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Abstract Background Public health nutrition recommendations and clinical dietary interventions emphasize eating healthy food at home, implicitly requiring household foodwork. Household foodwork is defined as the physical and mental tasks a household does for eating meals and snacks. Because no tools exist to measure it, how much time people spend doing household foodwork and the foodwork barriers they experience remain unknown. The objective of the present research was to develop the first stand-alone household foodwork assessment tool. Methods Through informal interviews with partners with lived experience, clinicians, and researchers, a literature review, a stakeholder meeting of advisors, and a two-round electronic Delphi process including face/content validation by expert panelists (n = 21), we developed the 10-question household foodwork interactional assessment questionnaire (FIA-Q10). An optional accompanying module was developed to collect self-identified demographic data to provide context for understanding how social-structural positionality factors may interact to influence foodwork. Results The FIA-Q10 assesses the domains of household composition, frequency of eating at home, special diets within a household, foodwork stress intensity, foodwork barriers, desired supports related to foodwork, and time use for foodwork. The FIA-Q10 measures time use for four subdomains of foodwork among individuals and their households: (1) planning, (2) getting, (3) preparing/cooking, and (4) cleaning up food. In the second Delphi round, the FIA-Q10 scored 95% for language appropriateness, 67% for visual appropriateness, 95% for relevance, 95% for representativeness, and 95% for distribution. Suggested improvements were implemented. All Delphi panelists (100%) reported they would consider using the FIA-Q10. Conclusions The FIA-Q10’s development is the first step towards a standardized assessment of foodwork, enabling examination of challenges in foodwork that may impact nutrition and nutrition equity. Future research will focus on FIA-Q10 validation in multiple populations.

The karyotype of Litoria (L.) paraewingi (Watson et al., 1971) (Big River State Forest, Victoria) is described here for the first time. It is prepared following tissue culture of toe clipping macerates, cryopreservation, reculture and conventional 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. The L. paraewingi karyotype is then compared to similarly processed IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) least concern members L. ewingii (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) (southern Victoria) and L. jervisiensis (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) (Myall Lakes National Park, New South Wales), all members of the same L. ewingii complex/group. The L. paraewingi diploid number is 2n = 26, the same as for the other two species. Litoria paraewingi chromosomes 1, 2, 6 and 7 are submetacentric, chromosomes 3 and 5 are subtelocentric and the remainder are metacentric. No secondary constriction or putative nucleolus organiser region (NOR) was readily identifiable following conventional DAPI staining in any scored L. paraewingi metaphase spread. Conversely, a putative NOR was readily identifiable on the long arm of chromosome 1 in all examined metaphase spreads for the other two species. The karyotypes of L. ewingii and L. jervisiensis here further differ from L. paraewingi with chromosome 1 being metacentric and chromosomes 8 and 10 being submetacentric for both former species. The L. jervisiensis karyotype differs from those of L. ewingii and L. paraewingi by DAPI staining with: (i) apparent relative length inversion of subtelocentric chromosome 3 and metacentric chromosome 4 and (ii) chromosome 6 being metacentric rather than submetacentric. All three species have a highly conserved chromosome morphology with respect to chromosomes 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 13. The greatest gross morphological difference karyotypically is observed between L. paraewingi and L. jervisiensis. These karyotype data support the previous phylogenetic separation of these three species based upon genetic compatibility and behavioural, biochemical and molecular genetic analyses.

During intracellular trafficking N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive-factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins catalyze the membrane fusion by assembling into a four-helix complex. In the mouse model, loss of the endosomal SNAREs vti1a and vti1b results in a perinatal lethal phenotype and neuronal defects including decreased neurite outgrowth in cultured primary neurons. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a Vti1a Vti1b double knockout (DKO) in the neuroblastoma cell line N1E-115. Three different DKO cell lines were obtained and examined at genome and protein level. The double deficiency impaired proper differentiation based on lower levels of synaptic proteins as well as reduced neurite formation and elongation compared to wild type cells in differentiation medium. Neurite elongation can be induced by a variety of extracellular signals via different signaling cascades. Treatment with the Rho kinase inhibitor Y27632, which stimulates enlargeosome exocytosis, or with neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF and NT3) resulted in reduced stimulation of all DKO clones and in significantly shorter neurites compared to wild type cells. The loss of vti1a and vti1b disrupted Akt signaling during enlargeosome-mediated and Erk signaling during BDNF-induced neurite outgrowth.

