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West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, genus Orthoflavivirus, is classified within the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) se rocomplex (2). It is the most widespread arbovirus globally, [...]

Introduction Recent reports suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection could be associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia (1-5). A large observational study conducted by FAIR Health in people with COVID-19, with [...], BACKGROUND. Recent studies conducted in individuals who survived COVID-19 suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia. However, it remains unclear whether this augmented risk is confirmed in the general population and how this phenomenon is affecting the overall burden of cardiometabolic diseases. METHODS. To address these aspects, we conducted a 6-year longitudinal study to examine the broader effects of COVID-19 on dyslipidemia incidence in a real-world population (228,266 individuals) residing in Naples in southern Italy. The pre- COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups were balanced for demographic and clinical factors using propensity score matching. RESULTS. Our analysis spans a period of 3 years during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), comparing dyslipidemia incidence with pre-pandemic data (2017-2019), with a follow-up of at least 1,095 days corresponding to 21,349,215 person-years. During the COVID-19 period, we detected an increased risk of developing any dyslipidemia when compared with the pre-COVID-19 triennium (OR = 1.29; 95% CI, 1.19-1.39). Importantly, these estimates were adjusted for comorbidities by a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS. Taken together, our data reveal a notable rise in dyslipidemia incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting the utility of establishing specialized clinical monitoring protocols for patients who survive COVID-19 to mitigate the risk of developing dyslipidemia.

Author(s): Christopher J. Gonzalez [sup.1] , Madison N. LeCroy [sup.2] , Martha L. Daviglus [sup.3] , Linda Van Horn [sup.4] , Linda C. Gallo [sup.5] , Franklyn II Gonzalez [sup.6] [...], Hispanic/Latino youth are less physically active than non-Hispanic/Latino youth. We assessed whether activity-specific parenting practices relate to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior among Hispanic/Latino youth, and whether cultural (acculturation) and neighborhood characteristics (perceived barriers to activity) relate to the use of parenting practice patterns. Using the Hispanic Community Children's Health Study/Study of Latino Youth (SOL Youth, n = 976 8-16-year-olds), we modeled linear regression associations between parenting practices and mean daily MVPA and sedentary behavior. Parenting practice patterns were then developed using k-means cluster analysis, and regressed on parental acculturation and neighborhood characteristics. Discipline predicted higher MVPA in females ([beta] 1.89 [95% CI 0.11-3.67]), while Monitoring/Reinforcement predicted higher MVPA in males ([beta] 4.71 [95% CI 0.68-8.74]). Three patterns were then identified: Negative Reinforcement (high Limit Setting and Discipline use), Positive Reinforcement (high Limit Setting and Monitoring/Reinforcement use), and Permissive Parenting (low parenting practice use). Higher acculturation predicted use of Positive Reinforcement. Activity-specific parenting practices are associated with activity in sex-specific ways among Hispanic/Latino youth, and cultural factors predict the use of parenting practices.

Author(s): Sebastian Gallo-Bernal [sup.1] [sup.2] , Aoife Kilcoyne [sup.1] [sup.2] , Michael S. Gee [sup.1] [sup.2] , Elahna Paul [sup.3] [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.32224.35, 0000 0004 0386 9924, Department [...], Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder with an estimated incidence of one in 5000 to 10,000 live births worldwide. Two million people of all races and genders are estimated to have TSC secondary to mutations in one of two tumor suppressor genes, TSC1 or TSC2. The respective TSC1 and 2 gene products - hamartin and tuberin - form cytoplasmic heterodimers that inhibit mTOR-mediated cell growth and division. When mTOR inhibition is lost, people with TSC develop characteristic and usually benign tumors in various organ systems. Kidney tumors and cysts are common, particularly in the setting of TSC2 gene mutations. In most TSC patients, the number of kidney cysts is limited, their morphology is simple, their size is small, and their clinical significance is negligible. In some, cyst morphology progresses from simple to complex with the risk of malignant transformation. In others, aggressive accumulation and growth of kidney cysts can cause hypertension, impaired kidney function, and progression to kidney failure. This educational review summarizes current knowledge and remaining open questions regarding cystic kidney disease in TSC, emphasizing detection, classification, surveillance, and treatment options.

