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Background: Direct Support Professionals (DSP) work closely with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and can play an important role in helping these individuals get treatment when they are also experiencing mental health concerns (MHC). Methods: We employed a systematic review search techniques to identify 15 empirical articles that assessed the outcomes of training programs for DSP that addressed aspects of mental health among individuals with I/DD. Results: There was a wide diversity in the trainings, including both staff and individuals with I/DD focused trainings, workshop formats and intervention formats, and trainings varying in length. Each article found benefits of the training improved knowledge and confidence for the DSP and/or decreased mental health issue symptoms or behaviors for individuals with I/DD. Conclusion: The research reviewed contained various strengths in methodology including mixed methods designs and long follow-up periods; however, there were also pervasive limitations that reflect a need for the field as a whole to devote a more concentrated and collaborative effort to providing high-quality training on the mental health aspects of individuals with I/DD for DSP.

The P450 enzyme CYP121 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalyzes a carbon-carbon (C-C) bond coupling cyclization of the dityrosine substrate containing a diketopiperazine ring, cyclo(l-tyrosine-l-tyrosine) (cYY). An unusual high-spin (S = 5/2) ferric intermediate maximizes its population in less than 5 ms in the rapid freeze-quenching study of CYP121 during the shunt reaction with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid solution. We show that this intermediate can also be observed in the crystalline state by EPR spectroscopy. By developing an on-demand-rapid-mixing method for time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography with X-ray free-electron laser (tr-SFX-XFEL) technology covering the millisecond time domain and without freezing, we structurally monitored the reaction in situ at room temperature. After a 200 ms peracetic acid reaction with the cocrystallized enzyme-substrate microcrystal slurry, a ferric-hydroperoxo intermediate is observed, and its structure is determined at 1.85 Å resolution. The structure shows a hydroperoxyl ligand between the heme and the native substrate, cYY. The oxygen atoms of the hydroperoxo are 2.5 and 3.2 Å from the iron ion. The end-on binding ligand adopts a near-side-on geometry and is weakly associated with the iron ion, causing the unusual high-spin state. This compound 0 intermediate, spectroscopically and structurally observed during the catalytic shunt pathway, reveals a unique binding mode that deviates from the end-on compound 0 intermediates in other heme enzymes. The hydroperoxyl ligand is only 2.9 Å from the bound cYY, suggesting an active oxidant role of the intermediate for direct substrate oxidation in the nonhydroxylation C-C bond coupling chemistry.

Aerobic ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) initiate synthesis of DNA building blocks by generating a free radical within the R2 subunit; the radical is subsequently shuttled to the catalytic R1 subunit through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET). We present a high-resolution room temperature structure of the class Ie R2 protein radical captured by x-ray free electron laser serial femtosecond crystallography. The structure reveals conformational reorganization to shield the radical and connect it to the translocation path, with structural changes propagating to the surface where the protein interacts with the catalytic R1 subunit. Restructuring of the hydrogen bond network, including a notably short O-O interaction of 2.41 angstroms, likely tunes and gates the radical during PCET. These structural results help explain radical handling and mobilization in RNR and have general implications for radical transfer in proteins.

When one-way ANOVA is statistically significant, a multiple comparison problem arises, hence post-hoc tests are needed to elucidate between which groups significant differences are found. Different post-hoc tests have been proposed for each situation regarding heteroscedasticity and sample size groups. This study aims to compare the Type I error (α) rate of 10 post-hoc tests in four different conditions based on heteroscedasticity and balance between-group sample size. A Montecarlo simulation study was carried out on a total of 28 data sets, with 10,000 resamples in each, distributed through four conditions. One-way ANOVA tests and post-hoc tests were conducted to estimate the α rate at a 95% confidence level. The percentage of times the null hypothesis was falsely refused is used to compare the tests. Three out of four conditions demonstrated considerable variability among sample sizes. However, the best post-hoc test in the second condition (heteroscedastic and balance group) did not depend on simple size. In some cases, inappropriate post-hoc tests were more accurate. Homoscedasticity and balance between-group sample size should be considered for appropriate post-hoc test selection.

