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Complex carbohydrates that escape small intestinal digestion, are broken down in the large intestine by enzymes encoded by the gut microbiome. This is a symbiotic relationship between microbes and host, resulting in metabolic products that influence host health and are exploited by other microbes. However, the role of carbohydrate structure in directing microbiota community composition and the succession of carbohydrate-degrading microbes, is not fully understood. In this study we evaluate species-level compositional variation within a single microbiome in response to six structurally distinct carbohydrates in a controlled model gut using hybrid metagenome assemblies. We identified 509 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) belonging to ten bacterial classes and 28 bacterial families. Bacterial species identified as carrying genes encoding starch binding modules increased in abundance in response to starches. The use of hybrid metagenomics has allowed identification of several uncultured species with the functional potential to degrade starch substrates for future study., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of implementing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum on student pharmacists' knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and empathy towards people with mental health conditions and/or crises., Methods: Participants were third-year PharmD students enrolled in Patient Care Experience, a required communication and ethics course. A survey was administered pre- and post-intervention (i.e. MHFA training). Student pharmacist self-efficacy in assisting someone developing a mental health condition or in crisis was evaluated using confidence measures from the MHFA action plan. Knowledge was measured using Mental Health Knowledge Statements. Attitudes were assessed with the Index of Attitudes Towards Mental Illness, and stigma was evaluated using the Social Distancing Scale. Empathy was measured with the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale., Results: Both pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed by 97 of 135 participants (71.9% response rate). MHFA training resulted in significantly increased self-efficacy and empathy. There were no significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and stigma., Conclusions: MHFA training was associated with increases in student pharmacist empathy and self-efficacy in providing support to individuals with mental health crises., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective. To examine the impact of pre-class concept mapping activities on pharmacy students' ability to self-assess their degree of foundational disease state knowledge and predict their pre-class quiz performance. Methods. Second year pharmacy students in a problem-based learning course were responsible for self-directed learning of foundational knowledge for 14 disease states. After completing their independent pre-class reading, students worked in groups to create concept maps for which feedback was provided for four laboratory sessions, worked in groups to create concept maps but received no formal feedback for three laboratory sessions, and did not engage in any formal group activity for seven laboratory sessions. The day following each session, prior to the formal in-class discussion, students were asked to predict the number of questions they could answer correctly on a quiz covering foundational knowledge and then completed the quiz. Quiz performance was compared based on the three conditions, and bias and absolute bias were calculated to evaluate students' metacognitive skills. Results. There was no difference in pharmacy students' metacognition based on the conditions, as reflected by inaccuracy between predicted and actual quiz scores. However, when students had engaged in concept mapping the previous day, their quiz performance was significantly higher than when they had not. Conclusion. Concept mapping did not improve pharmacy students' metacognitive skills but did have a small effect on their quiz performance. More research is needed to tease apart the roles of concept mapping, group activity, and feedback in altering pharmacy students' quiz performance and metacognitive skills., (© 2021 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.)

Introduction: This study aims to examine the availability of mental health resources available to pharmacy students. Identifying if pharmacy schools have specific resources is important given the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among pharmacy students., Methods: This study has two arms: (1) survey sent to representatives of student affairs of 11 pharmacy schools, and (2) website scan performed of all pharmacy schools in the United States. The survey collected information on mental health resources available including availability, location, and future plans. The website scan examined resources at each school listed on the doctor of pharmacy school directory on the Pharmacy College Application Service website, and the difficulty of locating this information. Microsoft Excel was used to perform descriptive statistics., Results: For the survey arm (n = 9), 83% of respondents were directors of student affairs. Top services located within the university campus, but not within the pharmacy school, were wellness activities (67%) and an on-site counselor (89%). Similarly, for the website scan (n = 150), most schools had availability of an on-site counselor; however, 83% of counselors were located within the university campus, not within the pharmacy school. For 77% of pharmacy schools, no information on mental health resources was found on their websites. The information was considered "somewhat" or "extremely difficult" to find for 45% of schools., Conclusion: Both arms found that the most commonly available services, including an on-site counselor, were not located at the pharmacy school but instead part of university campus services., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To test the prebiotic activity of wheat arabinogalactan-peptide (AGP), which is a soluble dietary fibre composed of arabinogalactan polysaccharide linked to a 15-residue peptide, which accounts for up to 0.4% of the dry weight of wheat flour., Methods: The prebiotic activity of AGP prepared from white wheat flour was tested using in vitro fermentation by colonic bacteria in automated pH-controlled anaerobic stirred batch cultures and compared to fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and wheat flour arabinoxylan (AX). Bacterial populations were measured using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (flow-FISH) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were measured using HPLC., Results: Fermentation of AGP resulted in a significant bifidogenic activity and increased concentrations of SCFAs, mainly acetate after 24 h of fermentation., Conclusions: These results were comparable to those obtained with AX and confirm the prebiotic potential of AGP. Furthermore, fermentation of a mixture of AGP and AX was faster compared to the single substrates and more similar to FOS, indicating that combinations of fermentable carbohydrates with different structures are potentially more effective as prebiotics than single substrates.

