A Cytoplasmic RNA Virus Alters the Function of the Cell Splicing Protein SRSF2

ABSTRACT To replicate efficiently, viruses must create favorable cell conditions and overcome cell antiviral responses. We previously reported that the reovirus protein μ2 from strain T1L, but not strain T3D, represses one antiviral response: alpha/beta interferon signaling. We report here that T1L, but not T3D, μ2 localizes to nuclear speckles, where it forms a complex with the mRNA splicing factor SRSF2 and alters its subnuclear localization. Reovirus replicates in cytoplasmic viral factories, and there is no evidence that reovirus genomic or messenger RNAs are spliced, suggesting that T1L μ2 might target splicing of cell RNAs. Indeed, RNA sequencing revealed that reovirus T1L, but not T3D, infection alters the splicing of transcripts for host genes involved in mRNA posttranscriptional modifications. Moreover, depletion of SRSF2 enhanced reovirus replication and cytopathic effect, suggesting that T1L μ2 modulation of splicing benefits the virus. This provides the first report of viral antagonism of the splicing factor SRSF2 and identifies the viral protein that determines strain-specific differences in cell RNA splicing. IMPORTANCE Efficient viral replication requires that the virus create favorable cell conditions. Many viruses accomplish this by repressing specific antiviral responses. We demonstrate here that some mammalian reoviruses, RNA viruses that replicate strictly in the cytoplasm, express a protein variant that localizes to nuclear speckles, where it targets a cell mRNA splicing factor. Infection with a reovirus strain that targets this splicing factor alters splicing of cell mRNAs involved in the maturation of many other cell mRNAs. Depletion of this cell splicing factor enhances reovirus replication and cytopathic effect. Our results provide the first evidence of viral antagonism of this splicing factor and suggest that downstream consequences to the cell are global and benefit the virus

A Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism in Down East Maine and Southwest New Brunswick

Tourism is the world\u27s fastest growing industry. In Maine alone, tourism surpasses the economic impact of fisheries and aquaculture combined. Tourists themselves are increasingly searching for travel options that make positive contributions to the places they love to visit. More and more travelers, both locals and visitors, are looking for experiences that promote responsible travel while contributing to economic development in local communities. Yet how can local tourism businesses or destinations afford to green their own practices while successfully tapping into this growing market? The need for technical and business development resources dedicated to enhancing sustainable tourism in the Gulf of Maine has been recognized by state, provincial and federal agencies, municipalities, economic development groups, businesses and many others throughout our region. A Resource Guide for Sustainable Tourism will help the Downeast/Acadia and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, region become a leader in the rapidly growing market for sustainable tourism opportunities. The Resource Guide will foster sustainable maritime activities in the Gulf of Maine and help tourism operators become citizen stewards by providing resources that help them green their operations while enhancing their economic potential

A Call for Change in the Public Education System in Nova Scotia

The United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent and Nova Scotia’s Ministry of African Nova Scotian Affairs recognize that students of African descent continue to experience inequities. As previous studies indicate, parents of Black learners identified that many educators lack knowledge and experience in understanding students of African descent.This study explored student achievement from the perspective of parents of children of African descent attending public schools in Nova Scotia. Participants included individual interviews and focus groups with parents from rural and urban areas. Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory framework, a thematic analysis of the data was conducted, a dominant storyline related to the families’ experiences in school and subsequent themes emerged: we are treated differently; we don’t feel connected; we know there are challenges: the resistance of parents; and we deal with injustices but persevere. These findings provide recommendations to improve the educational success for Black learners. Keywords: African Canadian, academic achievement and success, Black students, education, schooling challenges, students of African descentLa déclaration des Nations Unies de la Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine et le Ministre des affaires Afro-néo-écossaises reconnaissent que les élèves d’ascendance africaine continuent à vivre des inégalités. Des études antérieures démontrent que les parents d’apprenants Noirs ont identifié que plusieurs éducateurs manquent de connaissances et d’expérience quant à la compréhension d’élèves d’ascendance africaine. Cette étude explore la réussite scolaire de la perspective des parents d’enfants d’ascendance africaine fréquentant des écoles publiques en Nouvelle-Écosse. Les participants incluent des entretiens individuels et des groupes de discussion avec des parents provenant de régions rurales et urbaines en Nouvelle-Écosse. Basée sur le cadre théorique écologique de Bronfenbrenner, une analyse thématique des données a été entreprise, un fil conducteur dominant lié aux expériences scolaires des familles, et des thèmes résolutoires ont émergé : nous sommes traités différemment ; et nous ne nous sentons pas connectés ; nous sommes conscients qu’il y a des défis ; la résistance des parents ; et nous font face à des injustices mais nous persistons. Ces constats fournissent des recommandations pour améliorer le succès académique des apprenants Noirs. Mots-clés : Afro-canadiens, performance et succès académique, élèves noirs, éducation, défis scolaires, élèves d’ascendance Africain

