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Venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) is a novel ultrasound technique previously reported as a noninvasive measure of venous congestion and predictor of cardiorenal acute kidney injury. Are there associations between VExUS grade and cardiac pressures measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) and cardiac biomarkers and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing RHC? We conducted a prospective cohort study at the Denver Health Medical Center from December 20, 2022, to March 25, 2023. All patients undergoing RHC underwent a blinded VExUS assessment prior to their procedure. Multivariable regressions were conducted to assess relationships between VExUS grade and cardiac pressures, biomarkers, and changes in weight among patients with heart failure, a proxy for diuretic success. Receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were derived for VExUS, inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, and IVC collapsibility index (ICI) to predict right atrial pressure (RAP) > 10 and < 7 mm Hg. Among 81 patients, 45 of whom were inpatients, after adjusting for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, there were significant relationships between VexUS grade of 2 (β = 4.8; 95% CI, 2.6-7.1; P <.01) and 3 (β = 11; 95% CI, 8.9-14; P <.01) and RAP, VExUS grade of 2 (β = 6.8; 95% CI, 0.16-13; P =.045) and 3 (β = 15; 95% CI, 7.3-22; P <.01) and mean pulmonary artery pressure, and VExUS grade of 2 (β = 7.0; 95% CI, 3.9-10; P <.01) and 3 (β = 13; 95% CI, 9.5-17; P <.01) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. AUC values for VExUS, IVC diameter, and ICI as predictors of RAP > 10 mm Hg were 0.9 (95% CI, 0.83-0.97), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.68-0.88), and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.52-0.78), respectively. AUC values for VExUS, IVC diameter, and ICI as predictors of RAP < 7 mm Hg were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.87), 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.84), and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.49-0.76), respectively. In a subset of 23 patients with heart failure undergoing diuresis, there was a significant association between VExUS grade 3 and change in weight between time of RHC and discharge (P =.025). Although more research is required, VExUS has the potential to increase diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of physicians at the bedside and increase our understanding of the underappreciated problem of venous congestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore second-level students' understanding of the concept of creativity and the implications for their engagement in class-based assessments. We propose that creativity represents an important outcome of education, particularly at second level. We use a single case study, with data presented from a series of semi-structured focus groups. The participants are students who take classes in a range of subjects including science, languages and practical subjects. Our findings suggest that second-level student's recognition and value creativity. Our findings also indicate that creativity plays a positive role in the students' educational development as it encourages them to learn new things. However, their attitudes change during second level. This is due to factors: including the attitudes of family, peers and teachers. In addition, the format of assessments and the form of feedback can contribute significantly to the students' propensity to be creative. This research contributes to the literature on the role of schools in supporting creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Although over 40 genetic variants are known to influence white spotting and markings on the horse, many still have unknown genetic causes. Furthermore, some seem to be influenced by pigmentation (base coat color) genes. We investigated two horses demonstrating a heritable white spotting pattern of no known genetic cause. Through sequencing of the coding region of candidate genes, we identified a mutation in the KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) gene changing the coded amino acid, predicted to be deleterious to protein function. We further evaluated this variant in a population of 147 horses, characterized using photographs scored by three independent observers using a standardized Average Grade of White score. The KIT mutation is significantly associated with a quantitative increase in white pattern (p = 3.3 × 10−12) and demonstrates an influence of the MC1R Extension locus. We also report a complete link between the previously reported KIT W19 allele and this mutation. We propose to name this mutation W34, following established nomenclature. Given the quantitative effect on white markings and MC1R influence, genetic testing for this allele can be of value for horse owners that desire to select for white patterns. Over 40 identified genetic variants contribute to white spotting in the horse. White markings and spotting are under selection for their impact on the economic value of an equine, yet many phenotypes have an unknown genetic basis. Previous studies also demonstrate an interaction between MC1R and ASIP pigmentation loci and white spotting associated with KIT and MITF. We investigated two stallions presenting with a white spotting phenotype of unknown cause. Exon sequencing of the KIT and MITF candidate genes identified a missense variant in KIT (rs1140732842, NC_009146.3:g.79566881T>C, p.T391A) predicted by SIFT and PROVEAN as not tolerated/deleterious. Three independent observers generated an Average Grade of White (AGW) phenotype score for 147 individuals based on photographs. The KIT variant demonstrates a significant QTL association to AGW (p = 3.3 × 10−12). Association with the MC1R Extension locus demonstrated that, although not in LD, MC1R e/e (chestnut) individuals had higher AGW scores than MC1R E/- individuals (p = 3.09 × 10−17). We also report complete linkage of the