Introduction Atherosclerosis is characterized by lipid accumulation and local inflammation in the arterial vessel wall and is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and peripheral arterial [...], Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and elevated levels of LL37, a cathelicidin host defense peptide that has both antimicrobial and proinflammatory properties. To explore whether LL37 could contribute to the risk of heart disease, we examined its effects on lipoprotein metabolism and show that LL37 enhanced LDL uptake in macrophages through the LDL receptor (LDLR), scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SR-B1), and CD36. This interaction led to increased cytosolic cholesterol in macrophages and changes in expression of lipid metabolism genes consistent with increased cholesterol uptake. Structure-function analysis and synchrotron small-angle x-ray scattering showed structural determinants of the LL37-LDL complex that underlie its ability to bind its receptors and promote uptake. This function of LDL uptake is unique to cathelicidins from humans and some primates and was not observed with cathelicidins from mice or rabbits. Notably, [Apoe.sup.-/-] mice expressing LL37 developed larger atheroma plaques than did control mice, and a positive correlation between plasma LL37 and oxidized phospholipid on apolipoprotein B (OxPL-apoB) levels was observed in individuals with cardiovascular disease. These findings provide evidence that LDL uptake can be increased via interaction with LL37 and may explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with chronic inflammatory disorders.

Introduction Despite the important role type I IFNs like IFN-[alpha] play in the host antiviral immune response, its actions in the central nervous system (CNS) can be debilitating. This is [...], Chronic and elevated levels of the antiviral cytokine IFN-[alpha] in the brain are neurotoxic. This is best observed in patients with genetic cerebral interferonopathies such as Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome. Cerebral interferonopathies typically manifest in early childhood and lead to debilitating disease and premature death. There is no cure for these diseases with existing treatments largely aimed at managing symptoms. Thus, an effective therapeutic strategy is urgently needed. Here, we investigated the effect of antisense oligonucleotides targeting the murine IFN- [alpha] receptor (Ifnar1 ASOs) in a transgenic mouse model of cerebral interferonopathy. Intracerebroventricular injection of Ifnar1 ASOs into transgenic mice with brain- targeted chronic IFN-[alpha] production resulted in a blunted cerebral interferon signature, reduced neuroinflammation, restoration of blood-brain barrier integrity, absence of tissue destruction, and lessened neuronal damage. Remarkably, Ifnar1 ASO treatment was also effective when given after the onset of neuropathological changes, as it reversed such disease-related features. We conclude that ASOs targeting the IFN-[alpha] receptor halt and reverse progression of IFN-[alpha]-mediated neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity, opening what we believe to be a new and promising approach for the treatment of patients with cerebral interferonopathies.

Author(s): Vaka K. Sigurjonsdottir [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Lynn Maestretti [sup.1] , Anne McGrath [sup.1] , Waldo Concepcion [sup.4] , Amy Gallo [sup.5] , Urdur Jonsdottir [sup.3] , Paul C. [...], Background Currently, there is no consensus among pediatric kidney transplant centers regarding the use and regimen for immunosuppressive induction therapy. Methods In this single center, retrospective cohort study, pediatric kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 1 May 2013 and 1 May 2018 with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction were included. We stratified patients based on immunological risk, with high risk defined as those with repeat transplant, preformed donor specific antibody, current panel-reactive antibodies > 20%, 0 antigen match and/or African-American heritage. Outcome of interest was the incidence of biopsy proven acute rejection by 1 year. Results A total of 166 patients met inclusion criteria. Age of patients was 12 years (11 mo-21 y), (median, range), 21.5% received a living donor transplant and 50.6% were female. Low-immunologic-risk patients were divided into 2 groups, those who received the lower cumulative rATG dose of [less than or equal to] 3.5 mg/kg (n = 52) versus the higher cumulative dose of > 3.5 mg/kg (n = 47). The median total dose in the lower dose group was 3.1 (IQR 0.3) and 4.4 (IQR 0.8) in the higher dose group, P 3.5 mg/kg) is safe and effective in low-risk pediatric kidney transplant recipients without increasing risk of rejection. Graphical abstract A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information

A surgical procedure for the repair of damaged periodontal tissue is Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR), which involves the use of a barrier membrane to prevent soft tissue ingrowth and create a space for slow regeneration of periodontium and bone. GTR membrane should have pores able to facilitate the diffusion of fluids, oxygen, nutrients, and bioactive substances for cell growth, but also be impermeable to epithelial cells or gingival fibroblasts, which could overpopulate the defect space and inhibit infiltration and activity of boneforming cells. In this paper, a bilayer PLGA membrane was realized by coupling the dip coating and electrospinning techniques. The rough layer of the double-sided structure was electrospun on the previously prepared smooth dip-coated membrane. A rotating drum collector at two rotating speeds was used to generate different fibers orientation. The bilayer membrane with different superimposed surfaces was successfully fabricated and characterized from a morphological, physicochemical, and the mechanical point of view. Performed analyses revealed that the membrane possesses suitable properties, especially from mechanical point of view, for its possible use as a scaffold for the GTR of periodontum. A high fiber alignment and improved mechanical properties with respect to available GTR membranes characterized the product resulting from this study. KEYWORDS biodegradable, biological applications of polymers, biomaterials, dental polymers, electrospinning, mechanical properties, 1 | INTRODUCTION The untreated periodontal disease such as chronic periodontitis can provoke loss of gingival tissue, connective tissue, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligaments and consequently the destruction of periodontium, [...]

