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Abstract Background Target identification and hit identification can be transformed through the application of biomedical knowledge analysis, AI-driven virtual screening and robotic cloud lab systems. However there are few prospective studies that evaluate the efficacy of such integrated approaches. Results We synergistically integrate our in-house-developed target evaluation (SpectraView) and deep-learning-driven virtual screening (HydraScreen) tools with an automated robotic cloud lab designed explicitly for ultra-high-throughput screening, enabling us to validate these platforms experimentally. By employing our target evaluation tool to select IRAK1 as the focal point of our investigation, we prospectively validate our structure-based deep learning model. We can identify 23.8% of all IRAK1 hits within the top 1% of ranked compounds. The model outperforms traditional virtual screening techniques and offers advanced features such as ligand pose confidence scoring. Simultaneously, we identify three potent (nanomolar) scaffolds from our compound library, 2 of which represent novel candidates for IRAK1 and hold promise for future development. Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence for SpectraView and HydraScreen to provide a significant acceleration in the processes of target identification and hit discovery. By leveraging Ro5’s HydraScreen and Strateos’ automated labs in hit identification for IRAK1, we show how AI-driven virtual screening with HydraScreen could offer high hit discovery rates and reduce experimental costs. Scientific contribution We present an innovative platform that leverages Knowledge graph-based biomedical data analytics and AI-driven virtual screening integrated with robotic cloud labs. Through an unbiased, prospective evaluation we show the reliability and robustness of HydraScreen in virtual and high-throughput screening for hit identification in IRAK1. Our platforms and innovative tools can expedite the early stages of drug discovery.

Abstract Background With expanded and sustained availability of HIV treatment resulting in substantial improvements in life expectancy, the need to address modifiable risk factors associated with leading causes of death among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), such as tobacco smoking, has increased. Tobacco use is highly prevalent among PLWH, especially in southern Africa, where HIV is heavily concentrated, and many people who smoke would like to quit but are unable to do so without assistance. SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) is a well-established evidence-based approach successful at supporting smoking cessation in a variety of settings. Varenicline is efficacious in supporting smoking cessation. We intend to assess the effectiveness of SBIRT and varenicline on smoking cessation among PLWH in Botswana and the effectiveness of our implementation. Methods BSMART (Botswana Smoking Abstinence Reinforcement Trial) is a stepped-wedge, cluster randomized, hybrid Type 2 effectiveness-implementation study guided by the RE-AIM framework, to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of an SBIRT intervention consisting of the 5As compared to an enhanced standard of care. SBIRT will be delivered by trained lay health workers (LHWs), followed by referral to treatment with varenicline prescribed and monitored by trained nurse prescribers in a network of outpatient HIV care facilities. Seven hundred and fifty people living with HIV who smoke daily and have been receiving HIV care and treatment at one of 15 health facilities will be recruited if they are up to 18 years of age and willing to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Discussion BSMART tests a scalable approach to achieve and sustain smoking abstinence implemented in a sustainable way. Integrating an evidence-based approach such as SBIRT, into an HIV care system presents an important opportunity to establish and evaluate a modifiable cancer prevention strategy in a middle-income country (MIC) setting where both LHW and non-physician clinicians are widely used. The findings, including the preliminary cost-effectiveness, will provide evidence to guide the Botswanan government and similar countries as they strive to provide affordable smoking cessation support at scale. Clinical trial registration NCT05694637 Registered on 7 December 2022 on clinicaltrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?locStr=Botswana&country=Botswana&cond=Smoking%20Cessation&intr=SBIRT

Standard lifestyle interventions prove ineffective in preventing type 2 diabetes among individuals with isolated impaired fasting glucose, a highly prevalent prediabetes phenotype globally. Here, we propose low-calorie diets as a promising strategy for diabetes prevention in this high-risk population.

