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Aim to develop and test an analytical method for the quantitative determination of carbon tetrachloride in freons used in the composition of medicines in the form of an aerosol. Material and methods. Carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane, Freon-10) - CCl4, M.m. = 153.81, heavy, colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet smell reminiscent of chloroform. Melting point - 22.96 С, boiling point - 76.75 C, relative density at 20 - [d]420 1.595. Poorly soluble in water (0.5 g/l), unrestrictedly miscible with alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene (chemically pure grade). To determine the tests for the presence and quantitative determination of carbon tetrachloride in propellant gases used in medicinal preparations, we chose the drug "Salbutamol-Pharmstandard". To identify and quantify carbon tetrachloride in propellants used in medicinal products, the gas-liquid chromatography method with electron capture detection with a capillary column was applied. Results. The developed method was used to determine carbon tetrachloride in the test preparation "Salbutamol". The results were statistically processed and showed that the content of carbon tetrachloride in the test preparation was 0.01580.0007 mg/l. The error of a single experiment with a confidence probability P = 95% was 4.42% Conclusion. We proposed a method for estimating the content of carbon tetrachloride impurities in aerosol dosage forms by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector. The technique involved the gas chromatographic separation of a sample, taken from an aerosol can, on a capillary chromatographic column. The most appropriate detector in this case turned out to be an electron capture detector.

Grapes are an economically important agricultural plant. Studies of the Grapevine microbiota and rhizosphere have become increasingly important in the last decade. The importance of such research is also supported by the fact that grapes are a perennial, long-used crop. In this work, we present the results of a DNA-metabarcoding analysis of the fungal community of grape wood, collected from vineyards in the Krasnodar Territory and the Southern Coast of Crimea, and considered approaches to the analysis of DNA-metabarcoding data. Classifier is Nave base (sklearn) based on machine learning is more informative metagenomic data classifier than BLAST+ (local alignment) and Vsearch (global alignment). Analysis of the ITS locus revealed the largest number of taxa, which was confirmed for all types of classifiers used in the study. Primers for the ITS locus showed a high specificity of fungal DNA in comparison with the LSU and SSU loci. The most common genera in the fungal community are Acidea, Alternaria, Cladosporium and Fusarium. Significant differences were revealed in the assessment of alpha and beta diversity in the analysis of samples from different regions. This article presents an analysis of the wood grapevine fungal community and ways to ASV classification. This study is the first to describe the endophytic fungal communities of the Krasnodar Territory and the Crimea vines using the analysis of DNA metabarcoding data.

Health-related social needs are associated with poor health outcomes. Many primary care practices now screen and refer patients with health-related social needs to assistance organizations, but some patients decline screening or assistance. Improving communication about health-related social needs screening and referral could increase screening response and assistance acceptance rates.This is a pragmatic, nonrandomized 3-stage trial of messages and communication strategies for health-related social needs screening and referral. Messages and strategies were informed by qualitative analysis of stakeholder interviews and were developed through an iterative, patient-, and stakeholder-engaged process.Settings included 3 primary care clinics serving primarily low-income patients in western Colorado.Stage 1 includes usual clinic processes for health-related social needs screening (form given to patients at the front desk without additional explanation), Stage 2 includes adding written patient-friendly messages regarding the purpose of health-related social needs screening and referral to usual clinic processes, and Stage 3 includes adding verbal messages delivered by a medical assistant (form given to patients by a medical assistant during the rooming process).Primary outcomes include (1) screening form response rate and (2) acceptance of referral for assistance rate among patients with health-related social needs. Secondary outcomes include (1) comfort with screening, (2) perceived helpfulness of screening, and (3) receipt of explanation about screening.All data collection and analysis occurred in 2021. Study Stage 2 was not associated with significant changes in any outcomes. Stage 3 was associated with decreased odds of screening form response at 2 of the 3 clinics relative to those of Stage 1 (OR=0.1, 95% CI=0.1, 0.3; OR=0.4, 95% CI=0.2, 0.7) but with increased odds of assistance acceptance (OR=2.1, 95% CI=1.1, 4.0) among patients with needs who responded to the screening form. Stage 3 was also associated with higher odds of patients perceiving screening as helpful and receiving an explanation about screening.Altering practice workflows to provide verbal explanations of health-related social needs screening may reduce response rates but may encourage responders to accept assistance referrals. Optimal communication strategies and workflows will likely differ depending on the intended goals of health-related social needs screening and referral.

В статье описан авторский конспект занятия патриотической направленности.

Protein amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers with β-sheet-like backbone (β-structured) form extracellular amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the relationship to AD is not known. Some investigations suggest that the toxic Aβ component has α-sheet-like backbone (α-structured) subsequently detoxified by intracellular α-to-β conversion before plaque formation. Our objective is to compare this latter hypothesis with observations made by electron microscopy of thin sections of AD-cerebral cortex. We observe irregular, 200–2,000 nm, intracellular, lipofuscin-like inclusions. Some are light-staining and smooth. Others are dark-staining and made granular by fibers that are usually overlapping and are sometimes individually seen. Aspects unusual for lipofuscin include 1) dark and light inclusions interlocking as though previously one inclusion, 2) dark inclusion-contained 2.6 nm thick sub-fibers that are bent as though α-structured, and 3) presence of inclusions in lysosomes and apparent transfer of dark inclusion material to damaged, nearby lysosomal membranes. These data suggest the following additions to α-structure-based hypotheses: 1) Lipofuscin-associated, α-structured protein toxicity to lysosomal membranes is in the chain of AD causation; 2) α-to-β detoxification of α-structured protein occurs in lipofuscin and causes dark-to-light transition that, when incomplete, is the origin of cell-to-cell transmission essential for development of AD.