La simulación médica ha demostrado mejorar las habilidades quirúrgicas de los cirujanos en un entorno seguro. La impresión 3D ofrece una alternativa de bajo costo para el aprendizaje técnico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la creación de un simulador de anastomosis biliar con fabricación aditiva y evaluarlo por cirujanos en diversas etapas de formación. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional con muestreo no probabilístico. El simulador de anastomosis biliar se creó con impresión 3D y moldeo en silicona líquida. Fue Evaluado mediante una encuesta tipo Likert. Se midió fidelidad, funcionalidad y calidad educativa. Se calculó el costo total del dispositivo. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva. Doce personas evaluaron el simulador: 3 cirujanos HPB, 4 residentes HPB y 5 cirujanos generales en formación. La edad promedio fue de 35,33 ± 11,02 años. El 75% tenía experiencia con simuladores inorgánicos y el 50% en anastomosis biliares. La experiencia quirúrgica previa promedio fue de 9,75 ± 11,01 años. La precisión anatómica (2,58/5) y similitud con el conducto biliar (2,67/5) fueron los puntos más débiles. La funcionalidad (3,83/5) y durabilidad (4,83/5) fueron bien valoradas. La calidad educativa recibió 4,67/5. La autoeficacia varió según la experiencia: cirujanos HPB (1,11/5), residentes (3,42/5) y rotantes (5/5). La evaluación global fue de 4,5/5. Nuestro estudio confirmó la viabilidad de un simulador 3D para anastomosis biliar, utilizando fabricación aditiva y moldeado con silicona. Este modelo accesible facilita el aprendizaje de anastomosis biliares en cirujanos en formación. Futuras investigaciones deben demostrar su eficacia educativa y validez.

Abstract Three dimensional sensing is essential in order that machines may operate in and interact with complex dynamic environments. Solid-state beam scanning devices are seen as being key to achieving required system specifications in terms of sensing range, resolution, refresh rate and cost. Integrated optical phased arrays fabricated on silicon wafers are a potential solution, but demonstrated devices with system-level performance currently rely on expensive widely tunable source lasers. Here, we combine silicon nitride photonics and micro-electromechanical system technologies, demonstrating the integration of an active photonic beam-steering circuit into a piezoelectric actuated micro cantilever. An optical phased array, operating at a wavelength of 905 nm, provides output beam scanning over a range of 17° in one dimension, while the inclination of the entire circuit and consequently the angle of the output beam in a second dimension can be independently modified over a range of up to 40° using the piezoelectric actuator.

BackgroundBlack women are significantly more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and are 3 times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. Using a strengths-based wellness approach within an integrated supportive care program provided by a community doula could offer pragmatic solutions for Black maternal disparities. The Protective Assets Reinforced with Integrated Care and Technology (PARITY) program consists of a wellness technology platform, including informational links to wellness content and reinforcing motivational SMS text messages, as well as community-based doula support delivered both in person and through the technology platform to improve Black maternal wellness. ObjectiveThis pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and mixed methods evaluation aims to (1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of the PARITY intervention; (2) investigate the preliminary efficacy of the PARITY intervention on clinical outcomes (maternal blood pressure, gestational weight gain, and cesarean birth); and (3) investigate changes to wellness behavioral outcomes (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and health care adherence) and empowered strengths (self-efficacy, social support, motivation, resilience, problem-solving, and self-regulation) in the intervention group compared to a control group. MethodsA 2-arm RCT and mixed methods evaluation will be conducted. Overall, 60 Black pregnant individuals will be randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to either the intervention or informational control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive access to the technology platform over a 12-week period that ends before birth. Intervention participants will be assigned a doula interventionist, who will meet with them 4 times during the intervention. All participants (intervention and control) will receive a referral for a birth doula at no cost, printed materials about having a healthy pregnancy, and community resources. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed at the end of the program. Measures will be obtained at baseline (20-28 weeks), the 36th week of pregnancy, birth, and 6-12 weeks post partum. Summary statistics and distribution plots will be used to describe measured variables at each time point. A generalized linear mixed model with a shared random component will be used to analyze the effects of PARITY on clinical, wellness behavioral, and empowered strength outcomes, including baseline nutrition, physical activity, and sleep measures as covariates. For significant effects, post hoc contrasts will be adjusted using the Holm method to maintain comparison-wise error at or