Abstract Thousands of proteins circulate in the bloodstream; identifying those which associate with weight and intervention-induced weight loss may help explain mechanisms of diseases associated with adiposity. We aimed to identify consistent protein signatures of weight loss across independent studies capturing changes in body mass index (BMI). We analysed proteomic data from studies implementing caloric restriction (Diabetes Remission Clinical trial) and bariatric surgery (By-Band-Sleeve), using SomaLogic and Olink Explore1536 technologies, respectively. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the effect of the interventions on circulating proteins. Twenty-three proteins were altered in a consistent direction after both bariatric surgery and caloric restriction, suggesting that these proteins are modulated by weight change, independent of intervention type. We also integrated Mendelian randomisation (MR) estimates of the effect of BMI on proteins measured by SomaLogic from a UK blood donor cohort as a third line of causal evidence. These MR estimates provided further corroborative evidence for a role of BMI in regulating the levels of six proteins including alcohol dehydrogenase-4, nogo receptor and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein. These results indicate the importance of triangulation in interrogating causal relationships; further study into the role of proteins modulated by weight in disease is now warranted.

C32H28N4, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 17.7218(4) Å, b = 20.7769(5) Å, c = 14.9434(3) Å, β = 113.598(3)° $113.598(3){}^{\circ}$ , V = 5042.1(2) Å3, Z = 8, R gt(F) = 0.0519, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1544, T = 294 K.

Summary: Background: Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher risk of several cancer types. However, the biological intermediates driving this relationship are not fully understood. As novel interventions for treating and managing type 2 diabetes become increasingly available, whether they also disrupt the pathways leading to increased cancer risk is currently unknown. We investigated the effect of a type 2 diabetes intervention, in the form of intentional weight loss, on circulating proteins associated with cancer risk to gain insight into potential mechanisms linking type 2 diabetes and adiposity with cancer development. Methods: Fasting serum samples from participants with diabetes enrolled in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT) receiving the Counterweight-Plus weight-loss programme (intervention, N = 117, mean weight-loss 10 kg, 46% diabetes remission) or best-practice care by guidelines (control, N = 143, mean weight-loss 1 kg, 4% diabetes remission) were subject to proteomic analysis using the Olink Oncology-II platform (48% of participants were female; 52% male). To identify proteins which may be altered by the weight-loss intervention, the difference in protein levels between groups at baseline and 1 year was examined using linear regression. Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed to extend these results to evaluate cancer risk and elucidate possible biological mechanisms linking type 2 diabetes and cancer development. MR analyses were conducted using independent datasets, including large cancer meta-analyses, UK Biobank, and FinnGen, to estimate potential causal relationships between proteins modified during intentional weight loss and the risk of colorectal, breast, endometrial, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Findings: Nine proteins were modified by the intervention: glycoprotein Nmb; furin; Wnt inhibitory factor 1; toll-like receptor 3; pancreatic prohormone; erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2; hepatocyte growth factor; endothelial cell specific molecule 1 and Ret proto-oncogene (Holm corrected P-value

C22H42N6, triclinic, P 1‾ $\overline{1}$ (no. 2), a = 8.3115(2) Å, b = 8.8263(2) Å, c = 9.7688(2) Å, α = 111.490(2)° $111.490(2){}^{\circ}$ , β = 115.056(2)° $115.056(2){}^{\circ}$ , γ = 93.681(2)° $93.681(2){}^{\circ}$ , V = 583.25(3) Å3, Z = 1, R gt(F) = 0.0465, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1351, T = 294 K.

C22H46N6O2, triclinic, P1‾ $P\overline{1}$ (no. 2), a = 8.5777(3) Å, b = 9.0205(4) Å, c = 9.9270(3) Å, α = 67.899(3)° $67.899(3){}^{\circ}$ , β = 71.106(3)° $71.106(3){}^{\circ}$ , γ = 63.774(4)° $63.774(4){}^{\circ}$ , V = 626.83(5) Å3, Z = 1, Rgt ${R}_{\mathit{g}\mathit{t}}$ (F) = 0.0400, wRref $w{R}_{\mathit{r}\mathit{e}\mathit{f}}$ (F 2) = 0.1162, T = 298(2) K.

