Providing Diverse Trainees an Early and Transparent Introduction to Academic Appointment and Promotion Processes.

IntroductionThe growth in number of medical schools and increased numbers of faculty tracks have combined with evolving criteria for promotion to trigger a call for greater transparency of academic appointment and promotion processes. Most vulnerable to confusion about these changes are first-generation and diverse medical students and residents, the upstream pipeline of the academic medicine workforce. Diverse medical students have expressed diminished interest in academia because of perceived obstacles in appointment and promotion processes.MethodsThis workshop was designed to utilize didactics and career reflection exercises to help trainees learn: (1) how to define core terms related to academic appointment and promotion processes, (2) how to compare data elements for different CVs and portfolios, (3) common steps in submitting a promotion package, and (4) that they can immediately begin to document content for academic CVs, portfolios, and promotion packages.ResultsOne hundred forty-five diverse participants completed an evaluation at eight conferences across the U.S. More than 90% strongly agreed or agreed that the aforementioned objectives were met. Participants commented that the workshop was "illuminating," was "very informative," and "provided an inside look of how faculty are evaluated." Results showed an immediate impact on participants' self-reported confidence to negotiate appointment and promotion processes.DiscussionIncreases in self-rated confidence to negotiate appointment and promotion processes may help sustain trainees' interest in becoming future faculty. Further monitoring will be needed to determine if early exposure to these concepts improves probability of seeking, obtaining, and maintaining appointments

The Case of Ty Jackson: An Interactive Module on LGBT Health Employing Introspective Techniques and Video-Based Case Discussion

Introduction: The Institute of Medicine's 2011 report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health and the legalization of same-sex marriage are just two of the numerous milestones that have hastened medical schools' efforts to prepare trainees to address the needs of LGBT community members. Early awareness of sexual diversity through self- and peer introspection and video-based education can help trainees build a foundation towards providing affirming care to LGBT patients. Methods: The Kern model was used to develop, implement, and evaluate an interactive multimodal workshop to provide first-year medical students with a formative introduction to LGBT health. Learning objectives focused on comprehending the spectrum of human sexuality, health issues for LGBT patients, and better practices for promoting affirming care. The module consisted of a PowerPoint presentation, sexuality survey, videos of provider-patient encounters, and community-based resources. Results: The workshop was implemented among 178 first-year medical students in September 2018, with 93% completing the pre-/postworkshop evaluations. Comparison of evaluations showed an increase in confidence in addressing each of the three learning objectives. Over 85% rated the PowerPoint and videos as very good or excellent. Discussion: This workshop was effective in helping first-year medical students appreciate the spectrum of sexual diversity, health issues facing LGBT individuals, and better practices to promote affirming care. The real-time sexuality survey helped trainees appreciate sexual diversity through self-reflection and near-peer sharing. The videos and accompanying discussion provided real-life encounters, along with common pitfalls in and pearls for communicating with LGBT patients

Binding of ethidium to DNA measured using a 2D diffusion-modulated gradient COSY NMR experiment

AbstractThe binding of ethidium bromide to a DNA hairpin (dU5-hairpin) was investigated using a novel 2D diffusion-modulated gradient correlation spectroscopy (DMG-COSY) experiment to evaluate the applicability of this technique for studying the binding of drugs to DNA. The DMG-COSY experiment includes a preparation period during which coherent magnetization is attenuated due to molecular self-diffusion. Magnetization then evolves due to scalar coupling during an evolution delay, and is detected using gradient pulses for coherence selection. The time-domain data are processed in an analogous manner as for gradient-selected COSY experiments. The diffusion coefficient for uridine in DMSO solution was determined from the H5–H6 crosspeak intensities for a series of 2D DMG-COSY experiments that differed in the magnitude of the gradient pulses applied during the preparation period of the DMG-COSY experiment. The diffusion coefficient for uridine calculated from the DMG-COSY experiments was identical (within experimental error) to that determined from 1D diffusion experiments (5.24×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C). The diffusion coefficients for ethidium bromide and for the dU5-hairpin were first measured separately using the DMG-COSY experiment, and then measured in the putative complex. The diffusion coefficient for free ethidium bromide (4.15×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C) was considerably larger than for the dU5-hairpin (1.60×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C), as expected for the smaller molecule. The diffusion coefficient for ethidium was markedly decreased upon addition of the dU5-hairpin, consistent with complex formation (1.22×10−6 cm2/s at 26°C). Complex formation of 1:1 stoichiometry between ethidium and the stem of the dU5-hairpin was verified independently by fluorescence spectroscopy. These results demonstrate the utility of the DMG-COSY experiment for investigating the binding of drugs to DNA in aqueous solution

The global integrated world ocean assessment: linking observations to science and policy across multiple scales

