Timed tests and "drill-and-kill" approaches to math education can leave students with long-lasting anxiety, writes researcher Jennifer Ruef. There's a better way to teach the subject.

Even the best intentioned educators often harbor blind spots, write Re-Imagining Migration's Adam Strom and Veronica Boix Mansilla.

Antimicrobial peptides and proteins play critical roles in the host defense against invading pathogens. We recently discovered that recombinantly expressed human and mouse serum amyloid A1 (rhSAA1 and rmSAA1) proteins have potent antifungal activities against the major human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. At high concentrations, rhSAA1 disrupts C. albicans membrane integrity and induces rapid fungal cell death. In the current study, we find that rhSAA1 promotes cell aggregation and targets the C. albicans cell wall adhesin Als3. Inactivation of ALS3 in C. albicans leads to a striking decrease in cell aggregation and cell death upon rhSAA1 treatment, suggesting that Als3 plays a critical role in SAA1 sensing. We further demonstrate that deletion of the transcriptional regulators controlling the expression of ALS3, such as AHR1, BCR1, and EFG1 in C. albicans results in similar effects to that of the als3/als3 mutant upon rhSAA1 treatment. Global gene expression profiling indicates that rhSAA1 has a discernible impact on the expression of cell wall- and metabolism-related genes, suggesting that rhSAA1 treatment could lead to a nutrient starvation effect on C. albicans cells.

Periodontitis as a biofilm-associated inflammatory disease is highly prevalent worldwide. It severely affects oral health and yet closely links to systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis as a ‘keystone' periodontopathogen drives the shift of microbe-host symbiosis to dysbiosis, and critically contributes to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Persisters are a tiny subset of biofilm-associated microbes highly tolerant to lethal treatment of antimicrobials, and notably metronidazole-tolerant P. gingivalis persisters have recently been identified by our group. This study further explored the interactive profiles of metronidazole-treated P. gingivalis persisters (M-PgPs) with human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). P. gingivalis cells (ATCC 33277) at stationary phase were treated with lethal dosage of metronidazole (100 μg/ml, 6 hours) for generating M-PgPs. The interaction of M-PgPs with HGECs was assessed by microscopy, flow cytometry, cytokine profiling and qPCR. We demonstrated that the overall morphology and ultra-cellular structure of M-PgPs remained unchanged. Importantly, M-PgPs maintained the capabilities to adhere to and invade into HGECs. Moreover, M-PgPs significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in HGECs at a comparable level with the untreated P. gingivalis cells, through the thermo-sensitive components. The present study reveals that P. gingivalis persisters induced by lethal treatment of antibiotics could maintain their capabilities to adhere to and invade into human gingival epithelial cells, and perturb the innate host responses. Novel strategies and approaches need to be developed for tackling P. gingivalis and favourably modulating the dysregulated immuno-inflammatory responses for oral/periodontal health and general wellbeing.

QPX7728 is an ultra-broad-spectrum boronic acid beta-lactamase inhibitor that demonstrates inhibition of key serine and metallo beta-lactamases at a nano molar range in biochemical assays with purified enzymes. The broad-spectrum inhibitory activity of QPX7728 observed in biochemical experiments translates into enhancement of the potency of many beta-lactams against strains of target pathogens producing beta-lactamases. The impact of bacterial efflux and permeability on inhibitory potency were determined using isogenic panels of KPC-3 producing isogenic strains of K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa and OXA-23-producing strains of A. baumannii with various combinations of efflux and porin mutations. QPX7728 was minimally affected by multi-drug resistance efflux pumps in either Enterobacteriaceae, or in non-fermenters such as P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii. In P. aeruginosa, the potency of QPX7728 was further enhanced when the outer membrane is permeabilized. The potency of QPX7728 in P. aeruginosa is not affected by inactivation of the carbapenem porin OprD. While changes in OmpK36 (but not OmpK35) reduced the potency of QPX7728 (8-16-fold), QPX7728 (4 μg/ml) nevertheless completely reversed KPC-mediated meropenem resistance in strains with porin mutations, consistent with a lesser effect of these mutations on the potency of QPX7728 compared to other agents. The ultra-broad-spectrum beta-lactamase inhibition profile combined with enhancement of the activity of multiple beta-lactam antibiotics with varying sensitivity to the intrinsic resistance mechanisms of efflux and permeability indicate QPX7728 is a useful inhibitor for use with multiple beta-lactam antibiotics.