Introduction Indigenous populations are culturally distinct societies that share collective ancestral ties to the land in which they live. The world's 370 million indigenous people live in territories that cover [...]

If your medical practice has experienced a data breach or ransomware attack, you're not alone. In today's digital age, it's a growing and relentless threat in the health care sector. [...]

Author(s): Michelle A. Kominiarek [sup.1] , Christina Cordero [sup.2] , Alison M. Stuebe [sup.3] , Melissa Simon [sup.1] , Kelly R. Evenson [sup.4] , Krista M. Perreira [sup.5] , Linda [...], Objective To examine the association between preconception diet quality, sedentary behavior, and physical activity with gestational weight gain (GWG) among Hispanic/Latina women. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of participants from visits 1 and 2 of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and singleton pregnancies between the 2 visits. Diet quality (alternative healthy eating index/AHEI-2010), sedentary behaviors, and physical activity (global physical activity questionnaire) were measured at visit 1 and accounted for preconception health behaviors. GWG was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines (inadequate, adequate, excessive). Linear and generalized logit survey regressions were used to study the association between health behaviors and GWG, using adequate GWG as the reference. Results Of the 457 women included, deliveries occurred at 3.2 years (mean) from visit 1; 48.7% of women had excessive GWG. Mean AHEI-2010 scores were < 45% for women of all Hispanic/Latina backgrounds. There was no association between each 10-unit increase in AHEI-2010 or a 500 kcal/day increase in energy intake for mean and categorical GWG. There was no association between 30 min/day higher sedentary behavior, 30 min/day higher physical activity, or meeting the 2008 US physical activity guidelines for mean and categorical GWG. Conclusions We did not find any association between diet quality, sedentary behavior, and physical activity at visit 1 with GWG in pregnancies occurring between visits 1 and 2. We noted widespread poor diet quality as measured by the AHEI-2010 and low levels of physical activity among Hispanic/Latina women.

The conditions faced by edge populations of a tree species may affect the architecture of individual trees. The latitudinally broad range of Salix humboldtiana Willd. encompasses tropical to cold-temperate climatic regions, with its southernmost population in central Patagonia. We expected S. humboldtiana trees from the southern-edge population to develop smaller shoots and a lower level of axis differentiation than trees of this species from a more northern population, and we expected edge trees to outperform non-edge trees when growing in a common garden at an intermediate latitude. For juvenile individuals of S. humboldtiana from edge and non-edge natural populations, the trunk diameter, height, branching angle, as well as the length, number of nodes, diameter, leaf area, and specific leaf area of the main branch and the trunk annual shoots were measured. The size and extension rates of shoots developed by trees of both origins in a common garden were also evaluated. In natural populations, the shoot leaf area and the specific leaf area were higher for the edge population than for the non-edge population. In a common garden, the shoot extension period and the length were higher for non-edge plants than for edge plants. The growth-period differences between populations in a common garden may support the hypothesis of stress adaptation in the southernmost S. humboldtiana trees. Key words: annual shoots, range limit, stressful conditions, plant architecture, Salix. Les conditions auxquelles sont confrontées les populations d'uneespèced'arbre situées en bordure peuvent affecter l'architecture des arbres individuels. L'aire de répartition latitudinale de Salix humboldtiana Willd. englobe des régions climatiques tropicales à tempérées froides, avec sa population la plus méridionale en Patagonie centrale. Les auteurs s'attendaient à ce que les arbres de l'espèce S. humboldtiana provenant de la population en bordure sud développent des pousses plus petites et un niveau de différenciation des axes plus faible que les arbres de cette espèce provenant d'une population plus au nord, et ils s'attendaient à ce que les arbres en bordure soient plus performants que les arbres n'étant pas en bordure lorsqu'ils poussent dans un jardin commun à une latitude intermédiaire. Pour les individus juvéniles de S. humboldtiana provenant de populations naturelles en bordure ou non, le diamètre du tronc, la hauteur, l'anglederamification, et la longueur, le nombredenoeuds, le diamètre, la surface foliaire et la surface foliaire spécifiquedela branche principale et des pousses annuelles du tronc ont été mesurés. La taille et les taux d'extension des pousses développées par les arbres des deux origines dans un jardin commun ont également été évalués. Dans les populations naturelles, la surface foliaire des pousses et la surface foliaire spécifique étaient plus élevées pour la population en bordure que pour la population non située en bordure. Dans le jardin commun, la période d'extension des pousses et leur longueur étaient plus élevées pour les plantes non situées en bordure que pour les plantes de bordure. Les différences de période de croissance entre les populations dans le jardin commun peuvent soutenir l'hypothèse d'une adaptation au stress chez les arbres de l'espèce S. humboldtiana les plus au sud. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés : pousses annuelles, limite d'aire de répartition, conditions stressantes, architecture végétale, Salix., Introduction The edges of a species' range may be determined by physical barriers to the dispersion of the species, or by unbearably stressful conditions, e.g., water availability, temperature, or soil [...]

