Potato mop-top virus co-opts the stress sensor HIPP26 for long-distance movement

The work of LT, GC, SJ and AR is funded by the Scottish Government’s Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) Division, PH by the BBSRC (grant BB/M024911/1) and The Royal Society and EIS by the Swedish Research Council Formas and the Carl Tryggers Foundation.Virus movement proteins facilitate virus entry into the vascular system to initiate systemic infection. The potato mop-top virus (PMTV) movement protein, TGB1, is involved in long-distance movement of both viral ribonucleoprotein complexes and virions. Here, our analysis of TGB1 interactions with host Nicotiana benthamiana proteins revealed an interaction with a member of the heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant protein family, HIPP26, which acts as a plasma membrane-to-nucleus signal during abiotic stress. We found that knockdown of NbHIPP26 expression inhibited virus long-distance movement but did not affect cell-to-cell movement. Drought and PMTV infection up-regulated NbHIPP26 gene expression, and PMTV infection protected plants from drought. In addition, NbHIPP26 promoter-reporter fusions revealed vascular tissue-specific expression. Mutational and biochemical analyses indicated that NbHIPP26 subcellular localization at the plasma membrane and plasmodesmata was mediated by lipidation (S-acylation and prenylation), as nonlipidated NbHIPP26 was predominantly in the nucleus. Notably, coexpression of NbHIPP26 with TGB1 resulted in a similar nuclear accumulation of NbHIPP26. TGB1 interacted with the carboxyl-terminal CVVM (prenyl) domain of NbHIPP26, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation revealed that the TGB1-HIPP26 complex localized to microtubules and accumulated in the nucleolus, with little signal at the plasma membrane or plasmodesmata. These data support a mechanism where interaction with TGB1 negates or reverses NbHIPP26 lipidation, thus releasing membrane-associated NbHIPP26 and redirecting it via microtubules to the nucleus, thereby activating the drought stress response and facilitating virus long-distance movement.PostprintPeer reviewe

External perceptions of successful university brands

Branding in universities has become an increasingly topical issue, with some institutions committing substantial financial resources to branding activities. The particular characteristics of the sector present challenges for those seeking to build brands and it therefore seems to be timely and appropriate to investigate the common approaches of those institutions perceived as having successful brands. This study is exploratory in nature, seeking to investigate how successfully UK universities brand themselves, whether they are distinct and if the sector overall communicates effectively. This is approached through examining the perspective of opinion formers external to universities but closely involved with the sector – a key stakeholder group in UK higher education Overall, the research’s exploratory nature aims to further the debate on effective branding in UK higher education. The findings and conclusions identify some issues surrounding university branding activity; most UK universities were considered to be distinct from one another, but few were seen to have real fully formed brands. Although a number of institutions that were seen as having more ‘successful’ brands were identified, it was argued that whilst many UK universities communicate their brand well enough to key stakeholders, they fail to consistently do this across all audiences. It was also suggested that UK universities may concentrate on areas of perceived immediate strategic importance (in terms of branding) to an extent where others are neglected

'I only eat because I have to-to live': The impacts of dysphagia on quality of life from the perspectives of people with dysphagia, supporters of people with dysphagia and allied health professionals.

BACKGROUND: A recent literature review identified that past research has described the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life; but there is limited research on these impacts from the perspective of people with dysphagia, their supporters and allied health professionals. Recent qualitative research has provided details about these perspectives, but researchers have also called for verification of these findings with a larger group of participants. AIMS: To expand upon the findings of the prior qualitative research on the views of people with dysphagia, supporters of people with dysphagia, and allied health professionals on the impacts of dysphagia and texture-modified food on quality of life. METHODS & PROCEDURES: An online survey of adults with dysphagia (n = 30), supporters of people with dysphagia (n = 4) and allied health professionals (n = 18) was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. Categorical questions were analysed descriptively and open-ended questions were analysed for content categories of meaning. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Participants with dysphagia reported that dysphagia and texture-modified foods had a greater impact on their physical health than on their choice and control or social engagement. Supporters and allied health professionals viewed that dysphagia impacted the physical health and their choice and control of people with dysphagia. Across groups, participants considered that mealtime enjoyment, participation, and inclusion were influenced by the control the person had over their meals, the accessibility of the mealtime environment, and the attitudes of others. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Dysphagia and its interventions negatively impact quality of life for people with dysphagia. People with dysphagia were the most affected by the physical impacts of dysphagia. Their perspectives contrasted with those of supporters and allied health professionals in some domains, highlighting the need for people with dysphagia to be included in research. Future research exploring how these perspectives are integrated into person-centred dysphagia management is warranted. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Recent qualitative research has provided insights into the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life from the perspective of people with dysphagia, supporters of people with dysphagia, and allied health professionals. However, the small scale of these studies means that further research is needed with a larger group of people with dysphagia, supporters of people with dysphagia, and allied health professionals. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This paper verifies and extends upon the findings of prior qualitive research on the views of people with dysphagia, supporters of people with dysphagia, and allied health professionals on the impacts of dysphagia and its interventions on quality of life, participation, and inclusion. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This research shows the importance of supporters of people with dysphagia and allied health professionals discussing mealtime quality of life with the person with dysphagia so that their perspectives are considered in the mealtime decision-making process. Furthermore, people with dysphagia should be able to specify strategies they want to trial to enhance their mealtime participation and inclusion

