Uniting Students with Literacy Connections in Mathematics

Literature provides opportunities for students to connect to mathematics, as well as each other. Reflecting on personal identities, storytelling, and place-based connections are avenues to enhancing the relevancy of content across the curriculum. Literature can bridge the divide for students reluctant to see the beauty in mathematics. It can also be the impetus in helping unite students as they gain a better understanding of cultures and places beyond their own. Stories, along with interactive tasks, give context for collaborative experiences. This article shares resources and strategies for building understanding and collaboration among students using cross-curricular connections between mathematics and literacy

The Effect of DNA-Dispersed Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Polymerase Chain Reaction

The unique properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) make them useful in many new technologies and applications. The interaction of DNA and SWCNT is of interest for many uses, including molecular sensors. This study determined polymerase chain reaction (PCR) efficiency in amplifying a 76 base pair DNA sequence in the presence of SWCNT, of heterogeneous “Mix” and (6,5)-enriched chiralities, associated with three DNA sequences. The dependence of PCR efficiency on the concentration of DNA:SWCNT preparations was measured, as well as their age and level of dispersion (less than one month or between four and ten months). Additionally, the ability to directly amplify the DNA sequence associated with the SWCNT scaffold was investigated. In PCRs with DNA:SWCNT preparations less than one month old, concentrations greater than or equal to 0.1 mg/mL inhibited the PCR reaction. In PCRs with older preparations, no inhibition was seen at 0.01 or 0.1 mg/mL, with amplification at 1 mg/mL in some samples. Additionally, our studies showed that the DNA directly associated with the SWCNT can be amplified using PCR. This work provides an inhibitory concentration of DNA-dispersed SWCNT in PCR reactions for different preparations as well as a basis for future DNA:SWCNT studies that require PCR amplification. This will be useful for future studies focused on the use of SWCNT in molecular sensing technologies

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase/akt - Dependent Signaling is Required for Maintenance of [Ca\u3csup\u3e2+\u3c/sup\u3e]\u3csub\u3eI,\u3c/sub\u3eI\u3csub\u3eCa\u3c/sub\u3e, and Ca\u3csup\u3e2+\u3c/sup\u3e Transients in HL-1 Cardiomyocytes

The phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K/Akt) dependent signaling pathway plays an important role in cardiac function, specifically cardiac contractility. We have reported that sepsis decreases myocardial Akt activation, which correlates with cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. We also reported that preventing sepsis induced changes in myocardial Akt activation ameliorates cardiovascular dysfunction. In this study we investigated the role of PI3K/Akt on cardiomyocyte function by examining the role of PI3K/Akt-dependent signaling on [Ca 2+]i, Ca2+ transients and membrane Ca2+ current, ICa, in cultured murine HL-1 cardiomyocytes. LY294002 (120 μM), a specific PI3K inhibitor, dramatically decreased HL-1 [Ca 2+]i, Ca2+ transients and ICa. We also examined the effect of PI3K isoform specific inhibitors, i.e. α (PI3-kinase α inhibitor 2; 28 nM); ? (TGX-221; 100 nM) and γ (AS-252424; 100 nM), to determine the contribution of specific isoforms to HL-1 [Ca 2+]i regulation. Pharmacologic inhibition of each of the individual PI3K isoforms significantly decreased [Ca2+]i, and inhibited Ca 2+ transients. Triciribine (120 μM), which inhibits AKT downstream of the PI3K pathway, also inhibited [Ca2+]i, and Ca 2+ transients and ICa. We conclude that the PI3K/Akt pathway is required for normal maintenance of [Ca2+]i in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Thus, myocardial PI3K/Akt-PKB signaling sustains [Ca 2+]i required for excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyoctyes

Timing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure explains variation in BCG effectiveness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Rationale The heterogeneity in efficacy observed in studies of BCG vaccination is not fully explained by currently accepted hypotheses, such as latitudinal gradient in non-tuberculous mycobacteria exposure. Methods We updated previous systematic reviews of the effectiveness of BCG vaccination to 31 December 2020. We employed an identical search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria to these earlier reviews, but reclassified several studies, developed an alternative classification system and considered study demography, diagnostic approach and tuberculosis (TB)-related epidemiological context. Main results Of 21 included trials, those recruiting neonates and children aged under 5 were consistent in demonstrating considerable protection against TB for several years. Trials in high-burden settings with shorter follow-up also showed considerable protection, as did most trials in settings of declining burden with longer follow-up. However, the few trials performed in high-burden settings with longer follow-up showed no protection, sometimes with higher case rates in the vaccinated than the controls in the later follow-up period. Conclusions The most plausible explanatory hypothesis for these results is that BCG protects against TB that results from exposure shortly after vaccination. However, we found no evidence of protection when exposure occurs later from vaccination, which would be of greater importance in trials in high-burden settings with longer follow-up. In settings of declining burden, most exposure occurs shortly following vaccination and the sustained protection observed for many years thereafter represents continued protection against this early exposure. By contrast, in settings of continued intense transmission, initial protection subsequently declines with repeated exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other pathogens

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Fungal β-(1→6)-Glucan in Macrophages

Over the last 40-yr, the majority of research on glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans. Recent studies indicate that β-(1→6)-glucans may be even more potent immune modulators than β-(1→3)-glucans. Mechanisms by which β-(1→6)-glucans are recognized and modulate immunity are unknown. In this study, we examined the interaction of purified water-soluble β-(1→6)-glucans with macrophage cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages and the cellular and molecular consequences of this interaction. Our results indicate the existence of a specific β-(1→6)-glucan receptor that internalizes the glucan ligand via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. We show that the known β-(1→3)-glucans receptors are not responsible for β-(1→6)-glucan recognition and interaction. The receptor-ligand uptake/interaction has an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of ∼4-μM, and was associated with phosphorylation of ERK and JNK but not Iκ-α or p38. Our results indicate that macrophage interaction with β-(1→6)-glucans may lead to modulation of genes associated with anti-fungal immunity and recruitment/activation of neutrophils. In summary, we show that macrophages specifically bind and internalize β-(1→6)-glucans followed by activation of intracellular signaling and modulation of anti-fungal immune response-related gene regulation. Thus, we conclude that the interaction between innate immunity and β-(1→6)-glucans may play an important role in shaping the anti-fungal immune response