Summary: Our understanding and management of reproductive health and related disorders such as infertility, menstrual irregularities, and pituitary disorders depend on understanding the intricate sex-specific mechanisms governing prolactin secretion. Using ex vivo experiments in acute slices, in parallel with in vivo calcium imaging (GRIN lens technology), we found that dopamine neurons inhibiting PRL secretion (TIDA), organize as functional networks both in and ex vivo. We defined an index of efficiency of networking (Ieff) using the duration of calcium events and the ability to form plastic economic networks. It determined TIDA neurons’ ability to inhibit PRL secretion in vivo. Ieff variations in both sexes demonstrated TIDA neurons’ adaptability to physiological changes. A variation in the number of active neurons contributing to the network explains the sexual dimorphism in basal [PRL]blood secretion patterns. These sex-specific differences in neuronal activity and network organization contribute to the understanding of hormone regulation.

Many cognitive problems can be decomposed into series of subproblems that are solved sequentially by the brain. When subproblems are solved, relevant intermediate results need to be stored by neurons and propagated to the next subproblem, until the overarching goal has been completed. We will here consider visual tasks, which can be decomposed into sequences of elemental visual operations. Experimental evidence suggests that intermediate results of the elemental operations are stored in working memory as an enhancement of neural activity in the visual cortex. The focus of enhanced activity is then available for subsequent operations to act upon. The main question at stake is how the elemental operations and their sequencing can emerge in neural networks that are trained with only rewards, in a reinforcement learning setting. We here propose a new recurrent neural network architecture that can learn composite visual tasks that require the application of successive elemental operations. Specifically, we selected three tasks for which electrophysiological recordings of monkeys' visual cortex are available. To train the networks, we used RELEARNN, a biologically plausible four-factor Hebbian learning rule, which is local both in time and space. We report that networks learn elemental operations, such as contour grouping and visual search, and execute sequences of operations, solely based on the characteristics of the visual stimuli and the reward structure of a task. After training was completed, the activity of the units of the neural network elicited by behaviorally relevant image items was stronger than that elicited by irrelevant ones, just as has been observed in the visual cortex of monkeys solving the same tasks. Relevant information that needed to be exchanged between subroutines was maintained as a focus of enhanced activity and passed on to the subsequent subroutines. Our results demonstrate how a biologically plausible learning rule can train a recurrent neural network on multistep visual tasks.

The karyotype of the IUCN least concern red-backed toadlet Pseudophryne (P.) coriacea (Keferstein, 1868) from the New South Wales Central Coast is described following tissue culture of toe clipping macerates and conventional DAPI staining. The diploid number is 2n = 24. The karyotype is represented by six large and five small chromosomal pairs and one very small chromosomal pair. The very small chromosome 12 is 12% the size of chromosome 1. One of the large chromosomes is subtelocentric, two of the large chromosomes are submetacentric and the remaining chromosomes are metacentric. The putative nucleolus organiser region (NOR) is observed on chromosome 4. The diploid number and location of the putative NOR correlates to that of the previously published IUCN critically endangered P. corroboree (Moore 1953) and unpublished descriptions of the P. coriacea karyotype. This is the first described cell culture of a species from the genus Pseudophryne Fitzinger, 1843, first published analysis of the P. coriacea karyotype and the first published analysis of centromeric allocation of this genus. Globally there exists a large inventory of tissue samples in cryobanks that are not associated with known recovery mechanisms such as basic cell culture techniques. Detailed cytogenetic analyses of these cryobanked samples are therefore not possible. This work therefore enables: (i) a comparison of the P. coriacea karyotype with that of the critically endangered P. corroboree and (ii) a benchmark for repeat and future cytogenetic and genomic analyses of cryostored samples of this genus.

