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Improving current and future risk communication plans is critical to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and begin to prepare for future pandemics. Minority groups, particularly African Americans, have been limited in engagement to prepare these plans which has been demonstrated to be disadvantageous. We report findings from a qualitative study that describes gaps, needs, and strategies to improve communication among vulnerable, Black American subgroups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The relative and synergistic contributions of genetics and environment to interindividual immune response variation remain unclear, despite implications in evolutionary biology and medicine. Here we quantify interactive effects of genotype and environment on immune traits by investigating C57BL/6, 129S1 and PWK/PhJ inbred mice, rewilded in an outdoor enclosure and infected with the parasite Trichuris muris. Whereas cellular composition was shaped by interactions between genotype and environment, cytokine response heterogeneity including IFNγ concentrations was primarily driven by genotype with consequence on worm burden. In addition, we show that other traits, such as expression of CD44, were explained mostly by genetics on T cells, whereas expression of CD44 on B cells was explained more by environment across all strains. Notably, genetic differences under laboratory conditions were decreased following rewilding. These results indicate that nonheritable influences interact with genetic factors to shape immune variation and parasite burden.

Introduction: Black individuals in the USA continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials with low participation rates in COVID-19 research studies. Identifying participation barriers is necessary as we develop more vaccines and other treatments to address SARS-CoV-2 and associated sequelae. The purpose of this explorative, qualitative study is to apply the theory of planned behavior to understand motivators and barriers to COVID-19 research participation at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these factors is important to ultimately lead to increased vaccination rates among Black individuals, especially in strategies that increase preparedness in response to public health emergencies. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study design was conducted between May and September 2020 among 62 Black participants. The participants were purposefully selected from vulnerable subgroups of the Black population: essential workers, young adults, parents, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. An inductive-deductive content analysis approach was used to analyze the interview data. Results: Majority (54.8%) reported willingness to participate in COVID-19 research. The following themes emerged from the interviews: (1) positivity toward research exists yet fear and distrust remain; (2) views toward COVID-19 research vary; (3) motivators to COVID-19 research participation; (4) barriers to COVID-19 research participation; and (5) potential strategies to increase COVID-19 research participation. Conclusions: Based on our findings, majority of the participants reported willingness to participate in research with observational research being the most commonly cited type of research. Providing data on the attitudes and perspectives of Black individuals and their intentions for COVID-19 research participation using TPB informs intervention targets for healthcare providers and policy makers for an equitable emergency response. Our results suggest improved communication on the research process, research opportunities, and participant testimonial through trusted sources could increase the likelihood of participation. This is especially important as we continue through the pandemic and new treatments for COVID-19 vaccines become readily available.

Objective.The intent of the present study was to test two hypotheses. The primary hypothesis was that there would be differences between blood serum individual free fatty acids (SIFFA) and serum individual total fatty acids (SITFA) in terms of their different relationships (correlations) to each of homeostatic model assessment-individual insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostatic model assessment-individual insulin resistance-percentage β-cell function (HOMA-% β) remaining in human type 2 diabetic patients with pre-flaxseed oil (FXO) and pre-safflower oil (SFO) administration. The secondary hypothesis was that FXO (rich in alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) supplementation would alter these correlations differently in the SIFFA and STIFFA pools in comparison with the placebo SFO (poor in ALA).

La succinate déshydrogénase (SDH) est une enzyme du cycle de Krebs, dont les mutations perte d’expression, de transmission autosomique dominante, prédisposent à la survenue de phéochromocytomes, paragangliomes, et plus rarement aux carcinomes rénaux, tumeurs stromales gastro-intestinales (GIST) et adénomes hypophysaires [1]. Peu de données spécifiques sont disponibles concernant la mutation SDHA [2], il n’existe pas de corrélation établie entre néoplasies pulmonaires et mutations SDHx hors syndrome de Carney-Stratakis. Les mutations germinales EGFR, TP53, BRCA sont les plus fréquemment prédisposantes aux adénocarcinomes pulmonaires [2]. Nous rapportons le cas d’une patiente de 68 ans, tabagique sevrée, avec adénocarcinome pulmonaire lobaire supérieur droit découvert sur métastase unique cérébrale frontale opérée en 2018. Après immunothérapie et résection chirurgicale du primitif, l’histologie confirme un adénocarcinome moyennement différencié, TTF1+, PDL1 100 %, EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, HER2 négatifs. Au cours de la surveillance par TEP-FDG, un paragangliome cervical jugulocarotidien gauche non sécrétant est fortuitement découvert en 2021. Les explorations génétiques retrouvent une mutation germinale SDHA, l’analyse complémentaire sur pièce de lobectomie décrit une perte d’expression somatique SDH, aucune autre atteinte liée à cette mutation n’est connue actuellement chez cette patiente. Ici, la découverte de mutation germinale SDHA est permise par la découverte de paragangliome cervical, suggérant une possible association avec l’adénocarcinome pulmonaire, soutenue par la perte d’expression somatique SDH sur pièce opératoire. Des études complémentaires sont nécessaires pour confirmer une possible association entre prédisposition SDH et adénocarcinome pulmonaire, ouvrant ainsi des perspectives diagnostiques voire thérapeutiques.

Tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TRPL) is a powerful technique for spatially and spectrally probing local optical properties of 2-dimensional (2D) materials that are modulated by the local heterogeneities, revealing inaccessible dark states due to bright state overlap in conventional far-field microscopy at room temperature. While scattering-type near-field probes have shown the potential to selectively enhance and reveal dark exciton emission, their technical complexity and sensitivity can pose challenges under certain experimental conditions. Here, we present a highly reproducible and easy-to-fabricate near-field probe based on nanoimprint lithography and fiber-optic excitation and collection. The novel near-field measurement configuration provides an ∼3 orders of magnitude out-of-plane Purcell enhancement, diffraction-limited excitation spot, and subdiffraction hyperspectral imaging resolution (below 50 nm) of dark exciton emission. The effectiveness of this high spatial XDmapping technique was then demonstrated through reproducible hyperspectral mapping of oxidized sites and bubble areas.

Photoinduced charge transfer in van der Waals heterostructures occurs on the 100 fs timescale despite weak interlayer coupling and momentum mismatch. However, little is understood about the microscopic mechanism behind this ultrafast process and the role of the lattice in mediating it. Here, using femtosecond electron diffraction, we directly visualize lattice dynamics in photoexcited heterostructures of WSe2/WS2monolayers. Following the selective excitation of WSe2, we measure the concurrent heating of both WSe2and WS2on a picosecond timescale—an observation that is not explained by phonon transport across the interface. Using first-principles calculations, we identify a fast channel involving an electronic state hybridized across the heterostructure, enabling phonon-assisted interlayer transfer of photoexcited electrons. Phonons are emitted in both layers on the femtosecond timescale via this channel, consistent with the simultaneous lattice heating observed experimentally. Taken together, our work indicates strong electron–phonon coupling via layer-hybridized electronic states—a novel route to control energy transport across atomic junctions.

Objectives.This review assesses the comparative safety and efficacy of selected 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid coenzyme A inhibitors (statins, cinnamic acids. 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaric acid) on the pre-onset type 2 diabetes (PT2D) and post-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D)-related cluster of seven features (central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombosis, oxidation and inflammation).

Une préparation radiopharmaceutique (PRP) consiste à lier un radioélément à un vecteur. Toute PRP nécessite un contrôle basé sur la mesure de la pureté radiochimique (PRC) définie comme la proportion du radioélément liée au vecteur. Elle est déterminée par chromatographie couche mince (CCM) couplée à un détecteur de radioactivité. L’objectif de ce travail est d’évaluer la variabilité interindividuelle dans l’intégration manuelle des pics du radiochromatogramme (RCM) dans le calcul de la PRC et son impact sur la conformité de la PRP.

Objectives.This review assesses the polypharmacy reduction potential of cinnamic acids (CAs) and some related compounds in managing three or more of the cluster of seven, pre- and post-type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-related features (central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombosis, oxidation, and inflammation).