Author(s): D. R. Wilkins [sup.1] , L. C. Gallo [sup.2] , E. Costantini [sup.3] [sup.4] , W. N. Brandt [sup.5] [sup.6] [sup.7] , R. D. Blandford [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) [...], The innermost regions of accretion disks around black holes are strongly irradiated by X-rays that are emitted from a highly variable, compact corona, in the immediate vicinity of the black hole.sup.1-3. The X-rays that are seen reflected from the disk.sup.4, and the time delays, as variations in the X-ray emission echo or &apos;reverberate&apos; off the disk.sup.5,6, provide a view of the environment just outside the event horizon. I Zwicky 1 (I Zw 1) is a nearby narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy.sup.7,8. Previous studies of the reverberation of X-rays from its accretion disk revealed that the corona is composed of two components: an extended, slowly varying component extending over the surface of the inner accretion disk, and a collimated core, with luminosity fluctuations propagating upwards from its base, which dominates the more rapid variability.sup.9,10. Here we report observations of X-ray flares emitted from around the supermassive black hole in I Zw 1. X-ray reflection from the accretion disk is detected through a relativistically broadened iron K line and Compton hump in the X-ray emission spectrum. Analysis of the X-ray flares reveals short flashes of photons consistent with the re-emergence of emission from behind the black hole. The energy shifts of these photons identify their origins from different parts of the disk.sup.11,12. These are photons that reverberate off the far side of the disk, and are bent around the black hole and magnified by the strong gravitational field. Observing photons bent around the black hole confirms a key prediction of general relativity. One of the key predictions of general relativity, the bending of light around massive, compact objects, is observed for a supermassive black hole in the galaxy I Zwicky 1.

AS CLEMENT A. EVANS, the Confederate general turned Methodist minister, mounted the makeshift pulpit and surveyed his surroundings on April 27, 1890, Atlanta's Grant Park appeared more like a military [...]

In the nearly 30 years since the inception of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) by the World Health Organization (WHO), polio eradication efforts have decreased the number of wild [...]

Organization of the genome in three dimensions The structure of each chromosome is organized in a hierarchical fashion to enable proper function of the genome. In this case, genomic 'function' [...], The three-dimensional (3D) organization of the genome is a crucial enabler of cell fate, identity, and function. In this review, we will focus on the emerging role of altered 3D genome organization in the etiology of disease, with a special emphasis on brain cancers. We discuss how different genetic alterations can converge to disrupt the epigenome in childhood and adult brain tumors, by causing aberrant DNA methylation and by affecting the amounts and genomic distribution of histone post-translational modifications. We also highlight examples that illustrate how epigenomic alterations have the potential to affect 3D genome architecture in brain tumors. Finally, we will propose the concept of "epigenomic erosion" to explain the transition from stem-like cells to differentiated cells in hierarchically organized brain cancers. Key words: 3D genome, nucleosome, chromatin, cancer, brain tumors, pediatric brain tumors, cancer stem cells, histone variants, topologically associating domains. L&apos;organisation tridimensionnelle (3D) du genome est un mediateur critique du devenir, de l&apos;identite et de la fonction des cellules. Dans cette synthese, les auteurs se concentrent sur le role emergeant d&apos;une organisation 3D alteree du genome dans l&apos;etiologie des maladies, avec une emphase particuliere sur les cancers du cerveau. Les auteurs discutent comment differentes alterations genetiques peuvent converger pour perturber l&apos;epigenome des cancers du cerveau tant en enfance qu&apos;al&apos;age adulte, en causant une methylation aberrante de l&apos;ADN et en affectant les quantites et la distribution genomique des modifications post-traductionnelles des histones. Les auteurs mettent de l&apos;avant des exemples qui illustrent comment des alterations epigenomiques ont le potentiel d&apos;affecter l&apos;architecture 3D du genome chez les tumeurs du cerveau. Finalement, les auteurs proposent le concept de "l&apos;erosion epigenomique" pour expliquer la transition entre des cellules souches et des cellules differenciees au sein de cancers du cerveau organises de maniere hierarchique. Mots-cles : genome en 3D, nucleosome, chromatine, cancer, tumeurs du cerveau, tumeurs du cerveau pediatriques, cellules souches du cancer, variants de l&apos;histone, domaines d&apos;association topologique.