Evening Snacking in Relation to Self-reported Declines in Sleep Quality during Pregnancy: Preliminary Results from the Decision-Making, Eating, and Weight Gain During Pregnancy (DEW) Study

Background: Poor sleep in non-pregnant adults has been associated with increased evening snacking, which may contribute to weight gain. Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy. Objective: To examine the association between changes in sleep quality from pre-pregnancy and evening snacking. Methods: In an ongoing prospective cohort study, pregnant women were recruited from UMMHC obstetric practices and the community. Participants are 18+ years, with singleton gestationweeks, pre-pregnancy BMI 18.5-40 kg/m2, English-speaking, and with plans to deliver at UMMHC. Participants were asked “compared to the three months before you became pregnant, how is your sleep quality now?”; we combined responses of “about the same”/“a little better”/“a lot better” versus “a little worse”/“much worse”. Participants completed three 24-hour dietary recalls (2 weekdays, 1 weekend day). Evening snacks were defined as eating occasions after dinner but before bedtime during which food items other than water was consumed. Fisher’s Exact tests and t-tests provided comparisons for evening snacking (yes/no), number of snacks, and energy intake. Results: Women with complete data (n=55) were 58% non-Hispanic White and aged 30.0 (SD:4.3) years; gestational age at study visit was 23.0 (SD:5.9) weeks. Of 866 meals reported, 94 were evening snacks. 71% (n=39) reported that their current sleep quality was worse than before pregnancy. Evening snacks were reported by 90% of women reporting worse sleep and 69% same/better (p=0.1028). While the number of snacks among snackers did not differ by change in sleep quality (M[SD]: 2.2[1.2] versus 1.6[0.8], p=0.2372), energy intake from these snacks was higher among women whose sleep quality had declined (M[SD]: 630[488] versus 309[331] kcal, p=0.0480). Conclusions: Declines in sleep quality during pregnancy may be linked to evening snacking. More research is needed to understand the role of sleep quality, eating behavior, and weight gain during pregnancy

Seizures and antiepileptic drugs in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages

AbstractPurposePatients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are often initiated on antiepileptic drugs without a clear indication. We compared the percentage of patients with spontaneous ICH who had seizures at onset or during hospitalization, and examined empiric use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in these patients in 2 cohorts 10 years apart.MethodsUsing a clinical data registry at a tertiary care adult hospital, we retrospectively selected admissions for spontaneous ICH between 1/1/99–12/31/00 (Cohort A, n=30) and 1/1/09–12/31/10 (Cohort B, n=108). Clinical, neurophysiological and radiological data were collected in both cohorts.ResultsIn Cohorts A and B respectively, AEDs were started in 53.3% and 50.0%, and continued on discharge in 50.0% and 20.4% of patients; 86.6% and 59.1% of patients discharged on AEDs did not have a clinical/electrographic seizure or epileptiform EEG findings. Seizures occurred in 6.6% and 13.0% in Cohorts A and B respectively. The presence of a seizure at presentation (p=0.01) and during hospitalization (p=0.02) were predictors for continuing AED on discharge.ConclusionIn both cohorts, a significant number of patients were discharged on AEDs without a clear indication, though there is a change in practice between the two cohorts

