Gentle Approach Research Articles

Role of DNA repair in Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to high energy and low energy electron beam treatments

Bacillus subtilis spore inactivation mechanisms under low energy electron beam (LEEB) and high energy electron beam (HEEB) treatment were investigated using seven mutants lacking specific DNA repair mechanisms. The results showed that most of the DNA repair-deficient mutants, including ΔrecA, ΔKu ΔligD, Δexo Δnfo, ΔuvrAB and ΔsbcDC, had reduced resistances towards electron beam (EB) treatments at all investigated energy levels (80 keV, 200 keV and 10 MeV) compared to their wild type. This result suggested DNA damage was induced during EB treatments. The mutant lacking recA showed the lowest resistance, followed by the mutant lacking Ku and ligD. These findings indicated that recA, Ku and ligD and their associated DNA repair mechanisms, namely, homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining, play important roles in spore survival under EB treatment. Furthermore, exoA, nfo, uvrAB, splB, polY1 and polY2, which are involved in nucleotide damage repair/removal, showed different levels of effects on spore resistance under EB treatment. Finally, the results suggested that HEEB and LEEB inactivate B. subtilis spores through similar mechanisms. This research will provide a better understanding of how EB technologies inactivate B. subtilis spores and will contribute to the application of these technologies as a non-thermal, gentle spore control approach.

High yield and concentration exfoliation of defect-free 2D nanosheets via gentle water freezing-thawing approach and stabilization with PVP

The scalable exfoliation of bulk hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) into high quality mono- or few-layer nanosheets still remains an enormous challenge and becomes the bottleneck to essential research and applications of h-BN. Here, a gentle water freeze-thaw technique, with a particular focus on the use and efficacy of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a dispersant, is put forth as a novel and efficient approach for exfoliation of BNNSs in a large yield (32%) and high concentration (1.64 mg ml−1). Through the investigation into the exfoliation mechanism, it’s found that the essence of peeling driving forces comes from the high adsorption ability of PVP, which presents strong π-π interaction with few-layered h-BN nanosheets (BNNS) and the expansion of the volume of water upon freezing. The results of systematic characterization for thin flakes show that dispersions with PVP to initial h-BN concentration ratio as high as 27%, should be favorable for the preparation of samples and devices with minimal interference from PVP. Furthermore, the synthesized BNNSs after 30 repetitive freeze−thaw cycles (BNNSs-30) with original lateral dimensions consists primarily of fewer than five atomic layers, as evidenced by electron microscopy. XRD, XPS and Raman results confirm that as prepared materials have pure phase, and no defects are observed. This simple and novel strategy can synthesize large quantities of defect-free BNNSs. Above all, the PVP assisted freeze-thaw method not only paves the way for wide applications, but also can be versatile, having been used to produce dozens of different 2D nanosheets, such as MoS2 and MoO3 nanoflakes, in large yields.

Pocket Mannerhatten - City renewal on the basis of spatial sharing strategies, bottom-up participation and common good-based incentives

Cities worldwide and Vienna as well are facing an increasing pressure on space. Innovative strategies are required to tackle these challenges not only by creating new buildings but also by modernizing existing neighbourhoods. For decades Vienna counts on a gentle urban renewal approach. The question how to tackle new challenges, such as renewal towards energy efficiency, green spaces, alternative mobility or integration of multicultural lifestyles needs to be answered. The project Pocket Mannerhatten pursues the assumption that sharing building space across property outlines can offer an innovative approach for a city renewal. The spatial sharing is combined with a bottom-up-participation process and a compensation-oriented funding system. With the public funding program “Smart Cities Demo” (Austrian Climate and Energy Fund) a realization project will test the concept in Ottakring/Vienna. The multidisciplinary consortium accompanies the inhabitants realizing shared green spaces, community rooms, shared photovoltaic systems, car-sharing and Co-living apartments until the year 2021. In the future, these sharing and cooperation activities should become a city renewal strategy. Due to the slogan “who shares, gets more” and on the basis of a evaluated common good contribution not only monetary but also alternative, non-monetary incentives will be taken into account to foster urban renewal.

