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Immunology

Kirby Institute awarded over $7m for HIV, hepatitis C and COVID-19 immunology research – UNSW Newsroom

A combined $7.55 million has been awarded to two immunology projects at the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney via the Australian governments Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) scheme.

Through the Pathogen Genomics initiative, $6.6 million has been awarded to a large collaborative, multidisciplinary team led by Kirby Institute Director Professor Anthony Kelleher, to investigate the effectiveness of HIV and hepatitis C public health initiatives using viral genomics.

The significant project will see the establishment of national networks, governance and infrastructure to enable enhanced collection of public health metadata and viral sequence for HIV and hepatitis C across the country.

Using the latest technology and innovation in molecular epidemiology, this research will facilitate the rapid genomic analysis of virus diversity and transmissions networks for HIV and hepatitis C infection in Australia, in near real-time, says Prof. Kelleher.

Very importantly, these systems will be developed in partnership with peak community bodies to ensure patient privacy is a primary consideration, and that any systems developed are acceptable to affected communities.

The project, which is the first of its kind in Australia, will deploy high-level viral sequencing and bioinformatic systems into existing clinical and public health networks. This will enable the identification of trends in virus spread and new infections and enhance the already highly effective public health response to these increasingly dispersed epidemics.

The ability to conduct molecular epidemiological analyses in near real-time will improve Australias already world-class response to HIV and hepatitis C, by allowing us to finely map the effectiveness of particular public health strategies, and to optimise our efforts by identifying areas where more targeted campaigns are necessary. We hope this model will allow more effective use of public health investments and allow targeting to areas of greatest need, says Prof. Kelleher.

This ambitious research program will be conducted in close collaboration with colleagues within the Public Health Laboratory Network (PHLN), jurisdictional public health units, industry and multiple partners from community.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance and effectiveness of a coordinated nation-wide system for the collection, analysis and interpretation of pathogen transmission. We hope this project will fill the gaps of current prevention strategies, enabling a rapid and effective public health response with the aim of virtually eliminating these infections in Australia," says Prof. Kelleher.

A grant of $995,500 has been awarded to a team from the Kirby Institute, UNSW, Lifeblood, the Garvan Institute and St Vincents Centre for Applied clinical research. Led by Associate Professor Stuart Turville, the research will explore the bodys immune response to COVID-19.

People who become infected with SARS-CoV-2 have a range of immune responses. Some clear the virus with limited involvement of antibodies and other forms of longer term acquired immunity, says A/Prof. Turville.

Other patients mount a longer, sustained response, with secretion of high levels of antibodies and mobilisation of T cells, a key component of cellular immunity. The latter are produced to combat the spread of the virus in patients that may have symptoms of greater disease severity.

This project will analyse patient antibodies and cells over time. Many assays have already been developed from scratch in the Kirby Institutes Glendonbrook Laboratories to map the COVID-19 immune response.

A/Prof. Turville says it is critical to understand the immune response in great detail, in order to inform public health measures, treatment and vaccine delivery.

By studying the immune response in a range of patients, we will be able to understand the overall risk of re-infection in the community and if the immune response contributes to any ongoing symptoms following COVID-19 infection, he says.

The research will identify patients with potent immune responses to the virus, and will investigate how and why certain individuals have mounted a greater immune response. This information will be used to understand natural immunity to the virus and for immunotherapy and vaccine development.

A key aspect of the study will combine highly sensitive and novel methodology to follow two unique patient cohorts. The first is through a collaborative partnership with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which coordinates thousands of blood donors nationwide who have recovered from COVID-19. The second is a Sydney-based cohort called ADAPT, headed by the Kirby Institutes Associate Professor Gail Mathews at St Vincents Hospital. Combining both cohorts, the study will not only give us a snapshot of the overall immune responses across Australia, but also how this relates to disease severity and ongoing COVID-19-related symptoms.

The need for knowledge of the immune response, along with the right biomedical tools, is paramount in building the arsenal to stop the spread of COVID-19, and in the short term, generating immunotherapeutics to save peoples lives, says A/Prof. Turville.

