The hydrophobic ethylene-bridged MSE (6 nm pore) improved the loading and protection of nisin A from degradation by a non-specific protease pepsin, over un-functionalised SBA-15 which had a slightly larger pore size and less hydrophobic moieties. Nisin A did not adsorb onto an amine-functionalised PMO. Upon suspension in modified fasted state simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.6), the highest release of nisin A was observed from MCM-41, with a lower release from SBA-15 and MSE, with release following Higuchi release kinetics. No release was detected into modified fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.5) but despite this, the suspended matrices loaded with nisin A remained active against Staphylococcus aureus

MiR-34a Represses Numbl in Murine Neural Progenitor Cells and Antagonizes Neuronal Differentiation

MicroRNA (miRNA) function is required for normal animal development, in particular in differentiation pathways from stem cell and precursor populations. In neurogenesis, it is becoming increasingly appreciated that miRNAs act at many stages to ensure proper progression. In this study we examined the role of miR-34a in neural progenitor cells (NPC) derived from murine embryonic cortex. We found that over-expression of miR-34a in NPC significantly reduced the neuron yield upon in vitro induction of differentiation. MiR-34a has several predicted targets in the Notch pathway, which operates to balance progenitor self-renewal and differentiation during cortical neurogenesis. We tested several Notch pathway players for regulation by miR-34a in undifferentiated NPC, and found that mRNA and protein levels of Numbl, a negative regulator of Notch signaling, as well as two downstream pro-neural genes usually blocked by Notch signaling, NeuroD1 and Mash1, were diminished, while Notch1 and Cbf1 transcripts were enhanced by miR-34a over-expression. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we verified the Numbl 3′-UTR as a direct miR-34a target. Correspondingly, knock-down of endogenous miR-34a resulted in increased Numbl, NeuroD1 and Mash1, and reduced Notch1 transcript levels. Together these results implicate Numbl as a physiologically relevant target of miR-34a in NPC, allowing for enhanced Notch signaling and inhibition of neuronal differentiation. This work extends our understanding of miR-34a-mediated control of cell differentiation from cancer to mammalian nervous system development

Field Trips From Home: Exploring how Online Museum-based Learning can Help International Graduate Students Meet their Language Goals in the Time of COVID-19

Museums are known as exemplary sites of informal learning and more recently are understood to foster positive social outcomes for visitors, like reduced social isolation and improved wellbeing. As museums and university campuses are closed due to COVID-19 provincial lockdown measures, this thesis asks: how might online museum-based learning support international graduate students in their language learning goals, at a time of physical and social isolation? Using a grounded theory approach, I draw on existing literature on museum-based learning and social outcomes, and bring informal learning theories to bear on the online museum experience. The interviews and group discussions with eight participants revealed that online museum experiences supported formal language improvement, self-reflection and enjoyment, but fell short of supporting informal language practice. The research identifies that a critical pedagogical approach to the development of online museum programs could more robustly meet the needs of international students and language learners alike.M.A

Estudo exploratório do construto de materialismo no contexto de consumidores de baixa renda do Município de São Paulo

In Brazil, the study of materialism as deined by Belk (1985) or by Richins and Dawson (1992) has been neglected, despite its centrality in the consumer behavior literature. In this paper,two of the main materialism scales available are observed to measure this construct and to test their applicability in the context of low-income consumers in the city of São Paulo. Comparisons based on pilot samples showed that the Richins’ materialism scale (2004) is better adapted to the target population of this study than Belk’s scale (1985). Tests of the relationship between materialism and socio-demographic variables, based on a household probabilistic sample of 450 low-income consumers that live in poor neighborhoodsin the city of São Paulo, reveal coherent results with those of past studies, despite the difference in socio-demographic, economic and cultural environments. In conclusion, it is suggested that the investigation of materialism is conducted in other Brazilian social segments. Moreover, inter-cultural studies are recommended.No Brasil, o estudo do materialismo, tal como entendido por Belk (1985) ou por Richins e Dawson (1992), tem sido negligenciado, a despeito de sua centralidade na literatura de comportamento do consumidor. Neste artigo, parte-se das duas principais escalas disponíveis para mensuração desse construto e testa-se sua aplicabilidade no contexto de consumidores de baixa renda do Município de São Paulo. Comparações baseadas em amostras- piloto mostram que a escala de Richins (2004) adapta-se melhor ao público-alvo do estudo. Na seq�ência, testes das relações entre materialismo e variáveis sociodemográficas, com base em uma amostra domiciliar probabilística de 450 indivíduos de baixa renda, moradores em distritos pobres do Município de São Paulo, revelam resultados coerentes com estudos anteriores sobre a diferença entre os contextos socioeconômico, demográfico e cultural. Em conclusão, sugere-se a investigação do materialismo em outros segmentos sociais brasileiros e recomenda-se a realização de estudos interculturais

Randomised, double blind, controlled trial of the provision of information about the benefits of organ donation during a family donation conversation

INTRODUCTION:It is unclear how much information should be provided to families of potential organ donors about the benefits of organ donation. Whilst this information is material to the donation decision, it may also be perceived as coercive. METHODS:Randomised, double blind, controlled trial in which community members watched one of two videos of a simulated organ donation conversation that differed only in the amount of information provided about the benefits of donation. Participants then completed a questionnaire about the adequacy of the information provided and the degree to which they felt the doctor was trying to convince the family member to say yes to donation. RESULTS:There was a wide variability in what participants considered was the "right" amount of information about organ donation. Those who watched the conversation that included information about the benefits of donation were more likely to feel that the information provided to the family was sufficient. They were more likely to report that the doctor was trying to convince the family member to say yes to donation, yet were no more likely to feel uncomfortable or to feel that the doctor was uncaring or cared more about transplant recipients than he did for the patient and their family. CONCLUSIONS:This study suggests that community members are comfortable with health care staff providing information to family members that may be influential in supporting them to give consent for donation

Univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression for progressive agreement in the “Supportive” video group compared to “Control” across 5 categories.

<p>Univariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression for progressive agreement in the “Supportive” video group compared to “Control” across 5 categories.</p

Baseline demographics and comparisons between the two groups.

<p>Baseline demographics and comparisons between the two groups.</p

Amount of information provided by the doctor.

<p>Amount of information provided by the doctor.</p

Consort diagram of participation in the survey.

<p>Consort diagram of participation in the survey.</p

Uptake of factual information by study participants.

<p>Uptake of factual information by study participants.</p