Introduction Tobacco smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) are recognised risk factors for acute and chronic respiratory illness. Studies have reported an increasing smoking prevalence among university students across all levels of study. This study assessed SHS and self-reported respiratory symptoms among students in three academic institutions in Gaborone, Botswana. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out among students aged ≥18 years in three randomly selected universities in March 2019. Smoking status, exposure to SHS in the past 30 days and respiratory symptoms were assessed. Logistic regression was used to analyse respiratory symptoms among non-smoking students. Results Out of 450 students, current tobacco smoking was reported by 142 (32%) participants, with males 97 (68%) smoking the most. Exposure to SHS was highest at school (93%) followed by public places (89%) and home (48%). Exposed non-smokers exposed to SHS were 1.6 times (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.35 –1.99) more likely to experience respiratory symptoms and 1.9 times (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.55 – 2.35) more likely to have headaches compared to non-exposed non smokers. Exposed non-smokers were also 3.6 times (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 2.50 – 5.11) more likely to feel irritated by tobacco particles in a place or car someone previously smoked in than non-smokers not exposed. Conclusions Exposure to SHS and self-reported respiratory symptoms are high. Non-smokers exposed to SHS were more likely to report respiratory symptoms and irritation compared to non-smokers not exposed. Further research is recommended to inform strengthening policies and strategies to reduce exposure to SHS in academic institutions.

Abstract Background Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease of the exocrine glands, results in keratoconjunctivitis sicca, xerostomia, and dental caries. It is often overlooked, considered by clinicians to be a benign disease. However, it can cause life-threatening extra-glandular complications that affect multiple organ systems. Case presentation Here we present a 78-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) whose symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca were managed managed conservatively. She was evaluated for sub-acute shortness of breath. Imaging showed severe bronchiectasis with features of lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. She also had exudative bilateral pleural effusions and skin ulcers, likely vasculitic in origin. The workup was significant for anti-Ro antibody, pancytopenia, hypocomplementia, cryoglobulinemia and monoclonal gammopathy, all of which reflect disease severity. Although there was no evidence of malignancy, she developed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma during follow-up. Conclusions Primary Sjogren’s syndrome can result in severe multi-organ disease. Pleural effusions are a rare complication of pSS, with only ten cases reported in the literature over the last 30 years, and tend to respond well to steroids. Prognostic biomarkers for disease severity include hypocomplementia, cryoglobulinemia, monoclonal gammopathy, and hypergammaglobulinemia. In this report we review the literature and the management of the disease.

Pembelajaran bahasa inggris belum maksimal karena kurangnya penerapan bahasa inggris tersebut dalam bentuk komunikasi atau berbicara dengan menggunakan bahasa Inggris baik itu di dalam kelas maupun di lingkungan sekolah dari program berbahasa Inggris dalam satu hari penuh (English Day). Berdasarkan hasil temuan dari wawancara beberapa orang guru termasuk guru bahasa inggris di SMP Indonesian Creative School Pekanbaru, masalah yang paling penting adalah siswa malu dan takut dalam berkomunikasi dengan guru-guru mereka sendiri pada hari yang sudah ditentukan dalam English Day.

C24H36ClN4NaNi2O8, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 19.5909(11) Å, b = 10.8023(6) Å, c = 14.5722(8) Å, β = 112.032(1)°, V = 2858.7(3) Å3, Z = 4, R gt(F) = 0.0260, wR ref(F 2) = 0.0701, T = 93(2) K.

Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) represent the standard for preventing stroke and systemic embolization (SSE) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). There is limited information for patients ≥ 80 years. We report a retrospective analysis of AF patients ≥ 80 years prescribed either a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved reduced (n = 514) or full dose (n = 199) DOAC (Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, or Apixaban) between January 1st, 2011 (first DOAC commercially available) and May 31st, 2017. The following multivariable differences in baseline characteristics were identified: patients prescribed a reduced dose DOAC were older (p

Summary: Differential mRNA expression between ancestry groups can be explained by both genetic and environmental factors. We outline a computational workflow to determine the extent to which germline genetic variation explains cancer-specific molecular differences across ancestry groups. Using multi-omics datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we enumerate ancestry-informative markers colocalized with cancer-type-specific expression quantitative trait loci (e-QTLs) at ancestry-associated genes. This approach is generalizable to other settings with paired germline genotyping and mRNA expression data for a multi-ethnic cohort.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Carrot-Zhang et al. (2020), Robertson et al. (2021), and Sayaman et al. (2021). : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