Professor Tony Butler, from the School of Population Health at UNSW Medicine, was awarded $232,159 to investigate the mental health needs of the Australian population during COVID-19. Prof. Butlers project will use an automated method, including text mining and data linkage, to process police records over the past four years and investigate whether there have been any increases in mental illnesses both before and during the COVID-19 crisis.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Ana Deletic congratulates all of the grant recipients.

These three grants are a testament to the fact that UNSWs high performing research in virology is among the best in Australia and we remain focused on delivering impactful outcomes in medical research, Prof. Deletic says.

It is pleasing that in 2020 we have been awarded over $90 million in MRFF grants which is becoming one of our largest funding sources.

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Kirby Institute awarded over $7m for HIV, hepatitis C and COVID-19 immunology research - UNSW Newsroom

Immunology

HKUMed develops a novel therapeutic approach against Epstein-Barr virus-associated tumours by using exosomes derived from V2-T cells – India Education…

A research team at LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) discovered that exosomes derived from V2-T cells (V2-T-Exos) can effectively control Epstein-Barr virus-associated tumours and induce T-cell anti-tumour immunity. The novel findings of V2-T-Exos provide insights into new therapeutic approach for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated tumours. The ground-breaking findings have been published in the leading academic journal, Science Translational Medicine. [Link to the publication]

BackgroundEBV infects about 95% of the human population and causes more than 200,000 cases of cancer each year and that around 2% of all cancer deaths are due to EBV-attributable malignancies. EBV-associated tumours include Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric tumour and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, etc. Current treatment options for EBV-associated tumours are limited with considerably unwanted off-target toxicities and incomplete effectiveness for relapsed or refractory disease. V2-T cells are innate-like T cells with anti-tumour potentials against EBV-associated tumours. Unfortunately, its clinical translation is limited because V2-T cells from some cancer patients are difficult to be expanded. Exosomes are endosome-originated small extracellular vesicles that mediate intercellular communication. Compared with cell-based therapy, cell-free exosomes have advantages with higher safety, easier storage, and lower costs. However, the anti-tumour activity of exosomes derived from V2-T cells (V2-T-Exos) remains unknown.

Research findingsHerein, the team found that V2-T-Exos contained death-inducing ligands (FasL and TRAIL) and immunostimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, MHC class I and II). V2-T-Exos targeted and efficiently killed EBV-associated tumour cells through FasL and TRAIL pathways and promoted EBV antigen-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell expansion. Administration of V2-T-Exos effectively controlled EBV-associated tumours in immunodeficient and humanized mice. Because expanding V2-T cells and preparing autologous V2-T-Exos from cancer patients ex vivo in large scale is challenging, the team further explored the anti-tumour activity of allogeneic V2-T-Exos in humanized mouse cancer models. Interestingly, the team found that allogeneic V2-T-Exos had more effective anti-tumour activity than autologous V2-T-Exos in humanized mice; the allogeneic V2-T-Exos increased the infiltration of T cells into tumour tissues and induced more robust CD4 and CD8 T cells-mediated anti-tumour immunity. Compared with exosomes derived from NK cells with direct cytotoxic anti-tumour activity or dendritic cells that induced T-cell anti-tumour responses, V2-T-Exos have dual anti-tumour activities by directly killing tumour cells and indirectly inducing T cells-mediated anti-tumour responses, thus resulting in more effective control of EBV-associated tumours.

Our study provides the first evidence about the anti-tumour activities of V2-T-Exos against EBV-associated tumours. These exosomes could effectively control EBV-associated cancers in multiple mouse models. More importantly, allogeneic V2-T-Exos had higher therapeutic efficacy than autologous V2-T-Exos to control EBV-associated tumours. Therefore, the V2-T-Exos prepared from healthy donors can be used to treat patients with EBV-associated tumours, which is highly beneficial to the clinical application of this novel approach, said Professor Tu Wen-wei, Antony and Nina Chan professor in Paediatric Immunology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, HKUMed, who led the research.

