Search

Sand-packed columns were used to study the transport of micro- and nanoiron particle suspensions modified with anionic polyelectrolytes. With microscale carbonyl iron powder (CIP), the profiles of initial and eluted particle diameters were compared with simulations based on classical filtration theory (CFT), using both the Tufenkji-Elimelech (TE) and Rajagopalan-Tien (RT) models. With particle size distributions that peaked in the submicron range, there was reasonable agreement between both models and the eluted distributions. With distributions that peaked in the 1.5 µm range, however, the eluted distributions were narrower and shifted to a smaller particle size than predicted by CFT. Apparent sticking coefficients depended on column length and flow rate, and the profile of retained iron in the columns did not follow the log-linear form expected from CFT. These observations could be rationalized in terms of the secondary energy minimum model recently proposed by Tufenkji and Elimelech (Langmuir 2005, 21,841). For microiron, sticking coefficients correlated well with particle zeta potentials and polyacrylate (PAA) concentration. With nanoscale iron particles, there was no apparent correlation between filtration length and total electrolyte concentration. However, mixtures of PAA with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) and bentonite clay significantly enhanced nanoiron transport, possibly by affecting the aggregation of the particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts to differentiate regions from one another, whether in social, demographic, or economic terms, have led to the development of numerous indices to summarize the economic composition of regions. This study revisits classic indices of industrial diversity to evaluate their applicability for benchmarking local and regional economies. Specifically, we explore a multivariate extension of these diversity indices for measuring concentration in an effort to evaluate their ability to accurately depict spatial relationships of county level resources for the contiguous U.S. The relative abilities of the classic indices are compared to a developed measure of resource concentration, the County Similarity Index (CS-Index), which represents a computationally simple and flexible alternative to these indices. Results suggest the CS-Index produces superior results to the indices evaluated, particularly with regard to the spatial relationships of county resource concentrations, which are quantified using global and local indicators of spatial association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the state of Ohio, House Bill 180, Senate Bill 175 and Senate Bill 5 collectively form Megan's Law. This law requires individuals convicted of a sexually oriented offense to register with the local sheriff `s office at least twenty days prior to the move-in date of the offender. Beginning July 31, 2003, Megan's Law prohibited an offender of a sexually oriented offense from establishing or occupying a residence within 1,000 feet of any school-related properties. A major social concern with this law and its subsequent enforcement is the belief that the geographic constraints placed on registered sex offenders effectively eliminate nearly all residential housing options. The purpose of this paper is to explore issues of geographic exclusion by conducting a spatial analysis of registered sex offenders in Hamilton County, Ohio. Analysis using geographic information systems (GIS), proximity evaluation and basic statistical techniques enables the impacts of this law to be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibrosing colonopathy, a complication of cystic fibrosis. has generally been reported in young children with exposure to high doses of pancreatic enzymes. The authors report the case of a 25- year-old male with cystic fibrosis who presented with gradually progressive symptoms of bowel obstruction. Pathologic examination of the right colon revealed findings consistent with fibrosing colonopathy. This case is distinctive because of the adult presentation, and because the patient's symptoms developed long after he had discontinued taking a high-strength enzyme preparation. This case suggests that multiple etiologic factors, and not simply exposure to pancreatic enzymes, may result in fibrosing colonopathy in adults with cystic fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination is effective in preventing COVID-19–related hospitalization, but duration of protection of the original monovalent vaccine during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron predominance merits evaluation, particularly given low coverage with updated COVID-19 vaccines. During December 19, 2021–October 29, 2023, the Overcoming COVID-19 Network evaluated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of ≥2 original monovalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses against COVID-19–related hospitalization and critical illness among U.S. children and adolescents aged 5–18 years, using a case-control design. Too few children and adolescents received bivalent or updated monovalent vaccines to separately evaluate their effectiveness. Most case-patients (persons with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result) were unvaccinated, despite the high frequency of reported underlying conditions associated with severe