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Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) increasingly use internet-based websites and geospatial apps to seek sex. Though these platforms may be useful for public health intervention, evaluations of such interventions are rare. We sought to evaluate the online behavior of young MSM of color in Philadelphia and the effectiveness of using ads to link them to DoYouPhilly.org, where users can order free condoms, lubricant, and sexually transmitted infection test kits delivered via the U.S. postal service. Method: Data collection and analyses were conducted in two phases. First, we performed keyword research and analyzed web browser logs using a proprietary data set owned by Microsoft. Subsequently, we ran a Google Ads campaign using the keywords identified in the preliminary phase, and directed targeted users to the DoYouPhilly.org condom or test kit ordering pages. Results were analyzed using MATLAB 2018. Results: Test kit advertisements received 5,628 impressions, 157 clicks, and 18 unique conversions. The condom advertisements received 128,007 impressions, 2,583 clicks, and 303 unique conversions. Correlation between the click-through rate and the conversion rate per keyword was [rho] = -0.35 (P = 0.0096) and per advertisement was [rho] = 0.40 (P = 0.14). Keywords that directly related to condoms were most effective for condom ordering (42% conversion rate vs. [less than or equal to] 2% for other classes), while keywords emphasizing the adverse effects of unprotected sex were most effective in test kit ordering (91% conversion rate vs. 13% and 12% for other classes). Conclusions: Online advertisements seemed to affect real-world sexual health behavior, as measured by orders of condoms and test kits, among a group of young MSM living in the same community.

Four African American teacher-researcher-participants contributed to this self-reflective autobiographical, narrative analysis of learning to teach, becoming certified, and teaching. Each participant reflected on her educational stories of experience, as all four were educated on White university campuses and transitioned to teaching in predominantly African American teaching settings. The primary question this paper addresses is: What can be learned from African American teachers' stories of experience about recruiting and maintaining African Americans in the field of education?

Two cases of diseases associated with Clostridium difficile were investigated to explore their clinical manifestations. Antimicrobial agent exposure is an important risk factor for Clostridium difficile-associated disease.

Ralstonia species are Gram-negative bacilli that are commonly found in moist environments, such as water and soil, or on plants. They were implicated previously in health care-associated outbreaks, primarily because [...], OBJECTIVES. In August 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was notified of a Ralstonia species outbreak among pediatric patients receiving supplemental oxygen therapy with the Vapotherm 2000i (Vapotherm, Inc, Stevensville, MD). The Vapotherm 2000i is a reusable medical device that was used in >900 hospitals in the United States in 2005. Ralstonia are waterborne bacilli that have been implicated in hospital-acquired infections. We initiated an investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and implement infection control and prevention measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS. We performed a case-control study at I hospital and conducted national case findings to obtain clinical and environmental samples for laboratory analysis. Case-patients had health care-acquired Ralstonia colonization or infection. Isolates were compared by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. We tested manufacturer-recommended disinfection protocols for the Vapotherm 2000i under simulated-use conditions. RESULTS. Case-patients at the hospital (n = 5) were more likely to have received Vapotherm therapy than controls. Nationally, Ralstonia mannitolilytica was confirmed in 38 patients (aged 5 days to 7 years); 35 (92%) of the patients were exposed to the Vapotherm 2000i before recovery of the organism. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed related R mannitolilytica strains from isolates sent from 18 hospitals in 12 states. A Vapotherm machine reprocessed with a protocol proposed by the manufacturer grew Ralstonia spp after 7 days of simulated use. In December 2005, Vapotherm recalled the 2000i. CONCLUSIONS. Our findings suggest intrinsic contamination of Vapotherm devices with Ralstonia spp. New medical devices may provide therapy equivalent to current devices yet pose novel reprocessing challenges. Key Words Ralstonia, oxygen inhalation therapy, infant, equipment contamination, infection control, intrinsic contamination

The specific activities, contact lens hygiene practices, or products associated with Fusarium keratitis outbreak are defined. It is indicated that this outbreak of Fusarium keratitis is associated with the use of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution.