Author(s): Teruaki Nakatsuji [sup.1] , Tissa R. Hata [sup.1] , Yun Tong [sup.1] , Joyce Y. Cheng [sup.1] , Faiza Shafiq [sup.1] , Anna M. Butcher [sup.1] , Secilia S. [...], Staphylococcus aureus colonizes patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and exacerbates disease by promoting inflammation. The present study investigated the safety and mechanisms of action of Staphylococcus hominis A9 (ShA9), a bacterium isolated from healthy human skin, as a topical therapy for AD. ShA9 killed S. aureus on the skin of mice and inhibited expression of a toxin from S. aureus (psm[alpha]) that promotes inflammation. A first-in-human, phase 1, double-blinded, randomized 1-week trial of topical ShA9 or vehicle on the forearm skin of 54 adults with S. aureus-positive AD (NCT03151148) met its primary endpoint of safety, and participants receiving ShA9 had fewer adverse events associated with AD. Eczema severity was not significantly different when evaluated in all participants treated with ShA9 but a significant decrease in S. aureus and increased ShA9 DNA were seen and met secondary endpoints. Some S. aureus strains on participants were not directly killed by ShA9, but expression of mRNA for psm[alpha] was inhibited in all strains. Improvement in local eczema severity was suggested by post-hoc analysis of participants with S. aureus directly killed by ShA9. These observations demonstrate the safety and potential benefits of bacteriotherapy for AD. First-in-human test of topical application of a commensal bacterium on skin of individuals with atopic dermatitis reduces colonization by proinflammatory Staphylococcus aureus.

Presenters Samantha Gallo, Elizabeth Fleming, [...], Context: The patient-physician relationship plays a crucial role in patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. Narrative Medicine seeks to improve the experience of providing and receiving healthcare by engaging with patient stories and developing narrative competence. Its potential role in establishing care with a Primary Care Provider (PCP) has not been previously studied. Objective: To assess patient reactions to and engagement with an invitation to share about themselves personally via electronic messaging through the healthcare record (MyChart) as part of establishing care with a new PCP. Study Design and Analysis: Over a 7-week period, patients who met the inclusion criteria (age > 18, English speaking, active on MyChart, scheduled for a first visit with a new PCP) were sent a MyChart message asking what they wanted their healthcare team to know about them as a person. Responses were discussed during the office visit and patients who viewed the message were given a survey about their experience with receiving the message and its impact on their clinic visit. Patient responses to the MyChart messages were analyzed for themes using NVivo. Setting: Family Medicine clinic in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin Population Studied: Adult outpatients at a family medicine clinic Intervention: MyChart message from the study provider asking "What do you want your healthcare team to know about you as a person?" Outcome Measures: Percentage of patients reading and responding to the MyChart message; Themes of patient responses as coded by two raters; Survey responses about patient experience of being asked this question Results: Of 57 MyChart messages sent to new patients, 40 (70%) were read. Of those read, 15 (38%) responded. Major response themes included Health, Personal information, and Reactions to the message. Of 24 surveys collected, 95% of patients had a positive or neutral response to receiving the MyChart message; 86% felt it positively impacted their visit, and 93% felt it increased their comfort level with their new PCP. Conclusions: This pilot project suggests that most patients appreciate the opportunity to share something about themselves when establishing care with a new PCP, and that MyChart is one viable way to facilitate this communication. Potential future areas of study include exploring the most effective protocol for inviting patients to share personal narrative, and how these narratives impact patient and physician experience of establishing care.

To improve population's health requires a directed, systematic, and expedited approach to ensure that evidence-based programs (EBPs) are delivered with a high fidelity at scale. Scientists have built most of [...], Objective: For implementation of an evidence-based program to be effective, efficient, and equitable across diverse populations, we propose that researchers adopt a systems approach that is often absent in efficacy studies. To this end, we describe how a computer-based monitoring system can support me delivery of the New Beginnings Program (NBP), a parent-focused evidence-based prevention program for divorcing parents. Method: We present NBP from a novel systems approach that incorporates social system informatics and engineering, both necessary when utilizing feedback loops, ubiquitous in implementation research and practice. Examples of two methodological challenges are presented: how to monitor implementation, and how to provide feedback by evaluating system-level changes due to implementation. Results: We introduce and relate systems concepts to these two methodologic issues that are at the center of implementation metliods. We explore how these system-level feedback loops address effectiveness, efficiency, and equity principles. These key principles are provided for designing an automated, low-burden, low-intrusive measurement system to aid fidelity monitoring and feedback that can be used in practice. Discussion: As the COVTD-19 pandemic now demands fewer face-to-face delivery systems, their replacement with more virtual systems for parent training interventions requires constructing new implementation measurement systems based on social system informatics approaches. These approaches include the automatic monitoring of quality and fidelity in parent training interventions. Finally, we present parallels of producing generalizable and local knowledge bridging systems science and engineering method. This comparison improves our understanding of system-level changes, facilitates a program&apos;s implementation, and produces knowledge for the field. Public Significance Statement The successful implementation of EBIs has the potential to change critical public health disparities and inequities. We show how social system informatics facilitates the monitoring and feedback on EBFs implementation. Such computational methods enhance implementation&apos;s monitoring in an efficient, scalable, and non-obtrusive manner, particularly within the virtual, on-line context generated by COVTD-19 pandemic. Keywords: social systems informatics, implementation science, systems science, computational linguistics, fidelity

