Innovations in Social and Emotional Learning Research and Practice: Building from Evidence and Applying Behavioral Insights to the Design of a Social and Emotional Learning Intervention in Northeast Nigeria

Recent studies suggest that social and emotional learning (SEL) programming has the potential to be effective in conflict-affected regions, yet evidence is limited, and findings to date are mixed. One hypothesis about why SEL interventions in education in emergencies (EiE) settings have not generated the anticipated results is that the SEL content and materials have not been sufficiently localized to the context, leading to poor cultural relevance or fit. A second hypothesis is that SEL program demands tend to be high and capacity for implementation is low, undermining sustainability and impact. The current study addresses these challenges by investing in locally driven SEL content and design as a way to ensure that SEL materials are grounded in local values and needs, culturally appropriate, relevant to the specific context, and feasible to implement. The study draws on the developmental and prevention sciences as well as the field of behavioral insights to test evidence-based interventions intended to encourage desired behaviors around uptake and implementation. This paper documents the activities conducted during the project’s design phase, including landscape research, creation of initial prototypes, design workshops and rapid prototyping, and field testing. Findings suggest that using local values, practices, and framing in SEL programming increases relevance and appropriateness for the Northeast Nigeria setting. Furthermore, targeted behavioral insights interventions increased the uptake, habitual and regular use, as well as correct implementation of SEL activities. The findings contribute to the emerging literature on the cultural variability of SEL and the need to consider the context when designing and implementing programs in any setting.

The EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein p22 associates with microtubules in an N-myristoylation-dependent manner

Proteins containing the EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding motif, such as calmodulin and calcineurin B, function as regulators of various cellular processes. Here we focus on p22, an N-myristoylated, widely expressed EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding protein conserved throughout evolution, which was shown previously to be required for membrane traffic. Immunofluorescence studies show that p22 distributes along microtubules during interphase and mitosis in various cell lines. Moreover, we report that p22 associates with the microtubule cytoskeleton indirectly via a cytosolic microtubule-binding factor. Gel filtration studies indicate that the p22-microtubule-binding activity behaves as a 70- to 30-kDa globular protein. Our results indicate that p22 associates with microtubules via a novel N-myristoylation-dependent mechanism that does not involve classic microtubule-associated proteins and motor proteins. The association of p22 with microtubules requires the N-myristoylation of p22 but does not involve p22's Ca(2+)-binding activity, suggesting that the p22-microtubule association and the role of p22 in membrane traffic are functionally related, because N-myristoylation is required for both events. Therefore, p22 is an excellent candidate for a protein that can mediate interactions between the microtubule cytoskeleton and membrane traffic.

Percutaneous rotational thrombectomy reduces acute reocclusion in an animal model of acute coronary thrombosis

This study was designed to compare acute reocclusion rates after treatment of acute coronary thrombosis with a percutaneous thrombectomy device or standard balloon angioplasty. Our group has previously reported on the rationale and development of a mechanical device for the treatment of intra-arterial thrombosis. This device removes fibrin from thrombus, allowing for dissolution of the cellular elements of the thrombus. Theoretically, thrombus removal (as opposed to displacement) might result in a lower rate of acute rethrombosis. The present study utilizes the device percutaneously in the coronary arteries of closed chest swine and compares recanalization and reocclusion rates with standard balloon angioplasty. Twenty-six animals with total thrombotic coronary occlusions were treated; 13 with each device. Reocclusion rates with the thrombectomy device were significantly reduced at 60 min and 120 min after recanalization (p < 0.02), and the mean time to reocclusion was prolonged by 45 min (p = 0.07). Technical problems included poor handling characteristics in early prototypes and stress fractures secondary to improper use. Changes in catheter design and operator protocols have largely eliminated these problems. We conclude that this study demonstrates the feasibility of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in the coronary arteries and that reocclusion rates after recanalization of thrombotic occlusions compare favorably to standard angioplasty.