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Introduction: Microparticles (MPs) are submicron sized heterogeneous membrane-bound vesicles released from cells undergoing cell activation or apoptosis. Elevated platelet-derived MPs (PMPs) are reported in rheumatic diseases. We profiled Annexin-V+ MPs and CD61+ MPs in plasma and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their clinical correlates. Methods: Twenty-three newly diagnosed disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug naïve patients with RA, 17 with osteoarthritis (OA) and 22 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Five milliliters of synovial fluid from the knee joint of patients with RA and OA was collected; 5 ml of peripheral blood was collected from patients with RA, OA, and HC. Cell-free synovial fluid and platelet poor plasma samples were stained with Annexin-V-APC and Anti-CD61-BV510 antibodies followed by flow cytometry analysis (FACSAria III) (results expressed as the mean ± standard deviation of % population). Results: Significantly greater levels of synovial fluid MPs (Annexin-V+ MPs) were observed in RA versus OA (P < 0.0001), significantly higher synovial fluid PMPs (Annexin V+ CD61+ MPs) levels in RA compared to HC (P = 0.0472). MPs other than those of platelet origin (Annexin V+ CD61− MPs) were also increased in the synovial fluid of RA patients compared to OA (P < 0.0001). Kruskal–Wallis test revealed the significant difference in the levels of plasma MPs (Annexin-V+), PMPs (Annexin V+ CD61+ MPs), and MPs other than those of platelet origin (Annexin V+ CD61− MPs) between RA, OA, and HC groups (P < 0.0001) with a higher percentage in RA group. Conclusions: Higher levels of Annexin-V+ MPs in both plasma and synovial fluid of RA suggest a role for MPs in the pathogenesis of RA. Elevated plasma PMPs (Annexin V+ CD61+ MPs) in RA may suggest their role in systemic involvement. Furthermore, increased levels of MPs other than those of platelet origin (Annexin V+ CD61− MPs) indicate the necessity to study the MPs from other cell lineages.

Abstract Lipidic nanocarriers are a broad class of lipid‐based vectors with proven potential for packaging and delivering emerging nucleic acid therapeutics. An important early step in the clinical development cycle is large‐scale screening of diverse formulation libraries to assess particle quality and payload delivery efficiency. Due to the size of the screening space, this process can be both costly and time‐consuming. To address this, computational models capable of predicting clinically relevant physio‐chemical properties of dendrimer‐lipid nanocarriers, along with their mRNA payload delivery efficiency in human cells are developed. The models are then deployed on a large theoretical nanocarrier pool consisting of over 4.5 million formulations. Top predictions are synthesised for validation using cell‐based assays, leading to the discovery of a high quality, high performing, candidate. The methods reported here enable rapid, high‐throughput, in silico pre‐screening for high‐quality candidates, and have great potential to reduce the cost and time required to bring mRNA therapies to the clinic.

Background: The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Indonesia continues to increase. The HIV cases among MSM in Semarang increased by 43 cases in 2013 to 147 cases in 2017. The prevalence of syphilis among MSM increased by 5.20% in 2011 to 11.38% in 2015. The use of condoms among MSM does not reach 50%. The Prevention of Sexual Transmission of HIV Program or Pencegahan HIV melalui Transmisi Seksual (PMTS) that focuses on sexual transmission risk factors did not provide optimal results. Aim: This study aimed to analyze aspects affecting the PMTS Program on MSM in Semarang City, including standard and objectives, resources, inter-organizational communication and enforcement activities, characteristics of the implementing agencies, economic, social, and political conditions, and the disposition of implementors. Method: This study was a descriptive study using a qualitative approach. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 14 informants, while secondary data were obtained from observation and document analysis. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The research was conducted from July to October 2019 in Semarang City. Results: The implemetation of the PMTS Program among MSM has some gaps. For example, these included (1) unclear standards of PMTS Program, (2) limited funding and infrastructures, (3) lack of communication, (4) stigma and discrimination at the stakeholder level, implementing agencies level, and community level. Conclusion: The implementation of PMTS Program among MSM has not worked appropriately. Eliminating stigma and discrimination against MSM needs to be taken into account. All health workers in primary healthcare centers must be introduced to the diminish of stigma and discrimination against MSM. Communication and coordination as well as resources among the program implementers have to be more well-established. Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Men who have Sex with Men, prevention program.

Only a small percentage of mathematics teacher professional development activities in South Africa include pedagogy and instruction approaches required to teach the content. In the light of the poor mathematics results, it is of pertinent importance that teachers need to be developed in terms of the mathematics they teach and the pedagogical component of it. A teachers’ professional development programme that used mentoring as one of the interventions was investigated where the mentor conducted classroom observations and had post–observation conferences with the teachers. The data from the observations, post observation conferences and interviews of both the mentors and the mathematics teachers was used to inform the off-site workshops on mathematics content and the instructional skills required to effectively teach the content. Mentoring supported the teachers in terms of mathematics content and instruction, team teaching and lesson preparation. The teachers’ individual content and instructional needs were also assessed and supported. The study revealed that mentoring that takes cognisance of teachers’ content and instructional needs enhanced their lesson preparation and understanding of mathematics as well as the skills required to teach it effectively. The study recommends mentoring as an effective intervention in professional development programmes especially when it is informed by the teachers’ instructional and content needs.

