Evaluation of a Teacher Preparation Program

A survey was conducted in the Education Department at University of Bridgeport, at the end of our teacher candidates’ program of study. The study was conducted to gain insight into the teacher candidates’ perceptions of their preparation for a career in teaching. The data also provided information regarding candidates’ reasons for choosing teaching as a career. The results collected from the survey were used to make program improvements and curricula development, which have led to National Accreditation status from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Conservation of structure and mechanism in primary and secondary transporters exemplified by SiaP, a sialic acid binding virulence factor from Haemophilus influenzae

Extracytoplasmic solute receptors (ESRs) are important components of solute uptake systems in bacteria, having been studied extensively as parts of ATP binding cassette transporters. Herein we report the first crystal structure of an ESR protein from a functionally characterized electrochemical ion gradient-dependent secondary transporter. This protein, SiaP, forms part of a tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic transporter specific for sialic acid in Haemophilus influenzae. Surprisingly, the structure reveals an overall topology similar to ATP binding cassette ESR proteins, which is not apparent from the sequence, demonstrating that primary and secondary transporters can share a common structural component. The structure of SiaP in the presence of the sialic acid analogue 2,3-didehydro-2-deoxyN-acetylneuraminic acid reveals the ligand bound in a deep cavity with its carboxylate group forming a salt bridge with a highly conserved Arg residue. Sialic acid binding, which obeys simple bimolecular association kinetics as determined by stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy, is accompanied by domain closure about a hinge region and the kinking of an alpha-helix hinge component. The structure provides insight into the evolution, mechanism, and substrate specificity of ESR-dependent secondary transporters that are widespread in prokaryotes

The effect of age on relational encoding as revealed by hippocampal functional connectivity

The neural processes mediating cognition occur in networks distributed throughout the brain. The encoding and retrieval of relational memories, memories for multiple items or multifeatural events, is supported by a network of brain regions, particularly the hippocampus. The hippocampal coupling hypothesis suggests that the hippocampus is functionally connected with the default mode network (DMN) during retrieval, but during encoding, decouples from the DMN. Based on prior research suggesting that older adults are less able to modulate between brain network states, we tested the hypothesis that older adults’ hippocampus would show functional connectivity with the DMN during relational encoding. The results suggest that, while the hippocampus is functionally connected to some regions of the DMN during relational encoding in both younger and older adults, older adults show additional DMN connectivity. Such age-related changes in network modulation appear not to be mediated by compensatory processes, but rather to reflect a form of neural inefficiency, most likely due to reduced inhibition

Book Reviews

Book reviews by Edward F. Barrett, James P. Kelly, Robert T. Molloy, R. W. Mulligan, and William F. Roemer

Recovery-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy for recent-onset bipolar disorder:randomised controlled pilot trial

Background Despite evidence for the effectiveness of structured psychological therapies for bipolar disorder no psychological interventions have been specifically designed to enhance personal recovery for individuals with recent-onset bipolar disorder. Aims A pilot study to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a new intervention, recovery-focused cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), designed in collaboration with individuals with recent-onset bipolar disorder intended to improve clinical and personal recovery outcomes. Method A single, blind randomised controlled trial compared treatment as usual (TAU) with recovery-focused CBT plus TAU (n = 67). Results Recruitment and follow-up rates within 10% of pre-planned targets to 12-month follow-up were achieved. An average of 14.15 h (s.d. = 4.21) of recovery-focused CBT were attended out of a potential maximum of 18 h. Compared with TAU, recovery-focused CBT significantly improved personal recovery up to 12-month follow-up (Bipolar Recovery Questionnaire mean score 310.87, 95% CI 75.00-546.74 (s.e. = 120.34), P = 0.010, d = 0.62) and increased time to any mood relapse during up to 15 months follow-up (χ(2) = 7.64, P<0.006, estimated hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.78). Groups did not differ with respect to medication adherence. Conclusions Recovery-focused CBT seems promising with respect to feasibility and potential clinical effectiveness. Clinical- and cost-effectiveness now need to be reliably estimated in a definitive trial

Childhood-Diagnosed ADHD, Symptom Progression, and Reversal Learning in Adulthood