Significance of the studyThe findings of the study have significant implications in cancer immunotherapy. Firstly, the identification that V2-T-Exos has potent immunostimulatory property suggests that they could be designed as a cancer vaccine by serving as immune adjuvant and delivering immunogens. Secondly, the V2-T-Exos has advantages over other exosome-based therapies (e.g. NK-Exos and DC-Exos) by displaying dual anti-tumour activities and are easier in preparation. Thirdly, the results that allogeneic V2-T-Exos have higher anti-tumour efficacies than autologous V2-T-Exos can greatly enhance the clinical feasibility of V2-T-Exos, because the preparation of allogeneic exosomes does not require personalized procedures and is easier in quality control, standardization and centralization for clinical application.

About the research teamThe research was led by Professor Tu Wen-wei, Antony and Nina Chan Professor in Paediatric Immunology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, HKUMed. Dr Wang Xi-wei, post-doctoral fellow of Professor Tus team, is the first author. Other researchers include Dr Zheng Xiang, post-doctoral fellow of Professor Tus team; Dr Liu Yin-ping, Research Officer in Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, HKUMed; Ms Huang Chun-yu, PhD student of Professor Tu; Dr Pei Yu-jun, post-doctoral fellow of Professor Tus team; Dr Pamela Lee Pui-wah, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and Assistant Dean (Clinical Curriculum), HKUMed; Professor Godfrey Chan Chi-fung, Tsao Yen-Chow Professor in Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Head and Clinical Professor of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, HKUMed; Professor Lau Yu-lung, Doris Zimmern Professor in Community Child Health and Chair Professor of Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, HKUMed; Collaborators include Dr Wang Xia, post-doctoral fellow, Department of Pathology, HKUMed; Dr Helen Zhi, Director of Biostatistics and Clinical Research Methodology Unit, School of Public Health, HKUMed; Dr Wilfred Wong Hing-sang, Senior IT Manager, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, HKUMed. Professor Wei Hai-ming, Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, Mainland China; Professor Irene Ng Oi-lin, Loke Yew Professor in Pathology, Director of State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (HKU), Chair of Pathology, HKUMed.

Collaborating institutions contributing to the research include the Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, Mainland China.

This work was supported in part by General Research Fund (17122519, 17126317, 17115015, 17121214), Theme-based Research Scheme from the Research Grants Council (Project No. T11-705/14N), and The Area of Excellence Scheme (AoE/M-06/08) supported by the University Grants Committee, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

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HKUMed develops a novel therapeutic approach against Epstein-Barr virus-associated tumours by using exosomes derived from V2-T cells - India Education...

Human Behavior

Yes, There Is a Place for Sugar in Your Diet – Dance Magazine

Given the hype around sugar's unhealthy consequences, it might as well be wrapped in a layer of yellow "Caution" tape. But many dancers still cannot kick the strong cravings for their favorite sweet indulgences. How can dancers manage this urge without fear? Why the Body Craves Sugar

Whether it comes from whole-grain bread or a sundae, sugar is a derivative of carbohydrates. These are your body's preferred fuel not just for dancing but also for your brain, nervous system and red blood cells. When you're low on energy, hormones are released to signal that it's time for a replenishment. This translates into hunger, and if you're choosing a no-carb or low-carb diet, those signals are bound to grow stronger and cause you to crave sweeter, more energy-dense carbohydrate-based foods.

An overwhelming amount of fear surrounds sugar. Some feel that it's addictive and think, "Once I start, I won't stop." But research displaying any potential for sugar addiction is limited to animal studies that cannot parallel human behavior. In fact, there's a stronger link between overall food restriction and overeating.

Sugar in and of itself is not the reason why you might overeat. Rather, denying yourself the sweet stuff is the very driver of overdoing it in the long run, due to the body's biological need for carbs and the mind's psychological desire to want what it thinks it cannot have.

Be wary of low-sugar versions of your favorite dessert. These can often leave you mentally unsatisfied and physically low on the very carbohydrates your body needs for energy.