previously reported KIT W19 allele to this missense variant. We propose to term this variant W34, following the standardized nomenclature for white spotting variants within the equine KIT gene, and report its epistatic interaction with MC1R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Identifying white spotting mutations helps horse breeders control their populations. • Three HPS5 variants are significantly associated with depigmentation in horses. • Mutations in HPS5 cause prolonged bleeding times and albinism in other species. Depigmentation is a common phenotype in Equus caballus (horse); over 50 identified variants cause white spotting on the skin and coat. HPS5 may influence melanocyte proliferation and mutations in this gene cause depigmentation in humans, mice, and zebrafish. Here we report three equine HPS5 mutations, found in most major breed groups and associated with white spotting. We used a standardized method to quantitatively grade depigmentation, creating a White Score for each horse. We identified associations to each of three variants in HPS5 by comparing the average white score for carriers to that of 41 control horses possessing none of the studied variants. We estimated the functional impact of each mutation using SIFT, GenScan, I-TASSER and cross-species conservation. The first mutation, S1013C termed Eden White 1 (EDXW1) , is a missense mutation found to increase average depigmentation by 5.56 points (p = 6.47E-6, n = 70, t -test). Eden White 2 (EDXW2) , a missense mutation L560F, increased depigmentation by 9.5 points for individuals with one copy of the variant, but we were unable to phenotype homozygotes (p = 5.55E-16, n = 47, t- test). Eden White 3 (EDXW3), a putative donor splice site mutation at exon 4 + 4, increased white by 5.59 points on average (p = 9.56E-6, n = 101). EDXW1 and EDXW3 are epistatically influenced by MC1R , the gene that controls black vs red coat color in horses. Individuals possessing the dominant E allele produce black pigment, and this allele was associated with higher levels of depigmentation than individuals with the recessive chestnut genotype (e/e) (p = 1.50E-5, p = 1.26E-5 respectively). We tested for epistatic interactions between EDXW1 and Dominant White 20 and found that horses with one copy of each allele had increased average white spotting by 8 points with respect to EDXW1/n or W20/n horses. Compound heterozygotes were significantly more white than horses with one copy of either mutation (p = 7.33E-5), but interactions between other white spotting alleles and EDXW alleles remain to be tested. We propose the convention Eden White (EDXW) for HPS5 mutations in the domestic horse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among domesticated mammals, the horse ( I Equus caballus i ) currently possesses the most variants associated with white spotting patterns (Henkel et al., 2019). Phenotypes for white spotting alleles can range from small white markings on the extremities, as observed with I KIT i SP I W20 i sp , to complete white phenotypes in other mutant I MITF i or multiallelic individuals. Non-frameshift deletion on MITF is associated with a novel splashed white spotting pattern in horses (Equus caballus). [Extracted from the article]

Objective: In the USA, community-based food pantries provide free groceries to people struggling with food insecurity. Many pantries obtain food from regional food banks using an online shopping platform. A food bank introduced a visible nutrition rank (i.e. green, yellow or red) onto its platform. The hypothesis was that pantry orders would increase for the healthiest options (green) and decrease for the least healthy options (red). Design: Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis of a natural experiment. Monthly data included nutrition ranks of available inventory and itemised records of all products ordered during the 15-month baseline period and 14-month intervention. Setting: A New England food bank. Participants: The twenty-five largest food pantries in the network based on pounds of food ordered. Results: Descriptive analyses of 63 922 pantry ordering records before and after the visible ranks identified an increase in the proportion of green items ordered (39·3–45·4 %) and a decrease in the proportion of red items ordered (10·5–5·1 %). ITS analyses controlling for monthly changes in inventory available and pantry variables indicated that average monthly orders of green items increased by 1286 pounds (P < 0·001) and red orders decreased by 631 pounds (P = 0·045). Among the largest changes were increases in orders of fresh produce, brown rice, low-fat dairy and low-fat meats and decreases in orders of sugary juice drinks, canned fruit with added sugar, higher fat dairy and higher fat meats. Conclusions: This promising practice can support system-wide efforts to promote healthier foods within the food banking network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 30 polymorphisms in the KIT Proto-Oncogene Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (KIT) gene have been implicated in white spotting patterns ranging from small areas to full dermal depigmentation in the horse. We performed a candidate-gene exon sequencing approach on KIT and MITF , 2 known causatives of white spotting patterns, within 2 families of horses of unknown white spotting. Family 1 (Fam1, N = 5) consisted of a Quarter Horse stallion and 4 offspring with white spotting pattern ranging from legs, lower ventral, and head regions with jagged borders, to almost complete white. The second family (Fam2, N = 7) consisted of 6 half-sibling American Paint Horse/Quarter Horse and their dam, demonstrating unpigmented limbs with belly spots and an extensive white patterning on the face. This approach resulted in 2 variants significantly associated with familial phenotypes, where Fam1 variant is an indel leading to a frameshift mutation, and Fam2 a non-synonymous SNP. We validated the variants within an unrelated population of horses (Fam2 variant, P = 0.00271944) as well as for protein functional impact with ExPASy, Protter, Phyre2, SMART, PROVEAN, SIFT, and I-TASSER, confirming the reported associations. Fam1 associated variant, deemed W31, alters the protein sequence, leading to an early stop codon truncating the normal amino acid sequence from 972 to just 115 amino acids. Fam2 associated variant, deemed W32, may have a subtle impact on receptor function or could be in linkage with a non-coding or regulatory change creating the mild spotting pattern observed in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged viewing of screen‐based media is associated with poor sleep in children. Previous systematic reviews have analysed the effectiveness of interventions that aim to limit children's screen use; however, none have evaluated its effect on sleep. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of interventions that incorporate strategies to control children's screen use on screen use and sleep. The databases Pubmed, Embase, Eric, Scopus and PsycInfo were searched during October 2017 and updated in February 2019 for experimental studies with a control that assessed interventions to control screen use in children aged 2–14 years and reported both screen use and sleep outcomes. From 3,872 initial records, 11 studies (six randomized control [RCT], four cluster RCT and one cluster, quasi‐experimental) were eligible for inclusion. A total of 4,656 children aged 2–13 years were included in the studies. The mean reduction in screen time was 0.56 hr (33 min)/day (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92, 0.20) and the mean sleep duration increased by 0.19 hr (11 min)/day (95% CI, 0.05, 0.33). Bedtime was advanced by 0.16 hr (10 min) on weekdays and by 1.0 hr at the weekend. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger intervention effects for interventions of shorter duration (<3 months), which specifically targeted screen use or sleep, and those with direct participant contact. In conclusion, small improvements in screen time and sleep duration can be achieved in children. It is not possible to determine if a reduction in screen time directly improves sleep, due to the limited number of studies, the presence of co‐interventions, issues with studies' methodological quality and heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores drug and alcohol policies at Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). A research team conducted a needs assessment of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) use and policies in 27 TCUs, surveying key informants on perceived AOD prevalence. Student body size did not affect levels of AOD training or treatment. Larger TCU size increased the likelihood of on-campus housing, which increased the prevalence of zerotolerance policies and greater access to AOD services. Reservation policies, local resources, and cultural practices did not appear to affect TCU AOD policies. Designed properly, these policies can support desirable academic outcomes for TCU students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The understanding of coat color genetics in the domestic horse has advanced largely in the last few years. Specifically, many alleles influencing equine white spotting have been described in the last few decades. White spotting phenotypes can range from small white facial spots to an entirely white horse. Although white markings may be the most obvious phenotype, many white-causing alleles also cause adverse health defects, including sterility, deafness, and blindness. Many white spotting alleles are considered embryonic lethal in the homozygous state, causing obstacles in the breeding process. This review aims to concisely summarize recent research related to the genetics of equine white spotting phenotypes. Traits such as shape, size, and color often influence the economic and sentimental value of a horse. Around the world, horses are bred and prized for the colors and markings that make their unique coat patterns stand out from the crowd. The underlying genetic mechanisms determining the color of a horse's coat can vary greatly in their complexity. For example, only two genetic markers are used to determine a horse's base coat color, whereas over 50 genetic variations have been discovered to cause white patterning in horses. Some of these white-causing mutations are benign and beautiful, while others have a notable impact on horse health. Negative effects range from slightly more innocuous defects, like deafness, to more pernicious defects, such as the lethal developmental defect incurred when a horse inherits two copies of the Lethal White Overo allele. In this review, we explore, in detail, the etiology of white spotting and its overall effect on the domestic horse to Spot the Pattern of these beautiful (and sometimes dangerous) white mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mammalian KIT Proto-Oncogene Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ( I KIT i ) gene encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor directing cellular processes such as growth, proliferation and migration of melanocytes.1 I KIT i mutations cause depigmented skin and hair phenotypes in diverse species, with several producing a Dominant White phenotype.2 In horses, over 29 polymorphisms involving the I KIT i gene are reported with phenotypes ranging from small areas of depigmentation to white over the entire body.3 There are no documented studies of health issues for horses with a single copy of a W variant, although early embryonic lethality is predicted for some homozygotes and compound heterozygotes based on similar variants in model species.4 A Berber stallion and two offspring exhibiting greater than 90% skin depigmentation, with white body hair and depigmented skin around the eyes and muzzle (Fig. The I W30 i mutation leads to a loss of protein function correlated with the dominant white phenotype observed in the stallion and its offspring. [Extracted from the article]