Strategi Komunikasi Kiai Desa Dalam Upaya Pemberdayaan Remaja Demam Togel

After reading this article, we will find out about the Communication Strategy of Kiai Desa Bandusa in dealing with teenagers who are again lottery fever. The academic interest in this paper is in the realm of the Kiai Desa Bandusa approach in an effort to empower Togel fever youth who are not only hard Power approaches, namely militaristic nuances of violence which will only give birth to new forms of crime from the positive impact of lottery gambling. If we observe from the symptoms raised by the youth of the lottery fever, there are several variants of deviant actions, starting with them coming to the sacred places, coming to the shadows to make noise in their village. So from this, the steps taken by the Bandusa village clerics by using Soft Power appraisal were by gentle approaches to the young people of Togel fever. The basic questions of this study are 1). What is the communication planning strategy of Kiai Desa Bandusa in the empowerment of teenagers with lottery fever? 2). How is the communication action strategy of Kiai Desa Bandusa in the empowerment of young people with lottery fever ?. To answer this question in depth the author uses a qualitative descriptive method with a phenomenological approach. In this paper a communication planning strategy was found that began with the process of thinking or planning strategic steps which then took the form of short, medium and long term planning. Furthermore, the action strategy carried out by Kiai Bandusa Village is manifested in several constructs of activities. The first is to coordinate with government agencies at the lowest level starting from the household, rw, village head, Kepolisin to the Bupati. Second, have a dialogue with the youth of lottery fever. Third, giving some skills to young people with lottery fever by presenting several presenters who are truly competent in their field.

Nasal dorsum augmentation using soft tissue filler injection.

Soft tissue filler injection is a common procedure for augmentation rhinoplasty. Various techniques for augmenting the nasal dorsum using a soft tissue filler have been attempted considering the size of the needle, the anatomical layer where the filler is injected, and the vascular distribution. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the course of the dorsal nasal artery in patients scheduled for nasal augmentation using a soft tissue filler and to propose a method of nasal augmentation that minimizes vessel damage during soft tissue filler injection by confirming the distribution pattern of blood vessels through ultrasound. Patients underwent augmentation rhinoplasty using a soft tissue filler. All patients underwent ultrasound examination before the filler injections. From July to September 2018, ultrasound studies were conducted before augmentation rhinoplasty in 50 consecutive patients. Forty patients (80%) had a well-known lateral arterial pathway, while in 10 patients (20%), the dorsal nasal artery was found at the midline of the nose. In four cases (8%), the artery travelled just beneath the preperiosteal layer, which is under the nasalis muscle. Additionally, in seven cases (14%), the dorsal nasal artery coursed superficially, just beneath the subdermal layer. Injecting the filler into the preperiosteal layer either via a needle or cannula is considered relatively safe but there remains the possibility of vascular compromise. Using a large diameter cannula and injecting the filler into the preperiosteal layer using a gentle approach may be the safest approach.

Gentle remedies: Restoring faith in the first step of nonpharmacological infant mental health care for the prevention and treatment of “disruptive behavior”

Parents and healthcare providers are reported to be “desperate” for solutions for dealing with temper tantrums and other extreme “disruptive behaviors.” Reports state that at least 10,000 and as many as 20,000 infants under the age of two in 2014 were prescribed drugs such as risperidone, quetiapine, and other antipsychotic medications, suggesting that parents may have lost faith in their inner abilities to create an environment for their infant. Dr. Maria Montessori, concluded from her work that the nervous troubles of many “difficult” children can be traced to one of the most “harmful forms of repressive action” an adult can take, that of “interference” with or interrupting a child's self-chosen activity. This paper explores alternatives to adult interruption that begins with shushing crying infants and may extend to demanding medications with the intention of stopping behaviors. It discusses a tiered infant mental health care system in which conservative care, the first tier or step can be restored with nonpharmacological gentle remedies. Gentle remedies are neither better than nor are they a replacement for pharmaceutical drugs, the fourth and last step of the tiered system due to their known short term and potential long-term risks. The gentle remedies first step approach begins with parents engaging in environment and lifestyle management. Examples of other gentle remedies discussed for use in helping infants to discharge stress and frustration include lullabies, hot water bottles, infant massage education, oatmeal baths and other herbal simples, and Bach Flower Remedies.

„Chrześcijańska krucjata” w Chinach. Tajpingowie w świetle relacji Johna Scartha

W artykule zostaje poruszona kwestia religii tajpingów w oparciu o pracę Johna Scartha z 1860 roku, czyli jeszcze przed klęską odniesioną przez Hong Xiuquana. Jest to specyficzne ujęcie tematu, z tego względu, że autor nie ukrywa się z sympatią w stosunku do przedstawicieli tego ruchu. Stoi on w kontrze do dominującej wówczas narracji przedstawiającej tajpingów jako rewolucjonistów i bandytów. Do teraz ten obraz jest często obecny, marginalizując przy tym rolę religii w ich ruchu lub przedstawiając ją w przerysowany sposób jako dziwaczną synkretyczną religię. Scarth łagodzi ten przekaz, skupiając się przede wszystkim na chrześcijańskich korzeniach tej doktryny, obalając przesądy oraz wyjaśniając nieporozumienia. Nie ma jednak wątpliwości, że jego życzliwa postawa często ma związek z niewiedzą na temat szczegółów teologii tajpingów. Obraz, który przedstawia, łączy się z jego specyficzną wizją soteriologii i działania Boga w ludzkiej historii. W tym kontekście rewolucja Hong Xiuquana miała rangę nie tylko polityczną i niepodległościową w stosunku do Mandżurów, ale była to rewolucja religijna, obalająca władzę legitymizującą bałwochwalstwo.

Physiological and phased approach to newborns at-risk of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia: A neonatal perspective

A neonatologist plays a critical role in the management of babies with hypoglycemia. Although neonatal hypoglycemia has been conventionally defined as glucose ≤2.5 mmol/L, levels ≤2.8 mmol/L among neonates raise concerns of neuroglycopenia, supporting the Pediatric Endocrine Societies' suggestion to target plasma glucose levels >2.8 mmol/L in at-risk infants 3.3 mmol/L for those aged >48 h. The neonatologist needs to identify at-risk babies and enroll them into a pathway that ensures safe, physiological transition to extrauterine life. Physiological transition constitutes early enteral feeding, navigating the glucose nadir while maintaining mother–child bonding. Smooth umbilical to enteral transition of glucose homeostasis following birth needs adequate glycogen stores and appropriate counter-regulatory hormone responses. When stores are inadequate and counter-regulatory responses fail, glucose regulation becomes more dependent on appropriate β-cell responses. However, β-cell dysregulation may cause inappropriate insulin secretion when hypoglycemic (hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia [HH]) that can be transient, prolonged, or persistent. The majority comprise transient and prolonged forms of HH that recover in days to weeks with feeds or short-term parenteral glucose infusion or rarely with use of KATP channel agonist, diazoxide. The minority with persistent forms may have genetic mutations in at least 12 genes (ABCC8, KCNJ11, GLUD1, GCK, HADH, SLC16A1, UCP2, HNF4A, HNF1A, HK1, PGM1, and PGMM2) and need medical and/or surgical intervention, as well as long-term multidisciplinary specialist care. Although there is complexity to a management framework that begins in the first hours to days of life, a gentle, physiological, and phased approach can lead to better outcomes. This review article describes such an approach.

The effects of sound pollution as a stress factor for the Baikal coregonid fish

We have studied morphological features of the hearing epithelium affected and unaffected by increased long-term sound (at 160 dB re 1 μPa) on the example of the Baikal omul (Coregonidae, Coregonus migratorius). The sensory epithelium was analyzed using the 3D confocal laser scanning techniques. We observed local epithelium damages in the rostral, central and caudal regions of the saccule, e.g. sticking stereocilia, vacuolization and round shape gaps. This article discusses the reasons for the local effects of sound on different regions of the sensory epithelium. We assume that using of morphological screening of sensory acoustic system in the artifcial rearing of the Baikal coregonid fshes under the conditions of intense noise could contribute to indicating the most stress-resistant forms, which are promising for high-tech industrial aquaculture, and developing more gentle approaches to its creation.

Defined cell adhesion for silicon-based implant materials by using vapor-deposited functional coatings.

The field of implantable electronics relies on using silicon materials due to the merits of a well-established fabrication process and favorable properties; of particular interest is the surface modification of such materials. In the present study, we introduce a surface modification technique based on coatings of functionalized Parylene on silicon substrates, where the modified layers provide a defined cell adhesion capability for the resultant silicon materials/devices. Functionalization of Parylene was achieved during a one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization process, forming NHS ester-functionalized Parylene, and subsequent RGD attachment was enabled via a conjugation reaction between the NHS ester and amine groups. The modification procedures additionally provided a clean and gentle approach to avoid thermal excursions, intense irradiation, chemicals, or solvents that might damage delicate structures or sensitive molecules on the devices. The modification layers exhibited excellent mechanical strength on the substrate, meeting the high standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the resultant cell adherence property was verified by a centrifugation assay and the analysis of attached cell morphologies; the results collectively demonstrated robust and sustainable modification layers of the NHS ester-functionalized Parylene and confirmed that the cell-adherence property imparted by using this facile modification technique was effective. The modification technology is expected to benefit the design of prospective interface properties for silicon-based devices and related industrial products.