A critical component for health equity lies in the inclusion of structurally excluded voices, such as Filipina/x/o Americans (FilAms). Because filam invisibility is normalized, denaturalizing these conditions requires reimagining power relations regarding whose experiences are documented, whose perspectives are legitimized, and whose strategies are supported. in this community case study, we describe our efforts to organize a multidisciplinary, multigenerational, community-driven collaboration for FilAm community wellness. Catalyzed by the disproportionate burden of deaths among FilAm healthcare workers at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying silence from mainstream public health leaders, we formed the Filipinx/a/o Community Health Association (FilCHA). FilCHA is a counterspace where students, faculty, clinicians, and community leaders across the nation could collectively organize to resist our erasure. By building a virtual, intellectual community that centers our voices, FilCHA shifts power through partnerships in which people who directly experience the conditions that cause inequities have leadership roles and avenues to share their perspectives. We used Pinayism to guide our study of FilCHA, not just for the current crisis State-side, but through a multigenerational, transnational understanding of what knowledges have been taken from us and our ancestors. By naming our collective pain, building a counterspace for love of the community, and generating reflections for our communities, we work toward shared liberation. Harnessing the collective power of researchers as truth seekers and organizers as community builders in affirming spaces for holistic community wellbeing is love in action. This moment demands that we explicitly name love as essential to antiracist public health praxis.

Objectives Hairstylists form an occupational group whose tasks involve repetitive and forced movements of hands and wrists, thus posing a risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study assessed the prevalence of and factors associated with CTS symptoms among hairstylists in Gaborone, Botswana. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed among randomly selected hairstylists. The questionnaire gathered information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, work-related characteristics and psychosocial factors. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire was used to determine the severity of CTS symptoms and its functional effects. Data were then analyzed using χ 2 and logistic regression models. The level of significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results A total of 165 hairstylists took part in the study, with 92 (56%) of the respondents being females. The mean age (M±SD) of the respondents was 35.05±7.54 years with an age range of 22–63 years. Seventy-three (42.2%) hairstylists reported CTS symptoms, with the majority (73%) being females. Out of all the CTS cases, 53 (72.6%) and 16 (21.9%) had mild and moderate symptoms, respectively. Over 80% of the hairstylists did not know about CTS. Among individual factors, CTS symptoms were associated with being female (the odds ratio [OR] of 9.99, and the 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.64–27.44), increasing age (OR 9.84, 95% CI: 2.74–35.36), the length of employment (OR 3.73, 95% CI: 1.39–9.95), hair washing (OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.41–5.85), an awkward posture (OR 2.52, 95% CI: 1.03–6.19), and the use of a great muscular effort when performing a task (OR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.01–5.72). Perceived heavy workload and stressful work were also risk factors. Conclusions The results suggest a high prevalence of CTS among female hairstylists in Gaborone, and also point out that individual, work-related and psychosocial factors are associated with this syndrome. Future large-scale research is needed to establish the extent of CTS countrywide to influence policy-making. Currently, CTS is not listed amongst occupational health diseases in Botswana. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(3):437–50

Background. Child mortality is a core indicator for child health and wellness. Botswana reported an under-five-year-old children (UFC) mortality rate of 48 deaths per 1000 live births in 2017 against 152 deaths per 1000 live births in 1971. This was a commendable accomplishment. However, given the current country situation whereby 23% of children are born to women living with HIV, the incidence of mortality among UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV and their survival are better health metrics to inform decision making. Nevertheless, such data are still very scarce in Botswana. The study’s objective was to estimate the incidence of UFC mortality among children born to women living with and not living with HIV and to compare UFC survival between the two groups. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of mortality among UFC was conducted in Botswana, including all UFC born between January 2014 and June 2018. Data were extracted from the National Under-Five Mortality Audit Committee (NUFMAC) database using a standardized data collection tool. The incidence rate of UFC death was estimated as a function of the duration from birth to death. Survival functions of UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV were plotted and compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results. The overall incidence of UFC death was 4.63/1000 child months (CM) (95% CI 4.36–4.90). The incidence of UFC death among children born to women living with HIV was 6.96/1000 CM (95% CI 6.47–7.45) and that of UFC born to women not living with HIV was 4.34/1000 CM (95% CI 4.03–4.65). The overall average and standard error (SE) time to event/death for UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV was 54.80 (0.18) months. The mean (SE) time to death for UFC born to women living with HIV was 52.79 (0.41) months and that of UFC born to women not living with HIV was 55.44 (0.19) months (log-rank X2 = 37.59, p

Summary: People of different ancestries vary in cancer risk and outcome, and their molecular differences may indicate sources of these variations. Determining the “local” ancestry composition at each genetic locus across ancestry-admixed populations can suggest causal associations. We present a protocol to identify local ancestry and detect the associated molecular changes, using data from the Cancer Genome Atlas. This workflow can be applied to cancer cohorts with matched tumor and normal data from admixed patients to examine germline contributions to cancer.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Carrot-Zhang et al. (2020).