A review of virtual reality technologies in the field of communication disability: implications for practice and research.

BACKGROUND: Technology devices and applications including virtual reality (VR) are increasingly used in healthcare research and practice as tools to promote health and wellbeing. However, there is limited research examining the potential for VR to enable improved communication for people with communication disability. AIMS: To review: (a) current research using VR in speech-language pathology; and (b) the ethical and safety considerations of VR research, to inform an agenda for future research applying VR in the field of speech-language pathology. MAIN CONTRIBUTION: This review reveals that there is an emergent body of literature applying VR to improve or develop physical, psychological and communication interventions. Use of non-immersive virtual environments to provide speech-language pathology assessment or intervention for people with communication disability has demonstrated positive outcomes, with emerging evidence of the transfer of functional communication skills from virtual to real-world environments. However, the use of VR technology and immersive virtual environments in communication disability practice and research introduces safety and ethical issues that must be carefully considered. CONCLUSIONS: Research employing VR is in its infancy in the field of speech-language pathology. Early evidence from other healthcare disciplines suggests that VR is an engaging means of delivering immersive and interactive training to build functional skills that can be generalized to the real world. While the introduction of new technology requires careful consideration of research ethics and patient safety, future VR communication research could proceed safely with adequate engagement of interdisciplinary teams and technology specialists. Implications for rehabilitation Immersive virtual reality may be used in rehabilitation to simulate natural environments to practice and develop communication skills. The sense of immersion that can be achieved using virtual reality may promote the generalization of skills learnt during clinical rehabilitation to real-world situations. Ethical and safety considerations, including cybersecurity and cybersickness, must be carefully monitored during all virtual reality research

Brand ambidexterity and commitment in higher education: an exploratory study

The study investigates a university’s brand ambidexterity-strategy and its effects on brand image, reputation, and commitment in higher education. A research model integrates the determinants of university-specific brand performance, and proposes that commitment towards a particular university is influenced by: (a) brand ambidexterity, that is, exploratory and exploitative orientations; and (b) student level responses, these being the students’ perceptions with brand image and reputation leading to increased commitment with the university. Findings suggest that when students choose to commit for the study of a postgraduate degree, a variety of factors influence their decision, of which the brand performance and brand image constructs play major roles; interestingly, brand reputation is less important. The framework helps university managers in designing appropriate strategies to influence students’ commitment towards the university to, for example, continue their post-graduate studies. Implications exist for broader brand management and customer management approaches that include up and cross-selling schemes

Hospital policies on falls in relation to patients with communication disability: a scoping review and content analysis.

Objective Falls in hospital are a significant public health issue and patients with communication disability have unique risk factors that have the potential to contribute to falls. The aim of this study is to determine how the content of hospital falls policies relate to patients with communication disability and to identify gaps in policy that need to be addressed. Methods A scoping review and content analysis of (a) policies and related documents, from a target health service in Victoria, Australia, and all relevant Australian state and territory health departments, and (b) national guidelines was performed. Data were analysed for content relating to inclusion of patients with communication disability. Results Communication disability is not captured as a risk factor for a fall in assessment tools. When included, aspects of communication disability were often conflated with cognitive impairments. There was little guidance for staff on adapting falls prevention education to suit the needs of patients with communication disability and limited identified role for speech pathologists. Conclusion This study suggests that a patient's communication disability is not visible in hospital falls policies and guidelines