In 2004, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved a Regular Process to report on the environmental, economic and social aspects of the world's ocean. The Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including Socioeconomic Aspects produced the first global integrated assessment of the marine environment in December 2016 (known as the first World Ocean Assessment). The second assessment, to be delivered in December 2020, will build on the baselines included in the first assessment, with a focus on establishing trends in the marine environment with relevance to global reporting needs such as those associated with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Central to the assessment process and its outputs are two components. First, is the utilization of ocean observation and monitoring outputs and research to temporally assess physical, chemical, biological, social, economic and cultural components of coastal and marine environments to establish their current state, impacts currently affecting coastal and marine environments, responses to those impacts and associated ongoing trends. Second, is the knowledge brokering of ocean observations and associated research to provide key information that can be utilized and applied to address management and policy needs at local, regional and global scales. Through identifying both knowledge gaps and capacity needs, the assessment process also provides direction to policy makers for the future development and deployment of sustained observation systems that are required for enhancing knowledge and supporting national aspirations associated with the sustainable development of coastal and marine ecosystems. Input from the ocean observation community, managers and policy makers is critical for ensuring that the vital information required for supporting the science policy interface objectives of the Regular Process is included in the assessment. This community white paper discusses developments in linking ocean observations and science with policy achieved as part of the assessment process, and those required for providing strategic linkages into the future.Agência financiadora - United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Seainfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Evaluation of direct immunofluerescence test for Campylobacter fetus in bull experimentally infected and commensal bacteria from the reproductive tract of bulls

Campylobacter fetus is a Gram negative bacterium, with 2 relevant subspecies for cattle health: C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) and C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) which cause important reproductive losses. In the present work, four groups of bulls were used: one group to characterize the genital microbiota (G1; n=3) and the other three to evaluate the direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test for the diagnosis of bovine campylobacteriosis in preputial samples (PS) from experimentally infected bulls with Cff (G2; n=3) and Cfv (G3; n=3), and controls (G4; n=4). Seven bacterial strains of different genera were identified in the PS from G1. Other 11 laboratory bacterial strains were included: Cff, Cfv and Cfv biovar Intermedius, 3 Campylobacter non-fetus, 3 Gram negative and 2 Gram positive. Only the C. fetus strains presented positive immunostaining. The sensitivity and specificity of the DIF test were 79 % and 100 %, respectively. Concordance between DIF test and bacteriological culture was 83 % (Kappa index: 0.65). The present study shows the high specificity of the DIF test for detection of C. fetus using a fluorescent conjugate elaborated in Argentina, and highlights the relevance of no cross reaction against 15 bacterial strains normally present in bull preputial microbiota.Campylobacter fetus es una bacteria Gram negativa que incluye 2 subespecies de relevancia sanitaria para el bovino: C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff) y C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), causantes de importantes pérdidas reproductivas. En el presente estudio, se utilizaron cuatro grupos de toros: un grupo (G1) para caracterizar la microbiota genital, y otros tres (G2, G3, G4) (n=10) para evaluar el test de inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD) para el diagnóstico de la campilobacteriosis bovina en esmegma prepucial (EP) de toros experimentalmente infectados con Cff y Cfv. Se identificaron siete cepas bacterianas de distinto género del G1. Otras 11 cepas bacterianas de laboratorio fueron incluidas: Cff, Cfv, Cfv biovar Intermedius, 3 Campylobacter no-fetus, 3 Gram negativo y 2 Gram positivo. Solo las cepas de C. fetus presentaron inmunofluorescencia positiva. La sensibilidad y especificidad de la IFD fue de 79 % y 100 %, respectivamente. La concordancia entre la IFD y el cultivo bacteriológico fue de 83 % (Kappa: 0,65). Se demuestra la alta especificidad de la IFD para la detección de C. fetus con un conjugado fluorescente elaborado en Argentina, y se destaca la no reacción cruzada contra 15 cepas bacterianas normalmente presentes en la microbiota prepucial del toro.Fil: García, Juan Agustín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; ArgentinaFil: Soto, J.. Laboratorio Biologico de Tandil ; ArgentinaFil: Soto, P.. Laboratorio Biologico de Tandil Srl.; ArgentinaFil: Malena, Rosana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; ArgentinaFil: Morsella, Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; ArgentinaFil: Méndez, Maria Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; ArgentinaFil: Fiorentino, Maria Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; ArgentinaFil: Paz Acuña, Joaquín Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; ArgentinaFil: Lucchesi, Enrique. Laboratorio Biologico de Tandil ; ArgentinaFil: Paolicchi, Fernando Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible - Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible; Argentin

A DFT approach to the surface-enhanced raman scattering of 4-cyanopyridine adsorbed on silver nanoparticles

A Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectrum of 4-cyanopyridine (4CNPy) was recorded on silver plasmonic nanoparticles and analyzed by using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Two simple molecular models of the metal\u20134CNPy surface complex with a single silver cation or with a neutral dimer (Ag+ \u20134CNPy, Ag2 \u20134CNPy), linked through the two possible interacting sites of 4CNPy (aromatic nitrogen, N, and nitrile group, CN), were considered. The calculated vibrational wavenumbers and intensities of the adsorbate and the isolated species are compared with the experimental Raman and SERS results. The analysis of the DFT predictions and the experimental data indicates that 4CNPy adsorbs preferentially on neutral/charged active sites of the silver nanoparticles through the nitrogen atom of the aromatic ring with a perpendicular orientation

