Response Analysis Research Articles

Molecular Mechanisms of Acanthamoeba castellanii Response to Different Sources of Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress is a biological principle affecting all life on Earth and is also an important factor in the pathogen-host relationship. The pathogenic free-living amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii has several pathways to cope with reactive oxygen species and the damage that they cause. In this study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the amoeba's response to different sources of oxidative stress. Using whole-cell proteomic analysis, we obtained a complex picture of the changes in the proteome and identified potential key players in the defense against oxidative stress. Importantly, from the differential proteomics analysis, we identified a candidate efflux pump that may be involved in Acanthamoeba drug resistance.

Is Communication Training for Significant Others a Reasonable Rehabilitation Goal in Aphasia Therapy?

This study was motivated by goal samples from practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) that were submitted to a website our group maintains about treatment planning for aphasia. Upon analyzing the goals, we found that less than 3% involved any form of communication partner training (CPT). Considering this finding, we sought to understand how and to what extent aphasia clinicians in the United States use CPT with significant others. We constructed a survey that included a mixture of multiple-choice and open response questions around goal setting and CPT for significant others. The survey was posted to the same website where we had originally collected the goal samples. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. One hundred fifty-six SLPs and 138 graduate students completed the survey. Almost all SLPs (97%) reported engaging in CPT with family members, and approximately half indicated they also wrote goals about this service at least occasionally. However, most explained that CPT was typically handled without goal setting. Graduate students reported limited experience with CPT. Thematic analysis of the open responses yielded five themes and 24 codes that collectively display a multidimensional implementation problem. SLPs recognize the importance of CPT and employ a range of training techniques with significant others. Nevertheless, they face barriers that lead to ambivalence about writing goals for this service. On the rationale that explicit goals ensure accountability and transparency, we address some of the barriers by providing practical resources as steps toward solution-focused collaboration.

Words of well-being: language reveals differences in the relational nature of five components of subjective well-being

ABSTRACT This paper explores the differences between five components of subjective well-being: happiness, meaning, harmony, spirituality, and religiosity. This is a pressing question, as growing research suggests that a good life encompasses more than just happiness, underscoring the need to understand the distinctions between subjective well-being components. Quantitative approaches often reveal high correlations between them, making differentiation difficult. To address this, we employed a mixed-methods design, including a quantitative analysis of open-ended responses from 1,084 British participants. Our findings indicate that happiness is primarily oriented toward small communities, while the other components are more broader communities-oriented. These results contribute to a nuanced understanding of human flourishing and lay the groundwork for further research into the distinctions between well-being components.

A comparative exploration of virtual reality’s role in Mandarin intercultural communicative competence development

Purpose Intercultural communicative competence (ICC) is important when different cultural speakers learn Mandarin as a Foreign Language (MFL). The use of virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be effective for improving ICC. Hence, this study investigates a production-based instructional strategy where students use VR to view and create VR environments with cultural elements for learning MFL to determine if this strategy was effective with the current cohort of students (2023). In addition, it would be investigated whether there was a difference in ICC between the 2019 cohort and the 2023 cohort. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a quasi-experimental method to assess ICC using the Survey of student’s Intercultural Competence (SSIC) and gauged the improvement within the 2023 cohort. Next, the ICC between the 2023 and 2019 cohorts was compared to determine if there was a significant difference. Data was analysed using paired-samples t-tests and thematic analysis for the open-ended responses. Findings There was a significant improvement in ICC after the intervention for the 2023 cohort, which was supported with the open-ended response. However, the t-test results indicated no significant difference in ICC between the 2019 and 2023 cohorts. However, the 2023 cohort seemed to be more motivated, confident and eager to continue using VR. The findings indicate that VR when combined with an appropriate pedagogy could improve students ICC. Originality/value The use of VR and this production-based instructional strategy could be used in other languages and could possibly be used to improve linguistic and communication skills.

Dynamic Response and Dispersion Analysis of a Damped Heterogeneous Coating over a Homogeneous Elastic Half-Space

This study models the dynamic response of a damped heterogeneous coating layer over a homogeneous elastic half-space via the shear horizontal equation of motion. The so-called partial nonhomogeneous has been considered in the coating, where only the density of the material features the inhomogeneity parameter. This unusual consideration, motivated by the viscoelasticity setting, gives rise to the realization of Airy’s differential equation in the coating layer that poses Airy’s functions of the first and the second kinds, respectively. Moreover, the resulting dispersion relation has been utilized and analyzed, assessing the impact of the involved parameters. The study realized that an increase in both the damping coefficient and the inhomogeneity parameter accelerates the dispersion of waves in the media. Additionally, once the case of the doubly coated half-space is analyzed, as an extension of the earlier setup, it is noted that the case of a doubly coated half-space is more responsive to the excitations, which is pretty geared by the composition of different layers. In addition, more modes are noted when more coatings are wrapped over the half-space.

