The illusion of inclusion: contextual behavioral science and the Black community

Anti-racism approaches require an honest examination of cause, impact, and committed action to change, despite discomfort and without experiential avoidance. While contextual behavioral science (CBS) and third wave cognitive-behavioral modalities demonstrate efficacy among samples composed of primarily White individuals, data regarding their efficacy with people of color, and Black Americans in particular, is lacking. It is important to consider the possible effects of racial stress and trauma on Black clients, and to tailor approaches and techniques grounded in CBS accordingly. We describe how CBS has not done enough to address the needs of Black American communities, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) as examples. We also provide examples at the level of research representation, organizational practices, and personal experiences to illuminate covert racist policy tools that maintain inequities. Towards eradicating existing racism in the field, we conclude with suggestions for researchers and leadership in professional psychological organizations

Low Rates of Antimicrobial-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Wildlife in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, Surrounded by Villages with High Prevalence of Multiresistant ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in People and Domestic Animals

Antimicrobial resistance genes can be found in all ecosystems, including those where antibiotic selective pressure has never been exerted. We investigated resistance genes in a collection of faecal samples of wildlife (non-human primates, mice), people and domestic animals (dogs, cats) in Côte d’Ivoire; in the chimpanzee research area of Taï National Park (TNP) and adjacent villages. Single bacteria isolates were collected from antibiotic-containing agar plates and subjected to molecular analysis to detect Enterobacteriaceae isolates with plasmid-mediated genes of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR). While the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in the villages was 27% in people (n = 77) and 32% in dogs (n = 38), no ESBL-producer was found in wildlife of TNP (n = 75). PMQR genes, mainly represented by qnrS1, were also present in human- and dog-originating isolates from the villages (36% and 42% in people and dogs, respectively), but no qnrS has been found in the park. In TNP, different variants of qnrB were detected in Citrobacter freundii isolates originating non-human primates and mice. In conclusion, ESBL and PMQR genes frequently found in humans and domestic animals in the villages were rather exceptional in wildlife living in the protected area. Although people enter the park, the strict biosecurity levels they are obliged to follow probably impede transmission of bacteria between them and wildlife

Dendrogram of resistant <i>E. coli</i> isolates’ PFGE profiles.

<p>Generated by cluster analysis of the Dice similarity indices in the BioNumerics fingerprinting software (optimization 1%, band matching tolerance 1%, tolerance change 1%). Isolates marked with “cip” were obtained by cultivation on ciprofloxacin and harbored PMQR genes, isolates with “ctx” represent the CTX-M-15 producing <i>E. coli</i>. “H” isolate from human, “D” isolate from dog, “C” isolate from cat.</p

Characteristics of ESBL-producing isolates from villages.

<p>All isolates were obtained on MCA-cefotaxime.</p><p>“D” – isolate from dog, “H” – isolates from human, “C” – isolate from cat. “T” in brackets means that the resistance gene was successfully transformed into competent cells, “C” in brackets means that the gene was conjugated. Plasmids were isolated and characterized from isolates in bold font. See <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0113548#pone-0113548-t002" target="_blank">Table 2</a> for plasmid characteristics.</p><p>PG = phylogroup, Amp = ampicillin, Cef = cephalotin, Caz = ceftazidime, Amc = amoxycilin-clavulanate, Nal = nalidixic acid, Cip = ciprofloxacin, Tet = tetracycline, Sxt = trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Spt = streptomycin, Sul = sulfonamides compounds, Gen = gentamicin, Chl = chloramphenicol, Cpd = cefpodoxime.</p><p>Characteristics of ESBL-producing isolates from villages.</p

Characteristics of isolates with PMQR genes.

<p>Isolates were obtained on MCA-ciprofloxacin.</p><p>For legend see <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0113548#pone-0113548-t001" target="_blank">table 1</a>.</p><p>Characteristics of isolates with PMQR genes.</p

Characteristics of plasmids obtained by transformation.

<p>“NT”–not typable. Note: transconjugants obtained in this study contained more than one plasmid and therefore were not used for plasmid characterization.</p><p>Characteristics of plasmids obtained by transformation.</p

Longitudinal investigation of natural killer cells and cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is an etiologically unexplained disorder characterised by irregularities in various aspects of the immunological function. Presently, it is unknown whether these immunological changes remain consistent over time. This study investigates Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity, NK cell subsets (CD56CD16 and CD56CD16) and cytokines, over the course of a12 month period in patients with CFS/ME.Methods: The participants in the study comprised 65 (47.2 ± 11.5 years) CFS/ME participants and 21 (45.2 ±9.3 years) non-fatigued controls. Flow cytometry protocols were used to assess NK subsets and NK cytotoxic activity at various time points that included baseline (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3). Cytokine secretions were measured following mitogenic stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Results: NK cytotoxic activity was significantly decreased in the CFS/ME patients at T1, T2 and T3 compared to the non-fatigued group. Additionally, in comparison to the non-fatigued controls, the CFS/ME group had significantly lower numbers of CD56CD16 NK cells at both T1 and T2. Interestingly, following mitogenic stimulation, cytokine secretion revealed significant increases in IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α at T1 in the CFS/ME group. A significant decrease was observed at T2 in the CFS/ME group for IL-10 and IL-17A while at T3, IL-2 was increased in the CFS/ME group in comparison to the non-fatigued controls. Overall cytotoxic activity was significantly decreased at T3 compared to T1 and T2. CD56CD16 NK cells were much lower at T2 compared to T1 and T3. IL-10 and IL-17A secretion was elevated at T2 in comparison to T1 and T3.Conclusion: These results confirm decreases in immune function in CFS/ME patients, suggesting an increased susceptibility to viral and other infections. Furthermore, NK cytotoxic activity may be a suitable biomarker for diagnosing CFS/ME as it was consistently decreased during the course of the 12 months study