We report a case of ocular vaccinia infection in an unvaccinated laboratory worker. The patient was infected by a unique strain used in an experiment performed partly outside a biosafety [...]

Synaptotagmin (Syt) is an inositol high-polyphosphate series [IHPS inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate [IP.sub.4]), inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate, and inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate] binding synaptic vesicle protein. A polyclonal antibody against the C2B domain (anti-Syt-C2B), an IHPS binding site, was produced. The specificity of this antibody to the C2B domgin was determined by comparing its ability to inhibit [IP.sub.4] binding to the C2B domain with that to inhibit the [Ca.sup.2+]/phospholipid binding to the C2A domain. Injection of the anti-Syt-C2B IgG into the squid giant presynapse did not block synaptic release. Coinjection of [IP.sub.4] and anti-Syt-C2B IgG failed to block transmitter release, while [IP.sub.4] itself was a powerful synaptic release blocker. Repetitive stimulation to presynaptic fiber injected with anti-Syt-C2B IgG demonstrated a rapid decline of the postsynaptic response amplitude probably due to its block of synaptic vesicle recycling. Electron microscopy of the anti-Syt-C2B-injected presynapse showed a 90% reduction of the numbers of synaptic vesicles. These results, taken together, indicate that the Syt molecule is central, in synaptic vesicle fusion by [Ca.sup.2+] and its regulation by IHPS, as well as in the recycling of synaptic vesicles.

Squid synaptotagmin (Syt) cDNA, including its open reading frame, was cloned and polyclonal antibodies were obtained in rabbits immunized with glutathione S-transferase (GST)-SYT-C2A. Binding assays indicated that the antibody, anti-Syt-C2A, recognized squid Syt and inhibited the [Ca.sup.2+]--dependent phospholipid binding to the C2A domain. This antibody, when injected into the preterminal at the squid giant synapse, blocked transmitter release in a manner similar to that previously reported for the presynaptic injection of members of the inositol high-polyphosphate series. The block was not accompanied by any change in the presynaptic action potential or the amplitude or voltage dependence of the presynaptic [Ca.sup.2+] current. The postsynaptic potential was rather insensitive to repetitive presynaptic stimulation, indicating a direct effect of the antibody on the transmitter release system. Following block of transmitter release, confocal microscopical analysis of the preterminal junction injected with rhodamine-conjugated anti-Syt-C2A demonstrated fluorescent spots at the inner surface of the presynaptic plasmalemma next to the active zones. Structural analysis of the same preparations demonstrated an accumulation of synaptic vesicles corresponding in size and distribution to the fluorescent spots demonstrated confocally. Together with the finding that such antibody prevents [Ca.sup.2+] binding to a specific receptor in the C2A domain, these results indicate that [Ca.sup.2+] triggers transmitter release by activating the C2A domain of Syt. We conclude that the C2A domain is directly related to the fusion of synaptic vesicles that results in transmitter release.