Deletion of ttrA and pduA genes in Salmonella enterica serovars induce a comparable immune response to wild-type infection in different chicken lineages

ABSTRACT It was previously reported that utilization of tetrathionate and 1,2-propanediol by Salmonella spp. through the metabolic pathways encoded by ttr and pdu operons are related to overgrowth and out-competing microbiota in an anaerobic environment. However, recent knowledge demonstrated which strains in the absence of ttr and pdu genes provoke both higher intestinal colonization and spreading of bacteria in faeces compared with their respective wild-type strain, and also generate more prominent inflammation. This study evaluated the immune response of different lineages of chicks infected by Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) and Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) with ttrA and pduA gene deletions. Our work was separated into two experiments, one for each strain, utilizing 108 chicks to collect spleen and caecal tonsils for measuring immune response through RT-qPCR. From the immune response analysis, Salmonella Enteritidis mutant and wild-type strains elicited upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines on the first-day post-infection; the opposite occurred with Salmonella Typhimurium strains (mutant and wild-type). However, the deletions did not impair the immune response produced by mutant strains compared with the respective wild-type in the caecal tonsil and spleen, suggesting that these metabolic pathways are not essential for colonization success. In conclusion, SE and STM, in the absence of ttrA and pduA genes, provoke an immune response with the same intensity as respective wild-type strains. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS ttrA and pduA double mutants in Salmonella provoke a similar immune response. SE elicited more intense immune responses than STM. The immune response in the broiler was more intense than in other lineages.

Response analysis and control of composite thin plate with piezoelectric actuators by Finite Element Method

Response analysis and control of composite thin plate with piezoelectric actuators by Finite Element Method

An analysis of offence patterns and legal response to one-punch fatalities in Australia.

One-punch deaths draw considerable legal and media attention due to the nature of catastrophic events and their impact on victims and families. Empirical research on the sentencing outcomes and offence categories faced by the perpetrators is non-existent. This Australian study examined judicial sentencing reviews to unpack perpetrator characteristics, offence patterns and sentencing outcomes for one-punch fatalities over a 30-year period. Two hundred and eighty-seven perpetrator convictions were reported by various parameters such as median sentencing length, injury mechanism and maximum sentencing categories. Secondary outcomes were details of concentrations of alcohol and illicit drug usage and usage of one-punch specific laws, hitherto unelucidated for one-punch assaults. Nearly all perpetrators were male with a median age of 26 years, with 61% charged in New South Wales and Victoria alone. The median sentence length of imprisonment was 3.8-11.5 years for a manslaughter conviction. Median sentence length when categorized by injury mechanism demonstrated variation in both life sentence and one-punch offence categories. About 40% of Australian perpetrators were convicted under one-punch laws in states where these were introduced. The study will increase knowledge and public awareness regarding the impact of one-punch violence and outcomes.

Hijab row verdict in India: A sentimental analysis of user responses on Facebook

The hijab controversy, a hot topic in India since January 2022, emerged from a clash between students and college authorities in Karnataka, a state in India. The dispute made its way to Karnataka’s High Court, which, on 15 March 2022, ruled that the hijab was not mandatory for religious practices. This decision stirred widespread debates, especially on social media platforms like Facebook. This study is focused on user reactions in The Times of India Daily’s official Facebook page, employing sentiment analysis to decipher public emotions, attitudes, and opinions. Nearly 200 comments posted on the verdict day were analyzed, utilizing the routine activity theory (RAT), spiral of silence theory, and online disinhibition effect. The research introduced a unique model, RAT+A, to enhance analysis. As a significant platform for public discourse, Facebook played a crucial role in capturing diverse societal sentiments and reactions regarding this social issue.