Adaptation of plant and human pathogenic bacteria to niches of existence differing from their original ones is a sophisticated mechanism for survival. Research indicates that certain plant bacterial pathogens are capable of causing disease in humans, and some human bacterial pathogens can inhabit the plant environment and cause disease in plants. The infection of humans by plant bacteria may occur at direct physical contact with diseased plants and/or via the respiratory tract in mainly immunocompromised or otherwise stressed individuals. Indirect transmitters of plant and human microbes can be wind, rain, dust, insects, and animals. Human pathogenic bacteria may contaminate the soil and irrigation water, colonize the rhizosphere, more rarely also the phyllosphere, and can survive as epiphytes. Thus, the plant environment may become a reservoir of human pathogens. A source of foodborne human pathogenic bacteria can be unprocessed or unwashed fruits and vegetables. Especially during the last decade, the processes underlying the cross-kingdom performance of pathogenic bacteria are intensively researched. However, in reality, the risk for human health at infections by plant bacteria and by human bacterial pathogens surviving in the plant environment is still underestimated. The goal of the current review is to increase the interest in these issues in agricultural and general environments. Some basic strategies for infection and symptoms of diseases caused by the microorganisms under consideration are described. The potency of certain plant bacterial pathogens to surpass barriers towards humans and the interaction of human bacterial pathogens with the plant environment are addressed and the existing information is critically discussed.

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PDF file, 1411K, Supplemental Figure 1. Determination of IC50 values for carfilzomib and ONX 0912 in HNSCC cell lines. UMSCC-22A, UMSCC-22B, 1483, UMSCC-1, Cal33, PCI-15A, PCI-15B, and OSC-19 cells were treated in triplicate wells for 48 hours with varying concentrations of carfilzomib (A) or ONX 0912 (B). Following treatment, floating and attached cells were collected and combined, and cell viabilities were determined by trypan blue exclusion assays. Each data point represents the average of values obtained in 3 independent experiments. Error bars represent the standard error of the means. IC50 values (nmol/L) were determined using GraphPad PRISM sofeware (GraphPad Software, Inc.) Supplemental Figure 2. Inhibition of caspase-3 partially attenuates carfilzomib- and ONX 0912-induced apoptosis of HNSCC cell lines. UMSCC-22A (A) and 1483 (B) cells were pre-incubated for 2 hours with 0.1% DMSO (vehicle), or 20 �mol/L z-DEVD or z-VAD, followed by treatment for 36 hours with 100 nmol/L carfilzomib or ONX 0912. Following treatment, cells were collected and analyzed by flow cytometry for Annexin V/PI staining. Numbers indicate the percentage of Annexin V-positive cells. Supplemental Figure 3. Carfilzomib- and ONX 0912-induced apoptosis is mediated by Bik upregulation, and antagonized by Mcl-1 upregulation. 1483 (A) and UMSCC-1 (B) cells were transfected with nonspecific siRNA, Bik siRNA, or Mcl-1 siRNA for 6 hours. Following transfection, 1483 cells were treated for 36 hours with 100 nmol/L carfilzomib or ONX 0912 and UMSCC-1 cells were treated for 24 hours with 100 nmol/L carfilzomib or for 36 hours with 100 nmol/L ONX 0912. Flow cytometry was used to assess Annexin V/PI staining. Numbers represent the percentage of Annexin V-positive cells. Supplemental Figure 4. Carfilzomib and ONX 0912 induction of LC3-II is partially dependent on upregulation of ATF4. 1483 (A) and UMSCC-1 (B) cells transfected with nonspecific siRNA or ATF4 siRNA were treated for 24 hours with 0.1% DMSO, or 100 nmol/L carfilzomib or ONX 0912, then subjected to immunoblotting for ATF4, LC3-II, or β-actin. Supplemental Figure 5. Impact of autophagy inhibition on ONX 0912-induced HNSCC cell death. UMSCC-22A, UMSCC-22B, 1483 and UMSCC-1 cells were treated with the indicated concentrations of ONX 0912 in the absence or presence of 10 �mol/L chloroquine. After 48 hours treatment, cell viabilities were determined by trypan blue exclusion assays. Data represent the mean + SEM from 3 independent experiments. Supplemental Figure 6. Suppression of ATF4 expression enhances apoptosis in carfilzomib- and ONX 0912-treated HNSCC cells. UMSCC-22A (A) or 1483 (B) cells transfected with nonspecific siRNA or ATF4 siRNA were treated for 24 hours with 100 nmol/L carfilzomib or ONX 0912. Following treatment, Annexin V/PI staining was assessed by flow cytometry. Numbers represent the percentage of Annexin V-positive cells. Supplemental Figure 7. Carfilzomib inhibits HNSCC xenograft tumor growth in vivo. HNSCC tumor-bearing mice were randomized into 3 groups on day 0. Treatment with vehicle (1% carboxymethyl cellulose) or carfilzomib (3 or 5 mg/kg) was initiated on day 0. Mice were treated once per day for two consecutive days and the treatment repeated weekly for 2 weeks (arrows represent treatment days). Mean tumor volumes + SEM are presented.

To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and 9 and the gene polymorphisms of MMP-2 (rs243865) and MMP-9 (rs3918242) in the course of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in women without previous cardiovascular diseases (CVD) during 24-months.A total of 114 women (47.0 [44.0; 52.0] years old) with AIC of NYHA class I-III who received doxorubicin for breast cancer were enrolled.After 24 months patients had breast cancer remission and were divided into 2 groups: group 1 comprised women with adverse course of AIC (n = 54), group 2 comprised those without it (n = 60). Serum levels of MMP-2 were higher by 8% (p = 0.017) MMP9 by 18.4% (p 0.001) in group 1 than in group 2. In group 1 the levels of MMP-2 increased (p 0.001) from 376.8 (329.5; 426.7) to 481.4 (389.8; 518.7) pg/mL, and MMP-9 increased (p 0.001) from 23.6 (21.4; 24.6) to 26.0 (23.3; 27.0) pg/mL at 24 months. In group 2 the both MMP-2 and MMP-9 level decreased at 24 months. Based on ROC-analysis, the levels of MMP2 ≥ 388.2 pg/mL (AUС = 0.64; р = 0.013) and MMP-9 ≥ 21.25 pg/mL (AUС = 0.9; р 0.001) were identified as predictors for adverse course of AIHF. The presence of C/C genotype of MMP2 (OR = 4.76; p = 0.029) and C/C genotype of MMP-9 (OR = 15.2; p 0.0001) were related with adverse course of AIHF and higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9.Gene polymorphisms of MMP-2 (rs243865) and MMP-9 (rs3918242) and serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in women without previous CVD were associated with adverse course of AIC during 24 months.

Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) have long sought to engage with communities and address questions relevant to multiple stakeholders and real-world primary care practice. Topic-generating processes that involve these stakeholders are crucial for identifying these questions. PBRNs often focus on certain populations or geographic areas. We are forming a new PBRN to address the health concerns and research interests of people in communities in Western Colorado.To engage with and determine the questions important to multiple stakeholders in communities in western Colorado, we conducted community meetings at which we used Photovoice followed by Nominal Group Technique in group discussions across the region. We then conducted a survey to develop a list of priority research topics.Multiple stakeholders were ready and eager to engage with us to form a PBRN. Across all communities, many of the topics that emerged were related to the social determinants of health. Mental health-specifically, lack of access to services and high suicide incidence-was the most important topic according to community members. This was consistent across groups of stakeholders and corroborated other community work such as Community Health Needs Assessments.Using participatory methods increased our stakeholder engagement and helped build strong community-academic partnerships for our PBRN-related research. Use of Photovoice allowed all participants to express their thoughts and ideas and led to a clear path forward for this new research network.

Depression affects 8% of adults in America and is one of the leading causes of disability in Western countries. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) has previously been reported to be associated with inflammation and depression. However, no study to date has looked at the potential mediating effect of inflammation on the association of DII and depression. We hypothesized that the association of DII and depression would be both statistically and clinically mediated substantially by inflammation. We assessed these associations using the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2010 database. Our analysis included 10,022 participants aged 20 years and older. Inflammation was assessed with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Diet was measured using two 24 hour dietary recalls. Depression was assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which has a score range of 0 to 27, with the higher score showing more severe depressive symptoms. Comparing the highest to lowest DII quartiles, the mean score difference for depression was 0.47 units (95% CI 0.24-0.70, P-trend.001) in the multivariable adjusted model. In the sex-stratified models, the results remained significant only among females, with the mean score difference of 0.72 (95% CI 0.34-1.10, P-trend.001). CRP mediated 3.6% of the association between DII and depression in the total population in the fully adjusted model, which was statistically significant (P-trend.001) but not clinically significant. No mediation association was found in the sex-stratified models. Further studies are needed to assess the associations with various inflammatory biomarkers in larger and more diverse populations.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate role of molecular (endothelin-1, soluble Fas-L, NT-proBNP, TNF-α, interleukin-1β,) and genetic factors (NOS3 (rs1799983), EDNRA (C + 70G, rs5335), NADPH oxidase (C242T, rs4673), p53 protein (polymorphic marker-Arg72Pro exon 4, rs1042522), NOS3 (Glu298Asp, rs1799983), Caspase 8 (CASP8, rs3834129 and rs1045485), interleukin-1β gene (Il-1β, rs1143634), TNF-α gene (rs1800629), SOD2 (rs4880), GPX1 (rs1050450) in development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) in women without cardiovascular diseases. METHODS A total of 176 women with breast cancer and without cardiovascular diseases who received anthracyclines were enrolled in the study. After the 12 months of chemotherapy (CT), all patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 52) comprised patients with AIC, group 2 (n = 124) comprised those without it. RESULTS Based on ROC-analysis, levels of endothelin-1 of ≥9.0 pg/mL (AUC of 0.699), sFas-L of ≥98.3 ng/mL (AUC of 0.990), and NT-proBNP of ≥71.5 pg/mL (AUC of 0.994;) were identified as a cut-off values predicting AIC during 12 months after CT. Whereas, NT-proBNP and sFas-L were more significant predictors than endothelin-1 (p

The growth response of three phytopathogens to inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs), derived from three monarda (Monarda didyma L.) genotypes, was evaluated. The antimicrobial effect was assayed by agar diffusion method. The pathogens expressed distinct growth response to the oils. As compared to colony growth of non-treated controls, all EOs remarkably suppressed Phytophthora plurivora; EO1 inhibited Diaporthe nobilis to 31.5% and Alternaria alternata to 35.5% of the controls; EO2 restricted the growth of the latter two species to 41.3% and 50.5% from the control, respectively. The weakest inhibitory effect was established for EO3 which stopped the development of A. alternata to 67.2% and of D. nobilis to 59.1% of their controls. GC–MS analyses of the oils identified altogether 46 chemical compounds. The largest group of constituents was the group of oxygenated monoterpenes (61.6–66.0%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (16.6–17.7%), non-terpenes (12.6–15.5%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (2.3–3.5%). Considering the most abundant compound, EO1 and EO3 were determined of thymol and EO2 of carvacrol chemotypes. P. plurivora was equally strongly susceptible to the EOs of both chemotypes, whereas the behavior of the other two species suggested different susceptibility to the prevailing EO constituents. The total antioxidant activity was very high but differed between the oils. The obtained results add novel information on the inhibitory activity of EOs from various M. didyma genotypes and indicate specificity of the growth response of the studied microorganisms to the chemical ingredients in the applied plant products.

This article encourages a rethinking of how rats are regarded within the laboratory research environment. The rat’s remarkable intellect and cognitive capacities are well known yet conveniently ignored. An understanding of the five domains of animal welfare and the telos of the rat necessitate that the rat’s circumstances, namely habitat accommodations, in the research arena be reassessed. The rat-ness of being a rat must be considered, celebrated, and elevated to significantly higher standards. We advocate for a new research paradigm if one continues to “use” the extraordinary Rattus species.