Attention has been paid to H5N6 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) because of its heavy burden on the poultry industry and human mortality. Since an influenza A virus carrying N6 neuraminidase (NA) has never spread in humans, the potential for H5N6 HPAIV to cause disease in humans and the efficacy of antiviral drugs against the virus need to be urgently assessed. We used non-human primates to elucidate the pathogenesis of H5N6 HPAIV as well as to determine the efficacy of antiviral drugs against the virus. H5N6 HPAIV infection led to high fever in cynomolgus macaques. The lung injury caused by the virus was severe with diffuse alveolar damage and neutrophil infiltration. In addition, an increase in IFN-α showed an inverse correlation with virus titers during the infection process. Oseltamivir was effective for reducing H5N6 HPAIV propagation, and continuous treatment with peramivir reduced virus propagation and severity of symptoms in the early stage. This study also showed the pathologically severe lung injury states in the cynomolgus macaques infected with H5N6 HPAIV, even in those that received early antiviral drug treatments, indicating the need for close monitoring and the need for further studies on the virus pathogenicity and new antiviral therapies.

Manogepix (APX001A) is the active moiety of the novel drug candidate fosmanogepix (APX001). We previously reported the broad-spectrum activity of manogepix but also observed a correlation between increased manogepix and fluconazole MICs. Here we extended this study and included isolates with acquired fluconazole resistance.

Isolates (n=835) were identified using CHROMagar, MALDI-TOF and, when needed, ITS-sequencing. EUCAST E.Def 7.3.1 susceptibility testing included manogepix, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, micafungin, fluconazole and voriconazole. Manogepix wildtype-upper-limit (WT-UL) values were established following EUCAST-principles for ECOFF setting allowing wildtype/non-wildtype classification. Drug-specific MIC correlations were investigated using Pearson's correlation.

Manogepix modal MICs were low (range 0.004-0.06 mg/L against 16/20 included species). Exceptions were C. krusei and C. inconspicua, and to a lesser extent C. kefyr and Pichia kluyveri. The activity was independent of Fks echinocandin hot-spot alterations (n=17). Adopting the WT-UL established for C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, 14/724 (1.9%) isolates were non-wildtype for manogepix. Twelve of these (85.7%) were also non-wildtype for fluconazole. A statistically significant correlation was observed between manogepix and fluconazole MICs for C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis (Pearson r=0.401-0.575), but not between manogepix and micafungin or amphotericin B MICs for any species except C. tropicalis (r=0.519 for manogepix versus micafungin).

Broad-spectrum activity was confirmed for manogepix against contemporary yeast. However, a 1-4 two-fold-dilution increase in manogepix MICs is observed in a subset of isolates with acquired fluconazole resistance. Further studies on the potential underlying mechanism and implication for optimal dosing are warranted.

Abusive head trauma (AHT) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population, especially in young infants. In the past decade, advancements in research have refined medical understanding of the epidemiological, clinical, biomechanical, and pathologic factors comprising the diagnosis, thereby enhancing clinical detection of a challenging diagnostic entity. Failure to recognize AHT and respond appropriately at any step in the process, from medical diagnosis to child protection and legal decision-making, can place children at risk. The American Academy of Pediatrics revises the 2009 policy statement on AHT to incorporate the growing body of knowledge on the topic. Although this statement incorporates some of that growing body of knowledge, it is not a comprehensive exposition of the science. This statement aims to provide pediatric practitioners with general guidance on a complex subject. The Academy recommends that pediatric practitioners remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of AHT, conduct thorough medical evaluations, consult with pediatric medical subspecialists when necessary, and embrace the challenges and need for strong advocacy on the subject.