Increased Plasma Levels of the TH2 chemokine CCL18 associated with low CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-1-infected Patients with a Suppressed Viral Load

The chemokine (C-C motif) chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is a structural homolog of CCL3 primarily produced by monocyte-derived cells with an M2 phenotype. Elevated levels of CCL18 have been observed in several diseases associated with malignancies and chronic inflammation. The role of CCL18 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection remains unknown. We analyzed expression levels of T helper cell-mediated (TH2) chemokines CCL18, CCL17, and CCL22 by ELISA in plasma collected from HIV-1-infected and healthy donors. In HIV-1-infected individuals, plasma viral loads were monitored by NucliSense HIV-1 QT assay and T cell counts and expression of the activation marker CD38 were determined by flow cytometry. Our data showed a significant increase in plasma levels of CCL18 in HIV-1-infected individuals compared to uninfected controls (p \u3c 0.001) and a significant correlation between CCL18 levels and viral load in untreated patients. No significant difference of CCL18 levels was detected among the HIV-1-infected patients treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and HIV-1-untreated patients.CCL18 values are negatively correlated with CD4+CD38+ cell numbers and total CD4+ T cell counts in patients with a suppressed viral load. Notably, plasma levels of the TH2 chemokines CCL17 and CCL22 are also elevated during HIV-1 infection. However, no correlation of CCL17 and CCL22 production with CD4+ T cell counts was detected. Presented data shows that the chemokines, CCL17, CCL18, and CCL22 are increased during HIV-1 infection. However, only increased levels of CCL18, a marker of M2 macrophages, correlate with low CD4+ T cell counts in patients with suppressed viral load, raising the possibility that CCL18 and/or CCL18-producing cells may interfere with their reconstitution in HIV-1-infected patients on cART

A Non-Restrictive Weight Loss Diet Focused on Increasing Fiber and Lean Protein: Results of a Pilot Trial

Objective. The vast majority of diets are not only multicomponent but also restrictive. Dietary fiber or protein can reduce hunger and enhance satiety; they also exert clinical benefits. We examined feasibility and acceptability of a non-restrictive diet combining the two for weight loss. Population and Methods. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the trial (2 men, 13 women, mean age=48 y and mean BMI = 36 kg/m2) to attend 6 bi-weekly individual counselling sessions for the diet during the 12-week study period. The goals of the intervention were to attain a daily goal of higher fiber (\u3e35g)/ and lean protein (120g). 24-hour diet recalls and body weight were collected at baseline, 6- and 12-week assessments. Results. All participants completed 6-week assessment, one participant dropped from the study before 12-week assessment. At 12 weeks, 93% of participants liked the diet much/very much, 92% were very/extremely confident in adhering to the diet and 85% did not feel hungry on the diet. Mean fiber intake increased by 9.4 g/day (95% CI: 5.9, 12.8) at 6 weeks, and by 6.9 g/day (CI: 3.3, 10.5) at 12 weeks. Protein intake increased by a mean of 13.7 g/day (CI: 4.8, 22.6) at 6 weeks, and by 6.0 g/day (CI: -3.3, 15.3) at 12 weeks. % of calories from saturated fat decreased by 2.0% (CI: 0.5, 3.4) at 6 weeks and by 2.7% (CI: 0.5, 3.4) at 12 weeks. Alternative Healthy Eating Index score increased by 9.7 (CI: 5.3, 14.0) at 6 weeks and by 6.1 (CI: 1.5, 10.7) at 12 weeks. Mean weight loss was -2.7 lbs (CI: -4.9, 0.6) at 6 weeks and -4.7 lbs (CI: -8.0, -1.4) at 12 weeks. Conclusion. Participants liked the diet prescribed, and significantly increased their fiber and lean protein intake, resulting in significant weight loss with improvement to dietary quality