Objective: ADHD persists in up to 60% into adulthood, and the reasons for persistence are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to characterize the neurofunctional basis of decision making in those with a childhood diagnosis of ADHD with either persistent or remitted symptoms in adulthood versus healthy control participants. Method: Thirty-two adults diagnosed with ADHD as children were split into persistent (n = 18) or remitted (n = 14) ADHD groups. Their neural activity and neurofunctional connectivity during a probabilistic reversal learning task were compared with 32 healthy controls. Results: Remitters showed significantly higher neural connectivity in final reversal error and probabilistic error conditions, and persisters depict higher neural connectivity in reversal errors than controls at a family-wise error (FWE) corrected whole-brain corrected threshold. Conclusion: Remitters may have utilized higher neural connectivity than controls to make successful decisions. Also, remitters may have utilized compensatory strategies to override any potential underlying ADHD deficits

Manual Scalp Cooling in Early Stage Breast Cancer: Value of Caretaker Training and Patient-Reported Experience to Optimize Efficacy and Patient Selection

Title: Manual scalp cooling in early stage breast cancer: value of caretaker training and patient-reported experience to optimize efficacy and patient selection Authors: Manaz Rezayee1, BS Nicole Moxon1, RN Staci Mellinger1, RN Amanda Y. Seino1 Nicole E. Fredrich1 Tracy L. Kelly1 Susan Mulligan2, MA Patrick Rossi3, MD Ijeoma Uche1, MD Walter J. Urba1, MD PHD Alison K. Conlin1, MD MPH Janet Ruzich1, DO David B. Page1, MD Background: Alopecia is an emotionally distressing common adverse effect of curative-intent chemotherapy in early stage breast cancer.1–6 Although machine-based scalp cooling is effective for reduction of chemotherapy-associated alopecia in early stage breast cancer, availability is geographically limited.7–11 Manual cold-cap systems may also be effective and are available regardless of geographic location.12–14 We evaluated the feasibility of caretaker-administered cold-cap efficacy following structured standardized training, and utilized patient-reported subjective outcomes to develop a clinical tool to facilitate patient selection. Patients and Methods: A small pilot study (n=10) was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of manual cold capping. Key eligibility criteria included: 1) no hair loss at baseline; 2) no pre-existing scalp condition; 3) planned curative-intent chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer and 4) availability of caretaker(s). Participants received standardized training and then performed the cold-cap procedure without assistance. The primary endpoint was post-treatment hair retention using Dean’s alopecia scale, with success defined as Results: Of the evaluable patients, 80% (n=8/10) met the primary efficacy endpoint (Dean’s scale 0-2) with 20% (n=2/10) trial failures due to pre-mature discontinuation. Manual cold-capping was worthwhile to 90% of patients (Was it Worth It? Questionnaire) and associated with favorable PROs. Patient interviews identified a number of themes shared by almost all patients, which were subsequently used to develop a questionnaire to aid patient-directed decision-making on whether to pursue manual cold-capping. Conclusion: This study affirms the safety and efficacy of manual cold-capping to reduce alopecia and demonstrates the importance of proper training and education to maximize efficacy. It also highlights the considerable costs and effort associated with cold-capping. Selected patients with early stage breast cancer may benefit subjectively from cold capping while the proposed clinical instrument can be used to facilitate an informed discussion between patient and provider.https://digitalcommons.psjhealth.org/cancer_institute_fellowships/1000/thumbnail.jp

Influence of silver content on the tribomechanical behavior on Ag-TiCN bioactive coatings

Surface modification of bulk materials used in biomedical applications has become an important prerequisite for better biocompatibility. In particular, to overcome the particle generation, low-wear coatings based on carbon (nitrogen) and containing antimicrobial elements such as silver are promising candidates. Thus, the present work explores the potentialities of silver-containing carbonitride-based (Ag-TiCN) thin films prepared by direct current unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering. The silver content in the coatings was varied from 0 to 26.7 at.% by changing the targets and the fraction of C2H2 and N2 in the gas mixture with Ar. The obtained Ag-TiCN based coatings were characterized in terms of composition and microstructure. Mechanical and tribological properties of the films were studied by nanoindentation and reciprocating pin-on disk testing in a fetal bovine serum solution, respectively. Raman, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis was carried out in the contact region after tribological tests to obtain information about the friction mechanism. The cytotoxicity of the coatings was assessed by in vitro tests using fibroblast cells. The coatings comprised a mixture of TiCxN1−x, Ag and a-C(N)x phases whose relative proportion varied depending on the Ag/Ti ratio. The mechanical, tribological and cytotoxicity properties were correlated with the chemical and phase composition. When the Ag/Ti ratios were below 0.20 (Ag contents b6.3 at.%) the films resulted harder (~18 GPa) with higher wear resistance (~10−6 mm3/Nm), showing similar friction coefficient (~0.3) and good biocompatibility.The authors are grateful to the financial support of the CRUP Institution by the project "Accao No E-1007/08", the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (projects FUNCOAT CSD2008-00023 and HP2007-0116), Junta de Andalucia (project TEP 06782) and CSIC-FCT institutions (2007PT0043). The work was financially supported by Portuguese national funds through the FCT-Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, (project PTDC/CTM/102853/2008) and partially sponsored by FEDER funds through the program COMPETE - Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade

Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in adipose tissue metabolism and inflammation

AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) is a key regulator of cellular and whole-body energy balance. AMPK phosphorylates and regulates many proteins concerned with nutrient metabolism, largely acting to suppress anabolic ATP-consuming pathways while stimulating catabolic ATP-generating pathways. This has led to considerable interest in AMPK as a therapeutic target for the metabolic dysfunction observed in obesity and insulin resistance. The role of AMPK in skeletal muscle and the liver has been extensively studied, such that AMPK has been demonstrated to inhibit synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and isoprenoids, hepatic gluconeogenesis and translation while increasing fatty acid oxidation, muscle glucose transport, mitochondrial biogenesis and caloric intake. The role of AMPK in the other principal metabolic and insulin-sensitive tissue, adipose, remains poorly characterized in comparison, yet increasing evidence supports an important role for AMPK in adipose tissue function. Obesity is characterized by hypertrophy of adipocytes and the development of a chronic sub-clinical pro-inflammatory environment in adipose tissue, leading to increased infiltration of immune cells. This combination of dysfunctional hypertrophic adipocytes and a pro-inflammatory environment contributes to insulin resistance and the development of Type 2 diabetes. Exciting recent studies indicate that AMPK may not only influence metabolism in adipocytes, but also act to suppress this pro-inflammatory environment, such that targeting AMPK in adipose tissue may be desirable to normalize adipose dysfunction and inflammation. In the present review, we discuss the role of AMPK in adipose tissue, focussing on the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, adipogenesis and pro-inflammatory pathways in physiological and pathophysiological conditions

Silver activation on thin films of Ag-ZrCN coatings for antimicrobial activity

Nowadays, with the increase of elderly population and related health problems, knee and hip joint prosthesis are being widely used worldwide. However, failure of these invasive devices occurs in a high percentage thus demanding the revision of the chirurgical procedure. Within the reasons of failure, microbial infections, either hospital or subsequently-acquired, contribute in high number to the statistics. Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) has emerged as one of the major nosocomial pathogens associated with these infections. Silver has a historic performance in medicine due to its potent antimicrobial activity, with a broad-spectrum on the activity of different types of microorganisms. Consequently, the main goal of this work was to produce Ag-ZrCN coatings with antimicrobial activity, for the surface modification of hip prostheses. Thin films of ZrCN with several silver concentrations were deposited onto stainless steel 316 L, by DC reactive magnetron sputtering, using two targets, Zr and Zr with silver pellets (Zr + Ag target), in an atmosphere containing Ar, C2H2 and N2. The antimicrobial activity of the modified surfaces was tested against S. epidermidis and the influence of an activation step of silver was assessed by testing samples after immersion in a 5 % (w/v) NaClO solution for 5 minutes. The activation procedure revealed to be essential for the antimicrobial activity, as observed by the presence of an inhibition halo on the surface with 11 at. % of Ag. The morphology analysis of the surface before and after the activation procedure revealed differences in silver distribution indicating segregation/diffusion of the metallic element to the films surface. Thus, the results indicate that the silver activation step is responsible for an antimicrobial effect of the coatings, due to silver oxidation and silver ion release.IF acknowledges the financial support of FCT-Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia through grant SFRH/BD/71139/2010.This research is partially sponsored by FEDER funds through the program COMPETE-Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade and by Portuguese national funds through FCT-Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia, under the projects ANTIMICROBCOAT-PTDC/CTM/102853/2008 and in the framework of the Strategic Projects PEST-C/FIS/UI607/2011, and PEST-C/EME/UI0285/2011.The authors thank the FCT Strategic Project PEST-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and the Project "BioHealth-Biotechnology and Bioengineering approaches to improve health quality", Ref. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000027, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 - O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. The authors also acknowledge the project "Consolidating Research Expertise and Resources on Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology at CEB/IBB", Ref. FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462