The main components of the non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) fraction of wheat flour are arabinoxylan (AX) and β-glucan. These are also present in other cereal grains, but their proportions vary with AX being the major component in wheat and rye and β-glucan in barley and oats. Therefore, it was hypothesised that these NSPs could act synergistically when fermented in vitro at the ratios present in the major foods consumed, resulting in increased prebiotic activity. AX and β-glucan were therefore tested in in vitro fermentation studies to assess their prebiotic activity when used individually and/or in different ratios. Short-chain fatty-acids (SCFAs) produced from in vitro fermentation were measured using HPLC and bacterial populations were measured using flow cytometry with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (Flow-FISH). Fermentation of AX alone resulted in a significant bifidogenic activity and increased concentrations of SCFAs, mainly acetate, after 8-24 h of fermentation, however β-glucan alone did not show prebiotic activity. The greatest prebiotic activity, based on concentration of total SCFAs and increases in total bacteria as well as beneficial Bifidobacterium and Clostridium coccoides/Eubacterium groups, was observed when AX and β-glucan were combined at a 3:1 ratio, which corresponds to their ratios in wheat flour which is major source of cereal fibre in the diet. This indicates that the population of bacteria in the human GI tract may be modulated by the composition of the fibre in the diet, to maximise the prebiotic potential.

We investigated whether Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of starch-branching enzymes (SBEs) in tetraploid potatoes could generate tuber starches with a range of distinct properties. Constructs containing the Cas9 gene and sgRNAs targeting SBE1, SBE2 or both genes were introduced by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation or by PEG-mediated delivery into protoplasts. Outcomes included lines with mutations in all or only some of the homoeoalleles of SBE genes and lines in which homoeoalleles carried several different mutations. DNA delivery into protoplasts resulted in mutants with no detectable Cas9 gene, suggesting the absence of foreign DNA. Selected mutants with starch granule abnormalities had reductions in tuber SBE1 and/or SBE2 protein that were broadly in line with expectations from genotype analysis. Strong reduction in both SBE isoforms created an extreme starch phenotype, as reported previously for low-SBE potato tubers. HPLC-SEC and 1 H NMR revealed a decrease in short amylopectin chains, an increase in long chains and a large reduction in branching frequency relative to wild-type starch. Mutants with strong reductions in SBE2 protein alone had near-normal amylopectin chain-length distributions and only small reductions in branching frequency. However, starch granule initiation was enormously increased: cells contained many granules of <4 μm and granules with multiple hila. Thus, large reductions in both SBEs reduce amylopectin branching during granule growth, whereas reduction in SBE2 alone primarily affects numbers of starch granule initiations. Our results demonstrate that Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of SBE genes has the potential to generate new, potentially valuable starch properties without integration of foreign DNA into the genome., (© 2019 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Reverse colocation care models reduce lifestyle risk factors, emergency department visits, and readmissions. Persons with serious mental illness have higher than average rates of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality, with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) conferring added related risks. Little is written about reverse colocated medical care (RCL) in inpatient psychiatric settings. The objective of this study was to identify associations between screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic medical comorbidities and mode of medical care for patients discharged from 2 inpatient psychiatric units on SGAs., Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study of medical comorbidities identified and treated for adults consecutively admitted from January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2015, to 2 inpatient psychiatry units of an academic center and discharged on SGAs. One unit has a primary care team consisting of a physician assistant backed up by a medical doctor who provide medical care (RCL). The other unit has medical care provided by psychiatrists with hospitalists as needed (treatment as usual, TAU). We conducted a chart review of demographics, vital signs, laboratory values, diagnoses, and medications with comparative analysis of the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and tobacco use disorder., Results: In total, 232 patients were discharged from the TAU group and 220 from the RCL group. Significantly more screening laboratory values (glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipids) were obtained in the TAU group, while documented responses to abnormal tests were higher in the RCL group. Patients were more likely in the RCL group to be diagnosed with obesity, tobacco use disorder, and hyperlipidemia and to be treated for hypertension and hyperlipidemia., Conclusions: Reverse colocated medical care is effective in improving screening, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic medical diseases among psychiatric inpatients.​., (© Copyright 2016 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate student perception of the flipped classroom redesign of a required pharmacotherapy course., Design: Key foundational content was packaged into interactive, text-based online modules for self-paced learning prior to class. Class time was used for active and applied-but primarily case-based-learning., Assessment: For students with a strong preference for traditional lecture learning, the perception of the learning experience was negatively affected by the flipped course design. Module length and time required to complete preclass preparation were the most frequently cited impediments to learning. Students desired instructor-directed reinforcement of independently acquired knowledge to connect foundational knowledge and its application., Conclusion: This study illustrates the challenges and highlights the importance of designing courses to effectively balance time requirements and connect preclass and in-class learning activities. It underscores the crucial role of the instructor in bridging the gap between material learned as independent study and its application.