Social networking sites regularly feature requests for assistance, although the massive number of users represents corresponding scope for diffusion of responsibility; and unlike most physical scenarios, the request for help is often made several days before assistance is offered. The present research used a specially-prepared imitation social networking site (SNS) with embedded requests for assistance, and manipulations of the number of virtual bystanders and time since the request was posted to test whether explanations of helping in physical settings apply to SNS contexts. Results showed that offers of assistance were explained less well by social impact theory, which states that propensity to offer help will decrease in proportion to the number of bystanders who can assist, than by the social influence model, which states that diffusion of responsibility effects will cease to become significantly stronger beyond a certain critical number of bystanders; and that assistance is offered more readily for recent requests than those made two days earlier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We constructed a mechanistic, computational model for regulation of (macro)autophagy and protein synthesis (at the level of translation). The model was formulated to study the system-level consequences of interactions among the following proteins: two key components of MTOR complex 1 (MTORC1), namely the protein kinase MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) and the scaffold protein RPTOR; the autophagy-initiating protein kinase ULK1; and the multimeric energy-sensing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Inputs of the model include intrinsic AMPK kinase activity, which is taken as an adjustable surrogate parameter for cellular energy level or AMP:ATP ratio, and rapamycin dose, which controls MTORC1 activity. Outputs of the model include the phosphorylation level of the translational repressor EIF4EBP1, a substrate of MTORC1, and the phosphorylation level of AMBRA1 (activating molecule in BECN1-regulated autophagy), a substrate of ULK1 critical for autophagosome formation. The model incorporates reciprocal regulation of mTORC1 and ULK1 by AMPK, mutual inhibition of MTORC1 and ULK1, and ULK1-mediated negative feedback regulation of AMPK. Through analysis of the model, we find that these processes may be responsible, depending on conditions, for graded responses to stress inputs, for bistable switching between autophagy and protein synthesis, or relaxation oscillations, comprising alternating periods of autophagy and protein synthesis. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the prediction of oscillatory behavior is robust to changes of the parameter values of the model. The model provides testable predictions about the behavior of the AMPK-MTORC1-ULK1 network, which plays a central role in maintaining cellular energy and nutrient homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the reality television program "Jersey Shore," focusing on aspects of the show including neoliberalism, commodified Italian ethnicity, and hypermasculinity. Other topics include a discussion of the artificiality of the Italian American ethnic identity portrayed by the cast, the role of consumerism on the show, and the sexual politics and double standards that the show emphasizes.

Introduction: Research on urban food environments emphasizes limited access to healthy food, with fewer large supermarkets and higher food prices. Many residents of Hartford, Connecticut, which is often considered a food desert, buy most of their food from small and medium-sized grocery stores. We examined the food environment in greater Hartford, comparing stores in Hartford to those in the surrounding suburbs, and by store size (small, medium, and large). Methods: We surveyed all small (over 1,000 ft2), medium, and large-sized supermarkets within a 2-mile radius of Hartford (36 total stores). We measured the distance to stores, availability, price and quality of a market basket of 25 items, and rated each store on internal and external appearance. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used for mapping distance to the stores and variation of food availability, quality, and appearance. Results: Contrary to common literature, no significant differences were found in food availability and price between Hartford and suburban stores. However, produce quality, internal, and external store appearance were significantly lower in Hartford compared to suburban stores (all p<0.05). Medium-sized stores had significantly lower prices than small or large supermarkets (p<0.05). Large stores had better scores for internal (p<0.05), external, and produce quality (p<0.01). Most Hartford residents live within 0.5 to 1 mile distance to a grocery store. Discussion: Classifying urban areas with few large supermarkets as ‘food deserts’ may overlook the availability of healthy foods and low prices that exist within small and medium-sized groceries common in inner cities. Improving produce quality and store appearance can potentially impact the food purchasing decisions of low-income residents in Hartford. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PTPs are important enzymes in normal physiology and human disease. [•] PTP inhibitors are needed as biologic tools and have therapeutic potential. [•] Caution must be taken to avoid identifying ROS-generators in PTP screens. [•] Molecules targeting the “open” PTP conformation may stabilize an inactive state. [•] PTP inhibitors can be identified by integrating virtual and biochemical screens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) Programs serve low-income women and children at high risk for health disparities, yet they do not have a formal state-level partnership in Connecticut. Both programs serve children up to age five, yet children's participation in the WIC Program declines sharply after 2 years of age, limiting the potential benefits of cross-program participation. The goal of this study is to examine current and prospective collaboration efforts among the WIC and HS/EHS Programs in Connecticut and identify barriers to collaboration. An online survey was administered to staff from both