Abstract Background A significant proportion of Canadian adults is impacted by chronic noncommunicable diseases. These conditions may be improved by peer-led health promotion interventions that target modifiable risk factors; however, to date, there is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions. Unlike other health promotion programs, Hans Kai is grounded in a holistic model of health that simultaneously addresses multiple determinants of health at different levels of human ecology. In Hans Kai, a set of informational sessions that are delivered in a group setting by healthcare professionals are followed by regular peer-led group meetings in a self-governed support group setting that is designed to promote implementation of newly learned health competences. The Hans Kai trial described here aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Hans Kai program in promoting the health and wellbeing of its participants and investigate the experiences of the Hans Kai participants and facilitators. Methods This research will involve a mixed methods trial combining an experimental component with a qualitative component. The experimental component will involve a 6-month 2-group parallel superiority randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which 105 participants will be randomly assigned to two conditions, an intervention group (n = 70) that will participate in the Hans Kai program and a control group (n = 35) that will have access to standard care using a computer-generated random sequence; blinding will not occur. The RCT will test the impact of the program on several health outcomes and will be followed by a 12–18-month observational follow-up study that will provide data on the long-term durability of the 6-month RCT health outcomes. The qualitative component will investigate the experiences of program participants (n = 30) and facilitators (n = 15) to identify the main strengths and limitations of Hans Kai, uncover potential implementation issues, and elucidate the mechanisms through which the program works. The population of interest will include adults aged 18 + with or without chronic health conditions who self-report an interest in taking control of their own health and improving their lifestyle. In the RCT, all outcomes of interest will be measured using a multi-method approach, involving self-report questionnaires and objective indicators, and within-subject mean changes in outcomes over time between the two groups will be compared to address the RCT aims. Similarly, in the qualitative component, a multi-method approach, involving in-depth individual interviews, photovoice, and online surveys, will be used to reach a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the program strengths, how the program works, and for which people it is more effective. Adaptable components of the program will also be investigated and modified according to the feedback provided by the RCT participants. In the mixed methods integration of evidence, the qualitative findings will be used to explain the quantitative RCT results. Discussion The RCT findings will help support the further development and use of Hans Kai as well as other peer-led health promotion interventions. Trial registration United Stated Clinical Trial Registry ClinicalTrials.gov (registration# NCT03949725; Protocol version 2, June 22nd, 2022).

Abstract Background Potassium regulation in the body is primarily done in the kidney. In addition to this, hyperkalemia, occurs in approximately 10% of individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with elevated all-cause mortality. Individuals with CKD are often told to restrict dietary potassium (K), however, this recommendation is based on low quality evidence. Reduced quality of life, limited dietary choices and nutritional deficiencies are all potential negative outcomes that may occur when restricting dietary K in CKD patients. There is a need for randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of dietary K modification on serum K concentrations in people with CKD. Methods A randomized 2-period crossover design comparing a liberalized K fruit and vegetable diet where participants will be required to consume ~ 3500 mg of dietary K daily, to a standard K restricted diet where participants will be required to consume

Abstract Background Monepantel is an anti‐helminthic drug that also has anti‐cancer properties. Despite several studies over the years, the molecular target of monepantel in mammalian cells is still unknown, and its mechanism‐of‐action is not fully understood, though effects on cell cycle, mTOR signalling and autophagy have been implicated. Methods Viability assays were performed on >20 solid cancer cell cells, and apoptosis assays were performed on a subset of these, including 3D cultures. Genetic deletion of BAX/BAK and ATG were used to establish roles of apoptosis and autophagy in killing activity. RNA‐sequencing was performed on four cell lines after monepantel treatment, and differentially regulated genes were confirmed by Western blotting. Results We showed that monepantel has anti‐proliferative activity on a broad range of cancer cell lines. In some, this was associated with induction of apoptosis which was confirmed using a BAX/BAK‐deficient cell line. However, proliferation is still inhibited in these cells following monepantel treatment, indicating cell‐cycle disruption as the major anti‐cancer effect. Previous studies have also indicated autophagic cell death occurs following monepantel treatment. We showed autophagy induction in multiple cell lines; however, deletion of a key autophagy regulator ATG7 had minimal impact on monepantel’s anti‐proliferative activity, suggesting autophagy is associated with, but not required for its anti‐tumour effects. Transcriptomic analysis of four cell lines treated with monepantel revealed downregulation of many genes involved in the cell cycle, and upregulation of genes linked to ATF4‐mediated ER stress responses, especially those involved in amino‐acid metabolism and protein synthesis. Conclusions As these outcomes are all associated with mTOR signalling, cell cycle and autophagy, we now provide a likely triggering mechanism for the anti‐cancer activity of monepantel.