Aberrometric, Geometrical, and Biomechanical Characterization of Sound-Induced Vibrational Modes of the Living Human Cornea

Repeatable and reliable assessment of corneal biomechanics with spatial resolution remains a challenge. Vibrational Optical Computerized Tomography (V-OCT), based on sound-wave elastography, has made it possible to investigate the natural resonant modes of the cornea and obtain the elastic moduli non-invasively. This pilot study presents a characterization of four corneal vibrational modes from aberrometric, geometrical, and biomechanical approaches in the living human cornea of five healthy volunteers by combining a corneal sound-wave generator, dual Placido–Scheimpflug corneal imaging, and the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) devices. Sound-induced corneal wavefront aberration maps were reconstructed as a function of sound frequency and isolated from the natural state. While maps of low-order aberrations (LOA) revealed symmetric geometrical patterns, those corresponding to high-order aberrations (HOA) showed complex non-symmetric patterns. Corneal geometry was evaluated by reconstructing corneal elevation maps through biconical fitting, and the elastic and viscous components were calculated by applying the standard linear solid model to the ORA measurements. The results showed that sound-wave modulation can increase high-order corneal aberrations significantly. Two frequencies rendered the corneal shape more prolate (50 Hz) and oblate (150 Hz) with respect to the baseline, respectively. Finally, both the elastic and viscous properties are sensitive to sound-induced vibrational modes, which can also modulate the corneal stress-strain response. The cornea exhibits natural resonant modes influenced by its optical, structural, and biomechanical properties.

Use of a wearable device to improve sleep quality

ObjectivesThe present study aimed to analyze the effects of the use of a digital wellness device on improving sleep through reducing environmental noise.MethodsFifty-five self-reported light or moderate sleepers with difficulty falling or staying asleep due to environmental noise participated in the study. Objective sleep architecture data were collected via a wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep monitor and subjective data were obtained through analysis of daily sleep diaries and responses to study-specific user experience surveys. Four primary outcomes specified a priori were analyzed for statistical significance: objectively measured sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), number of awakenings, and perceived SOL. Exploratory analysis through descriptive statistics was conducted for an additional 36 secondary outcomes.ResultsUse of the digital wellness device was associated with reduced SOL both objectively and subjectively. Perceived SOL was 32.5% reduced (p < 0.001, difference in means 7.5 min, 95% CI 22.3%–41.4% faster), and objectively measured SOL was 13.3% reduced (p = 0.030, difference in means 2.7 min, 95% CI = 1.4%–23.8% faster). No statistically significant differences were found for other primary outcomes. Among the subjective secondary outcomes, 100% of participants felt the device blocked environmental noise, 86% reported falling asleep more easily, 76% felt they stayed asleep longer, and 82% felt overall sleep quality was improved. No differences were observed among objectively measured secondary outcomes.ConclusionsParticipants fell asleep faster when using the wearable wellness device. Participants also perceived sleep quality improvements with the intervention, although no objective differences were measured. These findings show promise for using noise-masking digital wellness devices in noisy environments to improve sleep quality.

Deep, Unbiased, and Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-Based Plasma Proteome Analysis of Individual Responses to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine.

Global campaign against COVID-19 have vaccinated a significant portion of the world population in recent years. Combating the COVID-19 pandemic with mRNA vaccines played a pivotal role in the global immunization effort. However, individual responses to a vaccine are diverse and lead to varying vaccination efficacy. Despite significant progress, a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving the individual immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine remains elusive. To address this gap, we combined a novel nanoparticle-based proteomic workflow with tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling, to quantitatively assess the proteomic changes in a cohort of 12 volunteers following two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. This optimized protocol seamlessly integrates comprehensive proteome analysis with enhanced throughput by leveraging the enrichment of low-abundant plasma proteins by engineered nanoparticles. Our data demonstrate the ability of this workflow to quantify over 3,000 proteins, providing the deepest view into COVID-19 vaccine-related plasma proteome study. We identified 69 proteins with boosted responses post-second dose and 74 proteins differentially regulated between individuals who contracted COVID-19 despite vaccination and those who did not. These findings offer valuable insights into individual variability in response to vaccination, demonstrating the potential of personalized medicine approaches in vaccine development.

Development of the Team Evaluation and Assessment Measure Quality Improvement (TEAM-QI) and Proof-Of-Concept Testing in Maternity Teams.