The present study deals with the effect of saw dust ash (SDA) as an alternative filler and recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) material in bituminous concrete (BC). Several physical and chemical experiments were performed to characterize the SDA and RAP material according to the standard specifications. To execute such study, virgin aggregate and RAP were blended as 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 25 :75, 0 :100% and 8% SDA was used as filler to prepare the BC mix. In this study, 2% ordinary Portland cement (OPC-43) was utilized to prepare the control mix. However, to quantify the performance of RAP and 8% SDA in the BC mix, several Marshall properties, and the performances criterion against various distress (rutting, cracking, and moisture susceptibility) were conducted. The experimental results reveal that 60% RAP-8%SDA enriched BC mix shows superior rutting, cracking, and moisture resistance potency with the highest structural integrity of 82.10%. Since the dominant percent of calcium oxide mineral present in that filler reacts with the dipolar carboxylic acid which already exists in an aged binder and thus the adhesive property of the binder in the BC is improved significantly.

The advances in eHealth have dramatically changed the face of healthcare delivery around the world, with Sub-Saharan Africa being no exception. It is essential to identify the prominent, emerging researchers, successful areas of research within the field of Health Informatics (H.I.) and Telemedicine (T.M.) to be duplicated where there is a need. This study gives a bibliometric overview of original research articles on medical informatics and telemedicine indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct over the last 20 years in sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords related to health informatics and Telemedicine were used to retrieve relevant literature. We specifically analyzed the evolution, standard metrics, domains of MI and T.M. in sub-Saharan Africa (S.S.A.) and Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRIC) nations. Our results identified mhealth as the main field of research in telemedicine that has seen significant growth in both BRIC and S.S.A nations and is poised to be the focus of research activity in the near future. Research production in mhealth and telemedicine showed a considerable increase from 1999–2018. The production was dominated by articles from South Africa in Africa and China from the BRIC nations. Most prolific authors have resources and are leaders of health informatics projects. The production came from 26 sub-Saharan African countries, denoting this field's devotion in different areas around sub-Sahara. Research in mhealth needs to be encouraged, mostly in the fight against infectious and non-infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, where technology can improve health services and decrease disease burden.

Summary: Liver fat content and the linked rate of export of triglyceride are central to the etiology of type 2 diabetes, as well as to the cardiovascular effects of fatty liver disease. Measurement in humans of intrahepatic and intrapancreatic fat content is described using magnetic resonance techniques and quantification of the rate of hepatic secretion of very low density lipoprotein using a non-isotopic competitive blocking of tissue uptake. This protocol is non-invasive, can be repeated sequentially, and does not involve ionizing radiation.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to (Taylor et al., 2018) and (Al-Mrabeh et al., 2020b).

Summary: We studied 137 primary testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) using high-dimensional assays of genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic features. These tumors exhibited high aneuploidy and a paucity of somatic mutations. Somatic mutation of only three genes achieved significance—KIT, KRAS, and NRAS—exclusively in samples with seminoma components. Integrated analyses identified distinct molecular patterns that characterized the major recognized histologic subtypes of TGCT: seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and teratoma. Striking differences in global DNA methylation and microRNA expression between histology subtypes highlight a likely role of epigenomic processes in determining histologic fates in TGCTs. We also identified a subset of pure seminomas defined by KIT mutations, increased immune infiltration, globally demethylated DNA, and decreased KRAS copy number. We report potential biomarkers for risk stratification, such as miRNA specifically expressed in teratoma, and others with molecular diagnostic potential, such as CpH (CpA/CpC/CpT) methylation identifying embryonal carcinomas. : Shen et al. identify molecular characteristics that classify testicular germ cell tumor types, including a separate subset of seminomas defined by KIT mutations. This provides a set of candidate biomarkers for risk stratification and potential therapeutic targeting. Keywords: The Cancer Genome Atlas, testicular germ cell tumors, seminoma, nonseminoma, DNA methylation, exome sequencing, KIT, copy number, miR-375