COVID-19. VE of the original monovalent vaccine against COVID-19–related hospitalizations was 52% (95% CI = 33%–66%) when the most recent dose was administered <120 days before hospitalization and 19% (95% CI = 2%–32%) if the interval was 120–364 days. VE of the original monovalent vaccine against COVID-19–related hospitalization was 31% (95% CI = 18%–43%) if the last dose was received any time within the previous year. VE against critical COVID-19–related illness, defined as receipt of noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and illness resulting in death, was 57% (95% CI = 21%–76%) when the most recent dose was received <120 days before hospitalization, 25% (95% CI = –9% to 49%) if it was received 120–364 days before hospitalization, and 38% (95% CI = 15%–55%) if the last dose was received any time within the previous year. VE was similar after excluding children and adolescents with *These senior authors contributed equally to this report. documented immunocompromising conditions. Because of the low frequency of children who received updated COVID-19 vaccines and waning effectiveness of original monovalent doses, these data support CDC recommendations that all children and adolescents receive updated COVID-19 vaccines to protect against severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious postinfectious immune dysregulation associated with coronavirus disease 2019 that may present with severe and life-threatening cardiovascular dysfunction, hemodynamic instability, shock, and multisystem organ failure. Optimal treatment is unknown. Current standard of care consists of nonspecific anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic therapies. Interventions that target MIS-C's distinctive clinical features and immunophenotype are indicated. Remestemcel-L, an investigational mesenchymal stromal cell therapy, is a promising candidate for treatment of MIS-C because of its beneficial anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, endothelial function and vascular stabilizing effects, which align well with the pathophysiology of MIS-C. Here, we present the first two patients with life-threatening MIS-C ever treated with remestemcel-L under an expanded access program. Both were previously healthy children without any indication of previous coronavirus disease 2019 infection or exposure. They presented with severe clinical illness including myocardial dysfunction, hemodynamic instability, hypotension, acute kidney injury, and shock. At the time of hospital admission, both had negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and positive serology results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Both children received standard of care MIS-C treatment. Although the patients showed some clinical improvement, left ventricular ejection fraction remained reduced and inflammatory biomarkers remained significantly elevated. When treated with two intravenous doses of remestemcel-L separated by 48 hours, rapid normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction, notable reductions in biomarkers of systemic and cardiac inflammation, and improved clinical status occurred. Neither child experienced adverse effects associated with remestemcel-L administration. This treatment appears promising as a novel immunomodulatory cellular therapy for children with clinically significant cardiovascular manifestations of MIS-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation continues to be a disruptive force in the workforce. In particular, new automated technologies are projected to replace many mid-skill jobs, potentially displacing millions of workers. Career planning agencies and other organizations can help support workers if they are able to effectively identify optimal transition occupations for displaced workers. We drew upon the 24.2 Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Database to conduct two related studies that identify alternate occupations for truck drivers, who are at risk of job loss due to the adoption of autonomous vehicles. In Study 1, we statistically compared the jobs that we identified based on different search methods using O*NET classifications based on their similarity to the knowledge, skills, values, and interests held by truck drivers. In Study 2, we conducted a survey of truck drivers to evaluate their perceptions of the occupations identified as objectively similar to their occupation. Results indicate that optimal transition occupations may be identified by searching for occupations that share skills as well as the same work activities/industry as a given occupation. These findings hold further implications for career planning organizations and policymakers to ease workforce disruption due to automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased breast density augments breast cancer risk and reduces mammography sensitivity. Supplemental breast MRI screening can significantly increase cancer detection among women with dense breasts. However, few women undergo this exam, and screening is consistently lower among racially minoritized populations. Implementation strategies informed by behavioral economics ("nudges") can promote evidence-based practices by improving clinician decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. Nudges directed toward clinicians and patients may facilitate the implementation of supplemental breast