BackgroundHealth literacy (HL) has shown its important role on reducing the burden of heart diseases. However, no study has provided a comprehensive worldwide view of the data regarding HL and heart diseases. The study aimed to provide insight into: (1) the intellectual structure, (2) research trends, and (3) research gaps on HL and heart diseases; and (4) to explore HL scales commonly utilized in heart studies.Materials and methodsStudies related to HL and heart diseases were retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. All publications published between 2000 and 2021 were included after conducting keyword searches on “heart diseases” in general or on specific types of heart diseases (e.g., “heart failure”) and “health literacy”. Bibliometric analyses were carried out using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer 1.6.14.FindingsA total of 388 original research articles and reviews on HL and heart diseases were included in our study. The studies were primarily conducted in the United States and developed countries. A total of 337 studies (86.9%) focused on heart failure (200 studies, 51.5%) and ischemic heart diseases (137 studies, 35.3%). Sixty-two studies (16.0%) focused on other heart diseases (e.g., valvular diseases and rheumatic heart diseases). The number of interventional studies was limited (52 studies, 13.4%) and fluctuated from 2000 to 2021. The most common questionnaires measuring health literacy among patients with heart diseases were the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA), Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), and Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS). Use of the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) has become the latest trend among patients with heart diseases.ConclusionHealth literacy and heart diseases were most often studied in the United States and developed countries. Several HL tools were used; eHEALS has been lately used in this field. These findings suggest the need to conduct more empirical studies on HL and heart diseases in different settings (e.g., developing or poor countries) and with different types of heart diseases (e.g., valvular and rheumatic disorders). Additionally, it is necessary to develop heart disease-specified HL scales for research and practice.

Chemotherapy-inhibiting tumor cell evolution to drug-resistance is potentially suppressed by using a drug delivery vehicle (DDV) that has gating. Gating would be used to increase tumor-selectivity of delivery of DDV packaged drug. Tumor-selectivity increase would make possible increase in tumor-delivered drug dose, which would suppress opportunities to evolve drug resistance. Currently used DDVs do not have gating but gating is a natural feature of some bacteriophages (phages). Phage T4, which has recently been found highly persistent in murine blood, is a potential gated DDV. Thus, here, we proceed towards a T4-DDV by developing (1) improved procedure for generating high concentrations and amounts of phage T4, (2) elevated temperature-driven gate-opening and ethidium- and bleomycin-loading, and (3) purification of loaded T4 by rate zonal centrifugation. We test for loading by native agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) with fluorescence detection. We observe loading in both phage T4 and T4 (tail-free) heads. The loaded particles have an openable, closed gate. Stored, mature T4 phages and phage heads do not release ethidium during at least a month at 4 °C and 6 days at 37 and 42 °C. Tumor-specific T4 phage delivery is projected via both the EPR effect and high T4 persistence.

The rising salinity of land and water is an important, but understudied, climate change-sensitive trend that can exert devastating impacts on food security. This mixed methods investigation combines salinity testing with qualitative research methods to explore these impacts in one of the most salinity-affected regions in the world—the Ganges River Delta. Data collection in 2015 and 2016 undertaken in Bangladesh’s southwest coastal region and Dhaka consisted of 83 in-depth household and stakeholder interviews, six community focus groups, and salinity testing of 27 soil and 45 surface and groundwater samples. Results show that household food production is a multifaceted cornerstone of rural livelihood in the southwest coastal region, and virtually every component of it—from rice plantation and homestead gardening to livestock cultivation and aquaculture—is being negatively affected by salinity. Although households have attempted multiple strategies for adapting food production, effective adaptation remains elusive. At the community level, improved irrigation and floodplain management, as well as restrictions on saltwater aquaculture to abate salinity, are viewed as promising interventions. However, the potential of such measures remains unrealized on a broad scale, as they require a level of external resources and regulation not yet provided by the NGO and government sectors. This study elucidates issues of accessibility, equity, and governance surrounding agricultural interventions for climate change-related salinity adaptation, and its findings can help inform the community of organizations that will increasingly need to grapple with salinity in order to guarantee food security in the context of environmental change.

Telehealth holds much potential for supporting older adults’ physical and social health. In particular, telewellness interventions to support the physical and social wellness of older adults are needed to overcome participation barriers with in-person programs. This paper presents guidelines for delivering telewellness interventions to older adults, which were informed by a human factors approach to developing a Tele Tai Chi intervention for older adults with mobility disabilities, including reviewing user needs literature and conducting user-centered needs assessment research. From these findings, we developed a protocol and support materials for delivering a telewellness intervention and conducted a feasibility study. We also established an adaptation committee to provide recommendations on the intervention. The outcome of our human factors approach was the establishment of research-driven design guidelines for delivering group exercise programs to older adults using videoconferencing. The guidelines provide direction for designing a telewellness protocol, supporting remote participation, and promoting socialization and engagement. These guidelines can be used to deliver interventions that increase access to socially-engaging, physical activity programs for older adults, which can ultimately help support their physical health, mental health, and quality of life.

The aim of the study is to develop a validated, rapid, simple and low-cost method for estimating ofloxacin and benzyl alcohol in a combined dosage. Materials and methods: Materials which were used ofloxacin pure substance and benzyl alcohol pure substance which were determined by UV spectrophotometer using ethanol 95% as a solvent and a blank. Results and discussion: Ofloxacin shows the absorption maxima at 300.0 ± 2.0 nm in ethanol 95% with an apparent concentration absorptivity of (30 to 90) µg/ml and benzyl alcohol shows the absorption maxima at 312.0 ± 2.0 nm in ethanol 95% with an apparent concentration absorptivity of (60 to 200) µg/ml, it was found that in the selected range of application of the method there is a directly proportional relationship between the concentration of ofloxacin and benzyl alcohol respectively, in the measured samples and the analytical signal, linear dependence is characterized by high correlation coefficients (R> 0.999)for both of drugs, which is considered acceptable for establishing strict linearity. Conclusion: The method has been verified as it has been proven simple, fast, accurate and low-cost method and does not require any expensive equipment for the analysis of Ofloxacin and benzyl alcohol separately and in a pharmaceutical mixture.

Although it is well established that individuals with psychopathic traits commit more crimes than individuals without psychopathic traits, the association between psychopathy and success in the cri...