The preceptorship model is a cornerstone of clinical undergraduate nursing education in Canadian nursing programs. Their extensive use means that nursing programs depend heavily on the availability and willingness of Registered Nurses to take on the preceptor role. However, both the health service and education industries are faced with challenges that seem to undermine the effectiveness of the preceptorship clinical model. Indeed, the unstable nature of the clinical setting as a learning environment in conjunction with faculty shortages and inadequate preparation for preceptors and supervising faculty calls us to question if the preceptorship model is able to meet student learning needs and program outcomes. In a critical analysis of preceptorship, we offer a deconstruction of the model to advance clinical nursing education discourse.

Objective: Current literature supports the link between physical activity (PA) or fitness and a child's ability to achieve academically; however, little structured activity time is incorporated into elementary school classrooms. This paper explores the impact of a classroom-based PA program, TAKE 10!, and health-academic integration through existing state and federal policy and programming., Methods: Evidence from journal articles, published abstracts, and reports were examined to summarize the impact of TAKE 10! on student health and other outcomes. This paper reviews 10 years of TAKE 10! studies and makes recommendations for future research., Results: Teachers are willing and able to implement classroom-based PA integrated with grade-specific lessons (4.2 days/wk). Children participating in the TAKE 10! program experience higher PA levels (13%>), reduced time-off-task (20.5%), and improved reading, math, spelling and composite scores (p<0.01). Furthermore, students achieved moderate energy expenditure levels (6.16 to 6.42 METs) and studies suggest that BMI may be positively impacted (decreases in BMI z score over 2 years [P<0.01])., Conclusion: TAKE 10! demonstrates that integrating movement with academics in elementary school classrooms is feasible, helps students focus on learning, and enables them to realize improved PA levels while also helping schools achieve wellness policies., (Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The results of Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations for cubane-type clusters having Mo(3)M'S(4) cores show that the electronic structures of the clusters depend on the nature of M'. When M' is a main group metal, as in [Mo(3)(SnCl(3))S(4)(NCS)(9)](6)(-), Mo(3)SnS(4)(S(2)PEt(2))(6), or [Sn(Mo(3)S(4)(H(2)O)(9))(2)](8+), the heterometal is oxidized upon incorporation into the cluster; no M'-Mo bonds are formed, and electrons are transferred from M' to an orbital localized on the Mo(3)S(4) incomplete cubane core. When M' is a transition metal, as in [Mo(3)NiS(4)(CO)(H(2)O)(9)](4+), [Mo(3)PdS(4)(CO)(tacn)(3)](4+) (tacn = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane), or Mo(3)CoS(4)(CO)(Cp')(3) (Cp' = methylcyclopentadiene), M' is not oxidized but instead shares electron density with the Mo(3)S(4) core through the formation of metal-metal bonds with the Mo(3) triangle. The relatively high stretching frequencies observed for CO ligands bound to the Ni and Pd centers in the Mo(3)NiS(4) and Mo(3)PdS(4) clusters arise from the nature of the bonding in the clusters, not from the oxidation of the Ni and Pd atoms. Since the same heterometal orbitals are used both to form the M'-Mo bonds and to back-donate to the CO ligand, the Mo(3) orbitals and the CO pi orbitals compete for M' electron density. The CO orbitals do not compete effectively for metal electron density in the Ni and Pd clusters, and this results in weak back-donation to the CO pi orbitals and relatively high CO stretching frequencies. Although it has been proposed that the Mo(3)NiS(4) cluster may serve as a model for NiMoS hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts, the fact that the Ni center in this cluster is not electron rich suggests that it may not provide a suitable model. The electron density at the heterometal can be increased slightly by increasing the donor ability of the ligands attached to the Mo atoms.