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) cases continue to rise dramatically despite efforts to get people to exercise and eat with a view to health and combatting the cluster of 7 issues (central obesity (elevated waist circumference), hyperglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, pro-thrombotic state, increased oxidation (including Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)) and the pro-inflammatory state associated with pre- and post-onset T2D. Background: There are numerous medications available to deal with these seven major issues. However, each medication currently available manages a maximum of two cluster members at a time. Consequently, polypharmacy is frequently required to manage the cluster of seven. Polypharmacy brings with it high financial costs for numerous medications, the risk of poor compliance (particularly so in older patients), side effects and drug interactions. Thus, there is a search for new agents that reduce the high costs and risks of polypharmacy while at the same time combatting three or more of the cluster of seven. There is very limited evidence to suggest that one or more lignans may efficaciously and safely, in the short and long term, manage at least three of the cluster of seven, pre- and post-T2D onset, thus reducing polypharmacy. However, multi-centre, large clinical trials are required before any definitive conclusions about these lignans can be reached regarding their safe and efficacious polypharmacy reduction potential, both long and short-term, in pre and post-onset T2D management. Conclusion: It is concluded that some lignans appear to have the potential to manage at least three members of the cluster of seven in pre- or post-T2D onset and hence reduce polypharmacy but much more investigation is required to confirm if such is the case. At the moment, there is not enough evidence that any of the lignans will, in the long or short term, safely and efficaciously manage the cluster of seven via polypharmacy reduction.

Objectives: The disproportionate impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on African Americans along with associated inequities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and racism increase their vulnerability to the psychosocial impact of COVID-19. This qualitative study applied the socio-ecological model (SEM) to explore psychosocial stressors, coping styles, and needs to improve psychosocial health among unique subgroups of African Americans in early pandemic stages. Methods: Sixty-two African Americans (16 parents, 15 young adults, 16 essential workers, and 15 individuals with underlying medical conditions) participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews between May and September 2020. Interview data were analyzed based on the SEM using thematic analysis. Results: The majority (84%) reported being stressed with parents having the highest level. Four themes emerged : (1) our COVID-19 pandemic state of mind, (2) top stressors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, (3) coping strategies during COVID-19, and (4) needs during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce stress. While there were similarities, different stressors were experienced among subgroups, which yielded different coping styles and needs from stakeholders across multi-levels to improve their psychosocial health. Conclusions: Findings suggest current and future pandemic response plans need targeted strategies across multiple levels of influence to address the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African Americans.

The article focuses on the vulnerability of southern Louisiana and the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe, a French-speaking Native American community, to climate change, detailing their ongoing struggles with hurricanes, flooding, and land loss. It highlights collaborative efforts with scientists, researchers, and activists to find solutions and protect their future against the increasing challenges posed by climate-related crises.

Le bilan d’extension du cancer de prostate (CP) en Guyane française est contraint par le manque de scintigraphie osseuse (SGO). La disponibilité de 4 IRM permet de développer des alternatives avec la pratique d’une IRM du Squelette Axial (IRM SA).

It was hypothesized that there would be gender differences in low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in response to a CuSO4 challenge in the study population of well-controlled (HbA1c < 8 %) Caucasian type 2 diabetics. The purpose of this study was to assess this hypothesis. Males (n=18) and females (n = 14) participated in this study. Subjects came in for two visits 3 months apart. LDL was isolated by ultracentrifugation and exposed to 5 M CuSO4. There were no gender differences in lag time, maximal rate of propagation or maximal oxidation as measured by conjugated diene formation measured at 234 nm. It is concluded that gender does not play a role in CuSO4-induced LDL oxidation in vitro in the study population. It may be that both genders need to much more aggressively manage dietary patterns to reduce the impact of LDL oxidation in their susceptibility to atherosclerosis-induced myocardial infarction.

Background: Blood pressures are increased in type 2 diabetics presenting an enhanced risk of myocardial infarction and subsequent death. It is controversial whether males have a greater risk of myocardial infarction and resultant death in type 2 diabetes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding gender in blood pressure and to test the hypothesis that there would be gender inequality in blood pressure in well-controlled Caucasian type 2 diabetics in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia resulting in at least one gender exceeding the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) guidelines for systolic and/or diastolic pressures. Methods: Blood pressure were done by sphygmomanometry and using a stethoscope. Results: This study revealed statistically identical blood pressures in males and females which were above the CDA guidelines for systolic and diastolic pressures. Conclusion: It is concluded that neither males nor females as a population in this study are meeting the CDA guidelines for systolic or diastolic pressures and as such may well be at greater risk of myocardial infarction than if they were meeting these CDA guidelines. Ultimately it will have to be determined what approaches are suitable in bringing blood pressures to clinical target endpoints and what role gender may play in these approaches to management of hypertension in type 2 diabetics. However, this was only a very small study and a much larger one would answer whether there is gender inequality in blood pressure among persons with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.