Abstract Objectives Exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus related comorbidities (DRCs). This study aims to: (i) estimate the incidence of DRCs among cART recipients, (ii) assess the time-to-event (development of DRC) and, (iii) compare survival function between recipients on first-line regimen and those on second-, third-line cART regimen. Results The incidence of DRCs was 26.8/1000 person-years, with total time of exposure of 3316 person-years. The average time to event for all the three regimens was 11.72 ± 0.20 years. The first-line cART regimen had a shorter mean ± SE of 10.59 ± 0.26 years to the event compared to 12.69 ± 0.24 years for the second-, third-line cART regimen. Recipients on the first-line had a shorter survival than recipients on second-, third-line cART (Log-rank X2 = 8.98, p

Bitumen fume condensate was obtained from the headspace vapors of a bitumen storage tank containing a lightly oxidized paving-bitumen for the purpose of developing an in vitro procedure to estimate the percutaneous absorption, through human skin, of the very low levels of polycyclic aromatic compounds found in the condensate. The Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Medicine provided the fume condensate and analyses of the individual polycyclics present. Heritage Research Group provided analyses of total 3-6 ring polycyclics. Sections of human back skin were sliced with a dermatome to a thickness of approximately 250 mu m, and 1-inch circular pieces were mounted in 6 Franz diffusion cells. Tissue integrity was assured by electrical resistance measurement. Neat condensate was applied to the stratum corneum at 'infinite dose' (200 mu l) while the dermis was in direct contact with a receptor fluid consisting of an aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene 20 oleyl ether. Receptor fluids were sampled at 12 intervals over 48 hours, and analyzed by an HPLC system equipped with a variable wavelength detector and a fluorescence detector connected in series. The UV detector was generally operated at 254 nm, and the fluorescence detector at ex360nm/em400nm, 18 nm bandpass. The mobile phase was a 60-100% acetonitrile/water gradient. Penetration rates of anthracene, fluoranthene-pyrene, and total 3-6 ring polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) were measured. The neat condensate was 32.7 mu g/g anthracene, 7.4 mu g/g fluoranthene, 7.3 mu g/g pyrene, and 1.8 mg/g total 3-6 ring PAC. The rates of dermal penetration (ng/cm(2)/hr +/- SD) were: anthracene 6.5 +/- 0.9; fluoranthene-pyrene 1.8 +/- 0.3; and 3-6 ring PAC 120 +/- 30. Percentages of applied dose absorbed were: anthracene 5.3%, fluoranthene-pyrene 3.3%, and 3-6 ring PAC 1.8%. The apparent permeability coefficient Kp (Kp = flux rate/applied concentration) for anthracene was 2 x 10(- 4) cm/hr. These results demonstrate that penetration of PAC, at the low concentrations found in bitumen fume condensates, can be measured by an appropriately designed in vitro method. Rates of PAC percutaneous absorption will be further evaluated in the future with other fume condensates obtained from several different straight run paving asphalts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muti-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) are problematic all over the world, especially in Lebanon. High fecal carriage rates of MDR Enterobacteriaceae were reported from Lebanese nursing homes. Some studies show that MDROs have a fitness cost as compared to sensitive isolates. In this study, the competitive growth of MDR Escherichia coli obtained from fecal samples from elderly is assessed.Fecal swabs from ten elderly patients from a Lebanese nursing home were obtained between June and December, 2015. Isolates were identified by API 20E and antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined. Production of ESBL (extended spectrum β lactamase), MBL (metallo β lactamse), AmpC and KPC (Klebsiella pneumonia carbapenemase) was detected phenotypically by the use of EDTA, PBA, cloxacillin, and DDSTs. In-vitro competition assays were performed using E. coli isolates with different combinations of bacterial resistance.A total of 117 isolates was obtained with 71.8% E. coli, 7.7% of which were ESBL and 5.1% AmpC producers. Sensitive E. coli isolates out-competed all other isolates when in competition, followed sequentially by ESBL, AmpC, and OXA-48 (oxacillin) producers.This study shows an advantage of sensitive E. coli strains obtained from fecal samples to out-compete resistant strains in specific in-vitro conditions. This ability could be exploited in the elimination of MDR organisms from the gut flora, after further investigation. Keywords: Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms, Fecal carriage, Fitness cost, Nursing homes