The results of Fenske-Hall band structure calculations for bulk Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2) and for the (210) and (111) surfaces of RuS(2) are described. Although the crystal structures of the two sulfides are quite different, the electronic structure of bulk Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2) share several similarities. Unlike MoS(2), which is also used as a hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalyst, there is no metal-metal bonding and only negligible metal-sulfur pi bonding in both Rh(2)S(3) and RuS(2). As a result, both sulfides are characterized by a narrow high energy occupied metal t(2)()(g) band localized on the metal. Results of calculations for two-dimensional RuS(2) slabs exposing (210) and (111) surface planes provide a description of the electronic structure of 5-, 4-, and 3-coordinate Ru atoms on these surfaces. Stabilization of part or all of the unoccupied Ru e(g) band is observed for these surface atoms, and comparisons between the partial densities of states (DOS) of the surface Ru atoms and the orbital structures of isolated coordinatively unsaturated metal centers aid in the interpretation of the surface results. The electronic environments of the surface Ru atoms are also compared to the electronic environments and reactivities of metal centers found in d(6) transition metal complexes that incorporate thiophenic ligands. These comparisons suggest that if the heterogeneous and homogeneous HDS mechanisms are related, then 3-coordinate surface Ru atoms such as those found on the (111) surface could provide active sites.

A new tight-binding band structure calculation method is described. This method, which is based on the Fenske-Hall molecular orbital technique, should be extremely useful in the study of the bulk and surface electronic structure of inorganic materials. The approximations used in the Fenske-Hall method are reviewed, and the extension of this approach to periodic band structure calculations is outlined. Results of calculations for bulk MoS(2) are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results. Results of calculations for two-dimensional MoS(2) slabs exposing (100) edge planes provide a description of coordinatively unsaturated Mo and S atoms on these edges. Coordinative unsaturation at the Mo atoms introduces new surface states near the Fermi level. Coordinative unsaturation at the S atoms leads to high-energy occupied bands that can be attributed to S lone pair electrons. Surface bonds between Mo atoms and terminal S atoms are stronger than bulk Mo-S bonds, suggesting that terminal S atoms may be more difficult to remove from the edges of MoS(2) than bridging S atoms. Bonding in a single two-dimensional layer of MoS(2) is found to be more ionic than the bonding in the full three-dimensional structure. This effect is also observed in one-dimensional MoS(2) ribbons that expose (100) edge planes. The simplified one-dimensional ribbons will be used for further studies of the electronic structure of the edge planes of MoS(2).

The results of Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations are reported for the trigonal prismatic complexes Mo(S(2)C(2)H(2))(3) and Mo(S(2)C(6)H(4))(3). Both complexes exhibit a bend of the S-C-C-S ligand plane away from the S-Mo-S plane. A series of calculations which systematically follow the changes in electronic structure as the bend angle alpha is varied between 0 and 30 degrees indicates that the bend can be attributed to a second order Jahn-Teller distortion. The driving force for this distortion, which allows mixing between a set of ligand pi orbitals and the metal d(z)()()2 orbital, should be greatest for d(0) systems. In these systems the bent geometry leads to the stabilization of the doubly occupied HOMO. The driving force for ligand bending should be lower in systems having more or fewer electrons (e.g. Re(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(3) or V(S(2)C(2)Ph(2))(3), respectively). While the steric bulk of the dithiolate ligands in the latter complexes may also influence the degree of ligand bending, this is probably a secondary effect.