Poor teamwork is often implicated in serious healthcare delivery failings, leading to calls for effective team improvement interventions. Taking a complex, adaptive systems perspective, we adapted an oncology team quality improvement program to make it appropriate for other areas of clinical care. Study phases included: (1) meetings with National Health Service, policy and service user representatives (n = 19), a rapid review of existing maternity teamwork interventions, and mapping of the proposed program content to an evidence-based model of team effectiveness; (2) feasibility and acceptability testing of the team questionnaire component, and content analysis of free-text responses with four maternity teams within two NHS Trusts (n = 26). Meetings with representatives highlighted the importance of non-punitive, continuous team-led assessment, and the ability to compare performance to similar teams while enabling adaptability to different team types. Program content mapped well to known components of team effectiveness. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was acceptable (Cronbach alpha = 0.79-0.92). Most team members (76.9%) reported benefits in identifying priorities for improvement. Preliminary proof of concept was supported but larger-scale evaluation including testing in other clinical areas is warranted.

Impact of High-Temperature Stress on Maize Seed Setting: Cellular and Molecular Insights of Thermotolerance

Global warming poses a significant threat to crop production and food security, with maize (Zay mays L.) particularly vulnerable to high-temperature stress (HTS). This review explores the detrimental impacts of elevated temperatures on maize development across various growth stages, analyzed within the source–sink framework, with a particular focus on seed setting and yield reduction. It provides a broad analysis of maize cellular and molecular responses to HTS, highlighting the key roles of plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, calcium signaling, chloroplast, and the DNA damage repair (DDR) system in maize. HTS disrupts ABA signaling pathways, impairing stomatal regulation and reducing water-use efficiency, while calcium signaling orchestrates stress responses by activating heat shock proteins and other protective mechanisms. Chloroplasts, as central to photosynthesis, are particularly sensitive to HTS, often exhibiting photosystem II damage and chlorophyll degradation. Recent studies also highlight the significance of the DDR system, with genes like ZmRAD51C playing crucial roles in maintaining genomic stability during reproductive organ development. DNA damage under HTS conditions emerges as a key factor contributing to reduced seed set, although the precise molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the review examines cutting-edge genetic improvement strategies, aimed at developing thermotolerant maize cultivars. These recent research advances underscore the need for further investigation into the molecular basis of thermotolerance and open the door for future advancements in breeding thermotolerant crops.

The Role of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Viral Infections and Their Function in Vaccine Development

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells, which bridge innate and adaptive immunity, have emerged as an important player in viral infections despite their inability to directly recognize viral antigens. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MAIT cell responses across different viral infections, revealing consistent patterns in their behavior and function. We discuss the dynamics of MAIT cells during various viral infections, including changes in their frequency, activation status, and functional characteristics. Particular attention is given to emerging strategies for MAIT-cell-targeted vaccine development, including the use of MR1 ligands as mucosal adjuvants and the activation of MAIT cells through viral vectors and mRNA vaccines. Current knowledge of MAIT cell biology in viral infections provides promising approaches for harnessing their functions in vaccine development.

An Analysis of Rock Bolt Dynamic Responses to Evaluate the Anchoring Degree of Fixation

Rock bolting in underground environments is used for different fundamental reasons, including suspending potentially loosened blocks, clamping small wedges together, inducing a protective pressure arch along the contour of excavated voids to improve the self-supporting capacity of the ground, and providing passive pressure in integrated support systems. In this study, we describe a testing procedure that was developed to investigate the grouted annulus of a rock bolt using a low-cost investigation method. This diagnostic technique was based on the dynamic response of the system, where mechanical vibrations were induced within the rock bolt and the response was recorded by using geophones/accelerometers on the protruding element of the bolt (the collar and head). The collected signal was then processed to estimate the spectral response, and the amplitude spectrum was analyzed to detect the resonance frequencies. A 3D finite element model of the rock bolt and grouting was established to simulate the quality of the coupling by varying the mechanical properties of the grouting. The model’s response for the studied geometry of the rock bolt suggested that a poor quality of grouting was usually associated with flexural modes of vibration with a low resonance frequency. Good-quality grouting was associated with a frequency higher than 1400 Hz, where the axial vibration was mainly excited. Our analyses referred to short rock bolts, which are usually adopted in small tunnels. The interpretation of the experimental measurements assumed that the spectral response was significantly affected by the quality of the grouting, as demonstrated by the modeling procedure. The resonant frequency was compared with the results of the model simulation. The method was used to test the quality of rock bolts in a small experimental tunnel carved from andesite rock in Chile. Low-cost shock sensors (piezoelectric geophones) with low sensitivity but a wide frequency band were used. The main research outcome was the development of a reliable method to model the dynamic response of rock bolts in mines or for experimental applications in tunnels. Albeit limited to the current specific geometries, the modeling and testing will be adapted to other anchor/bolt options.