A gentle approach to investigate the influence of LRP-1 silencing on the migratory behavior of breast cancer cells by atomic force microscopy and dynamic cell studies

The aim of the study was to get more insight into the role of LRP-1 in the mechanism of tumor progression in triple negative breast cancer. Atomic force microscopy, videomicroscopy, confocal microscopy and Rho-GTPAse activity assay were used on MDA-MB-231 and LRP-1-silenced cells. Silencing of LRP-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells was shown to led to a dramatic increase in the Young's modulus in parallel to a spectacular drop in membrane extension dynamics as well as a decrease in the cells migration abilities on both collagen I and fibronectin substrates. These results were perfectly correlated to a corresponding change in cell morphology and spreading capacity as well as in Rho-GTPases activity. By a multi-technique approach, it was demonstrated that LRP-1 played a crucial role in the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells by modulating the membrane extension dynamic. The originality of this AFM investigation lies in the non-invasive aspect of the measurements.

Understanding of historical masonry for conservation approaches: the contribution of Prof. Luigia Binda to research advancement

Prof. Luigia Binda was a Full Professor in Restoration at the School of Architecture of Politecnico di Milano. She began her career teaching building and construction techniques, then strengthening and reinforcement of masonry buildings and preservation of cultural heritage. L. Binda, in her long scientific activity, addressed her interest to historic masonry structures, with a strategic broad knowledge of the process and merging knowledge from different research fields. Thanks to her multidisciplinary attitude, a deep passion toward puzzling problems and a gentle approach, she was able to combine conservation and safety issues with a robust experimental knowledge of masonry behavior, giving an extraordinary impulse to the research into the experimental understanding, modelling, strengthening and preserving the cultural heritage. The paper shortly illustrates the main aspects of selected topics among the most outstanding contributions given by Prof. L. Binda in research, and describes the advancements made possible in many related fields, both academic and of professional practice. The title of each chapter starts with a typical sentence L. Binda used to remind people, which summarizes at a glance the importance of that specific aspect in the topic. In the authors view, it also implicitly indicates the innovative character of her insights and her extraordinary dedication to research.

De novo protein structure determination by heavy-atom soaking in lipidic cubic phase and SIRAS phasing using serial synchrotron crystallography.

During the past few years, serial crystallography methods have undergone continuous development and serial data collection has become well established at high-intensity synchrotron-radiation beamlines and XFEL radiation sources. However, the application of experimental phasing to serial crystallography data has remained a challenging task owing to the inherent inaccuracy of the diffraction data. Here, a particularly gentle method for incorporating heavy atoms into micrometre-sized crystals utilizing lipidic cubic phase (LCP) as a carrier medium is reported. Soaking in LCP prior to data collection offers a new, efficient and gentle approach for preparing heavy-atom-derivative crystals directly before diffraction data collection using serial crystallography methods. This approach supports effective phasing by utilizing a reasonably low number of diffraction patterns. Using synchrotron radiation and exploiting the anomalous scattering signal of mercury for single isomorphous replacement with anomalous scattering (SIRAS) phasing resulted in high-quality electron-density maps that were sufficient for building a complete structural model of proteinase K at 1.9 Å resolution using automatic model-building tools.

Still Waters Run Deep: Comparing Assertive and Suggestive Language in Water Conservation Campaigns

The current work focuses on non-price policies to achieve residential water conservation, specifically on water conservation campaigns. The authors report the results of a large-scale longitudinal field experiment encouraging residential water conservation among 1500 households. The effectiveness of two commonly-used message phrasings is compared: an assertive and a suggestive message. Assertive messages employ a commanding tone, such as “You must conserve water”, whereas suggestive messages employ a more gentle approach, as in “Please consider conserving water”. Despite the ubiquitous use of assertive phrasing in pro-social messages, and previous research that suggests that, in some cases, assertive language can increase message compliance, the authors show here that the suggestive, gentler, message language can make a more accentuated change in residential water conservation behavior. This may stem from the status of water as a basic needs resource, which may reduce the appropriateness of freedom restricting language, such as an assertive tone.

Exploring Parental Expectations and Experiences Around “Gentle” and “Standard” Caesarean Section

Background/Aims: “Gentle” or “natural” cesarean sections are implemented to improve parental satisfaction. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is a need for adopting such a gentle approach. Methods: We recruited those with low-risk pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean delivery at term. Three questionnaires were administered to both partners: prior to delivery, 2-5 days after delivery, and 6 weeks postpartum. Questionnaires assessed the couple's expectations, fears, and satisfaction prior to and after cesarean section. Additionally, participants attended 2 structured interviews: one prior to delivery and one 6 weeks after delivery. Results: Fifteen couples underwent a “standard” cesarean section (group 1) and 6 underwent a “gentle” section (group 2). Overall, parental satisfaction with cesarean section was high. However, women in the standard group felt less involved in childbirth and both groups still preferred vaginal delivery in light of eventual future pregnancies. Participants in group 2 showed less fear of childbirth after delivery than prior to delivery. There were no differences in total questionnaire scores between groups or between mothers and partners. Conclusion: This study shows that there is room for improvement in satisfaction levels around cesarean section, even though satisfaction is generally high. A “gentle” cesarean section may help to achieve this.