Abstract Background The use of analgesic antipyretics (ANAP) in children have long been a matter of controversy. Data on their practical use on an individual level has, however, been scarce. There are indications of possible effects on glucose homeostasis and immune function related to the use of ANAP. The aim of this study was to analyze patterns of analgesic antipyretic use across the clinical centers of The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) prospective cohort study and test if ANAP use was a risk factor for islet autoimmunity. Methods Data were collected for 8542 children in the first 2.5 years of life. Incidence was analyzed using logistic regression with country and first child status as independent variables. Holm’s procedure was used to adjust for multiplicity of intercountry comparisons. Time to autoantibody seroconversion was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with cumulative analgesic use as primary time dependent covariate of interest. For each categorization, a generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach was used. Results Higher prevalence of ANAP use was found in the U.S. (95.7%) and Sweden (94.8%) compared to Finland (78.1%) and Germany (80.2%). First-born children were more commonly given acetaminophen (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.07, 1.49; p = 0.007) but less commonly Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78, 0.95; p = 0.002). Acetaminophen and NSAID use in the absence of fever and infection was more prevalent in the U.S. (40.4%; 26.3% of doses) compared to Sweden, Finland and Germany (p

BACKGROUND:Behavioral intentions (motivational factors), attitudes, subjective norm (social pressures), and perceived behavioral control promote or discourage smoking behavior among adolescents. OBJECTIVE:To assess students' behavioral intentions, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control on smoking using the Theory of Planned Behavior. The prevalence of smoking among the adolescents is also calculated. METHODS:In this cross-sectional study, structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from adolescents in primary and secondary schools. Data on demographics, behavioral intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control towards smoking were collected. Pearson product moment correlations and logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with current smoking. RESULTS:A total sample of 2554 (mean age = 15; Range = 12-18 years) students participated in the study. Twenty-nine percent (n = 728) of the students had tried smoking at least once. Smoking was predicted by attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention.There was a strong association between having a parent or guardian, caregiver or close friend who smoked (p < 0.001) and being a smoker. The majority of students (57%) conveyed that adults talked to them about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking and 50% had discussed smoking concerns with their friends. Students who had positive attitudes towards smoking like "smoking makes you confident" were more likely to be current smokers (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.03-2.59). The feeling or conviction that they could refuse a cigarette if offered was an impediment from smoking (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.13-0.26). CONCLUSIONS:Attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control contributed significantly to the students' smoking. Right attitudes must be cultivated and behavioral control must be strengthened for early effective interventions to curtail smoking among adolescents.

Background. Factors associated with overweight/obesity among antiretroviral therapy (ART) recipients have not been sufficiently studied in Botswana. Objectives. To: (i) estimate the prevalence and trends in overweight/obesity by duration of exposure to ART among recipients, (ii) assess changes in BMI categories among ART recipients between their first clinic visit (BMI-1) and their last clinic visit (BMI-2), (iii) identify ART regimen that predicts overweight/obesity better than the others and factors associated with BMI changes among ART recipients. Methods. A 12-year retrospective record-based review was conducted. Potential predictors of BMI change among patients after at least three years of ART exposure were examined using a multiple logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. ART regimens, duration of exposure to ART, and recipients’ demographic and biomedical characteristics including the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus-related comorbidities (DRC), defined as any morbidity associated with type 2 diabetes as described in the international statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD-10-CM) codebook index, were investigated as potential predictors of overweight/obesity. Results. Twenty-nine percent of recipients were overweight, 16.6% had obesity of whom 2.4% were morbidly-obese at the last clinic visit. Overweight/obese recipients were more likely to be female, to have DRC and less likely to have CD4 count between 201 and 249 cells/mm3. Neither the first-line nor the second-, third-line ART regimens predicted overweight/obesity better than the other and neither did the duration of exposure to ART. No significant linear trends were observed in the prevalence of overweight/obesity by the duration of exposure to ART. Conclusion. These results suggest that the ART regimens studied have a comparable effect on overweight/obesity and that the duration of exposure does not affect the outcome. This study calls for further research to elucidate the relative contribution of various factors to BMI change among recipients, including ART regimens.