Betty R. Vohr
Jun 1, 2000; 105:1216-1226
ARTICLES

The IMpact-RSV Study Group
Sep 1, 1998; 102:531-537
ARTICLES

Mica Pollack and her colleagues from UCSD share new research about the importance of teachers in blended learning environments that highlights the strengths and limits of online tools.

Seed funding provided by the Huck Institute of the Life Sciences and the Institute for Computational and Data Science is supporting two research teams from the College of Information Sciences and Technology in their efforts to provide faster and more efficient search results to COVID-19 research queries.

Faculty from six campuses were awarded a grant from Penn State’s Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence to seek a multi-campus approval as a Certified Family Life Educator program.

The detrimental impact of Covid-19 and the lockdown measures imposed on people across Scotland is to be investigated by MSPs.

Pfizer and BioNTech said Tuesday they have begun delivering doses of their experimental coronavirus vaccines for initial human testing in the United States.

The Kodak Luma 150 is a tiny, highly portable projector that can show content from a range of sources, both wired and wireless, but its brightness is low enough to crimp image size.

Internal documents reveal Amazon sees this as a health and wellness product that's voice-activated and controlled via a smartphone app.

In addition to the film, this free outdoor, family-fun event includes activities, music and food.

On view from September 6-27, 2019 Free opening reception on Friday, September 6, at 5 p.m. Wilmington, Del. (August 27, 2019) – “Human Connection,” an exhibition of sculptures, pastels, and drawings by Olga Nielsen, will be on view in the Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery from September 6-27, 2019. The artist will host […]

Lifestyle, as an industry, has a lot of potential. There are challenges that keep me motivated as this industry goes through evolution in terms of practices and business methods.

We have co-branded partnerships and also engage in tie-ups with designers. Almost 80% of the business is protected through exclusive tie-ups, says Vasanth Kumar, Managing Director, Lifestyle International

Umar Akmal was banned from all forms of cricket for three years by the PCB after pleading guilty to failing to report corrupt approaches.

In Partnership with Wilmington University, DHSS Begins Yearlong Initiative to Train 1,000 Staff Members in Trauma-Informed Approaches to Assessing and Meeting the Needs of Clients NEW CASTLE (March 12, 2018) – The Department of Health and Social Services is partnering with Wilmington University to train more than 1,000 frontline DHSS staff in better assessing and […]

The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s second human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2018. WNV, a mosquito-borne illness, can become serious, and DPH reminds people to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Division of Public Health (DPH) officials are concerned about the increasing number of cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) in humans this year. DPH is announcing that WNV is confirmed in a 73-year-old New Castle County man, who has been hospitalized since late August. This is the third case of WNV confirmed in humans in the last month. The first case involved a 60-year-old Sussex County man, and the second a 68-year-old New Castle County man. Additionally, DPH is awaiting results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a fourth potential case of the disease. Last week, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced two cases of WNV in horses.

First Lady also announces first Compassionate Champion Award winners   DOVER, Del. – At a kickoff event for Trauma Awareness Month in Delaware, First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney today announced the launch of a new, growing statewide partnership for trauma-informed care to help elevate stories of the work of leaders in trauma-informed practices and approaches across the state called Trauma Informed Delaware. The […]

A group of Superior Court judgments issued on April 22 impose a total of $6.79 million in civil penalties against a Middletown pawn shop and its operators for violations of Delaware’s racketeering statute. The Department of Justice’s Civil Division secured the judgment as the outcome of a 2017 civil racketeering complaint filed against Gold Fever […]

Ford has confirmed a hotter 'ST' badged version of the Puma is coming and it will be unveiled soon in 2020. The Ford Puma ST is likely to feature the same engine from the Fiesta ST

Road mishaps cost India 3-5% of its gross domestic product every year. India amounts to one percent of the vehicles across the world, yet it contributes almost 6% of the road fatalities on the road.