The Iowa Homemaker vol.41, no.8

“I Was the Editor of the First Homemaker”, Bess Ferguson, page 4 And After May ’26?, page 5 1920s, Rose Summers, page 6 1930s, Laura Daily, page 6 1940s, Ruth Webber, page 7 1950s, Ruth Remy, page 7 Food Class for Foresters, Russel B. McKennan, page 8 Mortar Board Presents: Know Your Neighbor, page 9 Decorating Your Home With the Family in Mind, Jan Wheeler, page 10 Let’s Split A Pizza, Barbara Pierson, page 12 Easter Bonnet In An Hour, page 13 Here’s How We Look, page 14 The Younger Generation, Sherry Stoddard, page 15 Part-time Jobs After Marriage, Diane Sharbo, page 16 Looking Abroad, Barbara Brown, page 17 40 Years From Now, Anne Collison, page 1

Results of a Social Media Campaign to Prevent Indoor Tanning by Teens: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Indoor tanning (IT) increases risk of developing skin cancer. A social media campaign to reduce mother\u27s permissiveness toward their teenage daughters IT was evaluated. Mothers (N = 869) of daughters aged 14–17 in 34 states without bans on IT by minors were enrolled in a randomized trial with assessments at baseline and 12-months follow-up in 2017–19. A year-long adolescent health campaign was delivered to all mothers. The intervention group received posts on preventing IT and the control group, posts about preventing prescription drug misuse. Daughters (n = 469; 54.0%) completed the assessments at baseline and 12 months. At 12-month follow-up, intervention-group mothers were less permissive of IT by daughters (unadjusted means = 1.70 [95% CI: 1.59, 1.80] v. 1.85 [1.73, 1.97] [5-point Likert scale], b = -0.152), reported more communication about avoiding IT with daughters (4.09 [3.84, 4.35] v. 3.42 [3.16, 3.68] [sum of 7 yes/no items], b = 0.213), and had lower intentions to indoor tan (1.41 [1.28, 1.55] v. 1.60 [1.43, 1.76] [7-point likelihood scale], b = -0.221) than control-group mothers. Daughters confirmed intervention-group mothers communicated about IT (3.81 [3.49, 4.14] v. 3.20 [2.87, 3.53] [sum of 7 yes/no items], b = 0.237) and shared IT posts (unadjusted percentages = 52.4% v. 36.4%, b = 0.438) more than control-group mothers. No differences were found in IT behavior, self-efficacy to refuse permission, and negative attitudes toward IT. A social media campaign may be an effective strategy to convince mothers to withhold permission for IT, which may help increase the effectiveness of state laws designed to reduce IT by minors by requiring parental permission

Design and methods for testing a simple dietary message to improve weight loss and dietary quality

BACKGROUND: The current food pyramid guidelines have been criticized because of their complexity and the knowledge required for users to understand the recommendations. Simplification of a dietary message to focus on a single key aspect of dietary quality, e.g., fiber intake, may make the message much easier to comprehend and adhere, such that respondents can achieve greater weight loss, better dietary quality and overall metabolic health. METHODS AND DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with two equal sized arms. In total, 240 obese adults who meet diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome will be randomized to one of the two conditions: 1) a high fiber diet and 2) the American Heart Association (AHA) diet. In the high fiber diet condition, patients will be given instruction only on achieving daily dietary fiber intake of 30 g or more. In the AHA diet condition, patients will be instructed to make the several dietary changes recommended by the AHA 2006 guidelines. The trial examines participant weight loss and dietary quality as well as changes in components of the metabolic syndrome, inflammatory biomarkers, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, insulin levels, and glycosolated hemoglobin. Potential mediators, i.e., diet adherence and perceived ease of the diet, and the intervention effect on weight change will also be examined. DISCUSSIONS: The purpose of this paper is to outline the study design and methods for testing the simple message of increasing dietary fiber. If the simple dietary approach is found efficacious for weight loss; and, improves dietary quality, metabolic health, and adherence, it might then be used to develop a simple public health message. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00911885