There are instances when sugary foods might not serve your dancing. Insulin, a hormone that moves sugar away from your blood and into your working muscles, is released in response to your food intake. Eating an excessive amount of sugar can lead to high levels of insulin, which soon leads to a major drop in energy.

If you're feeling tired and sluggish midway into your class, it could be a sign that you need to scale back on your pre-dancing sugar load. Save that chocolate bar for afterward.

The FDA defines "added sugars" as those added to foods during processing to help improve flavor, texture and shelf life. Added sugars can inadvertently sneak into your day. Though not thought of as sweet, condiments, soups, dressings and marinades often have them.

Check the ingredient lists to identify highly refined sugars like high fructose corn syrup, which has been associated with increased levels of inflammation. Choose foods that are instead sweetened with less-refined sources:

To make sweets part of a healthy lifestyle, honor your body's need for sugar as a source of energy. When cravings arise, embrace them as a sign that you actually need the dose of carbs. To avoid the potential of overdoing it, satisfy your sweet tooth mindfully: Power down the screens, portion your servings and use utensils. This helps to create an eating experience, which allows you to better tune in to feelings of satisfaction and fullness.

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Yes, There Is a Place for Sugar in Your Diet - Dance Magazine

Human Behavior

Pope: Pandemic revealed world’s false securities, lack of cooperation – Arlington Catholic Herald

VATICAN CITY -- In facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts of the scientific community can serve as an example for the world on the importance of working together for the common good, Pope Francis said.

In a message sent Oct. 7 to participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the pope said that the pandemic "brought to light not only our false securities, but also the inability of the world's countries to work together."

The academy's assembly, on the other hand, "brings together a number of different scientific disciplines" and "offers an example of how the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis should be addressed through coordinated efforts in the service of the entire human family," he said.

The Oct. 7-9 virtual event, titled "Science and Survival," focused on the coronavirus, as well as the "connections between large-scale risks for life on this planet and opportunities of science to address them," the pontifical academy's website stated.

Members of the academy also planned to address the "root causes and prevention of 'zoonotic diseases,'" that is, "infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that spread from animals to humans."

"Food-related animal production systems may need reshaping to reduce the risks of zoonotic breeding grounds," the website stated.

"We also need to know more about the psychological foundations of human behavior in situations of collective stress, in order to decide on appropriate governance strategies in crises," it said.

In his message, the pope said that COVID-19 not only affects people's health, but also "the entire social, economic and spiritual fabric of society, paralyzing human relationships, work, manufacturing, trade and even many spiritual activities."

It also has had a major impact on education, he added, in that great numbers of children are unable to return to school, thus risking an "increase in child labor, exploitation, abuse and malnutrition."

On a broader scale, he said, "being unable to see a person's face and considering other people as potential carriers of the virus is a terrible metaphor of a global social crisis that must be of concern to all who have the future of humanity at heart."

The coronavirus pandemic, along with other issues such as global warming and the loss of biodiversity, he said, are calls for humanity "to rethink its course, to repent and to undertake an ecological conversion."

The pope said the pandemic has also highlighted the plight of the poor who "cry out for equitable solutions on the part of government and all decision-makers."

"Health care systems, for example, need to become much more inclusive and accessible to the disadvantaged and those living in low-income countries. If anyone should be given preference, let it be the neediest and most vulnerable among us," Pope Francis said.

"How wonderful it would be if the growth of scientific and technological innovation could come along with more equality and social inclusion," the pope said, quoting his recently published encyclical, "Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship."

"How wonderful would it be, even as we discover faraway planets, to rediscover the needs of the brothers and sisters who orbit around us!" he said.

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Pope: Pandemic revealed world's false securities, lack of cooperation - Arlington Catholic Herald

Human Behavior

Two Penn Med professors win total of $8 million in grants from National Institutes of Health – The Daily Pennsylvanian

The Perelman School of Medicine's Brian Litt (left) and Gregory Corder (right) were awarded Directors Awards from the National Institutes of Health.

The National Institutes of Health awarded its Director's Awards, which include a combined $8 million in research grants to two professors at Penns Perelman School of Medicine.