ABSTRACT The impact of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCR-E) rectal colonization in the development of subsequent infection after surgery is controversial. In particular, there is a lack of data in the context of hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of 3GCR-E intestinal carriage among patients undergoing elective HPB resection surgery and its impact on the incidence and etiology of surgical site infections (SSIs). This retrospective cohort study (January 2016–December 2022) was performed at Valme University Hospital (Seville, Spain). The inclusion criteria included (i) 18 years of age or older, (ii) undergoing elective HPB resection surgery, and (iii) availability of a periprocedural surveillance rectal swab culture to detect 3GCR-E. The prevalence of 3GCR-E intestinal carriage at elective HPB resection surgery was assessed, as well as SSI incidence at 30 days and possible associated factors. Two hundred nine patients were included. Eleven (5.3%) patients were colonized by 3GCR-E at baseline. According to 3GCR-E carriage status, 6 (55%) of the carriers developed SSI, whereas this occurred in 50 (25%) of non-carriers (P = 0.033). Likewise, the rates of SSI caused specifically by 3GCR-E were 83% (5 of 6) in 3GCR-E carriers and 6% (3 of 50) in non-carriers (P < 0.001). After multivariate analyses, 3GCR-E colonization at the time of surgery was identified as an independent predictor for developing SSI (adjusted odds ratio 4.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.177–18.232, P = 0.028). Despite a low prevalence of 3GCR-E intestinal carriage at surgery, 3GCR-E rectal colonization is associated with a higher risk of SSI among patients undergoing elective HPB resection surgery, with most SSIs being caused by the colonizing bacteria.IMPORTANCEIn this Spanish retrospective cohort study, previous 3GCR-E rectal colonization was associated with a higher risk of SSI after hepato-pancreato-biliary resection surgeries. Most of SSIs were caused by the colonizing bacteria, suggesting a rationale for adapted perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in known 3GCR-E colonized patients.

Antecedentes: La acreditación de las carreras de medicina es fundamental para asegurar la calidad en la formación de futuros médicos. Recientemente, se han implementado nuevos criterios de acreditación en Chile, alineados con estándares internacionales. El objetivo es evaluar el último proceso de acreditación de las carreras de medicina en Chile utilizando los nuevos criterios, con esto, identificar patrones y aprendizajes, para mejorar la educación médica y orientar hacia estándares internacionales. Métodos: Se recopilaron y analizaron las actas de acreditación de las universidades chilenas que imparten medicina, disponibles en la web de la Comisión Nacional de Acreditación. El análisis incluyó una revisión exhaustiva de los nuevos criterios y una reevaluación de las acreditaciones con una escala de tres niveles: básico, avanzado y excelencia. Se realizó un análisis de medias y varianza de cada criterio y se agruparon las carreras por años de acreditación mediante un análisis de contenido y clústeres. Resultados: Se observó una alta varianza entre las universidades en los criterios evaluados. Los criterios con un desempeño medio superior fueron perfil de egreso, plan de estudio, cuerpo académico y gestión interna. Los criterios con peor desempeño incluyeron resultados del proceso formativo, infraestructura, autorregulación, vinculación con el medio y productividad profesional. La clusterización reveló tres grupos principales de universidades, diferenciados por sus años de acreditación y niveles de cumplimiento de los criterios. Discusión: Existen diferencias en la implementación y cumplimiento de los nuevos criterios de acreditación, identificando áreas de fortaleza y debilidad. La comparación con el proceso anterior hace más de 20 años permite establecer una línea base para futuras evaluaciones y ajustar las políticas hacia un alineamiento con estándares internacionales. Conclusiones: El estudio proporciona una visión detallada del estado actual de las carreras de medicina en Chile bajo los nuevos criterios de acreditación, ofreciendo recomendaciones para la mejora continua.