Input sought on how funding will be distributed in Delaware for humanities-based organizations facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus. Deadline: April 20, 2020

The post Delaware Humanities Forum seeks input on funding for coronavirus relief appeared first on Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs - State of Delaware.

January serves as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month, culminating in the annual observation of National Freedom Day on February 1. For many, this month presents an opportunity to refocus efforts to slow, and ultimately stop, human trafficking around the globe, but especially here in the United States. The [...]

The post Analytics can help combat the horrors of human trafficking appeared first on Government Data Connection.

Vizag gas leak shocks the nation! India, yet again, has had to face another gas tragedy at a time when people are already grappling with Coronavirus pandemic.

Konrad Karcz, Professor of Medicine and Head of Minimally Invasive Surgery at the Ludwig Maximilian University Clinic in Germany, spoke about the potential for chatbots to measure body temperature and other medical indicators in patients.

Therefore, an alternate therapeutic regimen for early deployment is critical, the vaccine-maker said in the statement.

The central nervous system is affected by exposure to styrene smoke. It is the mucous membrane, which is primarily affected by styrene gas exposure. The styrene gas leak in Visakhapatnam triggered acute breathlessness among many men, some of whom were asphyxiated to death.

Elon Musk may have chosen a bizarre, cyborg-like name for his newborn child – just try pronouncing “X Æ A-12” – but the billionaire entrepreneur says spoken language itself may soon become obsolete with the rise of new brain tech.
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  Download PDF 1. Introduction This article gives a brief overview of Rover, then focuses on our implementation of the human-robot interface utilizing the Intel® Perceptual Computing SDK for g...

'New type of analysis' deployed to determine plastics' toxicity

LIC had sold around 2 crore policies in the last five years, he said. In the current year, the Indian life insurance business reported a new business premium of Rs 1.69 lakh crore of which LIC had garnered about Rs 1.2 lakh crore.

The Ford Puma is a new SUV-inspired crossover that has been unveiled in Europe with a launch set for later this year

Edtech players can supplement brick-and-mortar companies, but it’s difficult to replace them as students from classes 8th to 12th are young enough to be self-motivated to study themselves.

Jim Harris shows how data, analytics and humans work together to form the "insight equation."

The post Data, analytics and humans: The insight equation appeared first on The Data Roundtable.

In accordance with the state government guidelines, the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, that runs the world famous site, also decided to shut Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Jaswant Thada and Ahhichatragarh Fort of Nagaur till March 31.

In the gold loan category, which accounts for 87% of our standalone portfolio, more than 90% are servicing their dues.

Banks are flush with liquidity, but they also have to look after the interest of depositors.

Some schools of thought suggest that the eruption pushed Earth into volcanic winter that lasted as long as six years and the planet Earth had to endure a longish cooling period of a thousand years.

At least two candidates have already entered the clinical evaluation stage, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

With deep sorrow, it is to inform that on Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 at approximately 8:45 PM, Judicial Member, Lokpal of India, Justice Ajay Kumar Tripathi passed away at AIIMS, New Delhi. He was infected with Corona virus and was admitted to AIIMS on

It has been over 16 year since Harold D'Souza arrived in the United States. He wanted to build a better life for himself and his family in the land of opportunities. Instead, Mr D'Souza ended up...

1. Bharat Biotech to lead human monoclonal antibodies venture  Microbioz India
2. Bharat Biotech to lead monoclonal antibodies project for Covid-19 therapy  The Financial Express
3. Bharat Biotech leads CSIR project to develop antibodies against Covid-19  Times of India
4. CSIR approves project to develop human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize COVID-19 in patients  Times Now
5. Bharat Biotech to lead project on monoclonal antibodies therapy for COVID-19  The New Indian Express
6. View Full coverage on Google News