Applying the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model of HIV- Risk to Youth in Psychiatric Care

This study examined the utility of cognitive and behavioral constructs (AIDS in-formation, motivation, and behavioral skills) in explaining sexual risk taking among 172 12–20–year-old ethnically diverse urban youths in outpatient psy-chiatric care. Structural equation modeling revealed only moderate support for the model, explaining low to moderate levels of variance in global sexual risk taking. The amount of explained variance improved when age was included as a predictor in the model. Findings shed light on the contribution of AIDS informa-tion, motivation, and behavioral skills to risky sexual behavior among teens re-ceiving outpatient psychiatric care. Results suggest that cognitive and behavioral factors alone may not explain sexual risk taking among teens whose cognitive and emotional deficits (e.g., impaired judgment, poor reality testing, affect dysregulation) interfere with HIV preventive behavior. The most powerful ex-planatory model will likely include a combination of cognitive, behavioral, developmental, social (e.g., family), and personal (e.g., psychopathology) risk mechanisms

Biochemical characterization of a protein tyrosine phosphatase from Trypanosoma cruzi involved in metacyclogenesis and cell invasion

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) form a large family of enzymes involved in the regulation of numerous cellular functions in eukaryotes. Several protein tyrosine phosphatases have been recently identified in trypanosomatides. Here we report the purification and biochemical characterization of TcPTP1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase from Trypanosoma cruzi, the causing agent of Chagas' disease. the enzyme was cloned and expressed recombinantly in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-affinity chromatography. Biochemical characterization of recombinant TcPTP1 with the PTP pseudo-substrate pNPP allowed the estimation of a Michaelis-Menten constant K-m of 4.5 mM and a k(cat) of 2.8 s(-1). We were able to demonstrate inhibition of the enzyme by the PTP1b inhibitor BZ3, which on its turn was able to accelerate the differentiation of epimastigotes into metacyclic forms of T. cruzi induced by nutritional stress. Additionally, this compound was able to inhibit by 50% the infectivity of T. cruzi trypomastigotes in a separate cellular assay. in conclusion our results indicate that TcPTP1 is of importance for cellular differentiation and invasivity of this parasite and thus is a valid target for the rational drug design of potential antibiotics directed against T. cruzi. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencia & Tecnol, BR-12231280 Sao Jose Dos Campos, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Morfol & Genet, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilCtr Biol Mol Estrutural, Lab Nacl Luz Sincrotron, BR-13083100 Campinas, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ciencia & Tecnol, BR-12231280 Sao Jose Dos Campos, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Morfol & Genet, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Population genomics of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Insights into the recent worldwide invasion

Aedes albopictus, the “Asian tiger mosquito,” is an aggressive biting mosquito native to Asia that has colonized all continents except Antarctica during the last ~30–40 years. The species is of great public health concern as it can transmit at least 26 arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In this study, using double- digest Restriction site-Associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing, we developed a panel of ~58,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on 20 worldwide Ae. albopic-tus populations representing both the invasive and the native range. We used this genomic- based approach to study the genetic structure and the differentiation of Ae. albopictus populations and to understand origin(s) and dynamics of the recent inva-sions. Our analyses indicated the existence of two major genetically differentiated population clusters, each one including both native and invasive populations. The de-tection of additional genetic structure within each major cluster supports that these SNPs can detect differentiation at a global and local scale, while the similar levels of genomic diversity between native and invasive range populations support the scenario of multiple invasions or colonization by a large number of propagules. Finally, our re-sults revealed the possible source(s) of the recent invasion in Americas, Europe, and Africa, a finding with important implications for vector- control strategies

The Development of an Age-Structured Model for Trachoma Transmission Dynamics, Pathogenesis and Control

Trachoma is the worldwide leading infectious cause of blindness and is due to repeated conjunctival infection with Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The effects of control interventions on population levels of infection and active disease can be promptly measured, but the effects on severe ocular disease outcomes require long-term monitoring. We present a mathematical model of trachoma transmission and disease to predict the impact of interventions on blinding trachoma. The model is based on the concept of multiple re-infections leading to progressive scarring of the eye and the potentially blinding disease sequelae. It includes aspects of trachoma natural history such as an increasing rate of recovery from infection, and a decreasing chlamydial load with subsequent infections. The model reproduces key features of trachoma epidemiology such as the age-profile of infection prevalence; a shift in the prevalence peak toward younger ages in higher-transmission environments; and a rising profile of the prevalence of the severe sequelae (scarring, trichiasis), as well as estimates of the number of infections experienced before these sequelae appear. The model can be used to examine the outcomes of various control strategies on infection and disease and can help to plan treatment interventions for different endemic settings

O Papel fundamental da atenção primária na saúde sexual e planejamento familiar das mulheres