MRI. Methods: Approximately 1600 patients identified as having extremely dense breasts after non-actionable mammograms, along with about 1100 clinicians involved with their care at 32 primary care or OB/GYN clinics across a racially diverse academically based health system, will be enrolled. A 2 × 2 randomized pragmatic trial will test nudges to patients, clinicians, both, or neither to promote supplemental breast MRI screening. Before implementation, rapid cycle approaches informed by clinician and patient experiences and behavioral economics and health equity frameworks guided nudge design. Clinicians will be clustered into clinic groups based on existing administrative departments and care patterns, and these clinic groups will be randomized to have the nudge activated at different times per a stepped wedge design. Clinicians will receive nudges integrated into the routine mammographic report or sent through electronic health record (EHR) in-basket messaging once their clinic group (i.e., wedge) is randomized to receive the intervention. Independently, patients will be randomized to receive text message nudges or not. The primary outcome will be defined as ordering or scheduling supplemental breast MRI. Secondary outcomes include MRI completion, cancer detection rates, and false-positive rates. Patient sociodemographic information and clinic-level variables will be examined as moderators of nudge effectiveness. Qualitative interviews conducted at the trial's conclusion will examine barriers and facilitators to implementation. Discussion: This study will add to the growing literature on the effectiveness of behavioral economics-informed implementation strategies to promote evidence-based interventions. The design will facilitate testing the relative effects of nudges to patients and clinicians and the effects of moderators of nudge effectiveness, including key indicators of health disparities. The results may inform the introduction of low-cost, scalable implementation strategies to promote early breast cancer detection. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05787249. Registered on March 28, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empyema necessitatis is a rare complication of empyema characterized by a spontaneous extension of pus from the pleural space into adjacent soft tissues. It is uncommon in the pediatric population and is usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This report describes the youngest reported case of empyema necessitatis. The clinical examination and CT scan are diagnostic. The causative organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which has not been previously reported. Treatment involves drainage of the abscess and appropriate antimicrobial therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Clinical differences between critical illness from influenza infection vs coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been well characterized in pediatric patients. Methods We compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of US children (aged 8 months to 17 years) admitted to the intensive care or high-acuity unit with influenza or COVID-19. Using mixed-effects models, we assessed the odds of death or requiring life support for influenza vs COVID-19 after adjustment for age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, and underlying conditions including obesity. Results Children with influenza (n = 179) were younger than those with COVID-19 (n = 381; median, 5.2 years vs 13.8 years), less likely to be non-Hispanic Black (14.5% vs 27.6%) or Hispanic (24.0% vs 36.2%), and less likely to have ≥1 underlying condition (66.4% vs 78.5%) or be obese (21.4% vs 42.2%), and a shorter hospital stay (median, 5 days vs 7 days). They were similarly likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation (both 30.2%), vasopressor support (19.6% and 19.9%), or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.2% and 2.9%). Four children with influenza (2.2%) and 11 children with COVID-19 (2.9%) died. The odds of death or requiring life support in children with influenza vs COVID-19 were similar (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval,.78–2.15; P =.32). Conclusions Despite differences in demographics and clinical characteristics of children with influenza or COVID-19, the frequency of life-threatening complications was similar. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing prevention measures to reduce transmission and disease severity of influenza and COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization for persons ≥ 16 years in December 2020 and for adolescents 12–15 years in May 2021. Despite the clear benefits and favorable safety profile, vaccine uptake in adolescents has been suboptimal. We sought to assess factors associated with COVID-19 non-vaccination in adolescents 12–18 years of age. Methods Between June 1, 2021 and April 29, 2022, we assessed factors associated with COVID-19 non-vaccination in hospitalized adolescents ages 12–18 years enrolled in the Overcoming COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness network. Demographic characteristics and clinical information were captured through parent interviews and/or electronic medical record abstraction; COVID-19 vaccination was assessed through documented sources. We assessed associations between receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine and demographic and clinical factors using univariate and multivariable logistic regression and estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for each factor associated with non-vaccination. Results Among 1665 hospitalized adolescents without COVID-19, 56% were unvaccinated. Unvaccinated adolescents were younger (median age 15.1 years vs. 15.4 years, p  < .01) and resided in areas with higher social vulnerability index (SVI) scores (median 0.6 vs 0.5, p  < .001) than vaccinated adolescents. Residence in the Midwest [aOR 2.60 (95% CI: 1.80, 3.79)] or South [aOR 2.49 (95% CI: 1.77, 3.54)] US census regions, rarely or never receiving influenza vaccine [aOR 5.31 (95% CI: 3.81, 7.47)], and rarely or never taking precautions against COVID-19 [aOR 3.17 (95% CI: 1.94, 5.31)] were associated with non-vaccination against COVID-19. Conclusions Efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination of adolescents should focus on persons with geographic, socioeconomic, and medical risk factors associated with non-vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It is unclear how acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-directed therapies are used in children with life-threatening COVID-19 in US hospitals. We described characteristics of children hospitalized in the intensive care unit or step-down unit (ICU/SDU) who received COVID-19-directed therapies and the specific therapies administered. Methods Between March 15, 2020 and December 27, 2020, children <18 years of age in the ICU/SDU with acute COVID-19 at 48 pediatric hospitals in the United States were identified. Demographics, laboratory values, and clinical course were compared in children who did and did not receive COVID-19-directed therapies. Trends in COVID-19-directed therapies over time were evaluated. Results Of 424 children in the ICU/SDU, 235 (55%) received COVID-19-directed therapies. Children who received COVID-19-directed therapies were older than those who did not receive COVID-19-directed therapies (13.3 [5.6-16.2] vs 9.8 [0.65-15.9] years), more had underlying medical conditions (188 [80%] vs 104 [55%]; difference = 25% [95% CI: 16% to 34%]), more received respiratory support (206 [88%] vs 71 [38%]; difference = 50% [95% CI: 34% to 56%]), and more died (8 [3.4%] vs 0). Of the 235 children receiving COVID-19-directed therapies, 172 (73%) received systemic steroids and 150 (64%) received remdesivir, with rising remdesivir use over the study period (14% in March/April to 57% November/December). Conclusion Despite the lack of pediatric data evaluating treatments for COVID-19 in critically ill children, more than half of children requiring intensive or high acuity care received COVID-19-directed therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article informs that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, currently authorized for persons aged ≥5 years, provides a high level of protection against severe COVID-19 in persons aged 12–18 years. It is noted taht Vaccine effectiveness against multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, which can occur 2–6 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, has remained uncharacterized.

This article describes a scalar field topology (SFT)‐based methodology for the interactive characterization and analysis of hotspots for density fields defined on a regular grid. In contrast to the common approach of simply identifying hotspots as areas that exceed a chosen density threshold, SFT provides various data abstractions—such as the merge tree and the Morse complex—to characterize hotspots and their boundaries at multiple scales. Moreover, SFT enables the ranking of hotspots based on analyst‐defined importance measures, which also makes it possible to explore hotspots using a level‐of‐detail approach. We present a visual analytics system to support analysts in hotspot analysis and abstraction using SFT, and we demonstrate the merit of the proposed SFT‐based methodology on two crime datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in children and adolescents aged 12-15 years and is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for persons aged ≥16 (1). A randomized placebo-controlled trial demonstrated an efficacy of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 75.3%-100%) in preventing outpatient COVID-19 in persons aged 12-15 years (2); however, data among adolescents on vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19 in real-world settings are limited, especially among hospitalized patients. In early September 2021, U.S. pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations reached the highest level during the pandemic (3,4). In a test-negative, case-control study at 19 pediatric hospitals in 16 states during June 1-September 30, 2021, the effectiveness of 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 hospitalization was assessed among children and adolescents aged 12-18 years. Among 464 hospitalized persons aged 12-18 years (179 case-patients and 285 controls), the median age was 15 years, 72% had at least one underlying condition, including obesity, and 68% attended in-person school. Effectiveness of 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 hospitalization was 93% (95% CI = 83%-97%), during the period when B.1.617.2 (Delta) was the predominant variant. This evaluation demonstrated that 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 hospitalization among persons aged 12-18 years and reinforces the importance of vaccination to protect U.S. youths against severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to resident feedback and in an effort to promote wellness, we developed monthly resident debriefing sessions after the pediatric ICU rotation. Free text responses regarding residency wellness efforts, personal resident well-being efforts, coping strategies, and most and least helpful aspects of debriefings were examined for themes and categorized. We recommend incorporating scheduled debriefings around critical care rotations to promote resident wellbeing. [Extracted from the article]