Diversity of phage propagation, physical properties, and assembly promotes the use of phages in ecological studies and biomedicine. However, observed phage diversity is incomplete. Bacillus thuringiensis siphophage, 0105phi-7-2, first described here, significantly expands known phage diversity, as seen via in-plaque propagation, electron microscopy, whole genome sequencing/annotation, protein mass spectrometry, and native gel electrophoresis (AGE). Average plaque diameter vs. plaque-supporting agarose gel concentration plots reveal unusually steep conversion to large plaques as agarose concentration decreases below 0.2%. These large plaques sometimes have small satellites and are made larger by orthovanadate, an ATPase inhibitor. Phage head–host-cell binding is observed by electron microscopy. We hypothesize that this binding causes plaque size-increase via biofilm evolved, ATP stimulated ride-hitching on motile host cells by temporarily inactive phages. Phage 0105phi7-2 does not propagate in liquid culture. Genomic sequencing/annotation reveals history as temperate phage and distant similarity, in a virion-assembly gene cluster, to prototypical siphophage SPP1 of Bacillus subtilis. Phage 0105phi7-2 is distinct in (1) absence of head-assembly scaffolding via either separate protein or classically sized, head protein-embedded peptide, (2) producing partially condensed, head-expelled DNA, and (3) having a surface relatively poor in AGE-detected net negative charges, which is possibly correlated with observed low murine blood persistence.

A recent report in the journal, Neurology, documents age-normalized, nation-specific (e.g., United States and Western Europe), progressive decrease of dementia, beginning about 25 years ago. This observation has, thus far, not had explanation. We begin our proposed explanation with the following previous disease construct. (1) Some dementia is caused by innate immune over-response to infections. (2) The innate immune over-response occurs via excessive conversion of amyloid protein to α-sheet conformation. (3) This conversion evolved to inhibit invading microbes by binding microbe-associated α-sheet, e.g., in hyper-expanded capsid intermediates of some viruses. The rarity of human α-sheet makes this inhibition specific for microbial invaders. As foundation, here we observe directly, for the first time, extreme, sheet-like outer shell thinness in a hyper-expanded capsid of phage T3. Based on phage/herpesvirus homology, we propose the following. The above decrease in dementia is caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination, USFDA-approved about 25 years ago; VZV is a herpesvirus and causes chickenpox and shingles. In China and Japan, a cotemporaneous non-decrease is explained by lower anti-VZV vaccination. Co-assembly extension of α-sheet is relatively independent of amino acid sequence. Thus, we project that additional dementia is suppressible by vaccination against other viruses, including other herpesviruses.

Jails and prisons have become hotbeds of COVID-19 outbreaks Various policies, such as improving access to medical care for inmates, providing soap and hand sanitizer to improve hygiene, and releasing some inmates to facilitate social distancing, have been proposed as ways to mitigate the spread of the virus in these facilities Across 2 studies, we examined the factors underlying support for policies aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in jails (n = 132) and prisons (n = 125) and yielded 3 key findings Factors found in prior research to be associated with desire for punitive responses-namely, negative attitudes toward offenders and, to a lesser extent, lack of trust in the criminal justice system-were found to underlie lack of support for all types of COVID-19 mitigation policies Concern related to COVID-19-namely, perceptions of personal risk of contracting the virus-was related to increased support for policies to curb the spread of the virus among inmates Social media consumption and reliance on social media for news regarding COVID-19 demonstrated inconsistent relationships with support for policies These findings suggest that factors related to support for harsh treatment of offenders and concerns related to the present situation both contribute to support for criminal justice policy during a crisis situation like a pandemic The recommended policies offer hope for reducing the negative impact of COVID-19 among justice-involved people We offer suggestions on tailoring messaging to improve public support for these policies (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

There is a paucity of qualitative research on children’s and adolescents’ perceptions of their sexual abuse experiences. This paper aims to describe the narrative types and consequences of sexual abuse stories among ten female Filipino children and adolescents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using dialogical narrative analysis. Results show that three narrative types appear in the stories of the survivors. These are the tragic resistance narrative, rescued slave narrative, and heroic saga narrative, and each of these narratives has idiosyncratic effects on the identities, affiliations, disclosure, and adjustment processes of the participants. The results show how symbolic cultural structures can have far-reaching consequences on sexually abused children and adolescents.

The protective effects of recombinant human lactoferrin rhLF (branded “CAPRABEL™”) on the cognitive functions of rat offspring subjected to prenatal hypoxia (7% O2, 3 h, 14th day of gestation) have been analyzed. About 90% of rhLF in CAPRABEL was iron-free (apo-LF). Rat dams received several injections of 10 mg of CAPRABEL during either gestation (before and after the hypoxic attack) or lactation. Western blotting revealed the appearance of erythropoietin (EPO) alongside the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in organ homogenates of apo-rhLF-treated pregnant females, their embryos (but not placentas), and in suckling pups from the dams treated with apo-rhLF during lactation. Apo-rhLF injected to rat dams either during pregnancy or nurturing the pups was able to rescue cognitive deficits caused by prenatal hypoxia and improve various types of memory both in young and adult offspring when tested in the radial maze and by the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test. The data obtained suggested that the apo-form of human LF injected to female rats during gestation or lactation protects the cognitive functions of their offspring impaired by prenatal hypoxia.

The report presents the results of the development of dental films with ketorolac trometamine based on the natural biodegradable polymers from the groups of sodium alginates and xanthan gums in combination with lightly crosslinked acrylic polymer carbopol. Physicochemical properties, such as moisture, mucoadhesion, thickness, tensile strength, disintegration in phosphate buffer were determined in obtained samples of this dosage form. A comparison of physicochemical properties of experimental samples and commercial model of dental film has allowed establishing the perspective composition of complex matrix of films with ketorolac trometamine for use in dentistry.