Human muscle-derived cell populations isolated by differential adhesion rates: Phenotype and contribution to skeletal muscle regeneration in Mdx/SCID mice

Muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) isolated from murine skeletal tissue by the preplate method have displayed the capability to commit to the myogenic lineage and regenerate more efficiently than myoblasts in skeletal and cardiac muscle in murine Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy mice (mdx). However, until now, these studies have not been translated to human muscle cells. Here, we describe the isolation, by a preplate technique, of candidate human MDSCs, which exhibit myogenic and regenerative characteristics similar to their murine counterparts. Using the preplate isolation method, we compared cells that adhere faster to the flasks, preplate 2 (PP2), and cells that adhere slower, preplate 6 (PP6). The human PP6 cells express several markers of mesenchymal stem cells and are distinct from human PP2 (a myoblast-like population) based on their expression of CD146 and myogenic markers desmin and CD56. After transplantation to the gastrocnemius muscle of mdx/SCID mice, we observe significantly higher levels of PP6 cells participating in muscle regeneration as compared with the transplantation of PP2 cells. This study supports some previous findings related to mouse preplate cells, and also identifies some differences between mouse and human muscle preplate cells

Pass This Message Along: Self-edited Email Messages Promoting Colon Cancer Screening among Friends and Family

Encouraging communication within a social network may promote uptake of desired medical services or health behaviors. Little is known about the use of this approach to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We conducted in-person interviews with 438 insured adults ages 42-73 in Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Georgia. Participants were shown a sample message in which the sender shares that he has completed a colonoscopy and urges the recipient to discuss CRC screening with a doctor. We asked participants to edit the message to create one they would be willing to send to friends and family via email or postcard. Changes to the message were recorded. Edited text was analyzed for content and concordance with original message. The majority of participants (61.6%) modified the message; 14.2% added to or reframed the existing personalizing words (e.g. adding ‘because I love you’), 10.3% added urgency to the message (e.g. “please don’t delay”) and 8% added reassurance (e.g. “It’s really not that bad.”) Almost one in five (18.3%) deleted a negatively framed sentence on colon cancer risks. In 5.7% of cases, the meaning of at least one sentence was changed but only 2.7% created messages with factual inaccuracies. Modifiable messages transmitted within a social network offer a way for screened individuals to promote CRC screening. Further study is needed to identify the optimal combination of user-generated content and pre-written text, allowing for creation of messages that are acceptable to senders, persuasive and factually accurate

Health Links: Who Acts as a Source of Health Information in a Social Network?

Background: Members of a social network can influence the preventive health choices and cancer screening behaviors of other network members. Study Design: We conducted in-person interviews with 438 insured adults ages 40-70 in Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Georgia. We gathered information on social network communication regarding routine health topics and cancer screening. Participants reported whether family members and friends ask them for information or advice on health topics. Characteristics of each respondent’s social network were explored, including number of people with whom the participant has discussed colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Participants were asked whether communication with social network members had ever led them to seek cancer screening. Principal Findings:80% of respondents in our group described themselves as a source of health information or advice for others in their social network (89% of women vs. 68% of men, p Conclusions: People who identified themselves as a source of health information within their social network were more likely to have discussed CRC screening with others and communicated with more people. Further study is necessary to understand the roles played by these individuals. As “health information ambassadors,” they may be effective targets for interventions that promote preventive screening

Adult Willingness to Use Email and Social Media for Peer-to-Peer Cancer Screening Communication: Quantitative Interview Study

BACKGROUND: Adults over age 40 are increasing their use of email and social media, raising interest in use of peer-to-peer Internet-based messaging to promote cancer screening. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess current practices and attitudes toward use of email and other e-communication for peer-to-peer dialogues on cancer screening. METHODS: We conducted in-person interviews with 438 insured adults ages 42-73 in Georgia, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. Participants reported on use of email and other e-communication including social media to discuss with peers routine health topics including breast and colorectal cancer (CRC). We ascertained willingness to share personal CRC screening experiences via conversation, postcard, email, or other e-communication. Health literacy scores were measured. RESULTS: Email had been used by one-third (33.8%, 148/438) to discuss routine health topics, by 14.6% (64/438) to discuss breast cancer screening, and by 12.6% (55/438) to discuss CRC screening. Other e-communication was used to discuss routine health topics (11.6%, 51/438), screening for breast cancer (3.9%, 17/438), and CRC (2.3%, 10/438). In the preceding week, 84.5% (370/438) of participants had used email, 55.9% (245/438) had used e-communication of some type; 44.3% (194/438) text, 32.9% (144/438) Facebook, 12.3% (54/438) instant message, 7.1% (31/438) video chat, and 4.8% (21/438) Twitter. Many participants were willing to share their CRC screening experiences via email (32.4%, 142/438 might be willing; 36.3%, 159/438 very willing) and via other e-communication (15.8%, 69/438 might be willing; 14.4%, 63/438 very willing). Individuals willing to send CRC screening emails scored significantly higher on tests of health literacy compared to those willing to send only postcards (P\u3c.001). CONCLUSIONS: Many adults are willing to use email and e-communication to promote cancer screening to peers. Optimal approaches for encouraging peer-to-peer transmission of accurate and appropriate cancer screening messages must be studied