There is currently no way to diagnose a rejection before a change in serum creatinine. This had led some to start doing SB, but little data exist on the utility and safety of SB in pediatric patients. There is also little known on practice patterns of pediatric nephrologists. A retrospective review of pediatric kidney transplant SB between January 2013 and January 2017 at a single center was performed. A survey went to the PedNeph email list. There were 47 SB; 15 at 6 months, 12 at 1 year, 13 at 2 years, and 7 at 3 years. There were 3 minor (1 gross hematuria and 2 hematomas) and no major complications. On 6-month SB, 1 had SC 1A ACR (6.7%) with no BR ACR. On the 12-month SB, there were 5 with SCBR ACR (41.7%) and 1 with SC AMR (8.3%). On the 2-year SB, there were 4 that had SCBR ACR (30.8%), and 1 with SC AMR (7.7%). On the 3-year SB, 1 had chronic transplant glomerulitis (14.3%). The survey showed that 34.3% of pediatric nephrologists perform SB. SB can be performed safely. By early identification of histological lesions, SB gives us an opportunity for individualized immunosuppressive regimens that may prevent chronic allograft dysfunction and improve long-term graft outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five-year site investigation was conducted at a former chemical plant in Nanjing, China. The main contaminants were 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) reaching concentrations up to 7300 μg/L, dichlorobenzene (DCB) isomers, monochlorobenzene (MCB), and benzene. Over time, these contaminants naturally attenuated to below regulatory levels under anaerobic conditions. To confirm the transformation processes and to explore the mechanisms, a corresponding laboratory microcosm study was completed demonstrating that 1,2,4-TCB was dechlorinated to 1,2-DCB, 1,3-DCB, and 1,4-DCB in approximately 2%/10%/88% molar proportions. The DCB isomers were dechlorinated via MCB to benzene, and, finally, benzene was degraded under prevailing sulfate-reducing conditions. Dechlorination could not be attributed to known dechlorinators Dehalobacteror Dehalococcoides, while anaerobic benzene degradation was mediated by microbes affiliated to a Deltaproteobacterium ORM2, previously associated with this activity. Unidentified organic compounds, possibly aromatic compounds related to past on-site production processes, were fueling the dechlorination reactions in situ. The microcosm study confirmed transformation processes inferred from field data and provided needed assurance for natural attenuation. Activity-based microcosm studies are often omitted from site characterization in favor of rapid and less expensive molecular surveys. However, the value of microcosm studies for confirming transformation processes, establishing electron balances, assessing cocontaminant inhibition, and validating appropriate monitoring tools is clear. At complex sites impacted by multiple compounds with poorly characterized transformation mechanisms, activity assays provide valuable data to incorporate into the conceptual site model to most effectively inform remediation alternatives [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We obtained data on network level and individual hospital bundle compliance and monthly CLABSI rates from 01/12 to 12/21. Reliable bundle performance is the mainstay of CLABSI prevention despite an unclear relationship between bundle reliability and outcomes. B Introduction: b Implementation of best practice evidence-based guidelines (bundles) has been shown to decrease Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI). [Extracted from the article]

The Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS) quality improvement collaborative has organized a cohort of children's hospitals focused on reduction of colorectal SSI by implementing four prevention factors: preoperative chlorhexidine bathing, proper antibiotic selection and timing, use of surgical closing protocol, and appropriate bowel preparation (antibiotic and/or mechanical). B Introduction: b Surgical Site Infections (SSI) are a major contributor to increased patient morbidity and mortality, with an estimated mortality rate of 3%. B Results: b Overall compliance with each prevention factor in the 52 colorectal surgeries includes: Preoperative chlorhexidine bathing 90%, mechanical bowel preparation 58%, antibiotic bowel preparation 56%, combined antibiotic and mechanical bowel preparation 44%, antibiotic prophylaxis 44%, and sterile closing protocol 2%. [Extracted from the article]