Brian Litt, a professor of neurology, neurosurgery, and bioengineering, and Gregory Corder, an assistant professor of neuroscience and psychiatry, are two of this year's 85 recipients, Penn Medicine News reported.

The awards are part of the NIH Common Fund's "High-Risk, High Reward Research Program," which aims to "fuel research endeavors that are more open-ended and could have a broader effect on scientific understanding than traditional research." Corder was awarded the New Innovator Award, receiving $2.4 million to investigate the mechanisms of chronic pain, and Litt was awarded the Pioneer Award for $5.6 million which will support his novel neurodevice research.

Litt is working to develop autonomous neurodevices, or "implanted machines that can question, record, and combine learning algorithms based on neurological signals and feedback to act and alter human behavior on the fly," Penn Medicine News reported.

For patients with epilepsy, the devices would predict and prevent seizures. In Parkinson's patients, implants would communicate with patients to improve mobility, reduce tremors, and enhance responsiveness.

Corder plans to use the grant to "identify which parts of the brain are important for pain perception and which circuits impact pain relief from opioids," Penn Medicine News reported.

In the wake of widespread opioid addiction that has increased over the past decade, this research can pave the way for effective pain-relief treatment without the addictive properties of opioids.

We currently have a limited understanding of the neural pathways in the brain that contribute to pain, which has been a significant barrier for treating pain efficiently, without negative side effects," Corder told Penn Medicine News. "But, if we can identify and understand these circuits, we can then try to rewrite the neural code of pain.

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Two Penn Med professors win total of $8 million in grants from National Institutes of Health - The Daily Pennsylvanian

Human Behavior

Film Review: ‘The One and Only Ivan’ Inspires Animal Activism – Graphic

Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The One and Only Ivan shares a true, enlightening tale that highlights the empathic aspect of animals and is relevant to the growing understanding of the sentient nature of animals. The movie based on the book by the same name by Katherine Applegate tells the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla, with a Disney twist.

Directed by Thea Sharrock, the film first became available for streaming on Disney+ on Aug 1. The movies all-star cast, including Sam Rockwell as the voice of Ivan, Danny DeVito as the voice of Bob, and Angelina Jolie as the voice of Stella, elevates the overall quality of the film.

Bob, a stray dog the gorilla takes in, proves to be Ivans best friend. Ivans many interactions with the other animals in the film highlight his gentle nature.

Ivan and Bob talk after hours in Ivan's cage at the circus. Ivan dreamt of being free.

The real silverback gorilla the movie is based on, also named Ivan, was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1962. He was captured the same year, and at 2 years old, he was sold to private owners in the U.S. Ruben and Lois Johnston raised Ivan in a home with two boys of their own.

The film doesnt depict this beginning and instead starts by showing a grown Ivan in a circus cage. A single owner of the circus replaces the Johnston family. Its a movie that inspires viewers to step outside themselves and consider life from the perspective of a cage. It showcases the animals personalities through CGI effects, giving the animals visible emotion.

The film illustrates the beauty of childhood innocence, the power of a dream and the undeniable intelligence of these animals. Drawing on the childhood innocence theme, Ivan paints a forest-like setting on the glass wall of his circus display. He paints it because a little girl, Julia, told him she draws things as she wants them to be instead of as they are.

The intricate thought process of Ivan throughout the film, especially when he takes the advice of Julia, shows a Hollywood version of the emotional nature of animals. Animals comprehend a lot of human behavior, and their actions often emulate that understanding, which is emphasized in this scene.

The real Ivan grew up like a human child for 37 months before he became too rambunctious for his environment. He caused about $17,000 worth of damage to the Johnstons home. They decided that he would be moved to a cage in the B&I shopping center in Tacoma, Wash.

The silverback gorilla then spent 27 years in a 14 x 14 cement cell without any kind of socialization with other animals. He never stepped foot outside or touched real grass for his entire residence at the shopping center.