INTRODUCTION 530 I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 531 A. Origins and Operation of the Law 531 B. Underlying Racial Motivations of Gun Control and Permitting Schemes 533 II. HELLER AND MCDONALD 536 [...], The North Carolina pistol-purchase permit system, originating in the Jim Crow Era, remains an obstruction for North Carolinians seeking to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The permit system requires that an individual possess a permit to purchase a handgun. Permits can only be obtained by applying to one&apos;s local county sheriffs office, assuming the applicant satisfies a myriad of conditions and pays the five-dollar per-permit fee. Such a system directly implicates the core of the Second Amendment by posing a direct burden on the ability of one to acquire a handgun for possession in the home. Under the modern two-part test for the Second Amendment, the permitting system falls short of satisfying strict scrutiny, as well as intermediate scrutiny. In addition, the permitting system faces difficulties in the face of the Fourteenth Amendment. As a whole, the system is largely redundant with federal law, adding cost, time, and frustration for handgun purchasers. Furthermore, the permitting system is ripe for abuse by allowing denials for subjective "good cause." This subjective criteria for denial is suspect since Black applicants are rejected at a rate near three times as high as White applicants. Finally, when compared to states without the permitting requirement, North Carolina&apos;s crime rates are within a few percentage points of theirs, indicating that the permitting system is not sensible policy.

Note: After some years of silence between us, I took to the Internet one evening last spring in search of a current e-mail address for Robert Mezey, with whom I [...]

A recent volcanic eruption occurred at Tseax volcano that formed a series of tephra cones in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. The explosive to effusive eruption also formed a 32 km long sequence of Fe-rich Mg-poor basanite-trachy-basalt lavas covering ~40 [km.sup.2]. Oral histories of the Nisga'a Nation report that the eruption may have caused as many as 2000 fatalities. The actual eruption date and question of whether there was one or multiple eruptive episodes in the 14th and 18th centuries are, as of yet, unresolved. New radiocarbon dating of wood charcoal from immediately beneath vent-proximal tephra deposits and complementary age information suggest an eruption in 1675-1778 CE (95.4% probability) was responsible for the formation of the tephra cone. New paleomagnetic and geochemical data from the tephra cone and lava flows suggest there is, in fact, no statistically significant difference in time between the explosive and effusive deposits and that they formed during a single eruptive episode. Key words: Tseax volcano, lava flow, tephra cone, paleomagnetism, radiocarbon dating, geochemistry. Une eruption volcanique recente a eu lieu au volcan Tseax, qui a produit une serie de cones de tephra dans le nord-ouest de la Colombie-Britannique (Canada). L'eruption explosive a effusive a egalement produit une sequence longue de 32 km de laves de basanite-trachybasalte riches en Fe et pauvres en Mg couvrant ~40 [km.sup.2]. Des recits oraux de la Nation Nisga'a mentionnent que l'eruption pourrait avoir cause jusqu'a 2000 morts. Les questions du moment exact de l'eruption et a savoir si elle comportait un seul ou plusieurs episodes eruptifs aux [14.sup.e] et [18.sup.e] siecles demeurent a ce jour sans reponses. De nouveaux resultats de datation au carbone radioactif de charbon de bois preleve immediatement sous des depots de tephra proximaux a la cheminee et de l'information temporelle complementaire indiqueraient qu'une eruption vers 1675-1778 EC (probabilite de 95,4 %) est a l'origine de la formation du cone de tephra. De nouvelles donnees paleomagnetiques et geochimiques sur le cone de tephra et les coulees de lave donnent a penser qu'il n'y a en fait aucune difference statistiquement significative dans le temps entre les depots explosifs et effusifs et qu'ils se sont formes durant un seul episode eruptif. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: volcan Tseax, coulee de lave, cone de tephra, paleomagnetisme, datation au carbone radioactif, geochimie., Introduction Tseax volcano situated in northwestern British Columbia, Canada (55.11085[degrees]N, 128.89944[degrees]W), comprises several small tephra cones and a 32 km long basanite-trachybasalt lava (e.g., Hanson 1923; Sutherland Brown 1969). The [...]

I. INTRODUCTION "There's an app for that!", the known past response for any one person looking to digitize just one piece of their life with their mobile device. Now, we [...], Mapping data gathered by governments, corporations, and private individuals can be published freely across the web for use in diverse application sets. Upon its collection, other data, private data, may become subject to the public eye. Evolving from multiple acquisitions in its almost twenty-year history, Google&apos;s Street View application offers the public historical and 360-degree views of the globe from across the world. With users serving as the target of marketing techniques, which often create a game of chess between developers, the privacy practices of other companies often come to light. In this paper, we consider these issues and suggest some mitigations that public, private, and partnership entities may take in this shared effort. Keywords-Cyber Security, Data Privacy, Google, Street View.