Comparing photoporation and nucleofection for delivery of small interfering RNA to cytotoxic T cells

The success of cancer immunotherapy through the adoptive transfer of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is highly dependent on the potency of the elicited anti-tumor responses generated by the transferred cells, which can be hindered by a variety of upregulated immunosuppressive pathways. Downregulation of these pathways in the T cells via RNA interference (RNAi) could significantly boost their capacity to infiltrate tumors, proliferate, persist, and eradicate tumor cells, thus leading to a durable anti-tumor response. Unfortunately, it is well known that primary T cells are hard-to-transfect and conventional non-viral transfection agents are generally ineffective. Viral transduction and electroporation are more efficient but their use is restricted by high cost, safety issues, and cytotoxicity. Photoporation has recently gained interest as a more gentle alternative physical approach to deliver membrane-impermeable macromolecules into cells. By attaching gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to the cell surface followed by pulsed laser illumination, transient membrane pores can be generated that allow the diffusion of macromolecules directly into the cell cytosol. Here, we evaluated this technique for the non-toxic and effective delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and subsequent silencing of target genes in activated CTLs. We compared photoporation with nucleofection, the current standard physical technique for T cell transfection, and demonstrated a significantly reduced cytotoxicity and higher average dose per cell for the photoporation technique.

Endometrial Biopsy: American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Endometrial biopsy can be used to diagnose endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, and uterine infections. This cost-effective procedure has minimal side effects, and complications are rare. The purpose of this clinical bulletin is to provide clinicians with guidance about endometrial biopsy including the procedure's advantages and disadvantages, indications and contraindications, and side effects. In addition, step-by-step instructions for performing endometrial biopsy, the equipment required, selection of sampling devices, and care before and after the procedure are discussed.

Highly Anisotropic Sb2 Se3 Nanosheets: Gentle Exfoliation from the Bulk Precursors Possessing 1D Crystal Structure.

2D materials, particularly those bearing in-plane anisotropic optical and electrical properties such as black phosphorus and ReS2 , have spurred great research interest very recently as promising building blocks for future electronics. However, current progress is limited to layered compounds that feature atomic arrangement asymmetry within the covalently bonded planes. Herein, a series of highly anisotropic nanosheets (Sb2 Se3 , Sb2 S3 , Bi2 S3 , and Sb2 (S, Se)3 ), which are composed of 1D covalently linked ribbons stacked together via van der Waals force, is introduced as a new member to the anisotropic 2D material family. These unique anisotropic nanosheets are successfully fabricated from their polymer-like bulk counterparts through a gentle water freezing-thawing approach. Angle-resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy characterization confirms the strong in-plane asymmetry of Sb2 Se3 nanosheets, and photodetection study reveals their high responsivity and anisotropic in-plane transport. This work can enlighten the synthesis and application of new anisotropic 2D nanosheets that can be potentially applied for future electronic and optoelectronic devices.

John Hector Scotson

John Hector Scotson was a much loved general practitioner, known for his kind, gentle, unhurried, and calm approach. His great listening skills stemmed from a genuine interest in patients and...

Deep Catalytic Oxidative Desulfurization of Model Fuel Based on Modified Iron Porphyrins in Ionic Liquids: Anionic Ligand Effect

The modified iron porphyrins with weak ligand (PF6–, BF4–) were prepared by a gentle and cheap approach. The catalytic systems with modified iron porphyrins and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Bmim]PF6) were used in the catalytic oxidative removal of sulfur compounds from model oil under mild conditions. The effect of anionic axial ligand on catalytic oxdative desulfurization performance was investigated. Iron porphyrins with weak ligand exhibited higher desulfurization performance, and the catalytic ability of catalysts was FeIIITPP(PF6) > FeIIITPP(BF4) > FeIIITPPCl. A dual active model mechanism was proposed to illustrate this phenomenon of oxidative process. The system of FeIIITPP(PF6) and [Bmim]PF6 could be recycled for 6 times without evident decrease of desulfurization efficiency.