Optimal management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) is impeded by widespread nonadherence to efficacious medication regimens. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among persons with Type 2 DM. In this work we evaluated the relationship between CVD and medication adherence to antihypertensives, oral hypoglycemic agents, and antidepressants among patients with Type 2 DM. We also sought to understand how patients perceived barriers to and facilitators of adherence to medications. Adherence to medications was measured in 72 primary care patients from the West Philadelphia area using electronic monitoring (Medication Event Monitoring System caps) over 12 weeks. Standard questions assessed the presence of CVD. Participants answered open-ended questions about barriers to and facilitators of medication adherence. Participants who had CVD were significantly less likely to achieve ≥80% adherence to an antidepressant, oral hypoglycemic agent, and antihypertensive medications at 12 weeks. Participants identified four themes related to medication adherence: Interference from Psychosocial Demands, Need for Technological Innovation, Awareness of Disease Severity, and Integrating Community Linkages. Interventions to improve medication adherence among persons with Type 2 DM in underserved communities may aim to address social determinants of health, create community linkages, emphasize disease severity and utilize apps which are integrated with existing primary care services.

Nutrition-sensitive agriculture programs hold substantial promise for improving access to nutritious food in contexts like rural Nepal. Yet, implementing such programs in geographically and culturally diverse settings can be challenging. To better understand the contextual factors that influence the ability of program participants to benefit from agriculture-nutrition interventions, we qualitatively examined the implementation of Helen Keller International’s Homestead Food Production program (HFP) in far-western Nepal. Data collection consisted of shadowing program staff for three months, interviewing program participants (n = 31) and staff (n = 10), and conducting three focus-group discussions with female community health volunteers (n = 28). An integrated food and nutrition system framework guided thematic analysis. Participants demonstrated high levels of knowledge about the program’s nutrition messages and expressed interest in and motivation to engage in the HFP program. However, access to water, land, and time determined the extent to which their full participation in the program was feasible. Factors within the biophysical and sociocultural environments interacted to influence access to these crucial resources. Some program participants and staff provided examples of ways in which they overcame these contextual constraints. These included investing in micro-irrigation equipment, arranging land-sharing agreements, and demonstrating more equitable gender norms. Successfully implementing nutrition-sensitive agriculture requires addressing context-specific structural barriers, particularly when aiming to benefit the most vulnerable. Long-term solutions to the barriers faced by the most marginalized households will require broad structural changes. However, problem-solving strategies used by program participants and staff also point towards immediate actions that programs can take to expand the potential for marginalized households to fully participate.

Our assessment of home-based record use in low- and middle-income countries indicated that the implementation process consists of 8 interdependent components involving policy makers, funders, and end users—health care workers, pregnant women, and the parents/caregivers of children. Successful implementation can result in improved maternal and child health outcomes and more efficient use of government and donor investments., Background: A home-based record (HBR) is a health document kept by the patient or their caregivers, rather than by the health care facility. HBRs are used in 163 countries, but they have not been implemented universally or consistently. Effective implementation maximizes both health impacts and cost-effectiveness. We sought to examine this research-to-practice gap and delineate the facilitators and barriers to the effective implementation and use of maternal and child health HBRs especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Using a framework analysis approach, we created a framework of implementation categories in advance using subject expert inputs. We collected information through 2 streams. First, we screened 69 gray literature documents, of which 18 were included for analysis. Second, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants, each of whom had extensive experience with HBR implementation. We abstracted the relevant data from the documents and interviews into an analytic matrix. The matrix was based on the initial framework and adjusted according to emergent categories from the data. Results: We identified 8 contributors to successful HBR implementation. These include establishing high-level support from the government and ensuring clear communication between all ministries and nongovernmental organizations involved. Choice of appropriate contents within the record was noted as important for alignment with the health system and for end user acceptance, as were the design, its physical durability, and timely redesigns. Logistical considerations, such as covering costs sustainably and arranging printing and distribution, could be potential bottlenecks. Finally, end users' engagement with HBRs depended on how the record was initially introduced to them and how its importance was reinforced over time by those in leadership positions. Conclusions: This framework analysis is the first study to take a more comprehensive and broad approach to the HBR implementation process in LMICs. The findings provide guidance for policy makers, donors, and health care practitioners regarding best implementation practice and effective HBR use, as well as where further research is required.

Social determinants profoundly impact health. Many primary care practices now seek to screen their patients for health-related social needs (HRSN) and refer them to resources in the community. However, there is little empirical evidence to guide communication with patients in order to ensure their comfort with the process and increase the likelihood that it results in positive outcomes. This paper describes the first phase of the Improving Messaging Around Gaps in Needs and rEfferals (IMAGINE) study-a multi-phase study aiming to develop and test patient-centred messages about screening and referral for HRSN. In this initial qualitative phase, our objective was to identify communication strategies that might make western Colorado primary care patients more comfortable with the HRSN screening and referral process. From May to July 2020 we interviewed 10 staff members responsible for HRSN screening from primary care practices participating in the western Colorado Accountable Health Communities (AHC) initiative and 20 patients from 2 of these practices. We used a rapid qualitative analysis process that involved summarising interview transcripts across key domains of interest and then identifying emergent themes within each domain using a data matrix. Through this process, we examined current communication about HRSN screening, as well as suggestions for messages and other strategies that could improve communication. In most practices, the AHC Screening Tool was handed to patients by front desk staff at check-in with little explanation as to its purpose. Patients and staff alike recommended that patients be provided with information that: normalises the screening and referral process; assures privacy; clarifies that the purpose is to help and support rather than judge or report; emphasises community benefits; and respects patient autonomy. Interviewees also suggested broader strategies to support more effective communication, such as practice staff and clinicians building trusting relationships with patients and understanding and acknowledging the complex structural barriers that often prevent patients from accessing meaningful assistance. These findings provide actionable suggestions for improving communication about HRSN screening and referral in primary care settings. The next steps include developing specific messages based on these findings and testing their impact on screening tool completion rate, referral uptake, and patient-reported comfort with the process.