Abstract: We conducted a survey among women attending an urban public sexually transmitted disease clinic to determine the type and frequency of intravaginal cleansing practices. Both intravaginal washing and douching were frequent, performed mostly for routine hygiene, and associated with self-report of sexually transmitted infection and bacterial vaginosis (douching and intravaginal washing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having a limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods. Food deserts are large geographic areas with no, or distant, grocery stores. Food insecurity often exists in food deserts. The current study was undertaken by Edward Waters College (EWC) STEM learning community to examine the relationship between food deserts and food insecurity in one urban neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida. The learning community included the departments of Biology, Mathematics, and Psychology, and the study was undertaken by three professors and approximately 16 students over three academic semesters. The purpose of this learning community was to promote collaborations between departments using a global curriculum issue, i.e., food insecurity and food deserts. The objectives of this study were to identify and describe the relationship between food insecurity and food deserts, describe the food landscape of retailers in the area, and examine the attitudes and perceptions of residents about the state of food insecurity in their community. The survey results indicated that there was no relationship between food insecurity and food deserts in the urban neighborhood studied. We found little or no relationship between residents' attitudes about food deserts, food security, spending habits, and food preferences. The STEM learning community used the results from this research study to create a partnership with the residents of New Town Success Zone to develop an urban garden and a greenhouse learning laboratory to redress food insecurity and food deserts in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Fusarium keratitis is a serious corneal infection, most commonly associated with corneal injury. Beginning in March 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received multiple reports of Fusarium keratitis among contact lens wearers. Objective: To define the specific activities, contact lens hygiene practices, or products associated with this outbreak. Design, Setting, and Participants: Epidemiological investigation of Fusarium keratitis occurring in the United States. A confirmed case was defined as keratitis with illness onset after June 1, 2005, with no history of recent ocular trauma and a corneal culture growing Fusarium species. Data were obtained by patient and ophthalmologist interviews for case patients and neighborhood-matched controls by trained personnel. Available Fusarium isolates from patients' clinical and environmental specimens were genotyped by multilocus sequence typing. Environmental sampling for Fusarium was conducted at a contact lens solution manufacturing plant. Main Outcome Measures: Keratitis infection with Fusarium species. Results: As of June 30, 2006, we identified 164 confirmed case patients in 33 states and 1 US territory. Median age was 41 years (range, 12-83 years). Corneal transplantation was required or planned in 55 (34%). One hundred fifty-four (94%) of the confirmed case patients wore soft contact lenses. Forty-five case patients and 78 controls were included in the casecontrol study. Case patients were significantly more likely than controls to report using a specific contact lens solution, ReNu with MoistureLoc (69% vs 15%; odds ratio, 13.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.1-119.5). The prevalence of reported use of ReNu MultiPlus solution was similar between case patients and controls (18% vs 20%; odds ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-2.8). Fusarium was not recovered from the factory, warehouse, solution filtrate, or unopened solution bottles; production of implicated lots was not clustered in time. Among 39 isolates tested, at least 10 different Fusarium species were identified, comprising 19 unique multilocus genotypes. Conclusions: The findings from this investigation indicate that this outbreak of Fusarium keratitis was associated with use of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution. Contact lens users should not use ReNu with MoistureLoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acroangiodermatitis (AAD) is a benign uncommon vasoproliferative disorder that affects the lower extremities. It appears to be a reactive phenomenon related to severe chronic Venous insufficiency and stasis of the lower extremities. The clinical presentation of this condition often is similar to Kaposi sarcoma. We report a case of AAD in a patient with severe hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency.

Bcl-2 inhibits apoptosis induced by numerous antitumor drugs, including doxorubicin and daunorubicin and is, thus, a major impediment to successful cancer chemotherapy. Here, we report the ability of a novel family of nonnuclear targeted anthracyclines to induce rapid apoptosis in cells despite Bcl-2 or Bcl-X(L) expression. Typified by N-benzyladriamycin-14-valerate (AD 198) and N-benzyladriamycin-14-pivalate (AD 445), this family of compounds binds to the C1 regulatory domain of protein kinase C (PKC), competitively inhibits phorbol ester binding in cell-free studies, and induces PKC translocation in intact cells. PKC-delta has an established role as a pro-apoptotic protein through the association of the holoenzyme or catalytic fragment with mitochondria. In proliferating 32D.3 myeloid cells, or in 32D.3 cells engineered to overexpress Bcl-2, substantial levels of PKC-delta are associated with mitochondria. However, after a 1-h exposure to 5 microM AD 198, cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, PKC-delta cleavage, and DNA fragmentation are observed. Pretreatment of 32D.3 cells with the selective PKC-delta inhibitor, rottlerin, but not the general PKC inhibitor, GF 109203X, or PKC-alpha and -beta inhibitor, Gö 6976, delayed the 50% cell kill to >24 h for control and Bcl-2 overexpressing 32D.3 cells treated with 5 microM AD 198. Rottlerin delayed PKC-delta and PARP cleavage to >20 h post-drug exposure and also delayed mitochondrial membrane depolarization. In contrast, the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-Asp-CH2F blocked PKC-delta and PARP cleavage, but not mitochondrial membrane depolarization. These results suggest that AD 198 induces mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in 32D.3 cells by activating PKC-delta holoenzyme on mitochondria, which, in turn, overrides the antiapoptotic effects of Bcl-2.