Based on Books: Leveraging Children’s Literature to Guide Social Justice Mathematics Lessons in Early Childhood

This study examines early childhood preservice teachers’ experiences using diverse picture books to create social justice mathematics lesson plans referencing the Learning for Justice (2022) Social Justice Standards. Data analysis of lesson plans and reflective responses indicated that most preservice teachers designed segmented lessons siloing social justice standards, mathematical concepts, and literature selections. They also selected literature and social justice mathematics lessons connecting Identity and Diversity standards more than Justice and Action standards, thereby exhibiting varied preferences and understandings toward specific targeted goals when planning lessons to develop justice-oriented critical consciousness in mathematics settings. Recommendations note explicit opportunities for preservice teachers to engage with diverse picture books and social justice mathematics lesson plans referencing each domain to develop their professional practice.

Performance-based fire and evacuation analysis for real-time response to shipboard fire incidents

Performance-based fire and evacuation analysis for real-time response to shipboard fire incidents

The polarity of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation affects the planning and execution of movement sequences.

Noninvasive brain stimulation of the primary motor cortex has been shown to alter therapeutic outcomes in stroke and other neurological conditions, but the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. Determining the impact of such neurostimulation on the neural processing supporting motor control is a critical step toward further harnessing its therapeutic potential in multiple neurological conditions affecting the motor system. Herein, we leverage the excellent spatio-temporal precision of magnetoencephalographic (MEG) imaging to identify the spectral, spatial, and temporal effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on the neural responses supporting motor control. Participants (N = 67) completed three HD-tDCS visits (anode, cathode, sham), with each involving 20 min of left primary motor cortex stimulation and performance of a simple/complex motor sequencing task during MEG. Whole-brain statistical analyses of beta oscillatory responses revealed stimulation-by-task interaction effects in the left primary motor cortex, right occipitotemporal, and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortices. Broadly, anodal stimulation induced significantly stronger beta oscillatory responses in these regions during simple movement sequences, while neural responses to complex sequences were not affected by stimulation. En masse, these data suggest that the beta oscillations serving motor planning (i.e., pre-movement) are particularly sensitive to the polarity of noninvasive stimulation and that the impact varies based on the difficulty of the movement sequence.

Clinician and Researcher Responses to the Term Pain Catastrophizing and Whether New Terminology is Needed: Content Analysis of International, Cross-Sectional, Qualitative Survey Data.

Pain catastrophizing is understood as a negative cognitive and emotional response to pain. Researchers, clinicians, advocates, and patients have reported stigmatizing effects of the term on patients when used clinically and in the media. This report describes the results of an international, observational, cross-sectional study investigation of clinician and researcher (professionals) perspectives on the term pain catastrophizing and whether new terminology is needed or desired. Open-ended electronic surveys were distributed to researchers and clinicians by collaborators, stakeholders, and through social media. Professionals reported on their familiarity with the term, its meaning and impacts, and their use of the term with patients. 1,397 surveys from professionals in 46 countries (48.5% from the U.S.) were received. The sample was almost two-thirds female (61.3%), with a mean age of 56.67 (SD=4.04) years, and comprised of 78.6% clinicians (63.6%, pain specialists; n=698) and 20.3% researchers. The majority were familiar with the term (82.2%; n=1148). Among the 1,098 clinicians, 33.6% had used the term in communication with patients. A content analysis of professionals' responses to open-ended questions is presented. Coded responses were synthesized into five content categories or themes: (1) pain catastrophizing is an exaggerated response to pain; (2) pain catastrophizing is an unhelpful response to pain; (3) the term pain catastrophizing is stigmatizing; (4) the term pain catastrophizing is clinically useful; (5) patients' perception of the term varies. Results highlight the continual controversy surrounding the term pain catastrophizing and the need for additional research and education to incorporate patient-centered approaches into clinical and public communications. Perspective: We present a content analysis of international clinician and researcher perspectives on the term pain catastrophizing. This investigation provides the largest depiction to date of the controversy surrounding pain catastrophizing and may guide future efforts to decrease stigma in patients with chronic pain and improve patient-clinician communication.