programs. Six focus groups were held in January, 2012 with staff and participants from both programs. Results showed areas of existing collaboration between local WIC and HS/EHS Programs, yet also identified many areas where relationships could be strengthened or established. Common themes that were identified included a need for more knowledge among staff about the other program, collaboration involving sharing of client information, and improving referral procedures. Staff from both programs strongly expressed interest in a cross-program collaboration (73 % of HS staff and 86 % of WIC staff). This research serves as a framework for how a state-level collaboration could be established in Connecticut, to enable these two programs to work together more efficiently and effectively for the benefit of mothers and children. Results can provide other State WIC Programs with a blueprint for collaborating with HS/EHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of food pantries in the U.S. has grown dramatically over 3 decades, yet food insecurity remains a persistent public health problem. Purpose: The goal of the study was to examine the impact of a food pantry intervention called Freshplace, designed to promote food security. Design: Randomized parallel-group study with equal randomization. Setting/participants: Data were collected from June 2010 to June 2012; a total of 228 adults were recruited over 1 year from traditional food pantries and randomized to the Freshplace intervention (n=113) or control group (n=115), with quarterly follow-ups for 12 months. Intervention: The Freshplace intervention included a client-choice pantry, monthly meetings with a project manager to receive motivational interviewing, and targeted referrals to community services. Control group participants went to traditional food pantries where they received bags of food. Main outcome measures: Data analyses were conducted from July 2012 to January 2013. Outcomes were food security, self-sufficiency, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Multivariate regression models were used to predict the three outcomes, controlling for gender, age, household size, income, and presence of children in the household. Results: At baseline, half of the sample experienced very low food security. Over 1 year, Freshplace members were less than half as likely to experience very low food security, increased self-sufficiency by 4.1 points, and increased fruits and vegetables by one serving per day compared to the control group, all outcomes p<0.01. Conclusions: Freshplace may serve as a model for other food pantries to promote food security rather than short-term assistance by addressing the underlying causes of poverty. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Examine relationships between food security, diet quality, and body mass index (BMI) among food pantry users. Methods: Convenience sample of 212 food pantry clients in Hartford, CT from June, 2010 to May, 2011. Main outcomes included food security (United States Department of Agriculture module), fruit and vegetable consumption (Block Screener), and BMI (stadiometer and digital medical scale). Chi-square tests, Spearman correlations, and logistic regression models were analyzed. Results: Over half of the sample (50.5%) had very low food security. Mean BMI was 29.5 kg/m2. Age was positively associated with food security (P < .01). Food-secure participants were twice as likely to eat fruit, vegetables, and fiber as food-insecure participants (P - .04). Women were 4 times as likely to be obese as men (P < .01), yet food insecurity was not associated with obesity in this sample. Conclusions and Implications: Ensuring the nutritional adequacy of donated food is an important consideration for food donors and pantry staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment of head and neck cancer with radiation often results in damage to surrounding normal tissues such as salivary glands. Permanent loss of function in the salivary glands often leads patients to discontinue treatment due to incapacitating side effects. It has previously been shown that IGF-1 suppresses radiation-induced apoptosis and enhances G2/M arrest leading to preservation of salivary gland function. In an effort to recapitulate the effects of IGF-1, as well as increase the likelihood of translating these findings to the clinic, the small molecule therapeutic Roscovitine, is being tested. Roscovitine is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that acts to transiently inhibit cell cycle progression and allow for DNA repair in damaged tissues. Methodology/Principal Findings: Treatment with Roscovitine prior to irradiation induced a significant increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. In contrast, mice treated with radiation exhibit no differences in the percentage of cells in G2/M when compared to unirradiated controls. Similar to previous studies utilizing IGF-1, pretreatment with Roscovitine leads to a significant up-regulation of p21 expression and a significant decrease in the number of PCNA positive cells. Radiation treatment leads to a significant increase in activated caspase-3 positive salivary acinar cells, which is suppressed by pretreatment with Roscovitine. Administration of Roscovitine prior to targeted head and neck irradiation preserves normal tissue function in mouse parotid salivary glands, both acutely and chronically, as measured by salivary output. Conclusions/Significance: These studies suggest that induction of transient G2/M cell cycle arrest by Roscovitine allows for suppression of apoptosis, thus preserving normal salivary function following targeted head and neck irradiation. This could have an important clinical impact by preventing the negative side effects of radiation therapy in surrounding normal tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PTPδ is a dual-domain receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) with physiologically important functions which render this enzyme an attractive biological target. Specifically, loss of PTPδ has been shown to elicit a number of cellular phenotypes including enhanced nerve regeneration following spinal cord injury (SCI), chemoresistance in cultured cancer cells, and hyperactive autophagy, a process critical to cell survival and the clearance of pathological aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. Owing to these functions, modulation of PTPδ may provide therapeutic value in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, a small molecule inhibitor would provide utility in discerning the cellular functions and substrates of PTPδ. To develop such molecules, we combined in silico modeling with in vitro phosphatase assays to identify compounds which effectively inhibit the enzymatic activity of PTPδ. Importantly, we observed that PTPδ inhibition was frequently mediated by oxidative species generated by compounds in solution, and we further optimized screening conditions to eliminate this effect. We identified a compound that inhibits PTPδ with an IC50 of 10 μM in a manner that is primarily oxidation-independent. This compound favorably binds the D1 active site of PTPδ in silico, suggesting it functions as a competitive inhibitor. This compound will serve as a scaffold structure for future studies designed to build selectivity for PTPδ over related PTPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Literature on food environments is expanding rapidly, yet a gap exists regarding the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture''s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on healthy food availability. In October 2009, the U.S. Department of Agriculture revised the WIC food package, requiring certified stores to stock fresh produce, whole grains, and lower-fat milk. Purpose: The goal of this study is to compare availability of foods in stores that are versus those that are not WIC-certified before and after the policy change. Methods: Store inventories were collected in 45 corner stores in Hartford CT with four inventories each (180 total inventories) from January 2009 to January 2010. Data on availability and variety of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lower-fat milk were recorded. Analyses were completed in 2012 using Fisher''s exact test, chi-square, and t-tests for descriptive analyses and multilevel models to measure food availability longitudinally (significance at p<0.05). Results: Controlling for covariates, WIC-certified vendors carried more varieties of fresh fruit (p<0.01); a greater proportion of lower-fat milk (p<0.01); and had greater availability of whole grain bread (p<0.01) and brown rice (p<0.05) than vendors without WIC authorization after the policy change. Conversely, for all outcomes, stores without WIC authorization did not significantly increase healthy food availability. Conclusions: The 2009 WIC revisions increased availability of healthy foods among WIC-certified vendors compared to those without WIC authorization in Hartford CT. For many residents without a car, these changes can create a convenient shopping location for healthy foods when a larger supermarket is not nearby. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ObjectiveLiterature on food environments has expanded rapidly, yet most research focuses on stores and community characteristics without integrating customer-level data. The present study combines customer shopping behaviour with store food inventory data.DesignFace-to-face interviews were conducted with customers shopping in corner stores to measure food shopping behaviour, household food security and demographics. Store inventories were conducted to measure availability of healthy food in corner stores. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated the probability of customers purchasing a food item given the availability of that item in the store.SettingNineteen corner stores in Hartford, CT, USA, average size 669 ft2 (62·15 m2).SubjectsSample of 372 customers.ResultsThe majority of customers were Black or Hispanic (54 % and 40 %, respectively) and 61 % experienced food insecurity. For each additional type of fruits or vegetables available in the store, the estimated odds of a customer purchasing fruits increased by 12 % (P = 0·03) and the odds for purchasing vegetables increased by 15 % (P = 0·01). Customers receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were 1·7 times as likely to purchase fruit as those not receiving SNAP (P = 0·04). Greater availability of reduced-fat milk was not associated with increased likelihood of customers purchasing reduced-fat milk.ConclusionsThere is a positive association between fruit and vegetable variety and the probability that a customer purchases fruits and vegetables. Increasing the selection of produce in corner stores may increase their consumption by food-insecure and low-income residents at risk for health disparities. These findings have implications for future store interventions and food policies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper analyses consonant articulation errors in dysarthric speech produced by seven American-English native speakers with cerebral palsy. Twenty-three consonant phonemes were transcribed with diacritics as necessary in order to represent non-phoneme misarticulations. Error frequencies were examined with respect to six variables: articulatory complexity, place of articulation, and manner of articulation of the target phoneme; and change in articulatory complexity, place, and manner resulting from the misarticulation. Results showed that target phonemes with high articulatory complexity were most often misarticulated, independent of intelligibility, but low-intelligibility speakers reduced the complexity of target consonants more frequently. All speakers tended to misarticulate to the adjacent place of the target place, but this pattern was most prominent for high-intelligibility speakers. Low- and mid-intelligibility speakers produced more manner errors than high-intelligibility speakers. Based on these results, a two-part model of consonant articulation errors is proposed for CP-associated spastic dysarthia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that the ability to detect potentially dangerous skin lesions is not improved by viewing a pamphlet describing the characteristic features of such lesions. A different approach to improving this skill was investigated in this study. 