This article introduces a new approach to the analysis of changes in sex offender residences over time. Using a Markov chain framework, we analyze residential movement patterns of registered sex offenders in Hamilton County, Ohio, over a three-year period (2005–2007). Results indicate a 46 percent reduction in offenders violating spatial restriction zone policy as compared to a counterfactual case where offenders move as a function of housing distributions. Strong legacy effects are also found as offenders previously in violation of restriction policies move into other restricted zones at a higher rate than offenders who were previously in compliance with the policy. Parcels that previously were home to registered offenders also continue to attract offenders in future periods. Although we find differences in the probabilities of attracting offenders for parcels outside and inside restricted zones that are consistent with offender restrictive policies, these differences are actually significantly smaller than what holds under the counterfactual. Parcels in restricted zones continue to attract offenders at a higher rate than expected, despite the policy restrictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare in the pediatric population occurring in approximately 1 in 50,000 children. While some cases are sporadic, they have commonly been associated with syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau, multiple endocrine neoplasia types IIa and IIb, neurofibromatosis type 1, and hereditary pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma syndromes. In children less than 18 years of age approximately 60% of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are associated with a germline mutation. We present an 11-year-old child with an abdominal paraganglioma related to a succinate dehydrogenase subunit B gene mutation whose father had a previously resected abdominal paraganglioma and was found to carry the same mutation. In addition, we review the etiology, genetics, diagnostic approach, and challenges of preoperative management of secretory pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted molecular radiotherapy opens unprecedented opportunitiesto eradicate cancer cells with minimal irradiation of normal tissues.Described in this study are radioactive cyclosaligenyl monophosphatesdesigned to deliver lethal doses of radiation to cancer cells. Thesecompounds can be radiolabeled with SPECT- and PET-compatible radionuclidesas well as radionuclides suitable for Auger electron therapies. Thischaracteristic provides an avenue for the personalized and comprehensivetreatment strategy that comprises diagnostic imaging to identify sitesof disease, followed by the targeted molecular radiotherapy basedon the imaging results. The developed radiosynthetic methods produceno-carrier-added products with high radiochemical yield and purity.The interaction of these compounds with their target, butyrylcholinesterase,depends on the stereochemistry around the P atom. IC50valuesare in the nanomolar range. In vitro studies indicate that radiationdoses delivered to the cell nucleus are sufficient to kill cells ofseveral difficult to treat malignancies including glioblastoma andovarian and colorectal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As tools for collecting data continue to evolve and improve, the information available for research is expanding rapidly. Increasingly, this information is of a spatio-temporal nature, which enables tracking of phenomena through both space and time. Despite the increasing availability of spatio-temporal data, however, the methods for processing and analyzing these data are lacking. Existing geocoding techniques are no exception. Geocoding enables the geographic location of people and events to be known and tracked. However, geocoded information is highly generalized and subject to various interpolation errors. In addition, geocoding for spatio-temporal data is especially challenging because of the inherent dynamism of associated data. This article presents a methodology for geocoding spatio-temporal data in ArcGIS that utilizes several additional supporting procedures to enhance spatial accuracy, including the use of supplementary land use information, aerial photographs and local knowledge. This hybrid methodology allows for the tracking of phenomenon through space and over time. It is also able to account for reporting inconsistencies, which is a common feature of spatio-temporal data. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated using an application to spatio-temporal address records for a highly mobile group of convicted felons in Hamilton County, Ohio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer does not respond to a single-agent imatinib therapy. Consequently, multimodality treatments are contemplated. Published data indicate that in colorectal cancer, imatinib and radioimmunotherapy synergize to delay tumor growth. In pancreatic cancer, the tumor response is additive. This disparity of outcomes merited further studies because interactions between these modalities depend on the imatinib- induced reduction of the tumor interstitial fluid pressure. The examination of human and murine PDGFr-ß/PDGF-B pathways in SW1990 pancreatic cancer xenografts revealed that the human branch is practically dormant in untreated tumors but the insult on the stromal component produces massive responses of human cancer cells. Inhibition of the stromal PDGFr-ß with imatinib activates human PDGFr-ß/PDGF-B