Ivans gentle personality and sharp intellect inspired a nation to rally for better living conditions for the gorilla. Local animal welfare groups successfully campaigned for his release to a more suitable environment, which occurred in 1994 when he was placed at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

The movie also depicts a nation that rallied behind Ivans release, which began with Julia pleading to the public via a news anchor at the circus.

The first zoo didnt have adequate space for Ivan, so he was transferred permanently to Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga. Ivan spent the last 18 years of his life there an environment that was far more conducive to his species because release back into the wild was unrealistic due to how he grew up.

Many major news sources, including The New York Times, covered Ivans story. People Magazine also published a story on him, which helped further the campaign for his release. Headlines and protests that illustrated the nation-wide plea for him were shown in the film.

Today, animal rights activists try to prevent stories like this from ever occurring again. Animal welfare groups continue to pursue the best possible conditions for exotic animals in captivity. Animals, however, are still considered zoo attractions and confined in cages. The fight for their freedom is far from over.

The film ended with Ivans release to the zoo where Julia visited him with Ivans best friend, Bob, who became her pet dog. It ends on an uplifting and hopeful note, advocating for more humane treatment of animals.

The film is available to stream exclusively on Disney+. Its expected release date to other streaming services is unknown.

____________________

Follow the Graphic on Twitter: @PeppGraphic

Contact Christin Karr via Twitter: @Christin_Karr or by email: christin.karr@pepperdine.edu

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Film Review: 'The One and Only Ivan' Inspires Animal Activism - Graphic

Human Behavior

Shine On – Thrive Global

With a quick snap of a cloth on leather, Mr. Levert Johnson, has been accustomed to shining shoes for the past 30 years atSt. Louis International Lambert Airport. Then, hunched over, he carefully touched the soles with a toothbrush and polish. He listened to politicians, ministers, educators, doctors, dignitaries, economists from all over the world humans. What did they all have in common? What wisdom did Mr. Johnson extract from his daily interactions by inviting his clients on his chair?

Levert loved talking sports. Basketball is his favorite. If people chose to talk a little deeper, he was willing to lend a listening ear.

People closest to the problem, are the closest to the solution, says Mr. Johnson. We can apply this truth of wisdom to anything in life.

Today, the once-ubiquitous shoeshine professional has nearly vanished from the airport, hotel lobbeys, barbershops and American popular culture. The handful of men who continue shining shoes are finding ways to do so within their own homes as rent is high and business has gone down severely due to the economy and this years pandemic.

Levert was raised by a single mother of seven children who taught him to do his best each and every day regardless of how he would be treated. Leverts best paying clients typically were ones who did not want to talk. He could read clients body language very well. Some came just to talk to him directly about work, life, politics, etc. One client even brought his son with him to get some additional life advice. Some just wanted protected time to read and sit in silence. The dynamics of each client brought a greater appreciation and understanding to human behavior in Leverts eyes.

In terms of money, Levert says, It all boils down to how bad you want it. His mother taught him to be independent. He started working at the age of 13 and then enlisted in theArmy. He never wanted to be dependent on anyone because he knows nothing is free in life. As a Veteran, loyalty, duty, respect, honor, personal courage and selfless service were always part of his core.

Life is a great big playground. You have to stop and think. Think about the consequences versus the what if? The consequences are greater than being in the moment. Some people get to play the game; while others are quickly replaced. Stop and think. Stop and think. Find a playground that will help you grow and remember, life is not fair.

You have to show. Words no longer mean anything. In Leverts days, a handshake or a good word was a covenant. Nowadays, he sees things have changed drastically. Trust is difficult and the pace of life has gone into overdrive this has left many unaware of their surroundings and of the importance of creating deep relationships and building a strong community. He remembers growing up with little, but still, he had a community that somehow made each day meaningful.

In terms of work, once you become good at what you do, you will love what you do, Levert laments thinking back. He loved shining shoes. He loved interacting with people. He loved listening, pausing and appreciating the blessings in life he was able to recognize each and every day. Levert loves to learn from other people. Each person who comes into your life has a message that you can learn from if you stay alert. He had difficulty with negative self-talk growing up, but he realized, its all mind over matter.