OBJECTIVE: To describe the fundamental role of primary care in women's sexual health and family planning. METHOD: It consists of an integrative review, carried out based on the following guiding question: What is the fundamental role of primary care in women's sexual health and family planning? using the PICO strategy, where “p” population: women receiving primary health care, “I” interest: Assessment of the influence of primary health care on women’s sexual health and family planning, and “C” and “O ” context: Impact of primary health care on women’s sexual health and family planning. The filter used for the searches was with the descriptors: “Primary health care”; "Family planning"; “Women’s health”, using the Boolean operator “AND” and “OR”. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 6 articles, which resulted in 2 categories: Primary care for women's health in Brazil and its emergence; Importance of primary care in women's sexual health and family planning. CONCLUSION: It is understood that the support of the health professional is of great importance when providing care to women. Comprehensive support must be offered to women, welcoming them into Primary Care and resolving all their doubts.OBJETIVO: Descrever o papel o papel fundamental da atenção primária na saúde sexual e planejamento familiar das mulheres. MÉTODO: Consiste numa revisão integrativa, realizada com base na seguinte pergunta norteadora: Qual o papel fundamental da atenção primária na saúde sexual e planejamento familiar das mulheres? sendo utilizado a estratégia PICO, em que “p” população: mulheres atendidas na atenção primária a saúde, “I” interesse: Avaliação da influência da atenção primária à saúde na saúde sexual e planejamento familiar das mulheres, e “C” e “O” contexto: Impacto da atenção primária à saúde na saúde sexual e planejamento familiar das mulheres. O filtro utilizado para as buscas foi com os descritores: “Atenção Primária à saúde”; “Planejamento Familiar”; “Saúde da mulher”, utilizando o operador booleano “AND” e “OR”.  RESULTADOS: A amostra final foi constituída de 6 artigos, que resultaram em 2 categorias: Atenção primária a saúde da mulher no Brasil e seu surgimento; Importância da atenção primária na saúde sexual da mulher e planejamento familiar. CONCLUSÃO: Entende-se que, o apoio do profissional de saúde é de grande importância durante o atendimento a mulher, deve-se oferecer um suporte integral a mulher, acolhê-la na Atenção Básica sanando todas as suas dúvidas

A central support system can facilitate implementation and sustainability of a Classroom-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Genomics

In their 2012 report, the President\u27s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology advocated replacing standard science laboratory courses with discovery-based research courses -a challenging proposition that presents practical and pedagogical difficulties. In this paper, we describe our collective experiences working with the Genomics Education Partnership, a nationwide faculty consortium that aims to provide undergraduates with a research experience in genomics through a scheduled course (a classroom-based undergraduate research experience, or CURE). We examine the common barriers encountered in implementing a CURE, program elements of most value to faculty, ways in which a shared core support system can help, and the incentives for and rewards of establishing a CURE on our diverse campuses. While some of the barriers and rewards are specific to a research project utilizing a genomics approach, other lessons learned should be broadly applicable. We find that a central system that supports a shared investigation can mitigate some shortfalls in campus infrastructure (such as time for new curriculum development, availability of IT services) and provides collegial support for change. Our findings should be useful for designing similar supportive programs to facilitate change in the way we teach science for undergraduates

Tropical Data: Approach and Methodology as Applied to Trachoma Prevalence Surveys

PURPOSE: Population-based prevalence surveys are essential for decision-making on interventions to achieve trachoma elimination as a public health problem. This paper outlines the methodologies of Tropical Data, which supports work to undertake those surveys. METHODS: Tropical Data is a consortium of partners that supports health ministries worldwide to conduct globally standardised prevalence surveys that conform to World Health Organization recommendations. Founding principles are health ministry ownership, partnership and collaboration, and quality assurance and quality control at every step of the survey process. Support covers survey planning, survey design, training, electronic data collection and fieldwork, and data management, analysis and dissemination. Methods are adapted to meet local context and needs. Customisations, operational research and integration of other diseases into routine trachoma surveys have also been supported. RESULTS: Between 29th February 2016 and 24th April 2023, 3373 trachoma surveys across 50 countries have been supported, resulting in 10,818,502 people being examined for trachoma. CONCLUSION: This health ministry-led, standardised approach, with support from the start to the end of the survey process, has helped all trachoma elimination stakeholders to know where interventions are needed, where interventions can be stopped, and when elimination as a public health problem has been achieved. Flexibility to meet specific country contexts, adaptation to changes in global guidance and adjustments in response to user feedback have facilitated innovation in evidence-based methodologies, and supported health ministries to strive for global disease control targets

Gloria Emerson, 7th Annual ODU Literary Festival

Gloria Emerson\u27s eloquent and unforgettably powerful work, Winners & Losers, received the 1978 National Book Award for Nonfiction. Winners & Losers presented America\u27s reactions, and lack of reaction, to the Vietnam War, as well as her personal witness. From 1965 to 1972, Emerson was a foreign correspondent for The New York Times, covering the Nigerian Civil War, Northern Ireland, and Vietnam. She was in Vietnam from 1970 to 1972. Among the many honors she has received for her writing is the 1971 George Polk Award for excellence in foreign reporting from Vietnam. More recently, Emerson has taken magazine assignments to El Salvador and Nicaragua. Her essays on Vietnam, Central America, and a variety of other subjects have appeared in Esquire, Harper\u27s, Saturday Review, Vogue, Playboy, New Times, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair. On Thursday afternoon Emerson will present a talk, Writing About War, and answer questions from the audience