Author(s): Hasan Ahmad Hasan Albitar [sup.1], Justin M. Segraves [sup.2], Yahya Almodallal [sup.3], Catarina Aragon Pinto [sup.4], Alice Gallo De Moraes [sup.4], Vivek N. Iyer [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.66875.3a, [...], Purpose Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are most commonly associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Patients with PAVMs can present with serious complications including stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and brain abscess. PAVMs are rare in non-HHT patients and little is known about this patient population. The aim of this retrospective study is to better understand clinical presentation and outcomes of PAVMs occurring exclusively in non-HHT patients. Methods Non-HHT patients with PAVMs at the Mayo Clinic-Rochester between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2018 were reviewed. Patients with Curacao score > 1 were excluded. Demographics, imaging characteristics, neurological complications, and follow-up imaging were analyzed. Results Seventy-seven patients with PAVMs were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 48.2 ± 18.3 years with female preponderance (59.7%). The majority of PAVMs had lower lobe predominance (66.7%) and were simple and single in 75.3% and 89.6% of cases, respectively. Most patients were asymptomatic (46.8%) with dyspnea being the most common symptom (28.6%). Neurologic complications occurred in 19.5% of patients. The majority of PAVMs were idiopathic (61%). Thirty patients (39%) had one or more possible risk factors including previous thoracic surgery (23.4%), congenital heart disease (19.5%), and chest trauma (10.4%). Embolization was performed in 37 (48.1%) patients and only 4 (5.2%) underwent surgical resection. Conclusions Non-HHT PAVMs occur more commonly in females, are most commonly simple and single, and have lower lobe predominance and a high rate of neurologic complications. Potential predisposing risk factors were identified in about 40% of the cases. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of PAVM development in patients with history of chest trauma, congenital heart disease, lung infection/abscess, and thoracic surgery.

Author(s): Rosenda Murillo [sup.1] , Amber Pirzada [sup.2] , Donghong Wu [sup.2] , Linda C. Gallo [sup.3] , Sonia Davis [sup.4] , Natania W. Ostrovsky [sup.5] , Frank J. Penedo [...], We examined associations of central family (i.e., children, parents, in-laws) social network size with healthy lifestyle factors (i.e., favorable body mass index, physical activity, diet, alcohol use, smoking). Using data on 15,511 Hispanics/Latinos 18-74 years old from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, multivariable adjusted survey logistic regression was used to compute associations of social network size with healthy lifestyle factors. A one-unit higher total of central family size was associated with lower odds of healthy body mass index (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.86-0.93) and having all five healthy lifestyle factors (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85-0.96). Findings suggest familial structural social support may contribute to healthy lifestyle factors and differ based on the type of relationship among Hispanics/Latinos.

Introduction Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) (OMIM 130050) is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder. Patients with vEDS present with thin, translucent skin, easy bruising, and a characteristic facial appearance. Most [...], Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) Is an autosomal-dominant connective tissue disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the COL3A1 gene, which encodes the pro-a 1 chain of collagen III. Loss of structural integrity of the extracellular matrix is believed to drive the signs and symptoms of this condition, including spontaneous arterial dissection and/or rupture, the major cause of mortality. We created 2 mouse models of vEDS that carry heterozygous mutations in Col3a1 that encode glycine substitutions analogous to those found in patients, and we showed that signaling abnormalities in the PLC/[IP.sub.3]/ PKC/ERK pathway (phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate/protein kinase C/extracellular signal-regulated kinase) are major mediators of vascular pathology. Treatment with pharmacologic inhibitors of ERK1/2 or PKC[beta] prevented death due to spontaneous aortic rupture. Additionally, we found that pregnancy- and puberty-associated accentuation of vascular risk, also seen in vEDS patients, was rescued by attenuation of oxytocin and androgen signaling, respectively. Taken together, our results provide evidence that targetable signaling abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of vEDS, highlighting unanticipated therapeutic opportunities.