Levert definitely has his opinions on shoes. Quality gives you confidence and this is a value Levert keeps dearly within him. Regardless of the situation, he still provides the best quality possible in whatever task he delivers. This keeps him confident, positive, and hopeful for better days ahead.

Levert considers himself a slow-learner. He did not know the alphabet until he was fifteen. He taught himself because he wanted to read. He loved art, but his natural talents were not utilized in school. Rather, he was discouraged; and so his artistic drawing talent was rediscovered further in life. He still remembers the names of his teacher, Ms. Davis, who told him he was foolish for wanting to draw. You have to have the desire and focus on yourself,Levert shares. Levert wishes he focused on himself, but had many responsibilities and barriers that didnt allow him to pursue the desires he had within him.

Levert worked with many people. He believes all people are good, but everyone has a story behind their face. He never tried to get too close to people. He set respectful boundaries because if he got too involved, people would take advantage of his kindness. He believes in the value of a human being and doing for others as he would like others to do for him.

Do the best you can each day. Do people right. If you see someone in need of help, help them. Do it not to look good; do it because you were chosen to help that person. You never know when you may be in that position one day. Growing up in a large household of seven children and being placed right in the middle, he did not grow up with the luxuries in life. He often remembers being hungry, but his mother did whatever possible to take care of all of them.

Levert keeps shining shoes from his home right now as he awaits and hopes for a turnaround when business and travel increase. In the meantime, he continues to do the best he can. He came to the St. Patrick Center to work on improving his skillsets. He signed up for the Job Readiness Training program which allows clients to create a resume, develop interviewing skills and find out what skillsets may be transferable and upskilled to other sectors of employment. Levert understands the importance of being part of a healthy community system. He completed the training program and now works for the BEST crew. Levert looks forward to shining brightly in the future, but most importantly, taking the good with the bad.

You have to look the part if youre going to do the business, Levert shares. Levert shows up every morning toSt. Patrick Center, polishing his own skillsets and setting the standard of making the best of each and every day moving forward.

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Shine On - Thrive Global

Immunology

Karen Oates brings biology, immunology expertise to COVID-19 education project – WPI News

Karen Oates

Karen Oates, professor of biology & biotechnology, will coordinate the development of educational materials for a project aimed at teaching college students and the general public about vaccines.

The one-year project is funded by a $199,425 RAPID grant from the National Science Foundation to Santa Clara University. Oates is co-principal investigator on the project, working with scientists and science communicators to develop short YouTube videos, social media content, and project-based teaching materials.

Some studies have shown that a large percentage of 18- to 29-year-olds have said they would not be vaccinated against COVID-19, if a vaccine were available, Oates said. I feel a responsibility to give college students information about vaccines and vaccination so they can make decisions based on science. I want them to understand their responsibilities to their communities when it comes to vaccination, and I want to give them the tools to make the right decisions.

The project will develop educational modules on understanding science, the science of COVID-19, vaccine science, and COVID-19 science communication. Oates, an expert in biochemistry and immunology, plans to test some of the educational materials at WPI during her C Term class on human biology. All materials developed during the project will be free to users and available in English and Spanish, she said.

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Karen Oates brings biology, immunology expertise to COVID-19 education project - WPI News

Immunology

Plasma Fractionation Market to Exhibit a CAGR of 7.6% and Touch USD 48.55 Billion by 2027; Constant Research and Study of immunoglobulin to Lighten…

Pune, Oct. 08, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global plasma fractionation market size is expected to reach USD 48.55 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. The growing incidence of immunological disorders is expected to spur demand for the market, states Fortune Business Insights, in a report, titled Plasma Fractionation Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product (Immunoglobulin, Albumin, Coagulation Factors, Protease Inhibitors, and Others), By Application (Immunology & Neurology, Hematology, Critical Care, Pulmonology, and Others), By End-user (Hospitals & Clinics, Clinical Research Laboratories, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027. The market size stood at USD 25.44 billion in 2019.

The report on the market of Plasma Fractionation comprises:

Notable Development:

October 2018: Shire announced the commencement of the plasma fractionation facility in Georgia, U.S.