Background A significant proportion of individuals clinically diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), but without any disease-causing mutation, are likely to have polygenic hypercholesterolemia. We evaluated the distribution of a polygenic risk score, consisting of 12 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-raising variants (polygenic LDL-C risk score), in subjects with a clinical diagnosis of FH. Methods and Results Within the Lipid Transport Disorders Italian Genetic Network (LIPIGEN) study, 875 patients who were FH-mutation positive (women, 54.75%; mean age, 42.47±15.00 years) and 644 patients who were FH-mutation negative (women, 54.21%; mean age, 49.73±13.54 years) were evaluated. Patients who were FH-mutation negative had lower mean levels of pretreatment LDL-C than patients who were FH-mutation positive (217.14±55.49 versus 270.52±68.59 mg/dL, P

Continental margin sediments represent a major global sink of organic carbon (OC), and as such exert a key control on Earth’s climate. Today, OC burial in marine sediments mainly takes place under oxygen-rich water columns, where most OC is stabilized through intimate association with sediment grains and biogenic minerals. In prior episodes of Earth’s past, when large parts of the oceans were anoxic, the mode of sedimentary OC burial must have been very different, however. Present-day analogues indicate that surface sediments accumulating under low-oxygen water columns are often “soupy” in texture. Moreover, most OC occurs in large (100–2,000 μm diameter) organic and organo-mineral aggregates which, due to their low density, are prone to wave- and current-induced resuspension. Upon mobilization, these aggregates can undergo lateral transport within so-called nepheloid layers, and may be translocated hundreds of kilometres, and on timescales of thousands of years. Little is known about processes of formation, resuspension and hydrodynamic properties of these aggregates in oxygen-poor waters, or which factors control their eventual breakdown or burial. The goal of this study is to examine the drivers and biogeochemical consequences of this resuspension on OC cycling in modern, oxygen-depleted, “Semi-Liquid Ocean Bottom” (SLOB) regions. We argue that models of sediment and OM hydrodynamics and redistribution that describe sedimentation processes in oxygenated ocean waters of the modern ocean are a poor analogue for equivalent processes occurring under oxygen-deficient conditions. In the latter, we hypothesize that 1) the abundance of low-density organic-rich particles and aggregates leads to a greater propensity for sediment remobilization at low(er) shear stress, and 2) upon resuspension into low-oxygen bottom waters, remobilized OM may be subject to less degradation (less attenuation) during lateral transport, leading to efficient and widespread translocation to distal centres of deposition. We address specific aspects of the SLOB hypothesis utilizing a combination of literature and new data, focussing on the Benguela Upwelling Region as a model system., Frontiers in Earth Science, 10, ISSN:2296-6463

Background Chronic stress is implicated in behavioral and health issues in cats, but methods for recognition, evaluation, and measurement of stress are lacking. Cortisol concentration is typically used as an indicator of stress. Objectives To evaluate use of an enzyme immunoassay to quantitate hair and nail cortisol concentrations (HCC and NCC) in cats and evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, physical, and environmental correlates of chronic stress in cats. Animals Forty‐eight adult, owned or community cats. Methods Cross‐sectional study. Nail clippings and hair were collected from cats. Medical history and cat daily lifestyle questionnaires were completed by owners or caretakers. A commercial laboratory performed cortisol extraction and quantification using a validated enzyme immunoassay kit. Correlational and regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between HCC and NCC and behavioral, environmental, and medical factors. Results Hair and nail cortisol concentrations were significantly associated (r s = 0.70; P

The meta-accuracy of first impressions (i.e., how accurately one understands others’ perception of oneself) can be conceptualized and measured in various ways. In order to reduce conceptual and methodological overwhelm, facilitate understanding of the topic, and stimulate future work in the field, we conducted a brief introductory literature review on the meta-accuracy of first impressions. Following a definitions-and-methodology-focused overview of the historical development of the topic, we present comparative synthesis and analysis of the key conceptualization and measurement methods used to study the meta-accuracy of first impressions. We also summarize the central research themes and types of stimuli that have been studied in relation to the meta-accuracy of first impressions. Finally, we make several suggestions for further research that could be beneficial to the future development and expansion of the field.

Persons with disability are living longer and are at risk of experiencing greater disability as a result of additional age-related declines. These individuals, “aging with disability”, could benefit greatly from technology supports – if such supports are designed and developed with their capabilities and limitations in mind. To ensure technology interventions meet user requirements, it is important to identify and implement human factors considerations. This panel brings together leaders at the intersection of aging and disability research, who are members of TechSAge (Rehabilitation and Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging-in-Place for People with Long-Term Disabilities) – a multi-site, multi-disciplinary research collaboration aiming to understand the complex interaction between age-related changes and disability when designing and developing technology interventions. Specifically, the panel will address four overarching themes, integral to the success of TechSAge: (1) understanding user needs; (2) innovative environmental supports; (3) translational technology interventions; and (4) closing the gap between research and practice. This discussion will highlight the substantial research in the fields of aging and disability, yet emphasize the importance of bridging the gap between these two fields. Human factors, in particular, has potential to contribute much to this area of study, with the potential to improve the lives of older adults with disability wishing to remain longer in their homes of choice.

Objective Our immediate objective is to determine whether infectivity of lytic podophage T3 has a relatively high persistence in the blood of a mouse, as suggested by previous data. Secondarily, we determine whether the T3 surface has changed during this mouse passage. The surface is characterized by native agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). Beyond our current data, the long-term objective is optimization of phages chosen for therapy of all bacteremias and associated sepsis. Results We find that the persistence of T3 in mouse blood is higher by over an order of magnitude than the previously reported persistence of (1) lysogenic phages lambda and P22, and (2) lytic phage T7, a T3 relative. We explain these differences via the lysogenic character of lambda and P22, and the physical properties of T7. For the future, we propose testing a new, AGE-based strategy for rapidly screening for high-persistence, lytic, environmental podophages that have phage therapy-promoting physical properties.