Background: Bleeding times are decreased in type 2 diabetics presenting an enhanced risk of myocardial infarction and subsequent death. It is controversial whether males have a greater risk of myocardial infarction and resultant death in type 2 diabetes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding gender in bleeding time and to test the hypothesis that there would be gender inequality in bleeding time in well-controlled Caucasian Type 2 diabetics in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This study revealed significantly shorter bleeding times in males. Thus it may be that males should be more aggressively treated to increase bleeding time and hence to more equitably manage the risk of myocardial infarction and subsequent death. Ultimately it will have to be determined what bleeding time thresholds are suitable for intervention and indeed what the most appropriate intervention is at each threshold and what role gender may play in these features in type 2 diabetics. However, this was only a very small study and a much larger one would answer whether there is gender inequality in bleeding time among persons with well-controlled type 2 diabetes.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is costly to manage and thus it is important to know if management of blood glucose and HbA1c are meeting clinical targets in both men and women. There is conflicting published data on the gender equality of blood glucose and HbA1c management in type 2 diabetics. Objective: The purpose of this work was to review the literature on gender equality in blood glucose management and to test the hypothesis that management of blood glucose and HbA1c would meet clinical targets in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, irrespective of gender in well controlled Caucasian type 2 diabetic patients. Design, Setting and Participants: Fasting serum insulin and insulin sensitivity levels were determined in order to assist in the explanation of the glucose and HbA1c results in people with diabetes. Patients were asked to give a fasting blood sample on each of two occasions three months apart. Results: There were no differences between males and females in each of fasting serum glucose (FSG) and HbA1c levels as well as fasting serum insulin concentrations and in insulin sensitivity at visit 1 or 2. However, each of FSG and HbA1c levels were slightly higher than clinical targets. Modestly elevated serum insulin and lower insulin sensitivity were consistent with the FSG and HbA1c levels. This contrasts with some of the existing literature pointing out the need for a much larger study to be done in Cape Breton. Conclusion: It is concluded that blood glucose management among people with well controlled type 2 diabetes in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia may be close to clinical targets irrespective of gender. A further lowering of HbA1c and FSG may be in order. However, this was only a very small study and a much larger one would answer whether there is gender equality in FSG and HbA1c among persons with well controlled type 2 diabetes on Cape Breton Island.

Diet and anthropometic measures are important indicators of risk of various complications in type 2 diabetics. The purpose was to assess the hypothesis that there would be gender differences in anthropometric measures and dietary intakes for energy and energy-yielding nutrients including oleic acid in the study population of well-controlled (HbA1c < 8 %) Caucasian type 2 diabetics. Males (n=18) and females (n = 14) participated. Subjects came in for two visits each 3 months apart. Males differed from females only in height (m) (1.72 + 0.02 vs 1.59 ± 0.01), hip circumference (cm) (103.0 ± 1.4 vs 117.8 ± 3.9), waist to hip ratio (0.99 ± 0.01 vs 0.87 ± 0.01 and waist to height ratio (0.591 ± 0.010 vs 0.640 ± 0.018). Despite a higher intake for total calories in males and similar intakes for the energy yielding nutrients including oleic acid in the study population of type 2 diabetics, males and females had similar weights and waist circumferences while males had greater waist to hip ratios, lesser waist to height ratios and very a strong trend toward lesser BMI. Females are further away from recommended anthropometric targets and as such appear to be at greater risk of complications from type 2 diabetes.

Fasting blood serum lipid concentrations, low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, hypertension, and various anthropometric measures such as waist circumference are important measures of coronary atherosclerosis risk in type 2 diabetics. Apo E genotypes, leptin and adiponectin, modify fasting blood serum lipid levels and thus the degree of atherosclerosis as assessed in part by c-reactive protein (CRP). Hypertension, LDL oxidation and increased waist circumference promote atherosclerosis and hence the risk of myocardial infarction. It was hypothesised that there would be apo E, adiponectin, leptin and gender driven differences in myocardial infarction risk including hypertension, various anthropometric measures, CRP levels and at least some of the lipid levels including their modulating levels of leptin and adiponectin as the result of the administration of flaxseed oil (60 mg/kg bodyweight/day of alpha-linolenic acid for 90 days) and that apo E genotype would play a role in lipid responsiveness to such flaxseed oil administration. The purpose of this study was to assess this hypothesis. The only significant change seen was a statistically significant drop in cholesterol only in females consuming flaxseed oil with correlative evidence of apo E genotypic influence on other lipid parameter responsiveness in males and females. The absence of change in leptin and adiponectin levels suggests that this change did not occur due to these, lipid modulating, adipocytokines. Dietary intakes of calories, oleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid were consistent for each gender/treatment group and therefore consistent with no change in waist circumference. It is concluded that flaxseed oil consumption at an alpha-linolenic acid level of 60 mg/kg body weight/day for three months has no impact on the cardiovascular disease risk factors studied in the overall population herein except for cholesterol in female type 2 diabetics consuming flaxseed oil. However, in certain apo E genotypes there was a greater sensitivity to change in lipid parameters.