signaling loop, silent in untreated xenografts, via an apparent paracrine rescue pathway. Responses are treatment- and time-dependent. Soon after treatment, levels of human PDGFr-ß, compared to untreated tumors, are 3.4x , 12.4x , and 5.7x higher in imatinib-, radioimmunotherapy + imatinib-, and radioimmunotherapy-treated tumors, respectively. A continuous 14-day irradiation of imatinib-treated xenografts reduces levels of PDGFr-ß and phosphorylated PDGFr-ß by 5.3x and 4x , compared to earlier times. Human PDGF-B is upregulated suggesting that the survival signaling via the autocrine pathway is also triggered after stromal injury. These findings indicate that therapies targeting pancreatic cancer stromal components may have unintended mitogenic effects and that these effects can be reversed when imatinib is used in conjunction with radioimmunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billions of people globally, living with various degrees of water insecurity, obtain their household and drinking water from diverse sources that can absorb a disproportionate amount of a household's income. In theory, there are income and expenditure thresholds associated with effective mitigation of household water insecurity, but there is little empirical research about these mechanisms and thresholds in low- and middle-income settings. This study used data from 3655 households from 23 water-insecure sites in 20 countries to explore the relationship between cash water expenditures (measured as a Z -score, percent of income, and Z -score of percent of income) and a household water insecurity score, and whether income moderated that relationship. We also assessed whether water expenditures moderated the relationships between water insecurity and both food insecurity and perceived stress. Using tobit mixed effects regression models, we observed a positive association between multiple measures of water expenditures and a household water insecurity score, controlling for demographic characteristics and accounting for clustering within neighborhoods and study sites. The positive relationships between water expenditures and water insecurity persisted even when adjusted for income, while income was independently negatively associated with water insecurity. Water expenditures were also positively associated with food insecurity and perceived stress. These results underscore the complex relationships between water insecurity, food insecurity, and perceived stress and suggest that water infrastructure interventions that increase water costs to households without anti-poverty and income generation interventions will likely exacerbate experiences of household water insecurity, especially for the lowest-income households. Unlabelled Image • We assessed relationships between water expenditures, income, and water insecurity. • Higher household water expenditures were associated with greater water insecurity. • Higher water expenditures were associated with food insecurity and perceived stress. • We observed no income threshold for households overcoming water insecurity. • Water projects that increase household costs should be paired with anti-poverty measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino-aromatic compounds, 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene (ANT), and 2,4-diaminotoluene (DAT) are carcinogens and environmentally persistent pollutants. In this study, we investigated their degradation by natural manganese peroxidase (nMnP) derived from Phanerochaete chrysosporium and recombinant manganese peroxidase packaged in vaults (vMnP). Encapsulation of manganese peroxidase (MnP) in ribonucleoprotein nanoparticle cages, called vaults, was achieved by creating recombinant vaults in yeast Pichia pastoris. Vault packaging increased the stability of MnP by locally sequestering multiple copies of the enzyme. Within 96 h, both vMnP and nMnP catalyzed over 72% removal of ANT in-vitro , which indicates that vault packaging did not limit substrate diffusion. It was observed that vMnP was more efficient than nMnP and P. chrysosporium for the catalysis of target contaminants. Only 57% of ANT was degraded by P. chrysosporium even when MnP activity reached about 480 U L−1 in cultures. At 1.5 U L−1 initial activity, vMnP achieved 38% of ANT and 51% of DAT degradation, whereas even 2.7 times higher activity of nMnP showed insignificant biodegradation of both compounds. These results imply that due to protection by vault cages, vMnP has lower inactivation rates. Thus, it works effectively at lower dosage for a longer duration compared to nMnP without requiring frequent replenishment. Collectively, these results indicate that fungal enzymes packaged in vault nanoparticles are more stable and active, and they would be effective in biodegradation of energetic compounds in industrial processes, waste treatment, and contaminated environments. Image 108 • Manganese peroxidase (MnP) was produced, purified, and packaged in vault nanocages. • Vault-MnP degraded 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene (ANT) and 2,4-diaminotoluene (DAT). • ANT and DAT catalysis rates for vault-MnP were higher than those for native MnP. • Vault packaging does not limit substrate diffusion to the enzymes' active sites. • Fungal enzymes packaged in vaults are more active, concentrated, and stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]