The aim of this work was to study the possibility of perfluoroorganic solvents use for extraction of main compounds of essential oil from Anethum graveolens L. fruits. We used Anethum graveolens L. fruits with particle size of 0.1–0.5 mm for extraction. We used the method of simple maceration for 24 hours, with raw material to solvent ratio of 1:10 w/v at 24±1°С. Besides, we used the method of circulation extraction in the Soxhlet extractor with raw material to solvent ratio of 1:5 w/v for 1 to 4 hours. The qualitative analysis of extracts was carried out by the method of GC-MS. The quantitative analysis of carvone was carried out by the method of RP HPLC at 240 nm analytical wavelength. The use of simple maceration method provided the following yields of carvone into all types of solvents: 95±4 % for n-hexane, 95±4 % for Novec 7100, and 69±3 % for Novec 1230. The use of the circulation method of extraction for 60 min of solvent circulation provided the following yields of carvone: 93±4 % for Novec 1230 and 92±4 % for Novec 7100. It was noted that the extract obtained with solvent Novec 7100 was contaminated by fatty oil and required an addition stage of purification. The results obtained suggest that perfluoro organic solvents have good prospects and applicability in the phytotechnology for the extraction of some types of biologically active compounds and essential oils from the plant raw material.

Objective: The aim of this article was to test the hypothesis about the possibility for extraction of essential oil components from the plant raw material (PRM) by the example of Pimpinella anisum L. fruits with two different perfluoro organic solvents, Novec 1230 and Novec 7100. Methods: For the studies, we used Pimpinella anisum L. fruits ground to obtain particle size between 0.1 and 0.5 mm. The study of qualitative and quantitative content of the extracts was carried out by the following method: simple maceration, PRM: extractant ratio 1:10 w/v; and circulation method for extraction using Soxhlet extractor, PRM: extractant ratio 1:5 w/v. Qualitative analysis of extracts was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Quantitative analysis of trans-anethole in the extracts was carried out by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC) method. Results: The largest yield of anethole was observed for n-hexane, 84±4 %, and for Novec 7100, 81±4 %. In case of Novec 1230 solvent, the yield of anethole was noted to be three times less, 32±2 %. The yield of anethole under the conditions of solvents (Novec 1230 and Novec 7100) circulation method was up to 94±5 % within two hours. Conclusion: Adequacy of the working hypothesis about the possibility for extraction of essential oil components from Pimpinella anisum L. fruits by two different perfluoro organic solvents, Novec 1230 and Novec 7100, was verified experimentally. In the context of the solvents tested, it was found that the level of fluorination of the solvent’s molecule had a great influence on its extraction properties in regard to anethole and vegetable oil.

Background Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) infection can result in serious morbidity and mortality, especially in kittens. Immunotherapy using liposome-toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand complexes (LTC) has been shown to activate innate immune responses. Objectives To determine in kittens whether mucosal administration of LTC before FHV-1 inoculation would decrease severity of clinical signs and decrease quantities of FHV-1 DNA in materials collected on oropharyngeal swabs. Animals Nineteen, 14-week-old, purpose-bred kittens. Methods Pilot clinical trial with 2 groups of kittens allocated to either an LTC or control group. The LTC were administered into both nares and the oropharynx of the 12 LTC group kittens, and all 19 kittens were inoculated with FHV-1 24 hours later. Clinical scores were determined daily for 28 days, and oropharyngeal mucosal materials were collected every 7 days to assess FHV-1 DNA quantities for comparison between groups. Results Conjunctivitis was more common in kittens in the control group on Days 15-28 (P = .01) and Days 1-28 (P = .02). Total respiratory scores were higher in the LTC group on days 15-28 (P = .03). The LTC group had significantly decreased FHV-1 DNA on swabs when compared to the control group on some postinoculation days, using 2 methods of calculation. Conclusions and clinical importance Administration of LTC to kittens was shown to decrease FHV-1 DNA and some manifestations of illness in kittens when administrated 24 hours before inoculation, suggesting clinical benefit.

Background Nonspecific induction of local innate immune responses by mucosally administered immunotherapy is a new approach to protection from upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, a new liposome-toll-like receptor complex (LTC) immune stimulant was developed and investigated for its ability to activate innate immune responses in cats, both in vitro and in vivo, as part of an initial evaluation of LTC for use as an immunotherapeutic agent in cats. Objectives We hypothesized that LTC could activate innate immune responses in cats after topical application to nasal and oropharyngeal mucosal surfaces. Animals Mucosal immune responses to topical administration of LTC were assessed in 7 healthy, purpose-bred cats, and in vitro responses were assessed using blood samples from healthy cats. Methods Cytokine and cellular immune responses to LTC were evaluated in blood samples, nasal lavage specimens, and pharyngeal swabs from cats, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays, ELISA assays, and flow cytometry. Results Liposome-TLR complexes rapidly activated leukocytes in vitro, including upregulation of costimulatory molecule expression and cytokine production. Topical administration of LTC in healthy cats triggered rapid recruitment of monocytes to the nasal and oropharyngeal mucosa. Conclusions and clinical importance Liposome-TLR complexes were found to effectively activate innate immune responses in cats after mucosal administration. These findings suggest that LTC have potential for use as a new mucosally administered immunotherapy for nonspecific protection from viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections.

Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence health outcomes. Food insecurity (FI) is the most common need related to SDOH. Many primary care practices and health systems have begun to screen for FI and refer patients to resources. How this process is viewed by multiple stakeholders, including patients, health care workers, and staff at food assistance organizations (FAOs), will influence its impact.In this mixed-methods study, we completed 42 interviews with individuals from the 3 stakeholder groups. We then conducted a survey with 126 respondents using questions developed from the qualitative results.All stakeholders recognized the impact FI has on health outcomes, but perspectives varied on the value of sharing information through referrals to FAOs and concerning receipt of services, including privacy concerns and that the process would require significant work and not necessarily improve FI.Stakeholders agree that FI impacts health but have differences in perceptions around screening and referral done in health care settings. Perspectives of multiple stakeholders need to be considered when designing these systems.Successfully designing systems to address FI through referral to FAOs requires input of multiple stakeholders because perspectives on the value and work required for this process vary.

Supplemental Material, sj-docx-1-nah-10.1177_0260106021993749 for Perceived environmental supports for fruit and vegetable consumption among older adults in the US by Qianzhi Jiang, Sarah L. Francis, Karen M. Chapman-Novakofski, McKenzie Wilt, Elena T. Carbone and Nancy L. Cohen in Nutrition and Health