Resumen: Antecedentes: En España, aunque el Ministerio de Sanidad elabora el informe de posicionamiento terapéutico (IPT) y las condiciones de reembolso de los fármacos, las Comunidades Autónomas (CC. AA.) gestionan los servicios de salud y deciden sobre las condiciones de prescripción en su ámbito territorial. El objetivo del estudio EQUIDAD fue describir los condicionantes para la prescripción de los nuevos fármacos en Dermatología en las CC. AA. y sus posibles diferencias. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en abril-mayo del 2023. Dos dermatólogos con responsabilidades directivas de cada Comunidad Autónoma (C. A.) informaron sobre los condicionantes autonómicos y locales en la prescripción de los fármacos cuyo IPT para el tratamiento de enfermedades dermatológicas fue publicado en los años 2016-2022. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante un cuestionario online. Resultados: Un total de 33 investigadores de 17 CC. AA. participaron en el estudio. Se observaron inequidades entre CC. AA. para el acceso a los nuevos fármacos. Existieron condicionantes autonómicos adicionales al IPT en psoriasis en el 64,7% de las CC. AA., siendo este porcentaje menor en dermatitis atópica (35,3%) o melanoma (11,8%). El más frecuente fue el requisito de un orden de prescripción previo para el uso del fármaco. En algunas CC. AA. se detectaron además variaciones y condicionantes locales (diferencias entre centros de una misma C. A.). Conclusiones: Existe una multiplicidad de criterios tanto a nivel autonómico como local que añade restricciones adicionales a las establecidas por los IPT y que plantean una situación de inequidad entre los pacientes y los profesionales de las diferentes CC. AA. en el acceso a los nuevos fármacos. Abstract: Background: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. Results: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected atthe local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). Conclusions: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

Exploring non-coding regions is increasingly gaining importance in the diagnosis of inherited retinal dystrophies. Deep-intronic variants causing aberrant splicing have been identified, prompting the development of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to modulate splicing. We performed a screening of five previously described USH2A deep-intronic variants among USH2A monoallelic patients with Usher syndrome (USH) or isolated retinitis pigmentosa. Sequencing of entire USH2A or USH genes was then conducted in unresolved or newly monoallelic cases. The splicing impact of identified variants was assessed using minigene assays, and ASOs were designed to correct splicing. The screening allowed to diagnose 30.95% of the studied patients. The sequencing of USH genes revealed 16 new variants predicted to affect splicing, with four confirmed to affect splicing through minigene assays. Two of them were unreported deep-intronic variants and predicted to include a pseudoexon in the pre-mRNA, and the other two could alter a regulatory cis-element. ASOs designed for three USH2A deep-intronic variants successfully redirected splicing in vitro. Our study demonstrates the improvement in genetic characterization of IRDs when analyzing non-coding regions, highlighting that deep-intronic variants significantly contribute to USH2A pathogenicity. Furthermore, successful splicing modulation through ASOs highlights their therapeutic potential for patients carrying deep-intronic variants.

Fundamento: las asignaturas optativas tienen como propósito ampliar y actualizar a los estudiantes sobre temas científicos o tecnológicos relacionados con la profesión. Objetivo: diseñar un programa para el curso optativo Examen Físico General cuyos contenidos constituyan base científica en la impartición de la asignatura Bases para el Cuidado de Enfermería I. Métodos: se realizó una investigación de desarrollo en la Facultad de Tecnología de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey, durante el curso 2020-2021. Se emplearon métodos teóricos: análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo y el enfoque sistémico; y empíricos: análisis documental a programas docentes, y cuestionario a estudiantes y profesores para determinar los contenidos a introducir en el programa. Se seleccionaron nueve especialistas con 10 años de experiencia en la docencia, de ellos, tres con grado científico de doctores en ciencias y seis profesores auxiliares, que sobre la base del análisis y la argumentación, aportaron criterios valorativos sobre su pertinencia y estructura metodológica. Resultados: se diseñó el programa basado en contenidos del examen físico general estructurados en cuatro temas, con carácter presencial y una duración de 40 horas. Contiene objetivos generales educativos e instructivos, objetivos específicos, contenidos, orientaciones metodológicas y sistema de evaluación. Fue valorado por criterios de especialistas. Conclusiones: el curso optativo contiene conocimientos esenciales que optimizan el desarrollo del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje. Su creación respondió a una necesidad y en la práctica reforzó la base científica para la adquisición de los conocimientos de la asignatura rectora.