Phenolic profile and physicochemical characterization of quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill) fruits at different maturity index

The ripening of fruits is a determinant factor on the composition of phytochemical compounds such as phenolic compounds. In this study the phenolic profile of quince fruits was determined as a function of its maturity index. Based on the total soluble solids (TSS) and the acidity (TA) of the fruits, four maturity indexes were established (12.55, 14.56, 21.86 and 24.77), using the ratio of TSS/TA. The phenolic profile of quince fruits with different maturity indexes were obtained by a reversed-phase HPLC-DAD and HPLC-DAD/MS. A PCA loading plot was generated to explain the relationship between physicochemical parameters and the phenolic compounds. The phenolic compounds identified in the quince fruits were 3-0-caffeoylquinic acid, catechin, 4-0-caffeoylquinic acid, 5-0-caffeoylquinic acid, coumaric acid, quercetin-3-0-rutinoside and quercetin-3-0-glycosides. The maturity index increase caused in general a reduction of phenolic compounds, these compounds were also influenced by pH and acidity of fruits. Quince is a valuable source of natural phenolic antioxidants, and can be used as raw material to elaborate diverse food products, providing important functional properties

Towards discard quantification of Data Limited Stocks based in on-board observers data: the case of Spanish fresh trawlers targeting black hake in NW Africa

Quantification of discard per unit effort rates (DPUE) has been proposed by the European Commission as a measure to manage the discarding of commercially fished organisms. In the Spanish fresh trawling fleet operating in North West Africa, both target species of black hakes, Merluccius polli and Merluccius senegalensis are data limited stocks (DLS). Hence, discards of these fleets are even more unknown but not unimportant part of the total catch (retained and discarded). Onboard observer data from commercial surveys from 2016 to 2018 provide a detailed source of scientific information about catches, discards, effort and technical factors in this fleet. This is the first quantitative analysis to model DPUE through generalised linear mixed models (GLMM), based on the explicit distinction between abundance and technical factors coming from information of observer surveys. We describe the relationship between discards and environment, catches of target and other species, effort of the fleet, spatial and temporal variation in discard accessibility, vessel characteristics, strategy of the skippers and market decisions. Unlike hake catches, discards were higher and more dispersed in shallower than in deeper waters. We identified two separate métiers for the Spanish fresh trawling fleet determined by depth and treated total discards as a stock unit susceptible of being monitored, managed and assessed. The strategy of the skipper appears to have a more important effect on discards than vessel characteristics. This study shows the importance of observer data for this fishery and identifies recommendations for the improvement in the scientific usefulness of logbook information.En prens

Manejo domiciliario del catéter pleural tunelizado permanente: A propósito de un caso

Malignant pleural effusion represents a frequent entity in patients with neoplastic diseases. Its appearance represents an advanced stage of the disease and indicates a poor prognosis and can lead a high symptomatic burden with the deterioration of the quality of life. Although its management must be individualized, in certain cases, the use of permanent tunneled pleural catheters can be a safe and effective alternative to try to reach an adequate control of symptoms.We present the case of a patient diagnosed in our department of a malignant pleural mesothelioma with recurrent pleural effusion, to which a tunneled pleural catheter was placed because previous pleurodesis attempts had failed. We describe the procedure, as well as home management. In this case, we chose a comprehensive approach with home support from the Hospital at Home of our hospital.El derrame pleural maligno representa una entidad frecuente en pacientes con enfermedades neoplásicas. Su aparición representa un estadio avanzado de la enfermedad e indica mal pronóstico, y puede conllevar una elevada carga sintomática con el deterioro de la calidad de vida. Aunque su manejo debe individualizarse, en determinados casos, la utilización de catéteres pleurales tunelizados permanentes puede ser una alternativa segura y eficaz para intentar alcanzar un adecuado control de los síntomas.Presentamos el caso de una paciente diagnosticada en nuestro departamento de un mesotelioma pleural maligno con derrame pleural recidivante, a la que se le colocó un catéter pleural tunelizado puesto que los intentos previos de pleurodesis habían fracasado. Describimos el procedimiento, así como el manejo domiciliario. En este caso, se optó por un abordaje integral con apoyo domiciliario de la Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio de nuestro hospital.En definitiva, el catéter pleural permanente tunelizado representa una alternativa eficaz y segura en el manejo ambulatorio de los pacientes con derrame pleural maligno recidivante y sintomático. Este sistema permite la extracción de líquido pleural en el domicilio del paciente y alcanzar un mayor control de los síntomas respiratorios y una mayor calidad de vida en este grupo de pacientes