100 student recruits were tested to investigate the effect of practice at distinguishing between dangerous and nondangerous skin lesions. Around 30 minutes of such practice, viewing 360 pictures of skin lesions, provided a significant advantage in making decisions about a target set of dangerous and nondangerous lesions, compared to no practice or practice with a filler task. Viewing a skin cancer pamphlet for 5 min. at the beginning of the experiment made no difference to the speed or accuracy of decisions regarding the test lesions. The results are interpreted as evidence for a form of implicit learning of a skin cancer detection skill, a finding that is consistent with what is known of the nature of expertise in dermatologists. The results also point to the ineffectiveness of pamphlets to engender such expertise in the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the historical and procedural background of the case "De Jesus v. United States Department of Veterans Affairs." A mentally-ill Vietnam war veteran Alejandro De Jesus was admitted to the Veteran Affairs inpatient program but was negligently discharged. The Third Circuit held the federal agency liable for the negligence.

Objective: Examine relationships between adult obesity, childhood overweight, and food insecurity. Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study. Setting: Community settings in Hartford, Connecticut. Participants: Convenience sample of 200 parents and their 212 children, aged 2-12. Main Outcome Measures: Adult obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] > 30), childhood overweight (BMI-for-age > 95th percentile), and household food security (U.S. Department of Agriculture module). Analysis: Chi-square tests between weight status and socioeconomic characteristics. Multinomial regression analyses to determine risk factors for adult obesity and childhood overweight. Results: Over half of parents (51%) were obese, and almost one-third of children (31.6%) were overweight. Over half of households were food insecure. Food insecure adults were significantly more likely to be obese as those who were food secure (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.45, p=.02). Being a girl and having an obese parent doubled the likelihood of children being overweight (OR=2.56, P=.01; OR=2.32, P=.03). Children with family incomes below 100% of poverty were half as likely to be overweight as those with higher incomes (OR=.47, P=.05). Food insecurity did not increase odds of childhood overweight. Conclusions and Implications: Obesity prevention programs and policies need to address food insecurity and gender as key risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores whether social capital—a measure of trust, reciprocity and social networks—is positively associated with household food security, independent of household-level socioeconomic factors. Interviews were conducted in 330 low-income households from Hartford, Connecticut. Social capital was measured using a 7-item Likert scale and was analyzed using household- and community-level scores. Household food security and hunger were measured using the US Household Food Security Module. χ2 tests were used to examine associations between social capital, food security and household demographic characteristics. Logistic regression was used to examine whether household- and community-level social capital decreases the odds of household hunger, and to estimate which household characteristics increase the likelihood of having social capital. Consistent with our hypotheses, social capital, at both the household and community levels, is significantly associated with household food security in these data. Community-level social capital is significantly associated with decreased odds of experiencing hunger (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.47 [95% CI 0.28, 0.81], P<0.01), while controlling for household socioeconomic status. Results show that households with an elderly member are over two and a half times as likely to have high social capital (AOR=2.68 [1.22, 5.87], P<0.01) than are non-elderly households, after controlling for socioeconomic status. Having a household member who participates in a social or civic organization is also significantly associated with having higher levels of social capital. Social capital, particularly in terms of reciprocity among neighbors, contributes to household food security. Households may have similarly limited financial or food resources, but households with higher levels of social capital are less likely to experience hunger. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine participation in the Food Stamp Program, food pantries, and soup kitchens and to identify reasons food-insecure households choose not to participate. Design: Cross-sectional retrospective cohort study. Setting: In respondents' homes. Participants: 330 randomly selected low-income households (below 185% of poverty). Main Outcome Measures: Participation in any of 3 public or private food assistance programs and barriers to participation in each program. Analysis: Chi-square tests of association between program participation and sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression tested for associations between program participation and ethnicity and between food security status and household composition while controlling for potential confounding factors. Results: Controlling for socioeconomic status, Black households are less than half as likely to receive food stamps (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49; P < .02) as Hispanic households. Hispanic households are more likely than non-Hispanic households to say that they feel uncomfortable using food pantries (P < .01). Elderly households are