Los ítems tipo Likert son comúnmente utilizados en ciencias sociales. Este estudio comprueba si se pueden mejorar las propiedades psicométricas de los autoinformes variando los formatos de respuesta. Los formatos comparados han sido el tipo Likert de cinco alternativas y el VAS (Visual Analog Scale). Para ello, 584 personas (75.2 % mujeres) con una edad media de 32.9 años (DT = 13.4) respondieron a dos cuestionarios online de personalidad que fueron aplicados una vez con formato tipo Likert (0-4) y una segunda vez con formato VAS (0-100). La discriminación, fiabilidad y pesos factoriales de las escalas con formato Likert han sido mayores que las del formato VAS. El formato de respuesta no afectó a la estructura factorial. Las escalas con formato VAS dan puntuaciones totales significativamente más altas. Aunque los ítems con formato de respuesta Likert muestran un mejor funcionamiento, estos resultados podrían estar influenciados por la longitud de la línea en el formato VAS.

Background and aimsWe previously identified subsets of patients with NAFLD with different metabolic phenotypes. Here we align metabolomic signatures with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and genetic risk factors.Approach and resultsWe analyzed serum metabolome from 1154 individuals with biopsy-proven NAFLD, and from four mouse models of NAFLD with impaired VLDL-triglyceride (TG) secretion, and one with normal VLDL-TG secretion. We identified three metabolic subtypes: A (47%), B (27%), and C (26%). Subtype A phenocopied the metabolome of mice with impaired VLDL-TG secretion; subtype C phenocopied the metabolome of mice with normal VLDL-TG; and subtype B showed an intermediate signature. The percent of patients with NASH and fibrosis was comparable among subtypes, although subtypes B and C exhibited higher liver enzymes. Serum VLDL-TG levels and secretion rate were lower among subtype A compared with subtypes B and C. Subtype A VLDL-TG and VLDL-apolipoprotein B concentrations were independent of steatosis, whereas subtypes B and C showed an association with these parameters. Serum TG, cholesterol, VLDL, small dense LDL5,6 , and remnant lipoprotein cholesterol were lower among subtype A compared with subtypes B and C. The 10-year high risk of CVD, measured with the Framingham risk score, and the frequency of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 NAFLD risk allele were lower in subtype A.ConclusionsMetabolomic signatures identify three NAFLD subgroups, independent of histological disease severity. These signatures align with known CVD and genetic risk factors, with subtype A exhibiting a lower CVD risk profile. This may account for the variation in hepatic versus cardiovascular outcomes, offering clinically relevant risk stratification.

In an era marked by ubiquitous reliance on mobile applications for nearly every need, the opacity of apps’ behavior poses significant threats to their users’ privacy. Although major data protection regulations require apps to disclose their data practices transparently, previous studies have pointed out difficulties in doing so. To further delve into this issue, this article describes an automated method to capture data-sharing practices in Android apps and assess their proper disclosure according to the EU General Data Protection Regulation. We applied the method to 9,000 random Android apps, unveiling an uncomfortable reality: over 80% of Android applications that transfer personal data off device potentially fail to meet GDPR transparency requirements. We further investigate the role of third-party libraries, shedding light on the source of this problem and pointing towards measures to address it.