Technology and its role in rehabilitation for people with cognitive-communication disability following a traumatic brain injury (TBI)

© 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Purpose: To review the literature on communication technologies in rehabilitation for people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and: (a) determine its application to cognitive-communicative rehabilitation, and b) develop a model to guide communication technology use with people after TBI. Method: This integrative literature review of communication technology in TBI rehabilitation and cognitive-communication involved searching nine scientific databases and included 95 studies. Results: Three major types of communication technologies (assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication technology, and information communication technology) and multiple factors relating to use of technology by or with people after TBI were categorized according to: (i) individual needs, motivations and goals; (ii) individual impairments, activities, participation and environmental factors; and (iii) technologies. While there is substantial research relating to communication technologies and cognitive rehabilitation after TBI, little relates specifically to cognitive-communication rehabilitation. Conclusions: Further investigation is needed into the experiences and views of people with TBI who use communication technologies, to provide the ‘user’ perspective and influence user-centred design. Research is necessary to investigate the training interventions that address factors fundamental for success, and any impact on communication. The proposed model provides an evidence-based framework for incorporating technology into speech pathology clinical practice and research

'Patient unable to express why he was on the floor, he has aphasia.' A content thematic analysis of medical records and incident reports on the falls of hospital patients with communication disability following stroke.

BACKGROUND: People with communication disability following stroke are at risk of falls during inpatient rehabilitation. However, they are often excluded from hospital falls research, and little is known about the circumstances or outcomes of their falls to inform risk management strategies. AIMS: To examine hospital medical records and incident reports relating to falls of patients with communication disability following stroke for content codes, categories and themes relating to communication. METHODS & PROCEDURES: This medical record chart review examined data on 72 patients and 265 falls. A content thematic analysis was used to identify how patient communication is characterized in relation to falls, and their prevention and management strategies. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: The data reflected that staff viewed patients having difficulty following simple instructions as contributing to falls. Gaining the attention of staff and communicating basic needs were also considered to be contributing factors for falls. Patients were often described as experiencing a fall when taking a risk or attempting to address an unmet basic need. Furthermore, written notes for patients with more severe communication disability reflected that the patient's communication impairments prevented staff from establishing the circumstances of some falls and complicated the assessment for injury following a fall. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The medical records and incident reports of patients with communication disability following stroke reveal that hospital staff recognize the impact of communication disability as potential risk factors for falls for this group. It was difficult for staff to report the circumstances of the fall for patients with severe communication disability. Despite the recognition of communication as a potential contributing factor, few medical record entries documented strategies related to communication interventions to improve patients' ability to understand instructions, gain attention or communicate basic needs. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject People with stroke are at a high risk of falls during their hospital admission. However, little is known about the circumstances of their falls and the influence of communication disability on these falls. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Patients with communication disability have unique factors that contribute to their falls in the hospital. Patients were described as experiencing a fall when taking a risk or attempting to address an unmet need, and these falls were often related to a patient's difficulties communicating their basic needs, gaining attention from staff, and following simple instructions. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Communication disability as a risk factor for a fall, and fall prevention strategies tailored to the communication disability, were typically identified and documented by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nursing staff. The inclusion of speech pathologists in fall risk assessment, management, and prevention strategies may provide crucial information regarding the patient's communication disability that may enhance their fall prevention plan

Measuring well-being in aphasia: The GHQ-28 versus the NHP

This study aimed to get the opinions of people with aphasia on two subjective well-being measures: the General Health Questionnaire 28-item version (GHQ-28) (Goldberg & Hillier, 1979) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) (Hunt, McKenna, McEwen, Williams, & Papp, 1981). Twelve persons with moderate to mild aphasia of at least 2-years duration completed the GHQ-28 and the NHP. In a semistructured intenriew, they gave their feedback on the two questionnaires. All participants were able to complete both instruments. Nine out of 12 participants showed high psychological distress (> 5/28) in the GHQ-28. The NHP (part 1 less the physical abilities section) had a correlation of 0.78 (p < .01) with the GHQ-28. The social dysfunction subscale of the NHP identified more problems in the participants with aphasia than the social isolation subscale of the GHQ-28. The majority of the participants (10 out of 12) preferred the NHP, as they found it easier to understand and respond to. This small-scale study indicated that both the GHQ-28 and the NHP can be administered to people with moderate to mild aphasia and provide useful information on their well-being. Participants reported that the NHP was easier to do, and it asked questions more relevant to their situation