Request a Sample Copy of the Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/plasma-fractionation-market-101614

High R&D for Alzheimers Therapies to Contribute Growth

The growing adoption of immunoglobulin for the management, treatment, and diagnosis of metabolic diseases is expected to have a tremendous impact on the market. The ongoing R&D investments and study of immunoglobulin to treat Alzheimers and other autoimmune disorders therapies will spur business opportunities for the market.

Immunoglobulin is glycoprotein molecules that are derived by plasma fractionation and act as antibodies. Moreover, the growing utilization of immunoglobulin owing to its superior advantages can further incite the development of the market.

The coronavirus incidence has caused severe damage and financial ruin to industries across the globe. The governments of several countries have instigated lockdown to thwart the spread of this deadly virus. Such plans have caused disturbances in the production and supply chain.

But, with time and resolution, we will be able to combat this stern time and get back to normality. Our well-revised reports will help companies to receive in-depth information about the present scenario of every market so that you can adopt the necessary strategies accordingly.

To get to know more about the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on this market, please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/plasma-fractionation-market-101614

Favorable Government Regulations to Propel Market in North America

The market size in North America is expected to grow profoundly during the forecast period owing to the increasing research and development in the field of plasma. The well-established healthcare infrastructure. The favorable government regulations and FDA approvals are expected to enable speedy expansion of the market in the forthcoming years.

The growing participation in plasma donations is expected to foster the healthy growth of the market. Europe is predicted to witness high growth during the forecast period due to the growing prevalence of rare diseases in the region. The heavy investments in plasma fractionation systems will create lucrative business opportunities for the market.

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The Report Lists the Main Companies in this Plasma Fractionation Market:

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Global Plasma Fractionation Market Segmentations:

By Product Type

Albumin

Immunoglobulin

o Intravenous Immunoglobulin

o Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin

Coagulation Factors

o Factor IX

o Factor VIII

o Prothrombin Complex Concentrates

o Fibrinogen Concentrates

o Others

Protease Inhibitors

Others

By Application

Immunology & Neurology

Hematology

Critical Care

Pulmonology

Others

By End User

Hospitals & Clinics

Clinical Research Laboratories

Others (Academic Institutes, etc)

By Geography

North America (U.S, Canada)

Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and Rest of Europe)

Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, Southeast Asia and Rest of Asia- Pacific)

Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America)

The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, GCC, and Rest of the Middle East and Africa)

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Plasma Fractionation Market to Exhibit a CAGR of 7.6% and Touch USD 48.55 Billion by 2027; Constant Research and Study of immunoglobulin to Lighten...

Genetics

Trump’s frightening embrace of the racist ‘racehorse’ theory – Los Angeles Times

To the editor: Most of the coverage we read of President Trump is about his COVID-19 infection, including his reckless advice to the American people not to be afraid of the disease. The L.A. Times has something else: an article by reporter Seema Mehta about the presidents expressed support for the racehorse theory of genetics, including a rally in Minnesota last month at which he said his supporters have good genes like he does.

There is much information on the internet about hate-based beliefs, including the racehorse theory, eugenics, Aryan race superiority, ethnic cleansing, forced sterilization of minority groups and more.

Why would any president accept or encourage hateful ideas that deserve to be condemned? America fought against Adolf Hitler and Hideki Tojo in World War II in part because we reject tyrants who kill for the sake of racial hatred.

The optimist in me hopes that Trump does not want to be remembered as a leader whose rule resulted in the death of a million or more people. American exceptionalism should not include joining a list that includes Mao Zedong, Joseph Stalin, Leopold II, Hitler and Tojo.

Alan Stillson, Woodland Hills

..

To the editor: This is more frightening than most things Ive heard from the Trump administration, and thats saying a lot.

As a Holocaust educator and a Jew knowledgeable about my peoples history, I know exactly how this ends. Never forget, and never again.

Richard Shafarman, Santa Clarita

Read the original:
Trump's frightening embrace of the racist 'racehorse' theory - Los Angeles Times