A procedure was implemented for the management control with the goal of achieving the articulation of the strategic objectives with the indicators system and the processes of the University of Matanzas "Camilo Cienfuegos", supported in balanced scorecard with integrals indicators of key results areas. As main results it is presented the design of a logical structure where the areas of key result, objectives and limits are articulated with the proposed system of indicators, supported in a computer application that allowed the calculation of synthetic indexes that can be show in a summarized way the development levels of each area, objective and perspective of Balanced Scorecard and its unfolding from the level of ability, departments, professors and students. The treatment of the system indicators through synthetic indexes doesn't only reduce its quantity, but also reinforces the integrative character of the same ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:  Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the United States, with approximately 12.8% of American households experiencing this challenge in 2023, as reported by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). In Wisconsin, a state with a notable agricultural heritage, the prevalence of food insecurity averaged 9.9% between 2019 and 2023. A growing body of research underscores the importance of consuming diets rich in fruits and vegetables for maintaining optimal health and mitigating the risk of various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and obesity. Fruits and vegetables are reservoirs of essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which collectively contribute to overall well-being. Despite the well-documented health benefits of fruits and vegetables, a considerable proportion of the population fails to meet the recommended daily intake of at least five servings. This disparity underscores the importance of exploring factors influencing dietary behaviors and identifying strategies to promote adherence to dietary guidelines., Methods: Surveys were distributed by staff at the family medicine residency clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin, during routine visits in April and May 2023. Any patients ≥18 years old presenting to the Family Health Clinic (FHC) were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they were unable to read/answer survey questions due to intellectual/language/other barriers. Surveys included demographic data such as the participant's age, gender, race, income bracket, and primary mode of transportation. A total of 122 participants were then asked how many servings in a day they ate of 100% juice, fruits, beans, green vegetables, yellow/orange vegetables, and other vegetables, as well as about barriers to more fruit and vegetable consumption and a Likert scale about their attitudes toward fruit and vegetable consumption and interest in discussing it with a healthcare provider. Demographic characteristics were analyzed through graphical representation to elucidate trends and patterns among the surveyed population. We compared different demographics with the barriers to fruits and vegetables using bar graphs., Results:  The primary barrier to fruit and vegetable intake varied by age group: "cost" for 18-30, "other" for 31-50, "cost" and "none" for 51-70, and "none" for over 70. For gender, "none" was most frequent for males while "cost" was for females. By income, "cost" was common for $0-20k and $20-50k, "none" for $50-100k, and "other" for >$100k. A Likert scale assessed interest in discussing healthy foods with healthcare providers. Most responses were "neutral," with "strongly agree" highest in 18-30 and "agree" in 31-50, 51-70, and over 70 age groups., Conclusions:  The purpose of this study was to ascertain barriers to fruit and vegetable access and identify patients' attitudes toward discussing healthy food choices with healthcare providers. There appears to be a correlation between decreasing income and increasing age and the likelihood of identifying cost as a barrier to fruit/vegetable intake. Barriers identified in our clinic included convenience/time constraints and cost. Many people in our survey also identified the lack of quality or good variety of fruits and vegetables at the store (availability) as a significant barrier to eating them., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board (IRB) issued approval 22-012364. The application was reviewed using expedited review procedures and is determined to be exempt from the requirement for IRB approval (category 2). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Patel et al.)

Objective: Excessive media exposure has been associated with various sleep disturbances in early childhood. However, previous research mostly addressed the overall amount of media use while neglecting the role of media use practices. The purpose of this study was to examine whether media use practices (specifically, maternal use of media to regulate child distress) and overall media use predict distinct aspects of children's sleep. We hypothesized that frequent maternal use of media to regulate child distress will predict difficulties in sleep regulation, whereas higher child screen time will predict lower sleep duration., Methods: One-hundred fifty-one mothers (predominantly from the United Kingdom) completed anonymous online questionnaires via the Prolific platform that assessed child sleep latency and duration, use of media to regulate child distress, overall child screen time, and demographic covariates at 2 time points: 22 months (T1) and 26 months (T2) of children's age., Results: Maternal use of media to regulate child distress at T1 (but not screen time) predicted longer sleep latency at T2. Conversely, screen time (but not media to regulate distress) at T1 predicted shorter sleep duration at T2. These results were obtained while controlling for multiple covariates and sleep and media use at both time points., Conclusion: Findings suggest that media use practices and overall use have differential effects on sleep. Specifically, the use of media-based regulation strategies may interfere with the development of children's ability to self-soothe and regulate arousal in contexts that require the use of regulatory skills, such as transition to sleep.