less than half as likely to receive food stamps (OR = 0.44; P = .04) as nonelderly households and are more likely to say that they feel uncomfortable receiving food stamps (P = .05). Conclusions and Implications: Low-income households' perceptions of which programs are socially acceptable differ by race and age. Outreach for food stamps and private food assistance should accommodate these differences so that food-insecure households can benefit from all available food assistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mutations in the KIT gene cause many different types of white spotting in the coats of domestic horses, similar to other mammals. Although there are 36 different alleles responsible for causing different phenotypes, there have been no comprehensive observations performed on horses with haplotypes of two or more KIT variants. Because some KIT alleles are likely lethal in the homozygous state, some believe that it is impossible for a horse to carry three or more white spotting alleles. Here, we identify 15 unique haplotypes with two or more mutant KIT alleles and present data on a subset of their phenotypes. Identifying haplotypes helps to better understand the mechanisms responsible for white spotting in horses and allows for better control of breeding practices. We sought to prove that horses can carry more than two functionally annotated KIT variants and document any differences in white spotting compared to horses with only a single variant. The influence of a horse's appearance on health, sentimental and monetary value has driven the desire to understand the etiology of coat color. White markings on the coat define inclusion for multiple horse breeds, but they may disqualify a horse from registration in other breeds. In domesticated horses (Equus caballus), 35 KIT alleles are associated with or cause depigmentation and white spotting. It is a common misconception among the general public that a horse can possess only two KIT variants. To correct this misconception, we used BEAGLE 5.4-phased NGS data to identify 15 haplotypes possessing two or more KIT variants previously associated with depigmentation phenotypes. We sourced photos for 161 horses comprising 12 compound genotypes with three or more KIT variants and employed a standardized method to grade depigmentation, yielding average white scores for each unique compound genotype. We found that 7 of the 12 multi-variant haplotypes resulted in significantly more depigmentation relative to the single-variant haplotypes (ANOVA). It is clear horses can possess more than two KIT variants, and future work aims to document phenotypic variations for each compound genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroautophagy is a dynamic process whereby portions of the cytosol are encapsulated in double-membrane vesicles and delivered to the lysosome for degradation. Phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) is concentrated on autophagic vesicles and recruits effector proteins that are crucial for this process. The production of PtdIns3P by the class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Vps34, has been well established; however, protein phosphatases that antagonize this early step in autophagy remain to be identified. To identify such enzymes, we screened human phosphatase genes by RNA interference and found that loss of PTPσ, a dual-domain protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), increases levels of cellular PtdIns3P. The abundant PtdIns3P-positive vesicles conferred by loss of PTPσ strikingly phenocopied those observed in cells starved of amino acids. Accordingly, we discovered that loss of PTPσ hyperactivates both constitutive and induced autophagy. Finally, we found that PTPσ localizes to PtdIns3P-positive membranes in cells, and this vesicular localization is enhanced during autophagy. We therefore describe a novel role for PTPσ and provide insight into the regulation of autophagy. Mechanistic knowledge of this process is crucial for understanding and targeting therapies for several human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's disease, in which abnormal autophagy might be pathological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) collectively describes the constellation of effects resulting from human alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Even with public awareness, the incidence of FASD is estimated to be upwards of 5% in the general population and is becoming a global health problem. The physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments of FASD are recapitulated in animal models. Recently rodent models utilizing voluntary drinking paradigms have been developed that accurately reflect moderate consumption, which makes up the majority of FASD cases. The range in severity of FASD characteristics reflects the frequency, dose, developmental timing, and individual susceptibility to alcohol exposure. As most rodent models of FASD use C57BL/6 mice, there is a need to expand the stocks of mice studied in order to more fully understand the complex neurobiology of this disorder. To that end, we allowed pregnant Swiss Webster mice to voluntarily drink ethanol via the drinking in the dark (DID) paradigm throughout their gestation period. Ethanol exposure did not alter gestational outcomes as determined by no significant differences in maternal weight gain, maternal liquid consumption, litter size, or pup weight at birth or weaning. Despite seemingly normal gestation, ethanol-exposed offspring exhibit significantly altered timing to achieve developmental milestones (surface righting, cliff aversion, and open field traversal), as analyzed through mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards models. These results confirm Swiss Webster mice as a viable option to study the incidence and causes of ethanol-induced neurobehavioral alterations during development. Future studies in our laboratory will investigate the brain regions and molecules responsible for these behavioral changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]