This work proposes a high-efficiency High-Brightness LED (HB-LED) driver for Visible Light Communication (VLC) based on a Two-Input Buck (TIBuck) DC/DC converter. This solution not only outperforms previous approaches based on Buck DC/DC converters, but also simplifies previous proposals for VLC drivers that use the split power technique with two DC/DC converters: one is in charge of the communication tasks and the other controls the biasing of the HB-LED (i.e., lighting tasks). The real implementation of this scheme requires either two input voltage sources, one of which is isolated, or one DC/DC converter with galvanic isolation. The proposed implementation of splitting the power is based on a TIBuck DC/DC converter that avoids the isolation requirement, overcoming the major drawback of this technique, keeping high-efficiency and high communication capability thanks to the lower voltage stress both across the switches and at the switching node. This fact allows for the operation at very high frequency for communication purposes, minimizing switching power losses, achieving high efficiency and providing lower filtering effort. Moreover, the duty ratio range can also be adapted to the useful voltage range of the HB-LED load to maximize the resolution on the tracking of the output volage. The power is split by means of an auxiliary Buck DC/DC converter operating at low switching frequency, which generates the secondary voltage source needed by the TIBuck DC/DC converter. This defines a natural split of power by only processing the power delivered for communications purposes at high frequency. A 7 W output-power experimental prototype of the proposed VLC driver was built and tested. Based on the experimental results, the prototype achieved 94% efficiency, reproducing a 64-QAM digital modulation scheme and achieving a bit rate of 1.5 Mbps with error in communication of 12%.

ABC toxin complexes are a class of protein toxin translocases comprised of a multimeric assembly of protein subunits. Each subunit displays a unique composition, contributing to the formation of a syringe-like nano-machine with natural cargo carrying, targeting, and translocation capabilities. Many of these toxins are insecticidal, drawing increasing interest in agriculture for use as biological pesticides. The A subunit (TcA) is the largest subunit of the complex and contains domains associated with membrane permeation and targeting. The B and C subunits, TcB and TcC, respectively, package into a cocoon-like structure that contains a toxic peptide and are coupled to TcA to form a continuous channel upon final assembly. In this review, we outline the current understanding and gaps in the knowledge pertaining to ABC toxins, highlighting seven published structures of TcAs and how these structures have led to a better understanding of the mechanism of host tropism and toxin translocation. We also highlight similarities and differences between homologues that contribute to variations in host specificity and conformational change. Lastly, we review the biotechnological potential of ABC toxins as both pesticides and cargo-carrying shuttles that enable the transport of peptides into cells.

Although approximately a third of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) also experience a mental health concern, caregivers often miss early identification of these issues. In this perspective piece, we present an outline for a mental health literacy program that can enhance existing training approaches for caregivers of individuals with IDD. We describe three processes of the Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy (MHAA) curriculum and detail how it provides a strong preventative model to train caregivers to increase their mental health literacy. In describing these processes, we provide illustrative examples and conclude by providing a brief vignette that highlights how this process could be used by caregivers to help reduce mental health concerns in individuals with IDD.

Background: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. Results: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). Conclusions: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain. Resumen: Antecedentes: En España, aunque el Ministerio de Sanidad elabora el informe de posicionamiento terapéutico (IPT) y las condiciones de reembolso de los fármacos, las Comunidades Autónomas (CC. AA.) gestionan los servicios de salud y deciden sobre las condiciones de prescripción en su ámbito territorial. El objetivo del estudio EQUIDAD fue describir los condicionantes para la prescripción de los nuevos fármacos en Dermatología en las CC. AA. y sus posibles diferencias. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en abril-mayo del 2023. Dos dermatólogos con responsabilidades directivas de cada Comunidad Autónoma (C. A.) informaron sobre los condicionantes autonómicos y locales en la prescripción de los fármacos cuyo IPT para el tratamiento de enfermedades dermatológicas fue publicado en los años 2016-2022. Los datos fueron recogidos mediante un cuestionario online. Resultados: Un total de 33 investigadores de 17 CC. AA. participaron en el estudio. Se observaron inequidades entre CC. AA. para el acceso a los nuevos fármacos. Existieron condicionantes autonómicos adicionales al IPT en psoriasis en el 64,7% de las CC. AA., siendo este porcentaje menor en dermatitis atópica (35,3%) o melanoma (11,8%). El más frecuente fue el requisito de un orden de prescripción previo para el uso del fármaco. En algunas CC. AA. se detectaron además variaciones y condicionantes locales (diferencias entre centros de una misma C. A.). Conclusiones: Existe una multiplicidad de criterios tanto a nivel autonómico como local que añade restricciones adicionales a las establecidas por los IPT y que plantean una situación de inequidad entre los pacientes y los profesionales de las diferentes CC. AA. en el acceso a los nuevos fármacos.