Cape Breton Island has among the highest levels of type 2 diabetes in Canada and therefore the risk of associated coronary atherosclerosis-induced myocardial infarction is also very high. Fasting blood serum lipid concentrations are important measures of coronary atherosclerosis disease risk in type 2 diabetics. Apolipoprotein E alleles and genotypes, as well as the adipocytokines, leptin and adiponectin modify fasting blood serum lipid levels and thus the degree of atherosclerosis which may be assessed in part by c-reactive protein (CRP). Control of blood lipid levels is critical to reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. It was hypothesised that there would be no gender differences in myocardial infarction risk including CRP levels and at least some of the lipid levels including their modulating levels of apolipoprotein alleles and genotypes, leptin and adiponectin. The purpose of this study was to assess this hypothesis. Females had significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and its atherogenic subfraction HDL2-c while at the same time having higher levels of HDL3-c. Serum free fatty acids levels were significantly higher in females as was the leptin level. There were no gender differences in elevated total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), small dense (sd) LDL-c, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), adiponectin and CRP and the ratios of HDL-c: TC and HDL-c: LDL-c. By trend or significantly, Apo E genotypes and allele presence correlated variously by gender with some lipid levels. Thus despite the higher degree of antiatherogenic HDL-c and HDL2-c in females, this was not manifested in lesser atherosclerotic severity as assessed by CRP. This may be due to the fact that HDL-c and HDL2-c were low as was ratio of HDL-c: TC and HDL-c: LDL-c. Thus it is concluded that apo E genotype, lipid levels and the ratios of HDL-c: TC and HDL-c: LDL-c equally favour atherosclerosis in both males and female type 2 diabetics in Cape Breton and more aggressive intervention is required to ameliorate the substantial risk of atherosclerosis induced myocardial infarction presented by these lipid profiles. However, this was only a small study and a larger study would more definitively address the risk of myocardial infarction in both males and females on Cape Breton.

La Guyane française mesure 83 500 km2(équivalent à 1/6 du territoire métropolitain). Les communes sont distantes. L’urologie hospitalière n’existe qu’à Kourou. Ces particularismes ont mené à développer la chirurgie urologique ambulatoire, y compris pour des patients habitant loin du centre de référence. Nous rapportons notre expérience de l’ambulatoire pour urétéroscopie (URS).

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In this research work, LiFePO4polycrystalline material was directly synthesized via an eco-friendly, low cost, and advantageous alternative route by co-precipitation method, using Fe(OH)2as a source of Fe2+which affords no reduction step. X-Ray analysis revealed that the synthetic powders have an amorphous structure. The onset temperature of crystallization was 650 °C related to the LiFePO4crystalline phase. Result was proven by the differential thermal analysis. The identification phase was carried out by powders X-Ray diffraction, after calcination at various temperatures. The thermal analysis displayed a thermal stability up to 800 °C. The presence of the (OH) and (H2O) groups at low temperatures was confirmed by vibrational spectroscopies. Optical spectroscopy was applied to improve electronic transition of LiFePO4polycrystalline. Obtained results revealed a band gag of 4.1 eV with a direct transition. The calculated Urbach energy corresponding to 3.8 eV was attributed to a high structural disorder. The electrical features were elaborated through impedance spectroscopy to investigate Li+ions conductivity of LiFePO4polycrystalline. Findings showed two evolution regions for conductivity when its values were in the range of 8.10−12S cm−1and 3.10−8S cm−1, accompanied with a growth in the activation energy from Ea= 0.18 to Ea= 0.48 eV. Therefore, the synthesized LiFePO4polycrystalline prepared by a simple co-precipitation method is suitable for electronic applications.