Abstract Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality and a significant risk factor for future cardiovascular disease development in women. This study aimed to explore lifestyle wellness-related variables and how they impact the risk of hypertension in pregnancy. Methods This is a secondary analysis of data from the prospective cohort study Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-To-Be (nuMoM2b). Data was collected through questionnaires, clinical evaluations, and medical records review at 8 academic medical centers in the United States. Four study visits were scheduled throughout the participant’s pregnancy (visits one–four): 60–136, 160–216, and 220–296 weeks gestation and birth. A series of statistical modeling and logistical regression were performed using 15 lifestyle variables related to sleep, nutrition, resilience, illness avoidance, and physical activity were selected as predictor variables with an outcome variable of hypertension. Results Of 9289 nulliparous participants considered for inclusion in our analyses, 1464 had any HDP during study participation, and 554 participants had complete data available for the study and were included in our final sample. Results were statistically significant at a level of p

Gonadotropes in the pituitary secrete follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to control gonadal function and fertility, but whether they exert actions on extra-gonadal organs is not fully understood. Here the authors report that gonadotropes regulate liver steatosis independent of the ovaries in mice.

Abstract Background Neurons are highly specialized cells with a complex morphology generated by various membrane trafficking steps. They contain Golgi outposts in dendrites, which are formed from somatic Golgi tubules. In trafficking membrane fusion is mediated by a specific combination of SNARE proteins. A functional SNARE complex contains four different helices, one from each SNARE subfamily (R-, Qa, Qb and Qc). Loss of the two Qb SNAREs vti1a and vti1b from the Golgi apparatus and endosomes leads to death at birth in mice with massive neurodegeneration in peripheral ganglia and defective axon tracts. Methods Hippocampal and cortical neurons were isolated from Vti1a −/− Vti1b −/− double deficient, Vti1a −/− Vti1b +/− , Vti1a +/− Vti1b −/− and Vti1a +/− Vti1b +/− double heterozygous embryos. Neurite outgrowth was determined in cortical neurons and after stimulation with several neurotrophic factors or the Rho-associated protein kinase ROCK inhibitor Y27632, which induces exocytosis of enlargeosomes, in hippocampal neurons. Moreover, postsynaptic densities were isolated from embryonic Vti1a −/− Vti1b −/− and Vti1a +/− Vti1b +/− control forebrains and analyzed by western blotting. Results Golgi outposts were present in Vti1a −/− Vti1b +/− and Vti1a +/− Vti1b −/− dendrites of hippocampal neurons but not detected in the absence of vti1a and vti1b. The length of neurites was significantly shorter in double deficient cortical neurons. These defects were not observed in Vti1a −/− Vti1b +/− and Vti1a +/− Vti1b −/− neurons. NGF, BDNF, NT-3, GDNF or Y27632 as stimulator of enlargeosome secretion did not increase the neurite length in double deficient hippocampal neurons. Vti1a −/− Vti1b −/− postsynaptic densities contained similar amounts of scaffold proteins, AMPA receptors and NMDA receptors compared to Vti1a +/− Vti1b +/− , but much more TrkB, which is the receptor for BDNF. Conclusion The absence of Golgi outposts did not affect the amount of AMPA and NMDA receptors in postsynaptic densities. Even though TrkB was enriched, BDNF was not able to stimulate neurite elongation in Vti1a −/− Vti1b −/− neurons. Vti1a or vti1b function as the missing Qb-SNARE together with VAMP-4 (R-SNARE), syntaxin 16 (Qa-SNARE) and syntaxin 6 (Qc-SNARE) in induced neurite outgrowth. Our data show the importance of vti1a or vti1b for two pathways of neurite elongation.