Wood is one of the main reservoirs of carbon (C) and nutrients in Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser forests; hence, its decomposition is essential for C and nutrient cycling. Chemical traits are one of the factors affecting wood decomposition, but there is little information describing these chemical characteristics. Our objective was to analyze the chemical traits of N. pumilio fine woody material (FWM) and their relationships with decomposition. We determined the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), C, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, and extractives in two diameter categories (branches and twigs) and in two decay classes (DC1, sound wood; DC2, intermediate stage of decomposition). We also determined the decomposition rate constant (k) of each type of material. Contents of P, extractives, C, and hemicellulose in DC1 and C, cellulose, and lignin in DC2 showed differences between diameters. In twigs, all chemical traits showed differences between DCs, but in branches, only N and C showed differences. Mean k was similar between diameters and was greater in DC2 than in DC1. Hemicellulose and P showed positive relations with increasing decomposition, whereas cellulose showed a negative one. Our results support the use of classical DCs. We hypothesize that the presence (or absence) and proportional amount of bark partially explain the differences found between DCs and between diameters. Key words: wood decomposition, decay classes, diameter, chemical traits, fine woody debris. Le bois est un des principaux reservoirs de carbone (C) et de nutriments dans les forets de Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser; sa decomposition est donc essentielle pour le recyclage du C et des nutriments. Les caracteristiques chimiques comptent parmi les facteurs qui influencent la decomposition du bois, mais il existe peu d'information concernant ces caracteristiques chimiques. Notre objectif consistait a analyser les caracteristiques chimiques du materiel ligneux fin (MLF) et leurs relations avec la decomposition. Nous avons determine la teneur en azote (N), phosphore (P), C, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignine et matieres extractibles pour deux categories de diametres (branches et rameaux) et deux classes de decomposition (CD1, bois sain; CD2, stade intermediaire de decomposition). Nous avons aussi determine la constante de decomposition (k) pour chacun des types de MLF. Les teneurs en P, matieres extractibles, C et hemicellulose de la CD1 et les teneurs en C, cellulose et lignine de la CD2 differaient selon la categorie de diametres. Concernant les classes de decomposition (CD), toutes les caracteristiques chimiques chez les rameaux et seuls les teneurs en C et N chez les branches differaient selon la CD. La valeur moyenne de k etait similaire peu importe le diametre et plus grande dans la CD2 que la CD1. Les teneurs en hemicellulose et P etaient positivement reliees a l'avancement de la decomposition tandis que la relation etait negative dans le cas de la cellulose. Nos resultats supportent l'utilisation des classes de decomposition classiques. Nous emettons l'hypothese que la presence ou non ainsi que la proportion d'ecorce expliquent en partie les differences observees entre les CD et les categories de diametres. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : decomposition du bois, classes de decomposition, diametre, caracteristiques chimiques, debris ligneux fins., Introduction Woodland ecosystems hold ca. 50% of the terrestrial biosphere carbon (C) stocks (Malhi 2002); hence, wood decomposition participates in the regulation of C storage and flux to the atmosphere [...]

Within a sociocultural framework, we use situated learning theory to explore the use of a coteaching approach during student teaching. Coteaching is a model for learning to teach where clinical educators and teacher candidates teach alongside one another and share responsibility for pupil learning. Teacher education programs have adopted this model for student teaching because there is evidence that coteaching supports pupil learning and coteacher learning. This study of coteaching in three teacher education programs, within the same university, examined opportunities afforded for teacher candidates' development of growth competence, adaptive teaching expertise, and collaborative expertise. Data analysis from the nested, cross-case qualitative study enabled us to examine opportunities for candidate learning afforded by coteaching during student teaching, posit recommendations on using coteaching, explain the necessary conditions, and discuss the model's current limitations. Keywords student teaching, teacher education preparation, field experiences, qualitative research, Introduction Coteaching is a model for learning to teach where teacher candidates (1) and clinical educators work alongside one another and share responsibility for student learning (Darragh, Picaneo, Tully, & [...]

Introduction Gastric adenocarcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and accounts for more than 800,000 deaths annually (1). Helicobacter pylori is the most common bacterial infection worldwide [...], Gastric carcinogenesis is mediated by complex interactions among Helicobacter pylori, host, and environmental factors. Here, we demonstrate that H. pylori augmented gastric injury in INS-GAS mice under iron-deficient conditions. Mechanistically, these phenotypes were not driven by alterations in the gastric microbiota; however, discovery-based and targeted metabolomics revealed that bile acids were significantly altered in H. pylori-infected mice with iron deficiency, with significant upregulation of deoxycholic acid (DCA), a carcinogenic bile acid. The severity of gastric injury was further augmented when H. pylori-infected mice were treated with DCA, and, in vitro, DCA increased translocation of the H. pylori oncoprotein CagA into host cells. Conversely, bile acid sequestration attenuated H. pylori-induced injury under conditions of iron deficiency. To translate these findings to human populations, we evaluated the association between bile acid sequestrant use and gastric cancer risk in a large human cohort. Among 416,885 individuals, a significant dose-dependent reduction in risk was associated with cumulative bile acid sequestrant use. Further, expression of the bile acid receptor transmembrane G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 5 (TGR5) paralleled the severity of carcinogenic lesions in humans. These data demonstrate that increased H. pylori-induced injury within the context of iron deficiency is tightly linked to altered bile acid metabolism, which may promote gastric carcinogenesis.