Formation of atmospheric ice plays a crucial role in the microphysical evolution of mixed-phase and cirrus clouds and thus climate. How aerosol particles impact ice crystal formation by acting as ice-nucleating particles (INPs) is a subject of intense research activities. To improve understanding of atmospheric INPs, we examined daytime and nighttime particles collected during the Aerosol and Cloud Experiments in the Eastern North Atlantic (ACE-ENA) field campaign conducted in summer 2017. Collected particles, representative of a remote marine environment, were investigated for their propensity to serve as INPs in the immersion freezing (IMF) and deposition ice nucleation (DIN) modes. The particle population was characterized by chemical imaging techniques such as computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (CCSEM/EDX) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy with near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS). Four major particle-type classes were identified where internally mixed inorganic-organic particles make up the majority of the analyzed particles. Following ice nucleation experiments, individual INPs were identified and characterized by SEM/EDX. The identified INP types belong to the major particle-type classes consisting of fresh sea salt with organics or processed sea salt containing dust and sulfur with organics. Ice nucleation experiments show IMF events at temperatures as low as 231 K, including the subsaturated regime. DIN events were observed at lower temperatures of 210 to 231 K. IMF and DIN observations were analyzed with regard to activated INP fraction, ice-nucleation active site (INAS) densities, and a water activity-based immersion freezing model (ABIFM) yielding heterogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients. Observed IMF and DIN events of ice formation and corresponding derived freezing rates demonstrate that the marine boundary layer aerosol particles can serve as INPs under typical mixed-phase and cirrus cloud conditions. The derived IMF and DIN parameterizations allow for implementation in cloud and climate models to evaluate predictive effects of atmospheric ice crystal formation.

Mental health literacy (MHL) training is essential in college environments. These programs are commonly delivered in-person via workshops or for-credit courses. Campuses now seek high-quality online options. We compare the effectiveness of a for-credit MHL course against a comparison course, focusing on whether online asynchronous delivery was as effective as in-person synchronous delivery. This quasi-experimental pretest/posttest treatment/comparison study included 1049 participants across five semesters (pre-COVID-19) who were 18 years or older and self-selected enrollment in a Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy (MHAA) course (treatment; n = 474) or a general lifespan development course (comparison; n = 575). Using linear mixed effect modeling, changes in MHL were compared across groups and across online/in-person modalities. Students in the treatment group significantly increased their MHL knowledge ([beta][subscript Identifying] = 0.49, p < 0.001; [beta][subscript Locating] = 0.32, p < 0.001; [beta][subscript Responding] = 0.46, p < 0.001) and self-efficacy ([beta] = 0.27, p < 0.001), and treatment effects did not differ across modalities. With increased concern regarding mental health issues of isolated college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study supports the efficacy of delivering MHL courses online.

Abstract Accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in the substantia nigra pars compacta is central in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease, leading to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and the manifestation of motor symptoms. Although several PD models mimic the pathological accumulation of α-synuclein after overexpression, they do not allow for controlling and monitoring its aggregation. We recently generated a new optogenetic tool by which we can spatiotemporally control the aggregation of α-synuclein using a light-induced protein aggregation system. Using this innovative tool, we aimed to characterize the impact of α-synuclein clustering on mitochondria, whose activity is crucial to maintain neuronal survival. We observed that aggregates of α-synuclein transiently and dynamically interact with mitochondria, leading to mitochondrial depolarization, lower ATP production, mitochondrial fragmentation and degradation via cardiolipin externalization-dependent mitophagy. Aggregation of α-synuclein also leads to lower mitochondrial content in human dopaminergic neurons and in mouse midbrain. Interestingly, overexpression of α-synuclein alone did not induce mitochondrial degradation. This work is among the first to clearly discriminate between the impact of α-synuclein overexpression and aggregation on mitochondria. This study thus represents a new framework to characterize the role of mitochondria in PD.

Redox reactions are central to biochemistry and are both controlled by and induce protein structural changes. Here, we describe structural rearrangements and crosstalk within the Bacillus cereus ribonucleotide reductase R2b-NrdI complex, a di-metal carboxylate-flavoprotein system, as part of the mechanism generating the essential catalytic free radical of the enzyme. Femtosecond crystallography at an X-ray free electron laser was utilized to obtain structures at room temperature in defined redox states without suffering photoreduction. Together with density functional theory calculations, we show that the flavin is under steric strain in the R2b-NrdI protein complex, likely tuning its redox properties to promote superoxide generation. Moreover, a binding site in close vicinity to the expected flavin O2 interaction site is observed to be controlled by the redox state of the flavin and linked to the channel proposed to funnel the produced superoxide species from NrdI to the di-manganese site in protein R2b. These specific features are coupled to further structural changes around the R2b-NrdI interaction surface. The mechanistic implications for the control of reactive oxygen species and radical generation in protein R2b are discussed.

Polar ring galaxies (PRGs) are unusual relative to common galaxies in that they consist of a central host galaxy—usually a gas-poor, early-type S0 or elliptical galaxy—surrounded by a ring of gas, dust and stars that orbit perpendicular to the major axis of the host. Despite the general quiescence of early-type galaxies (ETGs) and the rings’ lack of spiral density waves, PRGs are the sites of significant star formation relative to typical ETGs. To study these structures and improve PRG statistics, we obtained and analyzed infrared (IR) images from the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) aboard the Spitzer Space Telescope, and combined these IR data with archival optical data from both the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and the Hubble Space Telescope, and with optical imaging data we obtained with the Gemini South Observatory. We performed structural decomposition and photometry for five PRGs, and fit the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of each PRG component to estimate the stellar masses, ages, and other physical properties of the PRG components. We show that PRC B-12 and PRC B-22, both lacking previous analysis, obey trends commonly observed among PRGs. We find that the stellar masses of polar rings can be a significant fraction of the host galaxy’s stellar masses (∼10–30%). We note, however, that our estimates of stellar mass and other physical properties are the results of SED fitting and not direct measurements. Our findings corroborate both previous theoretical expectations and measurements of existing samples of PRGs and indicate the utility of SED fitting in the context of these unusual galaxies, which historically have lacked multi-wavelength photometry of their stellar components. Finally, we outline future improvements needed for more definitive studies of PRGs and their formation scenarios.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy states that Experiential Avoidance contributes to the development of psychological issues. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II measures Experiential Avoidance. The objective of the current study is to perform a validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in the general Spanish population. A sample of 964 participants from all over Spain was used (M = 43.43 years; SD = 15.27). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined according to Classical Test Theory. In addition, assessments were made of participants' personality, Emotional Intelligence, Anxiety, and Depression, and the influence of sex and age on Experiential Avoidance was examined. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a unidimensional instrument, with excellent reliability ([alpha] = .93) and adequate evidence of validity. Differences were observed based on sex, with women scoring higher, and based on age, with lower scores in the older age groups. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a valid, reliable instrument for use in the general Spanish population., Author(s): Álvaro Menéndez-Aller [sup.1] [sup.2] , Marcelino Cuesta [sup.2] , Álvaro Postigo [sup.2] , Covadonga González-Nuevo [sup.2] , Jaime García-Fernández [sup.2] , Eduardo García-Cueto [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Health Research [...]